November 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!
Once upon a time, when the sun began to tuck itself into bed a little earlier each evening and the wind danced through the amber leaves, a gentle hush fell across the land. It was the beginning of the Season of Gratitude.
A humble village, not far from the Finger Lakes, could feel the magic in the air! From the sweet smell of the baker’s bread, to the lanterns glowing bright, to the laughter that filled every home…
They said it was because Gratitude—a kind & shining fairy—had returned to visit. With every flutter of her golden wings, she sprinkled thankfulness over the hearts of the people. Suddenly, everyone began to notice the wonderful things they already had: warm mittens, kind neighbors, and the joy of being together.
Families shared stories by the fire, friends exchanged hugs that lasted just a little longer, and even the old oak tree seemed to whisper, thank you as its leaves drifted gently to the ground.
And so, the Season of Gratitude wrapped the village in its cozy magic, reminding everyone that the most beautiful gifts of all aren’t wrapped in ribbons—they’re found in hearts full of thanks.
As we inch closer to the year’s end, we at C.U.R.E. wanted to express our most heartfelt gratitude to our Friends and Supporters for continuing to value the work we do, the love we share and the mission established by our Founders nearly 50 years ago.
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.
Luca finished chemo after coming to clinic each week and was so brave! He rang the bell with his family by his side!
Emily finished treatment after many hospital stays!
John finished 10 months of treatment after coming to clinic visits and having lots of hospital stays!
We will resume handprint celebrations and bell ringings in our office in the new year! We hope our three Friends and their Families will come celebrate with us again after the hustle and bustle of the holidays!
Spotlight on: My’Truett
Meet our Friend, My’Truett .
My’Truett was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. He is a very affectionate person and enjoys sharing and caring for others. Our Friend also likes cleaning the house! He is so special.
While in treatment, My’Truett loved playing with toys and the hospital and making a mess in the room by breaking up his crackers. He enjoyed assisting the nurses with his care.
My’Truett finished treatment earlier this year and rang the End of Chemo Bell on July 23, 2025 with his loving Family by his side!
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!
October PNO!
Our C.U.R.E. parents had a SPOOKtacular time connecting and sharing laughs at VerHulst Haunted Hayride! Nights like these remind us how meaningful it is for our Families to come together. A huge thank you to VerHulst Haunted Hayride for generously donating the tickets and helping make this Parents’ Night Out so special!
Thank you, Morton Baptist Church
Morton Family Fun Day started out as a one-time event. Now, 47 years later it has become a C.U.R.E. Family favorite! Through the kindness and generosity of a Church member, who was a C.U.R.E. Family as well many years ago, has continued to offer a day of fun and activities for C.U.R.E. Families to this day! We are so grateful for all that they do every year to make this such a special outing for these Kiddos and their Families. Thank you so much!!
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 beautiful afternoon for our C.U.R.E. Remembrance Service. We sincerely appreciate the privilege of honoring and remembering your children.
November Bereavement Group
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
C.U.R.E. Office
200 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
No RSVP Required
December Bereavement Group - Parent Night Out
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
We will be making charcuterie boards!
Blue Toad Hard Cider Tasting Room
900 Jefferson Road
Building 9, Suite 6
Rochester, NY 14623
RSVP is Required - Please Click on Link Below
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
Drive For Dreams!
Drive for Dreams, in partnership with the The Birdsall Inn, hosted the 4th Annual Get Lost In The Middle of Nowhere Poker Run! They had over 450 UTVs and 900+ people join. This year, they raised $20,000 and $10,000 was donated to C.U.R.E. and $10,000 was donated to 13 Thirty Cancer Connect! This event continues to grow every year and we are just so amazed at the support from the this community.
Thank you Nicole & Family for organizing and being advocates for our Families!
Go Frost Yourself is incredible!
We are so blown away by the support of Go Frost Yourself. This is not just a local bakery. This business supports real causes in our community and deserves a round of applause. While September was dedicated to our Families, raising awareness through the purchase of gold paper ribbons and $1 from every DELICIOUS cinnamon roll being donated to C.U.R.E., GFY is continually supporting local businesses and causes. They just recently encouraged a food drive for those in need. The advocacy of Go Frost Yourself is truly incredible (as well as their offerings) and we highly encourage indulging. Go ahead. C.U.R.E. said it’s ok.
Spreading Awareness & Love
The team at Paychex Risk have been big advocates for C.U.R.E., especially in September! Led by C.U.R.E. Mom, Janine, they helped spread awareness for Childhood Cancer by selling bracelets & gold ribbon stickers to help generate donations. Together they raised $390 for C.U.R.E. and $390 for St. Jude!
We are so thankful for their generosity and spreading awareness during childhood cancer awareness month. Thank you Janine & team for a making a difference for our Families!
Golfing FORE C.U.R.E.!
We are so grateful to the Monroe County Sheriff PBA for choosing to support C.U.R.E. through their annual Charity Golf Tournament on August 18th at Ravenwood Country Club!
Each year, this incredible event benefits a different local charity — and this year, it raised an amazing $13,000 for C.U.R.E.!
The kindness and generosity of the MCSPBA remind our Families that they have a community that stands beside them through every step of their journey.
Our Heart Goes Out To Hailey!
Our Friend, Hailey, has been collecting can tabs for many years with the help of the community! Once a year, she cashes in those can tabs and provides a generous donation to C.U.R.E. that helps pay for hospital parking passes so that no Family has to pay for parking while in treatment.
This year, she raised over $1,541 for our Families! We are so grateful to Hailey & her family who facilitate this project year after year. Their dedication to our Families is amazing and truly shows how big their hearts are. Thank you Hearts For Hailey!
ROC that Cookie
ROC That Cookie sure is sweet! We are so grateful for their help in raising awareness in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to collecting donations at the cash register, they also offered a portion of sales from their Gold Star Cookie! A total of $375 was collected for C.U.R.E. in honor of our Kiddos. Please be sure to continue supporting our Friends who support us! The Holiday Season is the perfect time to visit ROC That Cookie!
November’s Advocate of the Month
Sam Meloni!
Our Advocate of the month is Sam Meloni! Sam joined our Board of Directors this fiscal year in July, but has been volunteering with C.U.R.E. for several years. Sam is a dedicated volunteer and advocate of C.U.R.E.: sharing the mission of our organization with his own networks and helping us spread awareness of childhood cancer. Sam has been at several events recently rolling his sleeves up to load and unload vehicles, set up events and enjoy the events with our participants as well. We were so grateful for his assistance with our first Bereaved Family Picnic this summer as well as our Remembrance Service in October. Sam is also a dedicated volunteer in our community, having received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Italian Civic League at their annual Christopher Columbus Celebration.
Thank you, Sam, for your commitment to helping our Families. Don’t worry, we’ve got your number!
2025 Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Come help us make the holidays bright! Volunteer opportunities include preparing for our Holiday Party, helping at our Holiday Party and wrapping gifts for our Families.
(1) Come to our office and help prep all the fun goodies our Families will be receiving at our Holiday Party (location TBD, but in Brighton/Henrietta)
(2) Helping at our annual Holiday Party for our Families. We can use help with set up, during the event and clean up. The event is being held at the Roger Robach Community Center (180 Beach Ave, 14612)
(3) We are in need of WRAPPERS. No rhyming skills needed. But we love to have fun! We just could NOT offer the Holiday support we provide without YOUR help! Please join us and wrap gifts for our Families at our office this Holiday season. We will provide the wrapping paper and tape. You will need to provide your skilled hands and ability to not lose the scissors!
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.
34th Annual Race With Grace 5k & 10k!
Looking to run off the carbs before feasting on Thanksgiving? Sign up for the Race with Grace Run! Runners can choose from the 5k or 10k and participate in the 34th year of the event:
Date: Thursday, November 27th
Time: 8:30 am EST
Location: Lakeshore Community Church - 3651 LATTA RD. ROCHESTER NY 14612
Runners and volunteers are needed! Click the link below to sign up:
Together, we can make the Holidays Sparkle!
While the Holidays seem so far away, they’ll be here before we know it and we are starting to plan! Please reach out if you are interested in sponsoring a C.U.R.E. Family this holiday season. Sponsorship entails shopping from the Wish Lists provided to C.U.R.E. We anticipate 7 - 10 gifts per child and spending anywhere from $250+ depending on the size of the Family.
We also have amazon Wish Lists (which will be more specifically catered to our Families mid-November) that you can shop from, too!
The Party At The Station!
Join us for a night of great friends, great fun, great food and amazing music for Julianne's Journey to Christmas Joy to benefit C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association!
The Dawgs have put together this amazing night to help support the families of C.U.R.E. who are finding themselves in the fight for their children's lives.
There will be fun, friendship and ALOT of great music! Hope to see you there!
Bills Watch Party!
Come cheer on the Bills at Old Pueblo Grill Cantina for a special Bills Watch Party!
Enjoy the special menu and specials at the bar!
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM 9:00 PM
Where: Old Pueblo Grill Cantina, 55 Russell St, Rochester, NY 14607
Shopping for a Cause!
Come join us for another year of the Shopping For A Cause Craft Show benefitting C.U.R.E.! The place is already booked to the max with vendors and we are so excited to see what’s in store!
Saturday, November 22nd from 10a-3p
North Greece Fire Department Building at 3666 Latta Rd.
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: 4:30p-?
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!
Free Quotes that Help C.U.R.E!
From now until November 30th, Genesse Valley Agency will be donating $5 for every new quote (no purchase necessary) to CURE Childhood Cancer Association! Reach out to one of their Super Agents today to see if they can save you some money before the holidays while also giving back!
Visit their website, www.gvains.com, give them a call at (833)781-5556, or email info@GVAins.com to get a quote started!
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!
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 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!