With an extremely sorrowful heart we must share that the loveable “Princess” Lacey Holsworth passed away Tuesday night. Our deepest sympathies are worth the Holsworth family. Because of Ezra is dedicated to continuing the battles of Ezra, Lacey, and other children battling neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.

Here’s this week’s links…

Kids – Why We Fight

Lacey Holsworth, 8, dies of cancer

”Princess Lacey” Holsworth, 8, who captured the heart of the Michigan State basketball team and star forward Adreian Payne has tragically passed away on Tuesday night after a bold battle against neuroblastoma. “Words can’t express how much I already miss Lacey,” Payne said in a statement. “She is my sister, and will always be a part of my life. She taught me how to fight through everything with a smile on my face even when things were going wrong. I’m a better man because of her.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holsworth family.espn.go.com.

Oscar Knox: Messages of support flood in as family reveals his health has got worse

Oscar Knox, 5, and his family announced via Facebook and Twitter that Oscar’s health is quickly deteriorating, he has exhausted all medical treatment options and is in the pain management phase of his battle with neuroblastoma. Since this devastating announcement, messages from around the world have been flooding into the family. Oscar’s parents Stephen and Leona run a blog and fundraising campaign The Wee Oscar Knox Appeal. Please keep the Knox family in your prayers as they manage Oscar’s pain and prepare for his passing. belfasttelegraph.co.uk.

Non-Profits / Events / News

Ultrastructural features of neuroblastic tumours in relation to morphological, and molecular findings; a retrospective review study

A new study was conducted to examine and compare the ultrastructural features of high-risk MYCN amplified neuroblastomas, with lower-risk non-MYCN amplified tumours. Results from this study revealed that is a relationship between ultrastructural features in neuroblastoma and MYCN status, although with marked overlap between groups. We hope this study enlightens researchers as to how neuroblastoma functions and can be better treated and eventually cured.7thspace.com.

A great day for a run

Over 700 people laced up their running kicks and hit the pavement for the Fun Run for Local Kids. This year’s event was dedicated to three families: the Johnson, Tilley and Millier. One of the children, Rylea Johnson, just 3 years old, is battling neuroblastoma. All money received from the run will go towards the families of three local children. gippslandtimes.com.au.

Dance of Hope April 19

The 6th Annual Dance of Hope will be held on April 19, 2014. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Frank Nabert family of Port Hope whose 14 month old son is fighting neuroblastoma at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. We hope there’s a great turnout for this event!northumberlandtoday.com.

Differentiation therapy holds promise as a targeted therapy for pediatric neuroblastoma

New research was conducted to study the role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma development. Results from this research are promising for finding new therapeutic possibilities for neuroblastoma patients. This new approach to cancer therapy has fewer toxic side effects, and gives hope for a cancer treatment that is gentler on young bodies. But so far only a few differentiation agents have been successfully used to treat neuroblastoma, and more than half of the young patients treated with such agents still see their cancer return. We look forward to further investigation and research on microRNAs and are extremely hopeful for these new therapeutic treatments for children battling neuroblastoma.oncologynurseadvisor.com.

Point Cook: The world says happy birthday

A couple weeks ago we shared that neuroblastoma fighter Rafael Moraes only wanted birthday cards for his upcoming 10th birthday. Well, people heard him; more like 7,000 people heard him! Rafael received well over 7,000 birthday cards! Cards flooded his mailbox from Canada, America, England, Brazil, Germany and all over Australia. This is just absolutely amazing! We hope you had a wonderful birthday, Rafael!maribyrnongweekly.com.au.

Upper Dublin couple sets goal to raise $1 million in son’s memory

Tosha and Chad Morris lost their 4 year old son, Gavin to neuroblastoma on March 10, 2014. Since Gavin’s passing, his parents have set a goal of raising $1 million for neuroblastoma research through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. As of April 1, the Gavin Strong Fund for Neuroblastoma Research has raised over $13,500. To find ways to donate to the cause and help Tosha reach her goal, visit the Gavin Strong Fund for Neuroblastoma Research page at http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/gavin-strong-fund-neuroblastoma-research, the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/begavinstrong/ or Gavin’s website at http://www.begavinstrong.org/. montgomerynews.com.

Parents of toddler battling rare cancer not giving up hope

Cheyenne Zwicker, 2, from Irma, Alberta has been battling neuroblastoma since October 2013. Cheyenne’s mother, Mandy noticed a lump near Cheyenne’s left hip. After the discovery of Cheyenne’s cancer, her parents were given two options: palliative care or continuing with chemo, which they were reportedly told would have a very low likelihood of survival. However, her parents were not satisfied with these options and are looking at an alternative treatment in California, and trying to raise $29,000 for it. To learn more about Cheyenne and to follow her journey, visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SupportForCheyenne .globalnews.ca.

High hopes that Sam is finally back on the road to recovery

The Bradley family recently announced that their 2 year old son Sam is now in remission from neuroblastoma! According to Sam’s mother Michelle, “Now Sam is in remission, and it’s great – and we’re positive for the future. But because we’re his parents, we have to have that hope with realism. He’s running about, he’s like a normal two-year-old, but we know that the cancer relapses in over 50% of cases.“ We are all pulling for you, Sam!fermanaghherald.com.

Broncos’ Wes Welker Supports Girl’s Battle with Cancer, Autographs Her Head

A celebrity chef cooking event at Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado was recently held and the night was unforgettable! To show his support for 11 year old neuroblastoma fighter Delaney Clements, Denver Broncos’ receiver Wes Welker along with other celebrity chefs signed Delaney’s beautiful, bald head. Delaney says she’ll never wash her head again! A huge thank you to Welker and all those who donated their time to bring a smile to Delaney and other children at the hospital!bleacherreport.com.

Ex-toffees help out Garden City girl’s foundation

The Amelia-Mae Foundation held a night with ex-Everton and Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall and his former Everton team-mate Ian Snodin at Dukes Bar Grill restaurant in Queensferry. The event was held in memory of 2 year old Amelia-Mae whose battle with neuroblastoma came to an end in 2013. The event raised well over £250! Future events are being planned, one of which will be a head-shaving event! Keep up the great work!newsnorthwales.co.uk.

Five–year–old baseball signee works to raise awareness for cancer research

Neuroblastoma ”Superhero” Micah Ahern, 5, and his family participated in Fort Worth’s Neuroblastoma 5k Run and Walk for a Cure. The race brought out 125 participants and raised over $12,000. Currently, Micah is finishing up round 5 of chemotherapy. For more information about Micah and to keep track of this “Superhero”, please visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Praying-for-Micah-Ahern/143168165732233.tcu360.com.

Grand opening in Braintree supports Prayers for Charlotte

Stephen Marcus, the owner of Ben & Jerry’s at South Shore Place in Braintree, will use the store’s grand opening to support Prayers for Charlotte, which raises money for research grants as well as families battling neuroblastoma. Marcus says that he did not know Charlotte Rose Kelly who died from neuroblastoma in 2011 personally but said he has three children and will do anything for the people of Braintree. To learn more about future Prayers for Charlotte events, please visit prayersforcharlotte.org.Braintree.wickedlocal.com.

Michelle’s French adventure to help children’s charity

Michelle Jones is preparing for a 500km bike ride from London to Paris to raise awareness and funding for The Neuroblastoma Society after her cousin Molly Bird was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Jones has raised £2,000 thus far. To donate to Jones’ ride, please visit www.doitforcharity.com/michelle65.banburyguardian.co.uk.

Wishes do come true: Aiden Hyde’s journey of discovery to Nemo’s Barrier Reef home

Aiden Hyde, 5, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and endured six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, a bone-marrow transplant, 12 rounds of radiation and six months on an immunotherapy clinical trial. His doctors just informed Aiden that he is in remission! Aiden was granted a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and headed to Australia to “find Nemo;” but his wish does not stop there! Aiden will do snorkel training before an action-packed scavenger hunt starting at Cairns Tropical Zoo where he will search various animal enclosures to find pieces of a puzzle that will ­become a map of Nemo’s secret ­location. After finding more clues, he will take off in a helicopter to Green Island to board a boat to an outer reef and ultimately snorkel with a real life Nemo! Have a wonderful time, Aiden and we wish you the best!m.couriermail.com.au.

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