October 2022 Newsletter
C.U.R.E. is here.
From the day of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond:
The support doesn’t stop when the treatment stops.
And we are so thankful for our Friends who make our support possible.
Welcome, Tameka!
We are so thrilled to welcome Tameka Lawrence-Stewart to our team at C.U.R.E. as our Bookkeeper and Office Administrator! Tameka’s duties will be a mix of keeping the office moving and organized as well as performing Bookkeeping duties. She’s already proven to be a team player and we are thrilled for her to be joining us!
Please join us in showing her a warm welcome!
September is Awareness Month!
WHEW!! September was quite.the.month. We are blown away by the support that was shown to our Families - letting them know they aren’t alone in their battles.
We had some WONDERFUL participants in our Liquid Gold for C.U.R.E. Challenge, who promoted the event throughout the month with their patrons and on social media.
We created over 200 Facebook profile frames to raise awareness!
We partnered with 13 municipalities to issue proclamations acknowledging September as Awareness Month
Shared the mission of Undersheriff Korey Brown to increase awareness in September by highlighting children who have battled or are battling.
Sold over 50 lawn signs sharing that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Distributed over 100 removable vinyl decals to local businesses to spread awareness.
Partnered with Cut-It-Out Cookies to provide a random act of kindness in honor of our kids: gold ribbon shaped cookies were distributed to Staff & Families at the Hospital.
Presented our Friends at Fyle Elementary with a special gift in recognition of all their hard work for the Penny Drive over the years.
Partnered with A Moment of Magic Foundation in their implementation of Express, Create & Heal Workshop at CureFest in Washington, D.C.
Participated in the Sickle Cell Advocates of Rochester Educational Series.
Attended the LeRoy High School Open House with the mission of spreading awareness.
Flocked over 20 houses to raise awareness!
Distributed more than 50 awareness ribbon pins to raise awareness all month long!
Partnered with amazing businesses in different capacities to raise awareness and funds!
Had two beautiful billboards up all month long!
Spotlight on: Byron
Meet our friend, Byron.
Byron loves to be on the dairy farm with his Grandpa, Dad and Family. He is very silly! When he’s not on the dairy farm, he likes to play Roblox.
Byron was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on May 6, 2022. While in the hospital, he likes to play on his ipad, see Jen from Child Life and play with her and loves all of his nurses!
Byron’s Family shared that they are grateful for the Staff, Doctors and Nurses at the Hospital.
Hooray, Collin!
Sending love and congratulations to Collin who, along with his Family, came and rang the End of Chemo Bell in our office recently. He rang the End of Chemo Bell on September 12th. He also added his Handprint on the “Handprints of Hope” wall we have here at the office and we treated him to an assortment of his favorite snack: Popcorn!
Thank you, Morton Baptist Church!
The annual Morton Family Fun Day was a wonderful experience for our C.U.R.E. Families! The weather was perfect for a picnic lunch, a ride to the pumpkin patch, crafts, games, prizes and apple picking! The generous volunteers spent their Sunday afternoon making everyone laugh and smile. We sincerely appreciate their dedication to C.U.R.E. year after year. Thank you so much to our friends at Morton Baptist Church for creating such a fantastic event for everyone and continuing this tradition for OVER 30 YEARS!!!
Thank you, RNYFC!
RNYFC (former Rochester Rhinos) were so very generous to our C.U.R.E. Families throughout their season. On their last day of the regular season, they wore gold wristbands and carried gold carnations in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Our C.U.R.E. Kiddo Madison enjoyed going onto the field with the team. Thank you so much to the players, Coach Bruno, Tori and so many others who were instrumental in inviting our families to several games this season. We look forward to next season. Go RNYFC and thank you again!
A wheelie great evening…
On September 23rd, our Parents’ Night Out was a Pedal Tour around the City of Rochester. Fall was in the air as the group enjoyed an informative experience detailing the unique history of the City. As our Parents pedaled away, the guide filled us in on the many changes the City has seen architecturally and so much more! Join us in October for other exciting adventures. Sign up today for one of our Parents’ Night/Day Out adventures!
It’s Spooky Szn!
Be ready to have a spooktacular evening for Parents’ Night Out at VerHulst Haunted Hayride, located at 5161 Ridge Road in Spencerport. Join us on Friday, October 14th at 7:30 pm. This event is for Parents or Caregivers of C.U.R.E. Children.
Call Carol at 473-0180 or click the link to sign up!
Taking you to new heights!
Parents’ Day Out at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures will take you to new heights for a Fall afternoon. An exciting afternoon overlooking Bristol and adventures that you won’t believe. C.U.R.E. Parents and Caregivers can call the office at 585-473-0180 or Click Here to Sign Up
All Aboard!
Save the date for our Annual Holiday Celebration: Wednesday, December 7th
”Why, to the the North Pole, of course!”
We will be offering time slots for our Holiday Celebration, similar to last year, and look forward to celebrating with our Families!
Resources:
Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship and Employment Resources:
Children's Cancer Cause is assisting childhood cancer patients, survivors and families by centralizing most national resources that provide scholarships for survivors of childhood cancer or those with particular effects. The site also has resources and advice relating to employment and applying for these scholarships.
Some opportunities require commitment to a childhood cancer advocacy project while in college, while others make you eligible for you just being you. But you do need to apply! Be sure to read the instructions and qualifications very carefully. Apply in plenty of time to get feedback from family, guidance counselors and others. Board Member, Jacob Adams, would be happy to help if given at least two weeks’ notice. Please contact the office for his e-mail address.
Catching Dreams
Catching Dreams Charters, Inc. hosts private fishing charters near Buffalo on Lake Erie or the Niagara River for pediatric oncology or hematology children.
We have connected with Captain Ned, the Founder of this organization, and would love to connect our C.U.R.E. Kids to Ned and schedule some fishing charters! Charters are scheduled for during the week from mid-May through Labor Day and leave from the Buffalo Harbor or near the Niagara River.
Please reach out to Carol Austin if you are interested in a private fishing charter.
Any Teens with Sickle Cell Interested…
Dr. Noronha is trying to gauge interest from local teens with Sickle Cell Disease around having Zoom Meet Ups this summer. If you (or your child) is 13 years old - 17 years old and interested, please contact Dr. Noronha.
Donate Blood or Platelets!
Many of our children depend on blood transfusions and blood products in the course of their treatment. Our children are in need of blood products and you can help! Please consider donating blood if you are well enough to.
YOU can help C.U.R.E. for FREE
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/curekidscancerrochester
Instagram: @curekidscancer
Twitter: @curekidscancer_Write a review about C.U.R.E. on our Facebook Page or on Google.
Write a blog that can be shared on our website.
Contact our Parent Advocate Michelle about doing a Facebook Live or Instagram Takeover.
“Like”, Share or Comment on our social media posts.
Conquer Cancer in Kids:
make childhood cancer research a priority:
UPDATE: THE PETITION IS JUST SHY OF BEING ONE OF THE MOST SIGNED PETITIONS ON CHANGE.ORG. THE GOAL IS 15,000 SIGNATURES AND AS OF 10/4/2022, THERE ARE 14,829 SIGNATURES!
We invite our families and supporters to join CNN’s Rene Marsh as she advocates to make childhood cancer research a priority! Sadly, Rene lost her two year old son, Blake, to brain cancer in April 2021. She is now working with CNN and childhood cancer awareness advocates to make a difference!
To review and sign the petition, click the button below.
Petition to the Biden Administration to increase funding for childhood cancer research. This effort was started through awareness from The Ellen Show.
79,053 signatures of 150,000 wanted (as of 10/4/2022)
GRYT Health connects patients and caregivers to others with shared experience and to information relevant to their journey.
Through the GRYT app, we’ve created a platform for people affected by cancer to connect to others with similar experiences, and to tailored information that helps our users become more aware of options specific to their needs or diagnosis – empowering them to make choices that are right for them.
Our community of patients, survivors, medical professionals, researchers and advocates across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries worldwide have participated in almost 1,000,000 interactions to date, inspiring people to live according to their own standards.
Trust from our community is paramount to our success and something we take very seriously. We never share any of our users’ information without their explicit permission. Unlike other apps, GRYT is the first social community that is funded, built, and run by patients and caregivers where users communicate anonymously in real-time and each person is 100% in charge of what happens with their data.
In loving memory of Mark Dillon
Every year, the Dillon Family hosts a golf tournament in loving memory of their dear Mark, who passed away in 1985. We have been the grateful recipients of proceeds from the tournament and we are so touched to have received proceeds again this year. To the Dillon/Flaherty Family: we are so grateful for your kindness and appreciate so much that you continue to think of our Families.
WOW!
Blue Barn Cidery and West Herr Ford partnered up this summer for a Summer Concert Series. For the final concert of the series, Blue Barn Cidery raised awareness for pediatric cancer and funds for C.U.R.E.! We were so touched by all the gold touches - ribbons on the poles outside the venue, each staff member wearing a ribbon and some beautiful chalk art with our logo in the front entryway! It was such a thoughtful event and we are so appreciative of the efforts! Guests purchased 50/50 tickets in addition to paying a cover to attend. Thank you, everyone, for putting together such a great event!
Thank you, Women’s Council of Realtors!
Goodness gracious does this group know how to put on an event! We were humbled to be included in this fun event planned by the group. With monetary donations being made from the sale of their special calendars and more, we are grateful for their kindness. The decorations were done so well. Check out this glass slipper ice sculpture!
Thank you, Honeoye Falls-Lima, Mendon Kiwanis
Thank you to our new Friends at the Honeoye Falls-Lima, Mendon Kiwanis Group for their recent generous donation. We enjoyed learning more about your group, the mission of your group and the work you’ve done in the Community! It’s remarkable to hear about what you’ve done in just a few short years! We are honored to be included in your generosity!
Keep Shining, RDI
Our gratefulness to our Friends at RDI continues to grow! With an emphasis on providing support to Families, their donations truly make a difference! Thank you for always thinking of the Families we provide support to.
We have an attitude of gratitude…
…for our friends Sip and Savour Rochester and Roconoisseur who have been partnering up for years making a difference in our community. They have been so generous to C.U.R.E. between donating proceeds from their Cookbook, A Seat at the Table, to including C.U.R.E. in events they coordinate. Recently, they gave C.U.R.E. parents the opportunity to attend (and taste!) the creations at their “Mocktails on Main” event. Thank you for your kindness and for always remembering our Families. Please follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with all things food in Rochester!
Thank you, LeRoy
Between the Athletics Department and the National Honor Society, you embraced Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and made it your mission to spread awareness. We are so appreciative of your efforts! Thank you for recognizing the importance of September and for including us in your efforts!
Your heartfelt dedication is admirable, Joe.
We would like to express gratitude to our Friend, Joe, who ran a 5k per day in September - highlighting kids who have battled during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. His goal was to honor these Fighters, but also raise funds for C.U.R.E. His dedication is admirable - as he and his family also welcomed a new little one to their Family at the end of August. His dedication is admirable - as he wore a weighted vest on days he honored children who are no longer with us. His dedication is admirable, as he raised over $1,500 for C.U.R.E. to further our mission. Thank you.
Thank you, Dylan’s Defenders!
There is nothing more humbling than when our Families make contributions to our organization, with the hope of supporting other Families. We are so lucky to get to know our Families as they navigate such challenging times (we just wish it was under different circumstances, of course). Sometimes, the most challenging experiences bring about the most beautiful outcomes - like the outpouring of support for each other. We are so humbled to receive a donation from Dylan’s Defenders to further our mission. Thank you, from the bottoms of our hearts.
Kids helping Kids.
The Community at School 35 rocks! They fed our piggy bank by hosting a Penny Drive fundraiser. We are so grateful for their kindness! Their giving hearts helped to feed our Piggy Bank and our own hearts are overflowing with gratitude.
Thank you for thinking of us and honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through your Penny Drive!
Thank you, Pub 235
We are so grateful to our Friends at Pub 235 for donating the proceeds from their recent golf tournament to our organization. We are so grateful FORE your kindness and FORE thinking of our Families!
Stay tuned!
We will need Volunteer help at our office during the Holidays!
What: wrapping gifts for our Families, pulling gifts for our Families, helping prepare for the Holiday Celebration, help during the Holiday Celebration and more!
Be sure to follow us on social media and check for our emails requesting Volunteer help!
We will also be looking for Private Sponsors for our Families for the Holidays!
Private Sponsors receive Wish Lists for a Family and purchase and wrap gifts and deliver them to our office. On average, each child should receive 5 - 6 gits and total around $150. Wish Lists will be distributed by November 23rd and gifts will need to be delivered to our office by December 14th. Interested? Email Carol!
Carol.Austin@curekidscancer.com
Join our Board of Directors!
We have some Board positions opening in the very near future! Interested in applying?
The Board meets monthly for 1.5 - 2 hours (Currently the third Wednesday evening of the month from 5:30 - 7:30)
Board members must attend two of the three main fundraisers (5k & Fun Walk, Golf Tournament, Brunch)
Board members are on at least one sub-committee
Board members make a monetary donation for the Board sponsored Live Auction package for the Brunch
Applications can be emailed to:
cureboardapplications@gmail.com
We want to connect!
If you served on the Board of Directors for C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, we would love to stay connected! Please email Holly Dutcher to connect!
holly.dutcher@curekidscancer.com
It’s time to get cozy!
We are so excited to share that we are again partnering with our Friends at Peachskin Sheets this year!
Save $30 per sheet set by purchasing through our fundraiser! We will share the ordering website and our code as we get closer. Sheet sets are $65/set and $20/set will be donated back to C.U.R.E. to further our mission!
Stay tuned for more info on how you can give the best gift ever.
It’s back!
Race With Grace 3.0 is back and better than ever this year!
NEW LOCATION: Lakeshore Community Church (3651 Latta Road, 14612)
The entry fee includes a long-sleeved tech shirt. (The 1/4 Zip up can be upgraded at check out instead of the L/S T-Shirt) Sizes are guaranteed if you register prior to November 1, 2022. There will be plenty of food and refreshments, complete computerized race results available online, and race photos. Awards will be given to top male and female finishers in the Open, Masters (40+), Veterans (50+), and Seniors (60+) categories, as well as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finisher in each age group
Become a C.U.R.E. Ambassador!
Think we can get to 46 C.U.R.E. Ambassadors by the end of the year to recognize our 46 years of making a difference in the Rochester Community? We’re half way there!
The Support Doesn’t Stop When Treatment Stops…
Because of YOU and your kindness.
Support our mission year-round by becoming a C.U.R.E. Ambassador! A C.U.R.E. Ambassador is a donor who commits to our mission through a monthly donation of his/her choosing. Whatever level you are comfortable with makes a difference!
Click here to learn more.
Every Penny Matters.
Do you want to join forces with C.U.R.E. and participate in our Annual Penny Drive? We make it easy! We can decorate and deliver jugs for your to facilitate your collections. We will also pick up your donations. No change rolling or counting required! Contact our office if your school or business would like to participate!
It makes cents.
Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you?
Simply follow the instructions below to select "C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features
3. Select "C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association" as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app
C.U.R.E. Partners:
You can now return your cans and bottles to Alpco Recycling and Bottle & Can Retrieval Centers! Let them know you’d like to support “C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association” and a donation will be made to us!
Alpco Recycling is located at:
846 Macedon Center Road, Macedon, NY 14502
Bottle & Can Retrieval Centers located at:
509 Spencerport Rd, Rochester
2199 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester
2374 Chili Ave, Rochester
More ways to help:
Winter is coming…
Get a-HEAD of the season and order your Love Your Melon + C.U.R.E. Beanie today! It’ll be winter before we know it.
These make great Holiday gifts, as the quality of Love Your Melon Hats is second to none. Wash and dry your hat as needed.
The best part? For every beanie purchased from Love Your Melon, they GIVE one to a child battling cancer!
C.U.R.E. has joined the PayPal Giving Fund. Please consider adding us to your account to Shop, Donate and Raise Awareness for our families.
PayPal Giving Fund expands our fundraising reach through direct integration with PayPal, eBay and GoFundMe.
Bereavement Group
Bereavement Group occurs on the first Wednesday of every month.
We will be hosting the Bereavement Meeting at the C.U.R.E. office at 7 PM.
For more information, please reach out to Michelle Magin.
michelle.magin@curekidscancer.com
Did you know? For children who have experienced the death of a sibling from childhood cancer, SuperSibs offers additional mailings through the Grief and Loss Mailing Program.
This program includes...
💛 Grief support and resources specifically for parents
💛 4 mailings per year for two years with activities designed to help SuperSibs to cope with their grief and feelings
💛 A special remembrance on the anniversary of their sibling’s passing
Learn more about this free program for siblings:
Click Here To Check it Out
Parents, Family Members and Friends are invited to attend a special ceremony to remember and celebrate the precious lives of children lost to cancer. Please join us at the Italian American Community Center located at 150 Frank Dimino Way, Rochester, NY 14624 on Sunday, November 6th at 2 pm with light refreshments to follow.
For those who cannot attend in person, we will also be streaming the service live via Zoom. We will email a zoom link for those who would like to participate in that way.
We will have more information about the event as we approach, so please stay tuned to your email and the Bereaved Parents Group on Facebook for more information.
Reservations are required by Tuesday, October 25th, 2022. Please respond via the link below, or email Carol at Carol.Austin@curekidscancer.com or call 585-473-0180.
We are so grateful to the community for all of the wonderful donations we receive throughout the year. We could not service all the families we do without this generous support. If you or a community group you belong to is looking for something to do for a charity, please consider donating items from C.U.R.E.’s wish list so that we can continue to provide for our families:
A cure for childhood cancer, blood diseases and brain tumors!
- Buffalo Bills items (hats, gloves, socks, etc.) for teen gifts
- Colored pencils/art pencils
- Universal phone chargers with long cords
- Gift cards for Wegmans, Tops, Wal-Mart, Target and gas cards
- Gift cards for GrubHub, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Moe’s, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks
- Crafts for young adults and children
- Items for teens or young adults
- Toys (Please look at our Amazon Wish Lists:
Under $20: https://a.co/hlW4hCO
$20 - 50: https://a.co/eHiQcV2
$50+: https://a.co/bVDujCy)
We ask that all items be new and recently purchased. Thank you!
Get your C.U.R.E. Gear
Rock C.U.R.E. Elite Sport Socks!
These super comfortable and supportive sport socks are HERE! What a great way to show support for C.U.R.E. and small businesses, they are made in the USA! Rock them while you are working from home or out exercising. Sandal season is over, rock these cozy socks today!