September 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.
Happy 4th Year Anniversary, Tameka!
Please join us in celebrating Tameka’s 4-year anniversary with C.U.R.E.! We’re pretty sure there’s nothing Tameka can’t do — and if there is, she’ll probably figure it out!
Tameka is the definition of determined. She’s always ready to jump in, lend a hand, and get the job done — whether that’s keeping our bookkeeping on track, making sure our donors feel appreciated, or helping around the office. And somehow, after four years, we’re still learning new things about her!
But one of the things we appreciate most about Tameka is her kindness and thoughtfulness. She has a way of going the extra mile and doing little things to make someone feel special, cared for, or simply brighten their day.
Happy 4 years, Tameka! Thank you for all the laughs, hard work, helping hands and everything in between!
September is Childhood Cancer
& Sickle Cell Awareness Month!
There are LOTS of ways to enjoy yummy food and help raise awareness:
Join us at our Blood Drive at our office on 9/11 to donate blood in honor of Little Warriors
Many towns, villages and counties are issuing Proclamations!
Check out the list of restaurants participating in our Liquid Gold For C.U.R.E. Mac & Cheese Challenge
Sprinkle Awareness with us at participating ice cream shops
… and so much more! Be sure to stay up-to-date on all things awareness by checking out our website. Click the link below!
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 about self-care ideas for caregivers. Check out the video below:
Be sure to check out past videos as well:
Spotlight on:
Meet our Friend, Trinity!
Trinity was diagnosed with Atypical Choroid Plexus Papilloma in February this year.
Trinity is a happy, laid-back girl that loves all animals, playing with her brother Logan, aka "Bub", and getting her nails done of course! At the hospital, Trinity liked to watch DC Super Pets and do Search+ Find books.
In August, Trinity rang the bell at the hospital! We are so happy for her and can’t wait to celebrate with her at the office soon!
Congratulations, Ayden!
Last month, we celebrated Ayden ringing the bell! He was joined by his family and friends to cheer him on for this exciting moment! Ayden’s mom painted his hand as he added his print to our ‘Handprints of Hope’ wall. He also got his own canvas to take home! Renewal by Andersen provided a meal for Ayden and everyone to enjoy. His choice you ask? Red Robin… YUMMM!
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!
Coffee & Connections!
The fourth Tuesday of the month, we are hosting Grandparent Coffee Hour here at the C.U.R.E. Office. Grandparents are so heavily involved in the lives of their grandchildren. The weight of helping their child through a diagnosis and their grandchild through treatment can be heavy. We want to connect you to one another - to lean on one another - and build your village of support. We hope C.U.R.E. Grandparents will join us monthly and build connections! Let us pour into you like you pour into others! Please reach out to Carol at Carol.Austin@curekidscancer.com
Donate blood in honor of awareness month!
It has been a dream of ours to host a blood drive on-site during awareness month for as long as we can remember. This year, it's happening! Come to our new office at 103 White Spruce Boulevard on Friday, September 11th to donate blood!
Catching Dreams & fish, too!
If any C.U.R.E. Families are interested in a morning of guided fishing, please reach out to Captain Ned at nlibrock@roadrunner.com for any dates and times for the fall of 2026.
Catching Dreams Charters, Inc. a 501c3 not for profit, provides fishing adventures for children and young adults battling cancer! We create meaningful moments and memories on the waters of Western New York by “turning wishing into fishing”!
Free fishing charters are provided to patients and families. A “Dream Team” of certified Coast Guard Captains and guides offer the highest level of professionalism, safety, and ability.
These special opportunities allow kids who are battling cancer to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives, find respite from the challenges of cancer treatment and spend time learning and enjoying a new activity.
The Vertex Foundation Scholarship for SCD & TDT helps people with sickle cell disease (SCD) or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT) and their immediate families (spouses, siblings, caregivers and children) pursue two-year, three-year, four-year or graduate degrees by offsetting some of the cost of attending college or graduate school.
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.
The Sickle Cell Advocates of Rochester have LOTS coming up!
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.
Bereavement Group
Thank you to those who were able to attend our Annual Bereaved Family Picnic. We had good weather, great food by Swan Market and our C.U.R.E. Families were able to make meaningful connections!
October Bereavement Group
C.U.R.E. Office
103 white Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
No RSVP Required
SAVE THE DATE
C.U.R.E.’s Annual Remembrance Service
Sunday, October 25, 2026 - 2:00 p.m.
C.U.R.E. Office
103 White Spruce Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14623
RSVP will be required.
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
Happiest of Birthdays to our Friend, Janelle!
This #ThankfulThursday, we wanted to shine a light on a dear Friend of C.U.R.E.: Janelle Plumb. She celebrated a *big* birthday this year and in lieu of getting gifts, she wanted to GIVE them. She hosted a beautiful birthday party and asked guests to bring a gift for local children who are being treated at the hospital. She very generously shared these gifts with C.U.R.E. and we were blown away by this kindness. It's not surprising how many gifts were donated, though, because Janelle is so beloved and has such an incredibly kind heart. Thank you for thinking of us on your special day, Janelle. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead
Buzzed & Beautiful!
Our friend, Evie, was busy this summer spreading awareness in her community! She hosted a Buzzed and Beautiful event where friends and family came out to support her, fundraiser for C.U.R.E. and shave their heads! Evie was surround by love that day and it was so wonderful to see some many support her and C.U.R.E.!
Evie continued to do more fundraising by hosting a lemonade stand with some friends! With both events, Evie raised $600 to donate to C.U.R.E.! Thank you Evie for thinking of other kiddos like you and making such a big impact in our community!
You Rock, Evie!
Evie knows just how much our C.U.R.E. kiddos, like herself, love stuffies! So when she saw these BIG, FLUFFY, PINK Bunnies, she knew exactly what she should do… thank you Evie for donating these bunnies! We are sure they will find perfect, loving homes with other C.U.R.E. kiddos!
Evie is also a very talented artist and has been sharing her talents with us to help with the Golden Gala. We have two rocking chairs that will be auctioned off at the gala that were painted by C.U.R.E. kiddos at the Survivors’ Day Picnic. Evie is helping us put the final touches on the chairs so that are perfect and ready to go! She is one talented friend and we are so grateful for all her help. We can’t wait to show everyone the final product… stay tuned!
U R Amazing!
Every year the day before school starts, UR students volunteer all around Rochester for Wilson Day. This year, C.U.R.E. was one of the nonprofits chosen to be a part of this impactful day!
Six students came to our office with their sleeves rolled up and ready to work! They helped move spare bricks in our garden to a more permanent home and pulled weeds in our garden. These were not easy tasks to do! After some hard labor, they came inside to help put finishing touches on favors for the gala. All day they were so helpful and willing to do whatever was asked of them. Thank you Yellowjackets for your dedication in our community and choosing to volunteer with us!
Please give a hand for our Advocate of the Month…
Julia Ippolito!
Julia is always ready to say, “How can I help?” She doesn’t take her role as a Board Member lightly. Her commitment to C.U.R.E. is evident in the many ways she continues to show up for our Families. Julia has been there for so many of our events — from driving the beverage cart at our golf tournament to volunteering alongside her family at our Bereaved Family Picnic in August. She never hesitates to jump in, and we are so lucky to have her (and her family!) as part of our C.U.R.E. village.
Julia is also currently helping us put the finishing touches on the live auction for our 50th Anniversary Golden Gala! Whether it’s helping behind the scenes, lending a hand at an event, or stepping in at a moment’s notice, Julia is always willing to do whatever she can to make a difference. We are incredibly grateful for her time, her heart, and her unwavering support of C.U.R.E.
Thank you, Julia, for being such a wonderful advocate for our Families!
Gala Volunteers Needed!
Calling all amazing volunteers - help us at our biggest fundraiser of the year! We will need a TON of volunteer help on Friday, September 25th the day of the event. This includes registration and check-in, dining room set up, dining room service, and clean up. Must be able to lift heavy items and be 18 or older.
If you are interested in helping, please click the button below to sign up. Thank you!
Garden Volunteers
We are looking for helpers who can lovingly tend to our Children’s Memorial Garden. Our new space at 103 White Spruce Boulevard has a LOT of garden space that needs some attention. We have beautiful flower beds that we need help maintaining, as well as keeping the space lining the Memorial Brick Walkway. This space is dedicated to our Angels and we want it to be peaceful and beautiful throughout the summer and fall. Your help is so appreciated!
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
Celebrate 50 years of embracing Families at C.U.R.E's 50th Anniversary Golden Gala, presented by West Herr Cares!
Join us on Friday, September 25 at Arbor Midtown for a memorable evening celebrating five decades of supporting local children and families facing childhood cancer and chronic blood disorders. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy an incredible dining experience prepared by the American Culinary Federation, live entertainment, exciting & silent auctions, and inspiring stories that celebrate our past and the future we're building together.
Every dollar raised helps ensure C.U.R.E. can continue providing emotional, educational, social, and financial support to local Families—at no cost to them.
We can't wait to celebrate this golden milestone with you!
Display your awareness: NEW Garden Flags!
Display your awareness for all your neighbors to see. Purchase an awareness month garden flag. A donation will be made to C.U.R.E. for each item purchased.
Display your awareness: Lawn Signs!
Display your awareness for all your neighbors to see. Purchase an awareness month lawn sign. This year, we have TWO options to select from. They are available for in-office pick up now! Signs were generously printed by our friends at SpeedPro Rochester.
C.U.R.E. Apparel has arrived!
We are thrilled to announce the official launch of our brand-new C.U.R.E. Apparel collection in partnership with Sew Pieceful Designs!
Why Shop the Collection?
This isn’t just about the clothing—it’s about the impact. When you purchase from our new apparel line, you are doing more than just updating your wardrobe:
Make a Direct Impact: Every purchase directly supports C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association’s mission as 20% from every purchase will be donated back to C.U.R.E.!
Spread Awareness: Wearing our gear helps amplify our voice and brings visibility to the cause in your own community.
Show Your Solidarity: Join a community of supporters united by hope, strength, and the goal of a future without childhood cancer.
A Magic Problem
Some of our Families may have seen our friend Ted at the Survivors’ Day Picnic! Now’s your chance to see him headline his own show during Rochester Fringe Festival!
Red Tie Variety’s, Ted Baumhauer, Ed. D., will be performing two shows during the Rochester Fringe Festival at the The Harley School Briggs Center for Civic Engagement at 1981 Clover St. Performances are Saturday, September, 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Sunday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 and all profits will be generously donated to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association. For any questions, call 585-278-7770.
35th Annual Race With Grace 5k & 10k!
Start (or continue) a Thanksgiving tradition and join us for the 35th Annual Race With Grace Run! Runners can choose from the 5k or 10k and participate in the 34th year of the event:
Date: Thursday, November 26th
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:
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!
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
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, Chick Fil-A, Domino’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!