June 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!
Congratulations, Sammi Jo!
A BIG congratulations to our Community & Events Coordinator, Sammi Jo Uhrmacher, who is celebrating 2 years being on the C.U.R.E. Team this month! It’s hard to believe it’s only been two years because of how well you fit in and all you’ve accomplished! Thank you for your dedication to our Families, always caring so deeply about advocating for them and doing what we can to fundraise to continue to provide loving support. Your positive attitude and boisterous laugh keep us moving forward and you remind us “don’t you dream impossible things?” Wishing you continued success as you motivate us all: “if you can dream it, you can do it.”
We are so grateful for our Volunteers & Advocates!
We had the opportunity to thank and recognize many of our Volunteers and Advocates in May. We distributed a few awards to some individuals and groups that have demonstrated deep commitment to our organization and our mission. A portion of each speech in included below, which demonstrates a bit of how meaningful the contributions of each person or group have been the past year (and beyond!).
Outstanding Strong Partner: Jade Giesy
”A force of compassion, a genuine listener, and a kind light in some of the darkest days, this recipient has made a true difference in the lives of so many people, including my own. When my son was diagnosed with cancer, they were one of the first people we spoke with and continued to show up for us throughout his treatment. Not just in the expected ways, but in the ways that matter most. They stayed late. They followed up. They checked in. Even when we weren’t physically at the hospital, they made sure to let us know we could count on them. And they made sure we had what we needed, often before we even knew we needed it. One of those things is consenting to C.U.R.E, which became a saving grace during our journey. As a new parent advocate for C.U.R.E 4 years after our journey, I’ve had the privilege to work with this person on the other side of things and can genuinely say she is one of our organizations strongest advocates. She is constantly promoting the resources we provide, securing consents and opening doors for families to get the help they deserve. And she does it all with humility, never asking for credit, always focused on what’s best for others.”
C.U.R.E. Committed Champions: Morton Baptist Church Community
”Every year, this group extends an invitation to our Families, literally sharing “the more, the merrier” and always remaining understanding if Families are unable to attend even after they’ve RSVPed. Each part of the afternoon is so meticulously put together with care - from the homemade lunch including cupcakes for dessert, to the elaborate carnival style games and prizes, to the crafts and activities. Every piece of this day is well thought out, and with loving intentions, just so our C.U.R.E. Families can experience an afternoon of Fall Fun! Every year, we are greeted with smiles and with a welcome message on the organization’s front sign board, the group of volunteers ready to wrap our Families in love and fun! This is an event that Families look forward to annually and are so grateful for - especially the delicious apples they are invited to pick from in the orchard!”
C.U.R.E. MVP: Brian Wainwright
”Although our Staff has grown in size, we still experience capacity limitations. The C.U.R.E. MVP recognized this and took on the task of coordinating efforts of our Board of Directors to host our annual Tacky Sweater event. This event has been occurring for many years, and given the magnitude of support our Staff provides to C.U.R.E. Families during the holidays, our ability to plan and execute this event has been challenged. Our 2025 C.U.R.E. MVP recognized this and took the event under their wing. Working full time, being a member of the Board AND planning an event is certainly a huge undertaking and we are beyond grateful for this. This person also took on the daunting task of learning our auction software we use and leading Check-In and Check-Out at our Annual Recipe for a C.U.R.E. Sunday Brunch….without even batting an eye. Happy to lend a hand, learn something new, this individual was ready and eager to actively participate in one of our most important fundraising endeavors.”
C.U.R.E. Heart & Soul Award: Holly Dutcher
“It takes a very special person to be in a role that can be demanding and stressful… but rewarding all at the same time. They celebrate the highs and the lows and lead fully with their heart. They take the time to know everyone in their life on such a deep, personal level that you always feel seen AND heard AND cared for by them.
Their passion shines through not just in their words, but in their actions every single day. The work they do is not easy, yet they handle it with grace - a little extra spice - while also being an incredible parent. They truly lead with heart and soul. Because of this, they have built an amazing team of selfless women that we are so grateful to be a part of.
This individual is a true pioneer, and their creative solutions have helped us to expand and put our organization on the map in our community. They’re driven not by recognition, but by the desire to help, to uplift, and to quietly make things better behind the scenes. They are always the first to say, “it was a team effort!”
Thank you, Board members:
As we wrap up our fiscal year June 30th, we will see two Board Members roll off after fulfilling two 3-year term commitments and one who fulfilled a 3-year commitment to the C.U.R.E. Board of Directors.
Bill Leinen has been instrumental in many things behind the scenes with C.U.R.E. and also was elected to the Executive Committee and Board Chair positions during his tenure. He helped establish a planned giving program at our organization and is an active C.U.R.E. Ambassador - donating monthly to our mission.
Anthony Arbore has been a powerhouse of connecting C.U.R.E. with businesses in our community. He’s been an incredible resource and has shown his passion for helping our Families throughout his tenure.
Daniel Kuhn has been a fierce advocate for our Families - always suggesting new and impactful ways that we can provide support. He has always been willing to roll his sleeves up and help at events, which has been so appreciated.
Please join us in thanking these three Friends for their time & talents!
Elena’s Corner: Survivorship
I wanted to take a moment to share something I wish I had known after my son finished treatment for childhood cancer. You’d think that once treatment ends, the hardest part is over—and in many ways, it is. You’re done with chemo. The hospital visits slow down. Life should start to feel normal again.
But here’s the truth: the anxiety doesn’t just go away. In fact, it changes—and for me, it got worse in ways I didn’t expect.
During treatment, you’re in survival mode. You’re running on adrenaline, focusing on the next scan, the next round of chemo, the next hospital stay. You don’t have time to pause and process because you’re too busy doing what has to be done. There’s no room for feelings, only action.
But once the treatment ends and life slows down- that’s when it hits you. The fear creeps in during quiet moments. Suddenly, a bruise on your child’s leg isn’t just a bruise. A cough isn’t just a cold. A small bump sends your mind spiraling back to worst-case scenarios. It’s what many of us call scanxiety—but it’s more than just scan days. It’s everyday moments that used to be harmless now carrying a weight they never did before.
I wish someone had told me to expect that. I wish I had known that finishing treatment doesn’t mean the emotional journey is over. It’s a different kind of hard, and it’s okay to not be okay for a while. That first year or two post-treatment is a strange mix of joy and fear. You’re thrilled your child is okay, but terrified it won’t last. You start to think in ways you never did before cancer entered your world.
What’s helped me through that time—and still helps—is having a strong, compassionate medical team who understands the emotional toll of survivorship. And just as importantly, being part of the community of other childhood cancer parents through C.U.R.E. That shared experience, the ability to say "I know how you feel” and really mean it, brings so much comfort. It reminds me I’m not alone, and that my fears, while hard, are understood.
So if you’re a parent finishing treatment, please know it’s okay to struggle. You’re not ungrateful or weak—you’re human. You’ve seen too much to ever see the world the same way again. But there’s support out there, and there is peace to be found again—even if it looks a little different now.
Congratulations, Lucia!
Please join us in celebrating Lucia, who celebrated finishing treatment by ringing the End of Chemo Bell in our office in May! She was joined by her mom and added her handprint to our Handprints of Hope wall as well as to ring that bell! We were thrilled to give her some Disney Princess gifts as well as her favorite snacks: Pretzels & Doritos! We also invited her to pick out a gift for big sister to recognize all that she went through as Lucia was undergoing treatment.
Spotlight on: Erran
Meet our Friend, Erran.
Three fun facts about Erran:
* He is the only boy out of 6 siblings!
* He’s an artist
* He likes soccer & riding his scooter
While at the hospital, he likes to draw and visit the play deck. He also likes to build Legos and visit the cafe.
Erran was diagnosed with B Cell A.L.L. in 2025. He loves the outdoors and being at the park, the beach or playing with his dog. His favorite food to eat is chicken wings! He likes them “HOT” not spicy!
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!
May Parents’ Night Out: Manicures for Mom!
We had such a delightful time treating a group of our C.U.R.E. Moms to manicures in May. It was a nice evening to connect with one a mother (haha…see what we did there?), take space for themselves and get pampered a bit. We are grateful to honor the mothers who do so much for their Families and hope they enjoyed themselves!
We’d love your help berry much!
Join in the 37th Annual Albion Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday, June 14th! Friends of C.U.R.E. have coordinated a C.U.R.E. and childhood cancer awareness float!
Kids are invited to ride on the wagon in the parade. Bring your gold gear or C.U.R.E. gear plus your C.U.R.E. kiddo or a photo of him or her.
We would love for you to join - whether you are a C.U.R.E. Family, Volunteer or Supporter.
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.
Summer Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!!!
Get ready to explore, discover, and make unforgettable memories as we go Beyond the Reef this summer at Camp Good Days! Friendships, adventure, and endless fun await!
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
June’s Bereavement Group was at the C.U.R.E. office. We planted memorial planters to take home.
July’s Bereavement Group will be at the C.U.R.E. office on July 2nd from 7 - 8:30 p.m. No RSVP is required.
Not on our Bereaved Family mailing address or in our private FaceBook page? Click the button below to be added or contact Diane at (585) 473-0180 x105:
Annual Brick Laying Ceremony: A Parent’s Perspective
The Brick Laying Ceremony is special to us because it’s one of the few events where there is something substantial for us to come back to see that represents Byron in a way that’s not associated with sad memories.
Also, at the ceremony they read a little bio that’s written by the child’s family. C.U.R.E. also gifted us with a garden stone that has our son Byron’s name engraved on it.
We don’t live very close, so we are only able to make it up for the bereavement meetings, which is when we are able to see Byron’s brick in the Julie Roberts Children’s Memorial Garden.
What’s nice at the ceremony is that C.U.R.E. let us place the brick where we would like in the walkway.
The great thing about C.U.R.E. is they always invite the doctors, and nurses, and staff to these events and it’s always so great to see them.
The other hard part with losing a child to this horrible disease is losing contact with these wonderful people who have become like family.
- Submitted by Byron’s mom, Tina Neal
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
Face Off Against Cancer, Together!
The Don Litzelman Foundation is an organization dedicated to educating the community on various resources that are available to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. They partner with lacrosse and hockey teams in their Face Off Against Cancer Program to raise awareness and funds for agencies that provide support to cancer patients and their families. We are so grateful for their kindness and raising $500 for C.U.R.E.!
Thank you for being great partners and bringing awareness in our community.
Roar-tastic!
In February the Kendall Lion’s Club hosted the first Chicken BBQ Dinner of the season and sold over 900 DINNERS! All in, they raised $6,500! The group was so kind to invite Undersheriff Korey Brown (and HUGE C.U.R.E. Advocate!) as well as our Executive Director Holly to their 50th Anniversary Dinner in May. Their kindness shone through as they presented this check to the pair while celebrating 50 years of making a difference in the community!
Thank you, Kendall Lion's Club, for believing in our mission and bringing awareness to our community🎗
It’s an honor to have their support!
The Arkport National Honor Society continues to keep us in their hearts and on their minds. We are so grateful to receive the proceeds from their recent meat stick fundraiser. It means so much to us to have kids helping kids and we hope they understand the impact of their hard work! We received a check for $1,500!! Thank you, Arkport National Honor Society. The world is a little brighter and a whole lot kinder with you in it.
Thank You For Spreading Joy!
Thank you to our friends, Lynne & Randy, from CURE Bears for Hope & Love! They stopped by our office to drop of numerous toys and games for our kiddos in anticipation of the Survivors’ Day Picnic! In addition to providing for their own organization, they are also heavily involved with C.U.R.E. throughout the year as volunteers and donors.
We are so grateful for their consistent advocacy and kindness. Thank you for supporting our Families!
Nora’s Sweet 16th!
Sending LOTS of Happy Sweet 16th Birthday wishes to our Friend Nora! She so sweetly honored C.U.R.E. Angel, Evan Valentine, through hosting a cookie fundraiser and online fundraiser to raise money for C.U.R.E. in Evan’s memory. Nora made a donation of $750 to C.U.R.E. through her efforts! What a beautiful way to honor Evan. We are so touched to be included in celebrating Nora’s birthday in such a special way.
May the year ahead of you be just as incredible as you are, Nora! Thank you!
Please give a hand for our Advocate of the Month….
Rob D’Amico
This month, we would like to recognize our good Friend and Advocate, Rob D’Amico. He found his way to C.U.R.E. nearly ten years ago and has been such an incredible advocate ever since! Whether it is attending events, sponsoring events or sharing our organization with his network, he is always keeping our Families in mind and working toward further the mission of C.U.R.E. Rob, your consistent presence and cheerleading of our team and the work we do is appreciated more than you know.
Looking for
TEE-riffic
Volunteers!
We will be needing volunteers to help with this year’s Patrick Carr Memorial Golf Tournament presented by ASP Industries & Brighton Securities! This is a great way to enjoy the day, even if you aren’t a golfer. There will be lots to help with including registration & dining room setup in the morning and selling raffles & managing the auction in the late afternoon! We will also need help the week of the event with tee gift assembly.
If you are interested, please click the link below to contact Sammi Jo & learn more:
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!
Come Tend to Our Garden
We are looking for volunteers to lovingly tend to our Julie Roberts Children’s Memorial Garden. Volunteers would adopt a week and come anytime during that week that works with their schedules. We ask that our Friends prune our plants and trees, clean out around our Memorial Bricks and weed our garden beds.
Help us raise awareness!
Help us raise awareness this September! We are looking for committee members to reach out to businesses, help us coordinate events and represent our organization and our Families at events.
Interested? Reach out to Holly by clicking the button below!
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
The 10th Annual Patrick Carr Memorial Golf Tournament presented by ASP Industries & Brighton Securities is just around the corner…
JOIN US ON MONDAY JULY 21, 2025
We return to Deerfield Country Club for a day filled of friendly competitions, course games, meals & beverages, prizes and more! Don’t PUTT around…Start gathering your foursomes!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN & FILLING FAST!
Become a sponsor at the tournament!
The sponsorships for the golf tournament range from $200 tee signs up to $3,500 that include foursomes!
This year we have two EXCLUSIVE opportunities with the helicopter ball drop sponsor or the breakfast sponsor!
Please click the link below to learn more and include the following in your email: your name, business, sponsorship level of interest, and/or if you want to learn more!
Raffle Baskets Needed!
We are in need of Raffle Baskets to be auctioned off at future fundraising events. Things like local business gift cards, lottery tickets, experiences, coffee themed, spa, alcohol, spring themed, etc.
If you are interested in donating one, please reach out to Sammi Jo to coordinate. Click the button below to send an email directly to her:
Interested in helping with C.U.R.E. events?
We are looking for volunteers to join committees for both our Golf Tournament and the Sunday Brunch! The Golf Tournament consists of participants from various backgrounds that help organize, solicit donations & sponsors, and work closely with the events coordinator on day of details.
The Sunday Brunch has multiple committees you can join based on your interests: PR & Marketing Committee, Live Auction Committee, Registration Committee and the Dining Room Committee (the last two must be able to volunteer the day of).
Click the links below to learn more and sign up!
Need Plans for Father’s Day?
Come to the 5th Annual Father’s Day Car Show at The Shops on West Ridge! It will be from 10a-4p in the front parking lot of the plaza. Come check out some sweet rides, and enjoy delicious BBQ from the Smoke In the Valley Food Truck! Proceeds will benefit C.U.R.E.
Hope to see you rollin’ in!
Something Sweet is coming!
Please join our Friends at ROC That Cookie as they host a Grand Opening event of their new bakery in Hilton on Sunday, July 20th! A portion of the proceeds from the day will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
There will be lots to do:
- A Bike Show with lots of motorcycles to check out
- Gourmet soda
- Permanent jewelry
- Face painting
- A Bounce house
and more!
Blue Knights New York IV: Cruise for C.U.R.E. 2025
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 Sheets are BACK!
PeachSkin Sheets are the coziest, softest bedsheets… you'll INSTANTLY fall in love, or asleep! Purchase a set now through December 15th and use the code "CURECC1" 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.
-Use discount code: CURECC1 at checkout.
-Get a discount AND make a difference!
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!
- SQUISHMALLOWS! ALL SIZES! The kids love them!
- Journals for Kids and Teens
- 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 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!