March 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!
Welcome, Elena!
We are so excited to share that Elena Fischer has joined our C.U.R.E. Team! Elena has trained with our Parent Advocate, Michelle, at Golisano Children’s Hospital and will be working at the hospital on her own Mondays through Wednesdays! That’s right: we will have a Parent Advocate available to our Families every day of the work week!
Elena joins the team with an incredible amount of empathy and understanding of pediatric cancer, as her son is a Rhabdomyosarcoma survivor. We couldn’t be more grateful to offer increased support to our Families with Elena on board.
Aside from being the very best mom to Lucas, she enjoys traveling and live music. She fits right in with the team as a fellow Buffalo Bills fan (we promise that’s not a pre-requisite. We all just have great taste)!
Thanks to our partnership with Golisano Children’s Hospital, we will continue to provide meaningful support through our Parent Advocate Support Program to Families facing the unimaginable.
Sending love and gratitude to our Friends at Golisano Children’s Hospital and who provide services to our Families:
Cassie’s Corner: Updates from our Spring Intern
Congratulations, Atticus, Michael & Akiva!
We are thrilled to share we had even MORE Survivorship celebrations here in the office recently as we joyously celebrated Atticus' End of Treatment! The Little Warrior commemorated finishing treatment with his mom, dad, brother and sister by his side. Atticus was gifted his favorites: Pizza Pringles and Lindt Cream Truffles to enjoy while recognizing this major milestone. Our C.U.R.E. Staff hopes he continues to celebrate with his Little People car set and sled (because we all know how much snow we've been getting!). Big Brother chose a really cool RC car for himself and a Mrs. Potato Head for little sister - as we recognize this is a journey the whole family endures.
Michael joined us with his parents by his side as he rang the End of Chemo Bell and added his handprint to our Handprints of Hope Wall! What would a celebration be without Michael’s favorite treat: Cheez Its! We made sure to provide a healthy supply of them to Michael. It was great to connect with his parents and hear more about how he debunked so many of the “norms” during treatment. Wishing our friend luck with Bowling Sectionals and his upcoming events!
Little Warrior Akiva joined us in the office with so many of his loving family members who were by his side throughout treatment. He was so excited to ring the bell with us and rang it with pride! As an avid Paw Patrol fan, we were sure to shower him with lots of Paw Patrol toys - including walkie talkies for his brother Luca to use with him! Luca also chose a puzzle book that shared his name. The sweet sounds of the End of Chemo Bell were almost as sweet as Akiva’s favorite treats we shared with him: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Spotlight on: Sturgill
Meet our Friend, Sturgill.
Sturgill was diagnosed in October with Aplastic Anemia. We were quickly informed that he would need a bone marrow transplant so the search for the perfect donor began. We were able to receive the transplant on January 21st, the day before his 4th birthday. Now he will forever celebrate 2 birthdays back-to-back! Sturgill is quite the theatrical kid, acting out movie scenes and doing voice overs. He also loves music, books, and story telling.
Hey, C.U.R.E. Parents:
Did you know we have a private Facebook Group JUST for you? Connect with other parents. Ask questions about treatment, education help and more. Learn from others.
Contact us to learn more!
February Parents’ Night Out
C.U.R.E. Parents danced the night away as Melissa taught everyone how to salsa dance! The lively and energetic steps kept everyone on their toes.
Thank you Melissa!
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 Memorial Scholarship was established by a founding C.U.R.E. Family in honor of their late son. This scholarship seeks to assist young people who were supported by C.U.R.E. and are currently attending or plan to attend college or trade school in 2025.
The JCS Memorial Scholarship winner will receive a one-time, $2,000 award to be applied towards their continuing education. Eligibility for this scholarship:
Cancer survivors who have been supported by C.U.R.E.; and
Have been accepted, are currently enrolled, or are a prospective student with plans to enroll into a 2-year, 4-year, or trade school.
If enrolled, must be in good standing with their college or institution.
Award winner can re-apply for the JCS Memorial Scholarship for each year they are enrolled in college or trade school.
Criteria:
The JCS Memorial Scholarship winner will be someone who has demonstrated a commitment to continuing education amidst life’s challenges, including the journey of surviving childhood cancer.
Though not a requirement, students pursuing education in science, medicine, social work, or other health sciences with career plans in children’s cancer are strongly encouraged to apply.
Click below to apply:
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.
81,090 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
March Bereavement Group
will be Wednesday, March 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.
Our meeting on April 2nd will be a Parent’s Night Out for a truffle making and chocolate tasting class. *An email and a Facebook post in our private C.U.R.E. Bereaved Families Group will be coming soon with details!
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Bereaved Family Advocate, Diane (diane.valentine@curekidscancer.com)
*Not on our Bereaved Family email list or our private Bereaved Family Facebook Group and would like to be? Contact Diane to get added.
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
2024 Mac Daddy Winners:
New York Beer Project Victor
Congratulations, New York Beer Project Victor!
YOU are our 2024 Liquid Gold for C.U.R.E. Mac Daddy Winners! You rose to the challenge and helped raise vital funds and awareness in recognition of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! We are grateful to all of our participating Friends from the community who collectively raised over $2,500 to help further C.U.R.E.’s mission AND helped educate the community on childhood cancer!
Thank you to 58 Main Smokin’ BBQ, Hose 22, McColley’s, MicGinny’s on the River, Ms. Linzy’s Mac and Cheese, New York Beer Project Victor and Pittsford Pub for particiating!
We are looking forward to this September and even more friends getting cheesey with us for the Kids!
Will’s Wish granted with love!
We are so grateful to our friend, Will! Will is fellow cancer survivor who was recently granted a Make-A-Wish. Instead of taking a trip or meeting his favorite celebrities, he chose to donate his wish back to local cancer non-profits to help other kiddos like him in his community. We are so grateful that C.U.R.E. was chosen as one of those organizations! Will is a hero who should not only be recognized for his strength, but also for his kind heart.
Thank you Will for helping our C.U.R.E. Families and making impact on our community!
Stephanie is SUPER!
We want to shout our gratitude for Stephanie Kanis for everyone to hear! Stephanie saved and fundraised individually to generate an incredible $948 donation for C.U.R.E.! Her Family is familiar with the services provided by our organization and believes in us enough to advocate for us! We are so grateful. It means the world to us when we have such tireless advocates for the work we do here. Thank you, Stephanie!
Thank you, St. Bonaventure ENACTUS!
We are so grateful to St. Bonaventure University and the ENACTUS group within the University. We are honored to partner with them, especially through their Canvas for a C.U.R.E. program. Click the link below to learn about the program, how it was created and the incredible Alumni who continue to impact the world around them.
Kindness Parties RULE!
Our friend, V, celebrated her birthday this year by giving back to other kiddos! Instead of a typical birthday party, V threw a Kindness Party and asked all of her guests to bring a gifts to be donated to C.U.R.E. They brought everything from coloring books, to games, legos, tumblers and toys for all ages! Thank you V for thinking of our C.U.R.E. kiddos and spreading awareness for childhood cancer. We hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Thank you for bringing comfort to our Families!
In January, the New Vision Pioneers reached out to C.U.R.E. asking what we needed to help our Families. When we told them about the Comfort Bags we provide newly diagnosed Families, they sprung into action and collected a ton of warm blankets, fuzzy socks and thermometers! We now have a year’s worth of supplies ready for Families the minute they need them.
Thank you, Pioneers, for helping to bring comfort when our Families need it the most.
The Spicy Goldfish Boutique is Great!
We continue to be tremendously grateful for the Hutter Family and The Spicy Goldfish Boutique in Painted Post, NY! They have been so kind to donate Dot Dot Smile items from their boutique the last several years. Our Families LOVE “shopping” the dresses and outfits at our annual Survivors’ Day Picnic every year. We can’t wait to tie up the clotheslines and offer these cute options to our Families!
Thank you for continuing to keep us in your hearts and our Kiddos looking cute!
Extra Good and Extra Comfy!
From Thanksgiving through December last year, C.U.R.E. partnered with PeachSkinSheets for their annual fundraiser - $20 from every sheet or comforter order was donated to C.U.R.E. During that time, they were able to raise $720 from sales! Thank you to everyone who bought their new comfy (like sleeping on cloud 9 comfy) sheets or comforters during this fundraiser. We hope you all sleep extra well knowing you helped others with your purchase!
Thank You, Latta Road Wegmans!
Our Friends at Latta Road Wegmans were extra SWEET to us this Valentine’s Day! They donated boxes of valentine bags for our kiddos in the hospital. The bags included coloring books, different activities and goodies which brought lots of smiles during some tough days. Thank you Wegmans for thinking of our kiddos and spreading lots of LOVE to our Families!
Please give a hand for our Volunteer of the Month….
Brian Wainwright
Brian Wainwright is a determined, dedicated and ambitious Board Member! He is one of our greatest cheerleaders - always looking to connect our organization with his network and help further our mission. Brian is always attending our events as a participant or as a volunteer. Our Staff has been so grateful for his extra hands, especially packing up after the Holiday Party - staying late even though he was the sole individual working at our annual Tacky Sweater event the following evening.
Thank you, Brian, for rooting for us, connecting us with your network, letting our Families know they are not alone and being an incredible leader in our Community!
We need your help at the 5k Run/Walk!
Want to be a part of this year’s 5k Run & Fun Walk but prefer to be behind the scenes? Then come help volunteer! We will need volunteers to help set up pre-run, check in participants, be active along race routes, and help facilitate at the post-event celebration. If you are interested, please click the link below:
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
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
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+! Check out the website for details
Various activities will be available following the race, fun for the whole family!
Team t-shirts can be customized through Bonfire again!
I
nvite others to join your team and buy matching shirts.
Have friends joining your team from out of the area? This is the perfect solution, as shirts will be mailed directly to them!
Even better - a portion of the shirt sales will be donated to C.U.R.E.!
Click the button below to join our Facebook Event to stay up to date on any new challenges, information, and so much more!
Honor Your C.U.R.E. Kiddo!
Warrior walkway signs are available for purchase and are a great way to honor or remember your kiddo. The Warrior Walkway is right before the finish line for runners & walkers to see!
Click the link below to purchases yours today:
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. 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:
Interested in helping with C.U.R.E. events?
We are looking for volunteers to join committees for both our Golf Tournament and the Sunday Brunch! The Golf Tournament consists of participants from various backgrounds that help organize, solicit donations & sponsors, and work closely with the events coordinator on day of details.
The Sunday Brunch has multiple committees you can join based on your interests: PR & Marketing Committee, Live Auction Committee, Registration Committee and the Dining Room Committee (the last two must be able to volunteer the day of).
Click the links below to learn more and sign up!
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 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 Easter, Mother’s Day and 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!
- 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!