February 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!
Meet our Spring Intern:
Welcome New Board Members:
Welcome Zachary Wagner and Jade Welsher! The pair joined our Board of Directors in November and we are so thrilled to have them working alongside our Team!
Congratulations, Ellie!
We are so excited to share that our Friend Ellie finished treatment and celebrated here in the office with us. Joined by her mom, dad, brother and aunt, Ellie rang the End of Chemo Bell on January 22nd. The C.U.R.E. Staff loved seeing Ellie’s new ears and her new trick! We celebrated with her favorite: Popcorn! Our gift to Ellie to celebrate finishing treatment was a collection of Disney Princess dolls! Her brother, Lucas, also picked out a Disney themed toy because we recognize that cancer impacts the whole family and he deserved a treat, too!
Spotlight on: Leighton
Meet our Friend, Leighton .
Leighton is the spunkiest, most fun loving 6 year old and is in first grade. She was diagnosed with Stage 5 Wilms Tumor in May 2024. She adores her big sister and playing with Barbies, dressing up in costumes, singing, dancing and anything that requires an imagination. She almost always has a smile on her face and is the bravest girl we know. She has shown such strength, resilience, independence, perseverance through her whole treatment, all while keeping her sense of humor. She is a remarkable little lady.
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!
Ice Cream for Breakfast Social!
We had so much fun enjoying ice cream sundaes for breakfast on National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! A huge thank you to everyone who came out on the snowy morning to enjoy each others’ company and some yummy treats!
February Parents’ Night Out
C.U.R.E. Parents - are you ready for a new kind of Parents' Night Out in February? Sign up today for Salsa Dancing Lessons with Melissa on Wednesday, February 26th from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at the Lodge at Buckland Park, 1341 Westfall Road, Rochester.
March Parents’ Night Out
We are hosting a FUN Parents’ Night Out in March at Laser Tron! C.U.R.E. Parents are Caregivers are invited to come out for a fun night together on Thursday, March 13th. Be sure to check the closed Parent to Parent Facebook Group and your Program Emails for sign up information.
Reach out to Carol with any questions: carol.austin@curekidscancer.com
Save the Date!
Jeffrey Charles Sewell Memorial scholarship
Last year, the scholarship was received by Lena and Sara.
The Jeffrey Charles Sewell 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 2024.
The JCS 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 Scholarship for each year they are enrolled in college or trade school.
Criteria:
For the inaugural award, the JCS 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.
Applicants can submit applications starting March 1st.
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 about doing an Instagram Takeover.
“Like”, Share or Comment on our social media posts.
David’s Refuge event for Caregivers:
We’re thrilled to invite you to Be Kind Tuesday at Three Heads Brewing Company February 11th from 6-8pm sponsored by ROCNET. This family friendly event will bring us together to raise awareness for caregivers and the mission of David's Refuge in the Rochester Community!
Why This Event Matters
Caregivers are the unsung heroes who tirelessly dedicate their time and love to others. Through David's Refuge we aim to provide them with the resources, support, and community they deserve. By joining us, you’ll help make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Event Details
📅 Date: February 11th, 2025
📍 Location: Three Heads Brewing Company- 186 Atlantic Ave
🕒 Time: 6-8pm
Family Friendly!
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1133806204917944
What to Expect
Great music, drinks and more!
Opportunities to connect and network- family friendly event!
A chance to directly support a mission that uplifts caregivers
How You Can Help
Your participation will contribute to our goal in 2025 to raise additional awareness, funding and support for David's Refuge.
Let’s come together to celebrate and support the caregivers who give so much of themselves to others. No RSVP needed- just come out and have some fun with us!!
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.
81,090 signatures of 150,000 wanted (as of 11/25/2024)
Learn more about Bill A6430B
Creates the Sickle Cell Disease detection and education program
Sponsored by Hyndman
Bereavement Group
February Bereavement Group
will be Wednesday, February 5, 2025
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the C.U.R.E. office
200 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
No RSVP is required.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Bereaved Family Advocate, Diane (diane.valentine@curekidscancer.com)
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
Thankful for Race With Grace!
A big thank you to our Friends at Lakeshore Community Church & Rochester Running Co. for sponsoring the annual Race With Grace 5K and 10K race! This race is held on Thanksgiving morning and has grown year after year. In fact, it is one of the only Thanksgiving races to donate proceeds to a local charity! The planning committee starts their meetings in the spring and every detail is accounted for on the day of the race, making it a fun, family experience for all.
Thank you for putting on a spectacular event every year, we are so grateful for your commitment to our Families!
Honoring Sweet Aurora ❤
In honor of what would be Aurora's 7th birthday, Aurora's family created a wishlist and asked their friends & family to collect donations off the list. With their help, they donated over 4 boxes full of items! Everything from activities, games, toys to toiletries and more! These donations will be provided to other C.U.R.E. Kiddos and their Families.
Thank you Putneys for thinking of our Families, we are so grateful to be a part of honoring Aurora's memory.
Teams come together for C.U.R.E. Nite!
A big shout out to the boys basketball teams at Midlakes & Wayland-Cohocton High Schools! They host a C.U.R.E. Night last month at Midlakes where they sold and wore tees to raise funds for C.U.R.E. Families! The night was dedicated to C.U.R.E. to help raise awareness and funds for our Families. Together, they raised $500!
We are so grateful for their advocacy and making a difference for Families in need.
Sophia is keeping tabs!
Our Friend Sophia is so thoughtful! She continues to collect aluminum can tabs on her own as well as encouraging her friends to collect their tabs. We are the grateful recipients of her hard work!
Our Friends at Hearts for Hailey keep tabs on cancer by collecting can tabs year long and bringing them to a scrap yard. They then donate the funds generated to C.U.R.E. for our parking voucher program!
Many hands make light work and we are so grateful that you keep us top of mind with collecting your tabs!
Roc Holiday Village GIVES!
The Roc Holiday Village is MORE than a fun spot to gather during the holidays. They generously open their doors to nonprofits to sell hot cocoa during the season to help generate funds and awareness for their various organizations. We had a blast keeping attendees warm and serving some delicious hot cocoa on December 21st. Sammi Jo, her brother and friend had so much fun meeting attendees and serving LOTS of cocoa, generating over $1,000 for C.U.R.E.! Thank you to everyone who came out and a big thanks to the team at Roc Holiday Village for the invitation to join you in the festivities!
Thank you, Canandaigua National Bank!
Our most sincere thanks to the East Henrietta Road branch of Canandaigua National Bank for coordinating a toy drive to benefit C.U.R.E. this past holiday season. We are so grateful for community partners who care so deeply about our Families and want to ensure they are wrapped in love, especially during the holidays!
Please give a hand for our Volunteer of the Month….
Cathy Mucha
Cathy is one of the kindest people you will ever meet! She, along with her team at Lakeshore Community Church, plan the annual Race With Grace 5k & 10k held every Thanksgiving morning, which benefits C.U.R.E. She took on this role 3 years ago and has been leading & growing the race ever since! Cathy starts planning with the team in early Spring and thinks of every detail leading up to race day. Between coordinating with volunteers, planning the event and participating in the race herself, she does it all!
We are so grateful for your kind heart, Cathy! Thank you for organizing a great event & bringing our community 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
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
TRIVIA NIGHT IS BACK!
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 6th!
Please join us on March 6th at Comedy @ the Carlson for a our 9th Annual Trivia Night. It’s sure to be a good time with food, drinks, raffles, friends and of course, TRIVIA!
Registration is open now through February 27th. Don’t wait, reserve your team’s spot today!
The 16th Annual 5k Run & Fun Walk presented by Cornerstone Wealth Management is BACK!
Our story begins at Brighton Meridian Centre Park where we'll defeat dragons (and hills) together along our journey. Below are some of the ways YOU can participate this year:
Options to walk or run for adults & children of all ages! Virtual is also an option
Create a team and start fundraising! The site makes it easy to link your Facebook so that others can join your team and donate
Team t-shirts are available for customization through Bonfire again this year! You can invite others to join your team and purchase matching shirts, C.U.R.E. will announce when this will be available for use
Warrior walkway signs are available for purchase and are a great way to honor or remember your kiddo to encourage our participants to finish the race strong
There will be prizes for C.U.R.E. Champions who raise $50+, $100+, $250+, $500+, $1,000+, $2,500+ and $5,000+! Stay tuned to our social media as we roll these out in February
Various activities will be available following the race, fun for the whole family!
Small Change, BIG Difference!
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!
Raffle Baskets Needed!
We are in need of Raffle Baskets to be auctioned off at future fundraising events, including Trivia Night! Things like local business gift cards, lottery tickets, experiences, coffee themed, spa, alcohol, spring themed, etc.
If you are interested in donating one, please reach out to Sammi Jo to coordinate. Click the button below to send an email directly to her:
Who wants a FREE Sub?
Our Friends at Jersey Mike’s are putting on another fundraiser for C.U.R.E. from February 12th-14th! Bring a donation card to either the Monroe Ave or Clinton Ave locations & donate a minimum of $3 to receive a free sub!
Please visit our office to receive your donation card. We will have plenty to give away if you are interested in distributing to coworkers, friends, family, etc!
Cards are valid at both the Monroe Ave. and Clinton Ave. locations.
Find your ZEN with Yoga+!
Join our Friends at Yoga+ for a night filled with yoga and cider! Yoga+ is hosting a Karma Class on Wednesday, March 12th to that will include an hour of flow yoga and end with a cider flight tasting, NA beverages are available as well.
Space is limited!
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.
It’s Beanie Season!
The temps are cooling down outside. Be sure you’re prepared by purchasing one of our exclusive Love Your Melon + C.U.R.E. Beanies available in three options!
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 the holidays approaching, we hope you’ll consider grabbing a gift from Reeds Jewelers Embrace the Difference Collection and make a difference to our Families (all while giving a beautiful gift!).
We also have exclusive bracelets here at C.U.R.E. with our logo on them that make beautiful gifts!
Round Up for C.U.R.E.!
We are thrilled to share that we are now part of the Walmart Spark Good program! You can select “C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association” as your charity of choice and round up your purchases! The rounded up change will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
STEP 1: Visit walmart.com/sparkgood and sign in to your Walmart.com account.
STEP 2: Search for a favorite charity.
STEP 3: Once you choose a charity, go to the Round Up box and click "Select this Charity"
STEP 4: Review the FAQs and the Terms of Use.
C.U.R.E. Partners:
You can now return your cans and bottles to Alpco Recycling and Bottle & Can Retrieval Centers! Let them know you’d like to support “C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association” and a donation will be made to us!
Alpco Recycling is located at:
846 Macedon Center Road, Macedon, NY 14502
Bottle & Can Retrieval Centers located at:
509 Spencerport Rd, Rochester
2199 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester
2374 Chili Ave, Rochester
More ways to help:
Hailey and her Family have been saving aluminum can tabs for C.U.R.E. for many years now. The photo is Hailey standing in an oil drum of tabs surrounded by 14 oil drums FILLED with can tabs! They bring the drums to the scrap yard and then donate the proceeds to C.U.R.E. Those proceeds are then applied to the cost of parking vouchers for our Families.
You can bring your can tabs to our office at 200 Westfall Road, 14620 during business hours and we will collect them for Hailey and her Family.
We hope you think of Hailey and her program while you are at family gatherings, picnics and other fun summer activities this summer that may include aluminum cans!
C.U.R.E. has joined the PayPal Giving Fund. Please consider adding us to your account to Shop, Donate and Raise Awareness for our families.
PayPal Giving Fund expands our fundraising reach through direct integration with PayPal, eBay and GoFundMe.
We are so grateful to the community for all of the wonderful donations we receive throughout the year. We could not service all the families we do without this generous support. If you or a community group you belong to is looking for something to do for a charity, please consider donating items from C.U.R.E.’s wish list so that we can continue to provide for our families:
A cure for childhood cancer, blood diseases and brain tumors!
- SQUISHMALLOWS! ALL SIZES! The kids love them!
- Journals for Kids and Teens
- Gift cards for Wegmans, Tops, Wal-Mart, Target and gas cards
- Gift cards for GrubHub, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Moe’s, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks
- Gifts for teens or young adults
- Toys (Please look at our Amazon Wish Lists:
Under $20: https://a.co/hlW4hCO
$20 - 50: https://a.co/eHiQcV2
$50+: https://a.co/bVDujCy)
We ask that all items be new and recently purchased. Thank you!