Cancer is not a one man fight; it takes a full army of supporters and encouragers. This week, we are delighted to share several amazing stories of communities standing strong behind the tiniest cancer fighters dedicated to raise awareness and funding for neuroblastoma.

Though there’s a lot of uplifting and promising stories this week, we also extend our deepest sympathy to the Christiansen family who’s 3 year old son was laid to rest after his heroic battling with neuroblastoma came to an end. Our prayers are with you, Christiansen family.

Here’s this week’s links…

Kids – Why We Fight

Sadie Smith had cancer this past summer, but is doing far better today

Meet the adorable Sadie Smith! This tiny tot was taken into the hospital when she was 10 months old after having a severe ear infection. However, after further testing it was revealed that Sadie had a tumor, neuroblastoma to be exact. Sadie underwent chemotherapy for months and throughout the process the family prayed and prayed for Sadie to be healed. Sadie’s neighbors began to hold fundraisers to help offset the family’s medical expenses and were able to raise $30,000 for the family! Today, Sadie is in remission! We are praying for you Sadie and we humbly thank the Murfreesboro community for their dedication to raising awareness and funding for Sadie!wgnsradio.com.

3-year-old ‘firefighter’ Daniel loses cancer battle

3 year old Daniel Christiansen died peacefully after a heroic battle with neuroblastoma. Before his passing, Daniel was made an honorary firefighter in stations worldwide! He brought together firefighters from around the world after his parents asked North Lincoln Fire & Rescue to let him ride in a fire engine. They instead made him an honorary firefighter and shared his story. Please keep the Christiansen family in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to extend your sympathy to the family, you may do so by visiting Daniel’s Facebook page at ‘Firefighters for Team Daniel.’nwcn.com.

Non-Profits / Events / News

Record attempt to help Leeds girl with rare cancer

Over 500 people took part in a welly walk around Roundhay Park over the weekend in a record attempt to raise money for 3 year old Kendal Middleton Jessop who is battling neuroblastoma. Kendall relapsed last month, however, her cancer seems to be solely limited to her leg. Kendal’s parents have set up a fundraiser aiming to cover the costs of treatment in the US should Kendal require healthcare not currently available in the UK. For more information about Kendal’s condition and to donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/kendalmiddletonjessopappeal.yorkshireevningpost.co.uk.

Family of girl with rare cancer appeal for help to raise £120,000 to send her to US for treatment

Merryn Lacy, 4, was diagnosed last August with Stage four neuroblastoma and has just completed a gruelling 12 weeks of chemotherapy. Merryn’s mom created an appeal in hopes of raising over £120,000 for her daughter’s specialized treatment in the US. To assist the family in raising the funds for Merryn’s cancer treatment, Olympic gold medal winner, boxer Katie Taylor donated her Olympic torch to be auctioned off. How cool is that?! To learn more about Merryn or to donate to her appeal, please visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/merrynlacybelfasttelegraph.co.uk.

Ansonia bakery carries on sweet Mardi Gras tradition

Mardi Gras is the time for beads and celebration, but for Eddy’s Bake Shop it’s a time to hold its annual paczki-eating contest. This year’s winner, Marcus Bartone of Derby, said he entered the contest in memory of his 7 year old daughter Sydney who died from neuroblastoma a few years ago and to raise awareness for this horrific disease. We are deeply sorry for his loss but want to congratulate him on his win!nhregister.com.

Experts reveal new test to target treatment for deadly child cancer

Researchers at Leeds University have discovered that a simple blood test might be able to pinpoint patients who are unlikely to respond to neuroblastoma treatment. Study leader Prof Sue Burchill, from the School of Medicine at Leeds University, said: “The blood test we are developing can help identify children with the most aggressive form of the disease early on, so they can be offered other experimental treatments. This not only gives them the best chance of living longer, but will help speed up the development of much needed new treatments for this group of children.” We are very hopeful in this study!yorkshirepost.co.uk.

Teacher trains like a Warrior to raise cash to support sick child

Scott Bowman will brave freezing temperatures and dangerous obstacles to complete the Warrior Beach Assault challenge on March 29 all for five year old neuroblastoma fighter, Fraja Simpson. Fraja’s parents, Garry and Michelle, are trying to raise the £500,000 needed for the life-saving treatment in the US. Scott was inspired to raise money for the Fraja Ellie appeal as his mother, Jill, is close to Fraja’s grandparents. Scott said: “So I want to help and even if I don’t meet my target of £1,000, if I raise some awareness for the appeal that would be great.” We thank you, Scott for your compassion and dedication to help Fraja and raise awareness for neuroblastoma! To sponsor Scott and the team visit: www.justgiving.com/fraja-ellie-appealhexhamcourant.co.uk.

Family’s bid to raise cash to pay for two-year-old Charlie’s cancer treatment

The parents of two-year-old Charlie Grantham have launched an appeal in a bid to pay for his pioneering neuroblastoma cancer treatment. Charlie’s mom, Chrissy Coggan said her world stopped when she was told that her son had cancer, “All I could think was this was it, I was going to lose my little boy. Why him? What had he done to deserve this? He hasn’t had a life and it’s not fair.” Chrissy continues to stress the importance of raising awareness and funding for Charlie and neuroblastoma. To make a donation for Charlie’s appeal, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/NCCAUKCharliesJourney.lincolnshireecho.co.uk.

Lacey Holsworth to join Adreian Payne on the court for senior day

A couple years ago, there were questions about whether 8 year old Lacey Holsworth would ever walk again; however, she’ll do so in front of thousands at Breslin Center. Lacey will be joined by Michigan State’s Adreian Payne for his senior day ceremony after the MSU-Iowa basketball game. Lacey first met Adreian when he and his teammates came to visit her at the hospital where she was receiving treatment. She kept building a bond with Payne, who has become like an adopted son to the Holsworth family. The Holsworth family is planning to start a foundation in Lacey’s name called “One Step Closer,” a reference to the way she fought to regain the ability to walk. Please continue to pray for Lacey as she continues treatment. lansingstatejournal.com.

A Father’s Duty: Jack Pavlat Says It’s His Job to Keep Daughter Suzie’s Memory Alive

“Suzie and I only spoke about death once, and at that time, she said, ‘Daddy, if I die, will people remember me?’ And I told her it would be my job to make sure she is remembered.” A father who was forced to bury his 11 year old daughter due to neuroblastoma shares their story 12 years later. Since Suzie’s passing, her father Jack Pavlat has dedicated his life to keeping his daughter’s memory alive. The Pavlat’s are still very active at St. Jude where their daughter received treatment. Jack and his wife serve on the family advisory council, and Jack often speaks to groups at the St. Jude Country Cares conference. His reasons for being such a great advocate are altruistic — the man wants to whoop cancer’s butt as bad as anyone — and personal. Our hearts go out to the Pavlat family.tasteofcountry.com.

Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance Gives Back

The partners of Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC have a long history of service to charitable organizations. Tragically, Patrick Chance, the son of Stephen and Erin Chance, passed away on January 9, 2012 – his ninth birthday. Patrick valiantly fought neuroblastoma since he was 3 years old. Not long after Patrick was diagnosed, Stephen and Erin formed Press On, a fund dedicated to curing neuroblastoma. Press On has raised approximately $2,000,000 and has directed more than $1,500,000 to neuroblastoma and AML research being conducted at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Press On will be making additional grants in the coming weeks, and its mission will never end until cures for these deadly pediatric cancers are discovered. digitaljournal.com.

New Cancer Treatment Offered in Minnesota Gives Families Hope

For 20 year old Raymond Yeager, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 14 years old, MIBG therapy may be the treatment needed to finally kill his cancer. Yeager is the first patient at Amplatz Children’s Hospital to receive MIGB therapy. According to Yeager’s doctor, Dr. Emily Greengard, scans show that Yeager’s neuroblastoma has not changed since before the MIBG treatment, but his symptoms have improved. She says she is encouraged by the results because she thinks the treatment prevented Yeager’s neuroblastoma from progressing further. We hope that MIGB therapy will start shrinking and kill the neuroblastoma cells without causing too much harm to the body.kstp.com.

Going Bald for St. Baldricks

More than $3,000 was raised when nearly 20 people decided to shave their head during a St. Baldricks’ fundraiser. After a close friend’s daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, Christine Lewis decided to organize a shaving event to support her friend’s daughter, as well as the St. Baldricks Foundation. “The foundation does amazing work. They fund great research and they develop a lot of new studies and keep a lot of children alive,” said Lewis. Anyone interested in hosting a St. Baldricks shaving event or want to shave their head, please visit www.stbaldricks.org. wlfi.com.

---

You can sign up to receive these weekly articles in your email. Sign up below…