December 2025 Newsletter
Once upon a time, a group of Parents each lost a Child to Pediatric Cancer. They were faced with many challenges but worked together to form C.U.R.E. with the hope of helping future Families who also receive that devastating diagnosis.
Life is not a fairy tale, but fairy tales pose challenges to the characters involved and the Village comes together to try to help overcome the challenges. C.U.R.E.’s mission is to provide loving support to local Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Families. We aim to be the Village of support that wraps our arms around our Families to help them through their challenges.
Every Family’s story is different. C.U.R.E. travels alongside our Families through their unique stories to help wherever we can.
Our theme for 2025 is Fairytales!
Check out: “What I Wish I Knew…”
We are sharing a new series of YouTube videos called “What I Wish I Knew”. They will be from the perspective of Parents, Caregivers, Providers and more.
Spotlight on: Fitz
Meet our Friend, Fitz!
Fitz was diagnosed with Leukemia B cell ALL. He loves his siblings, he is a master fist bumper… just ask anyone on 7 North! He also loves Paw Patrol.
At the hospital, Fitz likes to walk the halls and “chat” and fist bump all the nurses and any other patients or staff he sees. He really loves taking walks and going in his car.
Fitz is a very active boy who loves to be outdoors and socialize with anyone he comes in contact with!
Hey, C.U.R.E. Parents:
Did you know we have a private Facebook Group JUST for you? Connect with other parents. Ask questions about treatment, education help and more. Learn from others.
Contact us to learn more!
November PNO: Cookie Decorating!
Our parents had a SWEET time together decorating cutout cookies for November’s Parent's Night Out! Led by our American Culinary Federation friend, Pastry Chef Laura Gilbert, she helped bring out their artistic talents, step by step to make the perfect desserts for Thanksgiving!
Thank you Chef Laura for sharing your talents and fostering connecting with our parents!
CANDICE’S SICKLE CELL FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Candice’s Sickle Cell Anemia Fund, Inc., is a powerful initiative founded by Candice Young-Deler, who has courageously overcome the challenges of living with Sickle Cell Disease. Inspired by her own academic journey, Candice created this scholarship to support students living with Sickle Cell who are pursuing higher education.
Each year, the fund awards $1,500 scholarships to three deserving individuals, helping ease the financial burden and recognize their resilience and determination. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also affirm the strength and potential of students facing chronic health challenges.
💡 Why It Matters:
Students with Sickle Cell often face painful health episodes that disrupt their education. This fund helps ensure that their dreams of college and career success remain within reach.
📬 Want to support or apply?
Visit candicessicklecellfund.org to learn more, donate, or share the opportunity with someone who may benefit.
Cancer for College Scholarship
Cancer for College has provided need-based scholarships to cancer survivors since 1993.
The scholarship application period is November 1 – January 31 each year. Starting November 1, 2025, they’re accepting applications for the 2026-’27 school year.
To learn more, please click the link below or contact CFC at applications@cancerforcollege.org.
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.
YOU can help C.U.R.E. for FREE
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/curekidscancerrochester
Instagram: @curekidscancer_
Twitter: @curekidscancer_
TikTok: @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 or Elena about doing an Instagram Takeover.
“Like”, Share or Comment on our social media posts.
Research & Advocacy:
Conquer Cancer in Kids:
make childhood cancer research a priority:
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.
81,106 signatures of 150,000 wanted (as of 05/16/2025)
Bereavement Group
We had a wonderful evening for our December Bereavement Parent Night Out making charcuterie boards. A huge thank you to Blue Toad Hard Cider for hosting our families for this event!
January Bereavement Group
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
C.U.R.E. Office
103 White Spruce Boulevard*
Rochester, NY 14623
No RSVP Required
February Bereavement Group
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
C.U.R.E. Office
103 White Spruce Boulevard*
Rochester, NY 14623
No RSVP Required
*(Please note our new address)
Not on our Bereaved Family mailing address list or in our private FaceBook page? Click the button below to be added or contact Diane at (585) 473-0180 x105.
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
Blue Knights NY IV Cruise for C.U.R.E.
We had the best time this summer with our Friends from the Blue Knights NY IV as they held their first ever Cruise for C.U.R.E. With over 80 motorcycles and vehicles in attendance, an amazing $9,000+ was raised to help further C.U.R.E.’s mission and, most importantly, support our Families. The group had support from local Lion’s Clubs in the area, who donated and cooked food that was sold at the event to generate even more donations. We are so grateful to be included in the philanthropic work of the group and are looking forward to next year’s event in August 2026!
Sprinkling Awareness with Sweetness!
Molly V’s participated in our Sprinkle Awareness campaign for the 2nd year in a row! This campaign helps spread awareness in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness month by offering gold sprinkles for customers to top their ice cream with. Over the course of the month, they raised $1,000 for our Families!
Thank you to Molly V’s for spreading awareness!
Addy is Scent-sational!
Our Friend Addy (and Co.) were at it again - raising funds and collecting Scentsy Buddy Clips for our C.U.R.E. Kids and Sibs! In an effort to raise awareness and to continue supporting the mission of C.U.R.E., Team Addy goes into action every year with the help of their Scentsy Friends. We had the most delightful delivery of Scentsy Buddy Clips to our office, which we will be sharing with C.U.R.E. Kids during the holidays and beyond. Thank you for showing the importance of helping one another, Addy. We are so proud of you and so grateful for your love and support!
Go Frost Yourself is incredible!
A special thank you to our Friends at Go Frost Yourself who dedicated themselves to raising awareness in September in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every Saturday in September, our Friends offered $1 from every delicious and monstrous cinnamon roll purchased to C.U.R.E. They also sold gold ribbons - further raising awareness and funds. Be sure to check them out in person and follow them on social media as they care so deeply for the community around them. We are so touched to be included in their advocacy efforts and appreciate all they do for our community.
West Herr Truly Cares!
Our partnership with West Herr Cares is more than dollars donated - it’s recognizing needs in the community and working together to meet those needs. We were the grateful recipients of 28 turkeys from West Herr, which were distributed to our Families who are currently on treatment or have found themselves in need. We could not have provided such a tremendous gift to our Families on our own and appreciate the kindness of the Team at West Herr Cares so much. Thank you for letting our Families know they are cared for.
Gracie’s Generous Harvest
Every year, our Friend, Gracie, runs a Pumpkin Patch to spread awareness for childhood cancer and fundraise for C.U.R.E. This year throughout the fall season, she sold 185 pumpkins and 181 mums! Altogether she raised over $1,500!
Thank you, Gracie, for continuing to shine so brightly for our Families—you are truly making a difference!
Thank You, Attica Rodeo!
Every year, the Attica Rodeo asks patrons to collect their can tabs at each event! Over the summer, they collected a TON of tabs and donated them to Hearts for Hailey. Hailey exchanged them for $$ and all in raised over $900! These funds will be allocated to our Hospital Parking Program. This program provides free parking for our Families so that no Family has to pay for parking while at the hospital.
We are so grateful for both Attica Rodeo & Hearts for Hailey for helping our Families and giving them one less thing to worry about while their child is in treatment. Thank you!
The Alan Wood Team are Realtor Heroes!
We are so grateful for our Friends at the Alan Wood Team at RE/MAX Plus for collecting donations of toys a cash for our Families! During their November client appreciation event, they encouraged their clients to donate toys or money for C.U.R.E. We got SO MANY toys that are sure to put smiles on our Kids’ faces. Thank you so much for valuing the work we do at C.U.R.E. and letting our Families know their community supports them.
Fairport Varsity Soccer Scores Big!
The Fairport Boys Varsity Soccer team made a special delivery this holiday season—one filled with generosity, teamwork, and heart! The team raised an incredible $4,000 for C.U.R.E. through t-shirt sales during the end of their season. With some of the proceeds, they had a team bonding day and shopped for toys, games, and gifts for families which will be used for the holidays.
We are so grateful for the Raider community for sharing their caring spirit and making a meaningful difference for our Families!
NRG Dessert Auction Serves Sweet Treats!
Our Friends at NRG delivered sweetness once again through their annual Dessert Auction. Members and Friends gathered with their treats and attendees bid on the items. There were many donations from aspiring baker, Asia, which generated monetary donations for C.U.R.E. We are so grateful for the Members who baked or supported local Bakeries and purchased items all to support the mission of C.U.R.E. To learn more about joining this awesome networking group, please visit their website: https://nrgrochester.com/
The Dawgs ROCK!
The Dawgs, Another Vice & Dino Kay held a ROCK’n fundraiser in November to benefit Julianne’s Journey! They had a great night filled with lots of music, drinks and donations! They raised over $1,200 for Julianne’s Journey which provides C.U.R.E. with holiday gifts and grocery/gas gift cards for Families!
Thank you to everyone who made this night possible and we look forward to celebrating again at Julianne’s Journey to Christmas Joy Jam on December 14th at Iron Smoke Distillery!
Capone’s West Is Making A Difference!
Capone’s West hosted a second car show - Cars & Cannolis - at their location in Spencerport and donated the proceeds to C.U.R.E. In addition, they supported our September Liquid Gold for C.U.R.E. which helps spread awareness for Childhood Cancer Month with a delicious mac ‘n cheese pizza! These fundraisers raised $1,300 for our Families!
We are incredibly grateful for Capone’s support and their willingness to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease.
December’s Advocate of the Month
Swan Market
Our Advocate of the month is Swan Market!
Liz and Barry Fischer, owners of Swan Market on Parsells Avenue in Rochester, have been a wonderful partner and advocate for C.U.R.E. and our families. They graciously donated their time and talent at our Bereaved Family Picnic preparing and donating all of the food. In addition, they provided a meat platter for our Remembrance Service in October.
We are beyond grateful for their support.
Say Cheese!
We are looking for local photographers who would be willing to donate their time occasionally to photograph our End of Chemo Bell Ringings in the office. If you are interested in joining our volunteer email list for this project, please click the box below. When we are notified of an upcoming End of Chemo Bell Ringing, we will reach out to our network of photographers and will work on a first-come-first-here basis. We would love to build up our volunteer photographer list for these special occasions!
Join our Board of Directors!
We have some Board positions opening up! Are you 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
Calling all Former Board Members:
If you served on the Board of Directors for C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, we would love to stay connected! We are hoping to plan an Alumni Board event in the near future! Please email Holly Dutcher to connect!
holly.dutcher@curekidscancer.com
Once upon a time - and still today - Families in our Community have faced a dragon far fiercer than any found in storybooks: childhood cancer and chronic blood disorders. When that terrible beast appears, it can shatter even the bravest hearts.
For nearly 50 years, the Rochester Community has wrapped its arms around C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, standing beside Families through their darkest chapters. With every act of kindness, every donation, every moment of compassion, our Knights in Shining Armor from the Community help us slay the beast and bring light back into the lives of those who need it most. We invite you to journey with us into this next chapter - where together, we can bring light to Families facing their darkest days. With every act of love and generosity, we help write a story of courage, comfort, and hope that shines bright through the holiday season and beyond.
This holiday season, we’re once again joining our friends at the Democrat and Chronicle and LOCALiQ to celebrate Holiday Heroes — the everyday champions who make life brighter. Share a message for your hero, and let their story shine online and in print.
Annual Tacky Sweater Party!
Join us at Jack’s Extra Fancy for our Annual Tacky Sweater Party presented by Democrat & Chronicle/LocaliQ! There will be a sweater contest later on, you don’t want to miss it!
When: December 18th
Time: 5p - LATE
Where: Jack’s Extra Fancy, 825 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY 14609
Julianne’s Journey!
It's that time of year again! Julianne's Journey to Christmas Joy Jam with Friends at Iron Smoke Distillery! Julianne's Journey has been facilitating a yearly fundraiser every Christmas since 2011.
This year please join us at Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport on Sunday, December 14 from 2 to 7! All of these amazing musicians are donating their time and talent for the sake of supporting our C.U.R.E. Families this Holiday Season!
Please join us for your favorite Iron Smoke Spirits, Raffles, Fun, Friendship and Amazing music!
New Comic Night Stands Up for C.U.R.E.
Join us for a special night of laughter with a purpose as 20 up-and-coming comedians take the stage to compete for a $100 cash prize, decided entirely by the audience. It’s your chance to discover rising talent, support your favorites, and be part of a high-energy night where every vote counts.
Even better — 100% of the profits from this event will be donated directly to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, helping families right here in our community who are facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
Come out, have a great time, and make a real difference.
Comedy, competition, and compassion — all in one unforgettable night.
Looking for a fun family project? All proceeds from the sale of vintage miniature furniture kits from minisbycm.etsy.com will go directly to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. Each kit costs $12 and contains everything needed to build a piece or set of dollhouse furniture. Please spread the word!
PeachSkin is the perfect holiday gift!
PeachSkin Sheets are the coziest, softest bedsheets… you'll INSTANTLY fall in love, or asleep! Purchase a set now through December 15th and to get $45 OFF for every set. Not only will you be getting luxury sheets for a discounted price, but $20 per set will be donated back to C.U.R.E.! WHAT A DEAL!
Here's how you can order yours today:
-Click the button below to visit the website, the discount is specific to that link.
-Get a discount AND make a difference!
Grateful Giving
Grateful Giving is a platform and mobile app that connects individual donors and businesses with nonprofits that need support to carry out their mission.
When you sign up, Grateful Giving allows individuals to automatically donate a portion of their spending to selected charities. It operates through a software platform that connects users with over 1.5 million non-profits, transforming everyday purchases into automated micro-donations to support causes. For individuals, this involves connecting a bank account or credit card to the service, which then sends a small percentage of daily spending to a chosen charity. For businesses, it can be used to give back to customers' favored causes or to make automatic donations for purchases, referrals, and birthdays, with the business paying for the donation as a thank you.
For individuals
Connect your accounts: Link your bank account or credit card to the Grateful Giving platform.
Set up giving: Choose to automatically donate a small percentage of your daily spending to a charity you care about.
Select a charity: Choose from a database of over 1.5 million 501(c)(3) charities.
For businesses
Partner with Grateful Giving:
The business pays a subscription fee to use the platform.
Automate donations:
The platform makes automatic micro-donations on behalf of the business for customer purchases, referrals, or employee/customer birthdays.
Pay for the donation:
The business pays for the donation as a way to thank customers or employees and support social good.
Enhance customer loyalty:
Businesses can align with causes their customers care about, increasing loyalty and customer retention.
How it helps
Simplifies giving:
It makes it easy for both individuals and businesses to give to charity through automated, regular donations.
Supports charities:
It provides a consistent funding source for a wide range of non-profit organizations.
Builds community:
It fosters deeper connections by allowing businesses to support causes that are important to their customers, employees, and communities.
Qualified Charitable Distributions:
To transfer funds from your IRA to C.U.R.E., please follow these step-by-step instructions:
(1) Contact your financial advisor or representative at the financial institution that holds your IRA.
(2) Tell your representative that you wish to make a QCD from your IRA to C.U.R.E.
(3) Request a check made payable to “C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association” and indicate that it is a “qualified charitable distribution from the account of (your name).
(4) For wire transfers, contact request transfer instruction from C.U.R.E.
(5) Tax ID information: C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association Federal Tax ID: 51-0215037
(6) Please contact C.U.R.E. and let us know to expect a payment.
Please note that the maximum QCD is $100,000 per year per person, with married couples with separate IRAs eligible to give up to $200,000 per year. Transfers to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, private foundations, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift annuities do not qualify. The transfer is tax-free and is not included in your adjusted gross income (AGI), thus there is no charitable deduction. A transfer is not subject to AGI limitations on charitable deductions. C.U.R.E. recommends you consult with your estate attorney and/or financial advisor prior to requesting a QCD to C.U.R.E.
Become a C.U.R.E. Ambassador!
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!
Embrace the Difference
Did you know that we partner with Reeds Jewelers on their Embrace the Difference campaign? With Graduations approaching, we hope you’ll consider grabbing a gift from Reeds Jewelers Embrace the Difference Collection and make a difference to our Families (all while giving a beautiful gift!).
We also have exclusive bracelets here at C.U.R.E. with our logo on them that make beautiful gifts!
Round Up for C.U.R.E.!
We are thrilled to share that we are now part of the Walmart Spark Good program! You can select “C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association” as your charity of choice and round up your purchases! The rounded up change will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
STEP 1: Visit walmart.com/sparkgood and sign in to your Walmart.com account.
STEP 2: Search for a favorite charity.
STEP 3: Once you choose a charity, go to the Round Up box and click "Select this Charity"
STEP 4: Review the FAQs and the Terms of Use.
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:
Hailey and her Family have been saving aluminum can tabs for C.U.R.E. for many years now. The photo is Hailey standing in an oil drum of tabs surrounded by 14 oil drums FILLED with can tabs! They bring the drums to the scrap yard and then donate the proceeds to C.U.R.E. Those proceeds are then applied to the cost of parking vouchers for our Families.
You can bring your can tabs to our office at 200 Westfall Road, 14620 during business hours and we will collect them for Hailey and her Family.
We hope you think of Hailey and her program while you are at family gatherings, picnics and other fun summer activities this summer that may include aluminum cans!
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.
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!
- 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
- Gifts for teens or young adults
- Toys! Please see our Wish Lists below:
- Shop our Walmart Wish List here: https://www.walmart.com/lists/holiday-wishlist/a31ff2c6-8f70-4472-b862-93f8969c18fc
- Shop 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!