October 2023 Newsletter
C.U.R.E. is here.
From the day of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond:
The support doesn’t stop when the treatment stops.
And we are so thankful for our Friends who make our support possible.
A beautiful sunrise…
This picture was taken the morning of our 15th Annual Recipe for a C.U.R.E. Sunday Brunch on Sunday, September 17th. With each passing moment, the beauty of the morning enveloped you, filling your heart with gratitude and wonder. It was a reminder that even in the midst of life's challenges, there were moments of pure magic and beauty that could fill your soul with joy and awe. This sunrise was a reminder to slow down, appreciate all that is around us and to be grateful.
As the day progressed with our biggest event of the year, our hearts were overflowing with gratitude. Our Friends at West Herr Cares continue to keep our Families top of mind with the kindnesses they show to C.U.R.E. The talent of the Chefs who are a part of Rochester’s chapter of the ACF (American Culinary Federation) blew everyone away, once again. Everyone was missing our dear Friend and dedicated supporter, Chef Brad Yearwood, who passed away on September 6th.
It means the world to us that local businesses and friends contributed to our auctions, especially with the economy being so tough right now. The generosity and investment in our community by businesses who partnered with us in sponsoring the event make a difference to our Families. Our guests brought smiles to our faces - it was so good to see you all! The volunteers who dedicated their morning and afternoon to helping us make this a wonderful event for all are truly incredible.
We appreciate everyone who made the event such a beautiful day. Thank you for filling our souls with gratitude, knowing we will continue to support Families facing the unimaginable.
Wishing Tameka, our Bookkeeper and Office Admin, a happy 1 year Anniversary! We appreciate her dedication to our Families and our cause!
September is Awareness Month
WHEW! Another Awareness Month has come and gone (although, we like to raise awareness all year long!).
Our Community has been BUSY showing their support and letting our Families know they are not alone:
The participants in this year’s Liquid Gold for C.U.R.E. Challenge were amazing! From seafood mac and cheese dishes to rotating mac and cheese dishes to mac and cheese on a baked potato - we were BLOWN AWAY! Each establishment promoted childhood cancer awareness and helped us spread the word throughout social media and at their locations.
We created over 150 Facebook profile frames to raise awareness!
We partnered with 12 municipalities to issue proclamations acknowledging September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
We sold nearly 50 lawn signs sharing that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
We partnered with these amazing businesses in different capacities to raise awareness and funds!
Our gold flamingos migrated to over 20 different houses and businesses to raise awareness! Thank you to our official Migrators: Lynne & Randy Stiefler!
A HUGE thank you to our Friends from RDI Diamonds, who helped to advocate for C.U.R.E. and promote Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Check out the video they made:
Yummy Treats for C.U.R.E.!
We were so thrilled to partner with Ridge Donut Cafe and Shelly’s Sweet Shoppe to offer something fun and special in September to raise awareness! Ridge Donut offered a specialty donut and Shelly’s offered a delicious sprinkle cookie!
Raising Awareness at our office on Westfall Road:
Spotlight on: Henry
Meet our Friend, Henry.
Henry is a dinosaur-loving, cheeseburger-eating, sprightly 5-year-old from Rochester. He is studying to be a paleontologist and is also developing expertise in a variety of scientific topics, including outer space and oceanography. A kindergartener, Henry enjoys swimming, reading (especially Owl Diaries), gymnastics, pretending to be Josh Allen, and playing with his baby sister, Whitney. He is grateful for support from C.U.R.E. and loves their Voyage Bead program.
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!
September Parents’ Night Out
On Wednesday, September 20th, C.U.R.E. Parents were out and about on the Rochester Pedal Tour. Parents’ Night Out was a beautiful evening of pedaling all around the City of Rochester. Our host Brian did a fantastic job educating everyone about the City’s interesting history. We even saw a few buildings lit up GOLD for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sign up today and join us on our next Parents’ Night Out!!!
C.U.R.E. Parents’ Night Out
It’s Spooky Szn!!! C.U.R.E. Parents’ Night Out! Friday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. This is open to C.U.R.E. Parents and Caregivers. Watch for Program emails and the Closed Parent Facebook Group for sign up information or call Carol at the office at 585-473-0180
November Parents’ Night Out
November Parents’ Night at Lasertron in Henrietta on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. This is open to C.U.R.E. Parents and Caregivers. Watch for Program emails and the Closed Parent Facebook Group for sign up information or call Carol at the office at 585-473-0180.
Resources:
Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship and Employment Resources:
Children's Cancer Cause is assisting childhood cancer patients, survivors and families by centralizing most national resources that provide scholarships for survivors of childhood cancer or those with particular effects. The site also has resources and advice relating to employment and applying for these scholarships.
Some opportunities require commitment to a childhood cancer advocacy project while in college, while others make you eligible for you just being you. But you do need to apply! Be sure to read the instructions and qualifications very carefully. Apply in plenty of time to get feedback from family, guidance counselors and others. Board Member, Jacob Adams, would be happy to help if given at least two weeks’ notice. Please contact the office for his e-mail address.
Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial Scholarship
Along with their children, Ed and Nancy Sewell established the Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son (and brother) in 2022. We were thrilled they made the trip to Rochester for our recent Recipe for a C.U.R.E. Sunday Brunch and were able to have lunch with this year’s recipients! It was a lovely afternoon of conversation and sharing about everyone’s experience with childhood cancer.
Stay tuned to upcoming newsletters to learn about applying for the 2024 Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial Scholarship.
Catching Dreams
Catching Dreams Charters, Inc. hosts private fishing charters near Buffalo on Lake Erie or the Niagara River for pediatric oncology or hematology children.
We have connected with Captain Ned, the Founder of this organization, and would love to connect our C.U.R.E. Kids to Ned and schedule some fishing charters! Charters are scheduled for during the week from mid-May through Labor Day and leave from the Buffalo Harbor or near the Niagara River.
Please reach out to Captain Ned if you are interested in a private fishing charter.
Our Friends at Catching Dreams have been busy turning wishing into fishing this summer! Check out these pictures to see how much fun our Kiddos have been having!
YOU can help C.U.R.E. for FREE
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/curekidscancerrochester
Instagram: @curekidscancer
Twitter: @curekidscancer_Write a review about C.U.R.E. on our Facebook Page or on Google.
Write a blog that can be shared on our website.
Contact our Parent Advocate Michelle about doing a Facebook Live or Instagram Takeover.
“Like”, Share or Comment on our social media posts.
Conquer Cancer in Kids:
make childhood cancer research a priority:
UPDATE: THE PETITION IS JUST SHY OF BEING ONE OF THE MOST SIGNED PETITIONS ON CHANGE.ORG. THE GOAL IS 15,000 SIGNATURES AND AS OF 9/28/2023, THERE ARE 15,010 SIGNATURES!
We invite our families and supporters to join CNN’s Rene Marsh as she advocates to make childhood cancer research a priority! Sadly, Rene lost her two year old son, Blake, to brain cancer in April 2021. She is now working with CNN and childhood cancer awareness advocates to make a difference!
To review and sign the petition, click the button below.
Petition to the Biden Administration to increase funding for childhood cancer research. This effort was started through awareness from The Ellen Show.
80,922 signatures of 150,000 wanted (as of 9/23/2023)
GRYT Health connects patients and caregivers to others with shared experience and to information relevant to their journey.
Through the GRYT app, we’ve created a platform for people affected by cancer to connect to others with similar experiences, and to tailored information that helps our users become more aware of options specific to their needs or diagnosis – empowering them to make choices that are right for them.
Our community of patients, survivors, medical professionals, researchers and advocates across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries worldwide have participated in almost 1,000,000 interactions to date, inspiring people to live according to their own standards.
Trust from our community is paramount to our success and something we take very seriously. We never share any of our users’ information without their explicit permission. Unlike other apps, GRYT is the first social community that is funded, built, and run by patients and caregivers where users communicate anonymously in real-time and each person is 100% in charge of what happens with their data.
Global Virtual Cancer Conference
Check out GRYT’s 3rd Annual Global Virtual Cancer Conference on November 3rd and 4th.
Learn more about Bill A6430B
Creates the Sickle Cell Disease detection and education program
Sponsored by Hyndman
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, 2023, they’re accepting applications for the 2024-’25 school year.
To learn more, please click the link below or contact CFC at applications@cancerforcollege.org.
We are so GRATEFUL for the sponsors, ACF Chefs, guests, donors, auction bidders and volunteers who participated in this year’s 15th Annual Recipe for a C.U.R.E. Sunday Brunch presented by West Herr Cares!
With your help, we surpassed our goal for this year and raised over $100,000! This incredible show of support for C.U.R.E. is truly a testament to your compassion and commitment to improving the lives of our C.U.R.E. families.
Save the date for next year:
September 22, 2024
Join us at our new venue next year, the Arbor Midtown!
Live Auction Winner!
Janelle Plumb was the lucky winner of the ‘BEEhind the Curtain with WBEE’ experience! She and 3 friends joined Bo, TJ and Terry on-air for a morning filled with laughter, chatter and bagels! They were so kind to bring gifts for the BEE Morning Coffee Club Crew, especially for Terry in honor of her retirement. We hope you had the best time, Janelle!
Thank you for ‘Keeping Tabs on Cancer’
Danielle stopped by our office to drop off can tabs for Hailey’s program, ‘Keeping Tabs on Cancer’! She and her family have saved up a years worth of can tabs to donate. You can learn more about Hailey’s program in the ‘More Ways To Help’ section of the newsletter. Thank you Danielle for supporting Hailey and our Families!
We are so grateful for you!
If you see this lovely lady, please let her know how wonderful she is! Cat volunteers her time from February till the Brunch, helping us with the silent auction - from requesting donations to wrapping them beautifully for display. We truly wouldn’t be able to provide such an array without her hard work and dedication, which ultimately leads to more support for our Families.
Thank you Cat for your commitment and love for C.U.R.E.!
Thank you!!!
Thank you Stephanie Magnuson for all the beautiful clothes you donated for our C.U.R.E. Kiddos. Thank you for dropping by and leaving such a wonderful assortment of outfits. We are so excited to share them with our Families!
Oh What A Night!
A big thank you to Blue Barn Cidery who partnered with West Herr Cares to raise funds and awareness for C.U.R.E. on the last night of their Summer Live Series! There was a a phenomenal turnout filled with drinks, food, music and dancing! Thank you to the Blue Barn Cidery team for their ongoing support and making a difference for our Kiddos!
Ride for Geovanni!
A HUGE thank you to those who came out to Ride for Geovanni! Compass Cycle + Flow allowed Michelle to plan an extra class to recognize Geovanni and raise funds for C.U.R.E.! Go Frost Yourself kindly donated delicious cookies, which Amelia sold at the event (Thanks, Ladies!). EL Flowers also donated bouquets which were sold and proceeds donated to C.U.R.E. Three ways to treat yourself all to raise awareness and funds:
- Self Care Exercise
- Cookies
- Flowers
Sounds like a great time!
Golfing Fore C.U.R.E!
The Pecora team coordinated the Keller Williams Golf Classic this summer and donated over $4,000 to C.U.R.E! Jon Pecora and his team are committed to making the real estate process accessible for both hearing and Deaf communities. We are so appreciative of your donation and support, thank you!
Thank you, Amanda!
Amanda and her mom hosted a Pampered Chef Fundraiser in honor of C.U.R.E.! Amanda is a childhood cancer survivor and has graciously supported C.U.R.E. for many years. Thank you Amanda for giving back to our Families!
Thank You - Beads ‘N Things
Thank you Sheila and Ann Grabowski for all the beautiful beads and accessories that you donated to C.U.R.E. After nearly 40 years in Pittsford, Beads ‘N Things closed their doors and kindly shared the remainder of their stock with us. Thank you so much for thinking of C.U.R.E.
Raising Awareness at work!
Thank you, Janine and our Friends at Paychex, for wearing gold ribbon stickers and donating to C.U.R.E. in September. Your willingness to raise awareness and funds is appreciated! Thank you for thinking of our Families!
Impact Day!
Our friends from First American spent a morning cleaning windows, tending to our garden and planting irises for the spring! We are so thankful for their hard work in making the Julie Roberts Children’s Memorial Garden beautiful. Thank you for choosing to help C.U.R.E. on your company Impact Day!
In loving memory of Mark Dillon.
C.U.R.E. was again a grateful recipient of proceeds generated by the Annual Mark Dillon Memorial Golf Tournament. We were invited to attend the dinner at the end of the tournament and were simply blown away by all the love and support that was present. We are in awe of the way Mark’s Family has carried on his legacy and celebrates his life together. Thank you for letting us be a part of this special day and event.
Stay tuned…
We will be in need of Volunteer Assistance this Holiday Season:
Prepping for the Holiday Party
At the Holiday Party
Wrapping gifts for Families in December
Come Tend to our Garden!
We are looking for Friends to come help honor our Angel Kiddos and take care of our Julie Roberts Children’s Memorial Garden. The sign ups are set for Sundays at 9 AM, but you can come any time you want during that week.
It’s so important that our garden looks beautiful for our little Angels. We are so appreciative of our Volunteers.
Caring for our garden includes pruning trees and shrubs and weeding the garden beds and Remembrance Walkway.
Join our Board of Directors!
We have some Board positions opening in the very near future! Interested in applying?
The Board meets monthly for 1.5 - 2 hours (Currently the third Wednesday evening of the month from 5:30 - 7:30)
Board members must attend two of the three main fundraisers (5k & Fun Walk, Golf Tournament, Brunch)
Board members are on at least one sub-committee
Board members make a monetary donation for the Board sponsored Live Auction package for the Brunch
Applications can be emailed to:
cureboardapplications@gmail.com
We want to connect!
If you served on the Board of Directors for C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association, we would love to stay connected! Please email Holly Dutcher to connect!
holly.dutcher@curekidscancer.com
Peachskin Sheets + C.U.R.E.
It’s Cozy Season, Friends.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Peachskin Sheets once again!
Shop November 1st through November 22nd to get your paws on the AFFORDABLE & LUXURIOUS sheets offered through Peachskin Sheets. Stay tuned for the website and discount code for shopping!
For every sheet set sold, $20 will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
Support Local Crafters & Vendors…
… all while supporting C.U.R.E.!
Please join Shopping for a Cause on Sunday, November 19th for a fun day or crafters and vendors! With nearly 30 participants, you’re sure to knock some of your Holiday Shopping off your list!
Sunday, November 19th
at the Italian American Community Center
(150 Frank Dimino Way)
10 AM - 4 PM
The BEST Thanksgiving Race Around Just Got BETTER!
Start your Thanksgiving morning with the 32nd Annual Race With Grace 10k OR 5k! That’s right: a 5k component has been added this year! We are so excited!
With opportunities to Volunteer AND run the distance of your choosing, this is one tradition you won’t want to miss.
Proceeds benefit C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association.
The Holidays are coming…
Do you want to make the Holidays brighter for our C.U.R.E. Families? YOU can sponsor a C.U.R.E. Family and make their Holidays great! Each child in the Family typically receives between 7 and 10 items. Depending on the size of the Family, we expect it will cost at least $250 to sponsor a Family (for your reference).
Shop our Wish Lists:
Please help us make the Holidays brighter for our Families by shopping our Amazon Wish Lists this Holiday Season. We have split our lists into three different spending categories to make shopping more convenient for you. We are also in need of fun Holiday wrapping paper and Scotch Tape (if that’s more in your comfort zone):
Don’t forget the JOE!
Don’t forget to check out our Friends at Awareness Coffee Co.! They have many different coffee options AND you can support a cause you’re passionate about (we’re partial to the Pediatric Cancer Blend). A portion of the sale of the coffee will be donated to the charities listed under each cause.
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!
Click here to learn more.
Every Penny Matters.
Do you want to join forces with C.U.R.E. and participate in our Annual Penny Drive? We make it easy! We can decorate and deliver jugs for your to facilitate your collections. We will also pick up your donations. No change rolling or counting required! Contact our office if your school or business would like to participate!
It makes cents.
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!
Rock C.U.R.E. Elite Sport Socks!
These super comfortable and supportive sport socks are HERE! What a great way to show support for C.U.R.E. and small businesses, they are made in the USA! Rock them while you are working from home or out exercising. Sandal season is over, rock these cozy socks today!
C.U.R.E. has joined the PayPal Giving Fund. Please consider adding us to your account to Shop, Donate and Raise Awareness for our families.
PayPal Giving Fund expands our fundraising reach through direct integration with PayPal, eBay and GoFundMe.
Bereavement Group
October Bereavement Group will meet at the C.U.R.E. office on Wednesday, October 4th from 7-8:30 p.m. No RSVP is necessary.
Please reach out to Michelle Magin at
michelle.magin@curekidscancer.com with any questions.
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
We are so grateful to the community for all of the wonderful donations we receive throughout the year. We could not service all the families we do without this generous support. If you or a community group you belong to is looking for something to do for a charity, please consider donating items from C.U.R.E.’s wish list so that we can continue to provide for our families:
A cure for childhood cancer, blood diseases and brain tumors!
- Buffalo Bills items (hats, gloves, socks, etc.) for teen gifts
- SQUISHMALLOWS! ALL SIZES! The kids love them!
- Universal phone chargers with long cords
- 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
- Crafts for young adults and children
- Items for teens or young adults
- Toys (Please look at our Amazon Wish Lists:
Under $20: https://a.co/hlW4hCO
$20 - 50: https://a.co/eHiQcV2
$50+: https://a.co/bVDujCy)
We ask that all items be new and recently purchased. Thank you!