March 2026 Newsletter
C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association is celebrating 50 years of impact, hope, and walking alongside Families during their most difficult times. As we honor the legacy built by our Founders, Supporters & Families, we’re also preparing for an exciting future. While we take pride in how far we’ve come, we’re even more energized by what’s ahead. Big, exciting things are on the horizon—the next chapter of C.U.R.E. is just the beginning.
BIG NEWS:
We’ve Moved!
After years of saving and scouting the perfect location for our forever home, the C.U.R.E. Board of Directors and Team identified the perfect new home for our organization: 103 White Spruce Boulevard, right across from MCC (and Phillip’s European ;) ). We are so thrilled with our new space and look forward to the increased programming and support we will be able to offer our Families including:
- Grandparent Coffee Hour
- More Parent + Sibling Activities
- Family Activities
- Hosting events on site
- Private End of Chemo/Radiation Bell Ringing space
and much much more.
What a way to kick off our 50th anniversary!
Team Appreciation Day!
The first Friday of March is designated as “Employee Appreciation Day”. Our Team here at C.U.R.E. is absolutely incredible. I am constantly blown away by the level of care, dedication and love that is put into every task. Moving into our new space was certainly a large project to take on, but everyone came together to make it all happen. The Board of Directors and myself feel so grateful to have such a hard-working group committed to the mission of C.U.R.E. A most heart felt thank you goes out to all of them for pouring themselves into their work day after day.
With Admiration,
Holly
Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Elena!
Elena, we are so lucky to have you as a member of our Team. Your tranquil, caring dedication is so meaningful to our Families. You bring comfort in tough times and kindness and compassion always. Your tireless dedication to helping Families during their darkest days shines brightly. Congratulations on a full year on your own as a Parent Advocate supporting Families at Golisano Children’s Hospital Rochester.
Congrats, Uhrmacher Family!
Our C.U.R.E. Team is growing by two feet!
Congratulations to Sammi Jo and her husband, Dave, who welcomed Baby Ella Jo to the world on February 27th! Sammi Jo will be enjoying time with her growing family until May. Enjoy every moment, Sammi Jo! Sending you lots of love.
Child Life, Social Work, Music Therapy Appreciation Month
Updates from Emma and Laura:
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.
Our latest video shares what to expect in the Outpatient Clinic. Check out the video below:
Be sure to check out past videos as well:
Spotlight on: Tucker
Meet our Friend, Tucker!
Tucker is 5 years old. He has two little sisters that he absolutely loves - a 3 year old and a 6 month old!
He loves to work on his dairy farm. Moving tires is his favorite job. Tucker also loves board games, with Monopoly and Uno being his favorites. Drawing and crafting are also activities that Tucker enjoys!
Tucker was diagnosed with T-Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in 2025. When he’s in the hospital, he likes to play “Guess Who” and action figures. Tucker likes to play with Colin and Meg, too!
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!
February Parents’ Night Out -
February Parents’ Night Out was a fun evening of glassware painting. C.U.R.E. Parents were able to choose their piece and make their own unique creations. It was a wonderful evening together. We are so grateful to Bobby at Roc, Paint, Sip for his guidance as we created our masterpieces.
C.U.R.E. Parents: please be sure to check your program emails for upcoming fun adventures ahead!
March PNO
One of our favorite C.U.R.E. Parents’ Night Out adventures will be Lasertron!!
RSVP is required - C.U.R.E. Parents please watch for the program emails for sign up. There is still time to sign up for this event on March 12th!
You can also email:
carol.austin@curekidscancer.com for more information.
Spaghetti in April!
C.U.R.E. Families - We are cooking a spaghetti dinner just for you and your Family on Friday, April 10th. Watch your program emails or the parent group for sign up information. Let us make you dinner and enjoy an evening of pasta and BINGO!!!!
You can also reach out to diane.valentine@curekidscancer.com or carol.austin@curekidscancer.com for more information.
Amerks Irish Night
Our friends at Rohrbach Brewing Co. are so thoughtful and offered tickets to Irish Night to our Families! Please join Rohrbach Brewing Co. and C.U.R.E. as the rink goes green for Irish Night on Friday, March 13th! Tickets are free to C.U.R.E. Kids and Immediate family members. Email Carol for more info!
A special ticket offering has been made available, too! Go tot his link and purchase your tickets at a discount AND a portion of each sale will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
Knighthawks Game 2026
C.U.R.E. is again partnering with the Rochester Knighthawks for an upcoming game!
We have tickets available for our C.U.R.E. Kiddos and immediate household members only.
The game is Saturday, March 21st at 7 PM at the Blue Cross Arena.
RSVP required.
Please reach out to carol.austin@curekidscancer.com for sign up information or look for sign up in program emails.
Survivors’ Day Save the Date
Mark your calendars and save the date for Sunday, June 7th, for C.U.R.E.’s Annual Survivors’ Day Picnic
Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial Scholarship
Last year, the scholarship was received by Padraig.
The Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial Scholarship was established by a founding C.U.R.E. Family in honor of their late son. This scholarship seeks to assist young people who were supported by C.U.R.E. and are currently attending or plan to attend college or trade school in 2025.
The JCS Memorial Scholarship winner will receive a one-time, $2,000 award to be applied towards their continuing education. Eligibility for this scholarship:
Cancer survivors who have been supported by C.U.R.E.; and
Have been accepted, are currently enrolled, or are a prospective student with plans to enroll into a 2-year, 4-year, or trade school.
If enrolled, must be in good standing with their college or institution.
Award winner can re-apply for the JCS Memorial Scholarship for each year they are enrolled in college or trade school.
Criteria:
The JCS Memorial Scholarship winner will be someone who has demonstrated a commitment to continuing education amidst life’s challenges, including the journey of surviving childhood cancer.
Though not a requirement, students pursuing education in science, medicine, social work, or other health sciences with career plans in children’s cancer are strongly encouraged to apply.
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.
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.
81,112 signatures of 150,000 wanted (as of 02/05/2026)
Bereavement Group
March Bereavement Group
We were joined by Tricia from Scents By Radiance for a candle making workshop. Tricia was amazing and everyone had a very enjoyable evening!
April Bereavement Group
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
C.U.R.E. Office
103 White Spruce Boulevard
Rochester, NY 14623
RSVP Is Not Required
Friday, April 10, 2026
Spaghetti Dinner for our C.U.R.E. families!
Buckland Park Lodge
1341 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14618
Please arrive between 5:30 - 6:15 pm
Bring your immediate household members for a delicious dinner and stay for bingo and prizes!
RSVP is Required - Please watch your program emails for sign up information or contact diane.valentine@curekidscancer.com
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
Trivia Night 2026
A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to Trivia Night 2026! Comedy @ The Carlson were the most wonderful hosts and we cannot say enough about our special Emcee: Mark Ippolito! We all had a YaBaDaBaDoo time on February 26th getting quizzical and raising funds for C.U.R.E. Nearly $10,000 was raised to help further our mission and we couldn’t be more thankful! Congratulations to “We Thought This Was Bingo” for winning this year! Hoping to see everyone next year!
Operation Kindness at Work!
Our Friends at Fyle Elementary hosted an Operation Kindness Craft Night where students created crafts and completed different activities that would spread kindness in their community and local nonprofits! This year, they created bravery badges that were thoughtfully decorated for C.U.R.E. kiddos! These badges will be distributed to kiddos in the hospital to help lift their spirits and show that there are other kiddos like them who support them!
Thank you Fyle Elementary for spreading kindness to others!
Jamming For A Cause!
On February 13th, Nerds Gone Wild hosted their Cupid’s Ball at Buntsy’s Band Stand and invited C.U.R.E. to be their host charity. The night was filled with raffles, great music and lots of fun! All in, the event raised $488 for C.U.R.E. and our Families.
Thank you Nerds Gone Wild and Buntsy’s for hosting us and we look forward to the next concert one Satruday, May 16th at Rochester Beer Park with Nerds Gone Wild, save the date!
V’s Kindness Party!
For the third year in a row, our Friend, V, has been hosting a Kindness Party for her birthday! This means she asks her guests to bring gifts for C.U.R.E. Families in lieu of birthday presents for herself. Her party this year was a craft theme and kiddos had a great time!
Thank you, V, for thinking of others and spreading kindness all around! We hope you had the best birthday yet!
Thank You, Ziggy’s!
Ziggy’s is ZOOMING to show support for C.U.R.E.! They hosted a Daytona 500 watch party in partnership with The Little Speed Shop in February. Nearly $500 was collected through a Fantasy Driver Draft, all to support C.U.R.E.! They even set up a fun remote car race track for patrons to enjoy during the race. We are so grateful for their continued support!
Thank you, Ziggy’s and The Little Speed Shop!
Thank You Watkins Glenn Lions Club!
Thank you to the Watkins Glen Lion’s Club for donating Superhero bags to pediatric oncology Families! The bags were fileld with essentials for hospital stays including a cozy blanket, fuzzy stuffed animal, snacks and more! These essentials are so helpful for our Families during inpatient stays. We appreciate you thinking of them and helping to make what they are experiencing even a little bit easier.
Remembering Aurora
The Putney Family honors the memory of their Aurora in the sweetest way every year: they request donations for C.U.R.E. to help other Kids with cancer. Every January, the Family lovingly gathers items that we distribute to our C.U.R.E. Families as a physical way to remember Aurora, who passed away in August 2022. We are truly touched to be a part of honoring Aurora’s memory. Thank you to the Perry Community and Putney Family for always keeping C.U.R.E. in our hearts.
March’s Advocates of the Month is…
Sam & Sam!
The Sams have been SUCH a tremendous help at our new office space! They’re tag teamed on everything from installing new thermostats to hanging pictures and making updates to our spaces! We even have a “Sam Do List” in our Break Area because they keep asking what more they can do for us. Moving into such a large space has been incredibly daunting, but with the help and support from our Sams, it has been so much easier and a smoother transition. They even think of things before we know we need to be thinking of them. Thank you for supporting our move into our new space so we can focus on providing our Families with loving support. We cannot wait to see all we do in the new space now that it’s coming together!
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
Join us for C.U.R.E.’s Family-Friendly 5K & Fun Walk presented by Cornerstone Wealth Management! We’ll kick off the day at MCC and hit the course together for a fun, feel-good event that brings our community together.
This is one of C.U.R.E.’s biggest and most loved fundraisers—especially among our C.U.R.E. Families! Whether you’re racing the 5K or enjoying a one-mile walk, you’ll be surrounded by encouragement, energy, and hopeful hearts every step of the way.
As C.U.R.E. celebrates 50 years of supporting local Families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders ,we invite participants to help carry that legacy forward by fundraising. Every dollar raised stays local and provides critical support to Families when they need it most.
READY… SET Up Your Fundraising Team… & GO Register!
Amerks Irish Night with Rohrbach Brewing Co.
The Rochester Amerks and Rohrbach Brewing Co. have teamed up for a fun night to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! They’ve included C.U.R.E. on their celebration as well - purchase a ticket through the link below and a portion of the ticket sale will be donated to C.U.R.E. That makes us want to do an Irish Jig!
C.U.R.E. Cancer Knight
C.U.R.E. is partnering with the Rochester Knighthawks, once again, to raise awareness of childhood cancer! On March 21st, the Knighthawks game will be dedicated to shining a light on local C.U.R.E. Kids as well as childhood cancer.
Volunteers, Sponsors & Friends:
You can join us, too! Purchase your ticket(s) below and $5 from every sale will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
NOTE: We have FREE tickets for our C.U.R.E. Families to utilize and attend the game. Please contact Carol for this information!
Drag Bingo With Aggy Dune
Get ready to shout BINGO! like never before! Join the one and only Aggy Dune for an afternoon of outrageous drag, quick wit, and fabulous fun at Comedy at the Carlson.
Expect fierce looks, hilarious banter, and plenty of chances to win with raffles for fabulous prize baskets throughout the show.
Come for the bingo, stay for the laughs, and leave knowing you helped make a difference—because giving back is always in style.
Tickets $30 includes five bingo games as well as a dauber.
Ugly Disco 2026
UGLY DISCO FUNKRAISER
April 18, 2026
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Rochester, NY
Three live bands. One packed dance floor. Big disco energy. Even bigger impact. The Ugly Disco Funkraiser is your chance to dress loud, dance hard, and party for a purpose.
Doors Open:
• 6:00 PM – VIP
• 7:00 PM – General Admission
Make it a night!
Be safe, stay funky, and book a hotel room with us at the Hyatt Regency.
Henry Layne Agency Making a Difference!
Be sure to reach out to our friends at Henry Layne Insurance Agency to get a free quote from April 6th through May 29th.
For every quote, they will donate $10 to C.U.R.E.!
Call them at 585-486-4790 to receive your quote for C.U.R.E!
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 incredible!
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!