As the first full week of September nears a close we take a moment to reflect on what has been going on at Heroes for Children from a Programs perspective. This workweek, though short due to the Labor Day holiday, was ever as wild and work-filled!
Since September 1st, Program Services has shipped out four laptops through Laptops for Love, received three milestone applications that are currently being worked on for events taking place in Houston, Fort Worth and Texarkana all happening on the weekend of September 17 & 18, and met with the president of TCU's pre-med society, Alpha Episilon Delta, to begin planning for this year's Holiday Heroes party at Cook Children's Hospital. Hopefully that mouthful paints a pretty accurate picture of what's been going on in the Programs world, and let me tell you firsthand...it's awesome!
Our Board members, HFC Friends members, donors, volunteers and all those that support Heroes for Children and our mission are an integral part in our ability to provide social assistance to families with a child battling cancer. As Program Services Manager I get to see how this support plays a part in helping families every day.
So as Summer winds down, school starts back up and we begin to settle into the swing of things, Heroes for Children gears up and gets ready for our 30 busiest days of the year to honor and recognize that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we've got work to do!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
September 8 - Your donation to HFC will go further!
Get Up and Give! Donor Giving Day is during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Make your donation count to help families battling childhood cancer.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Get Up and Give! Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Heroes for Children will receive matching funds when donations are made online through DonorBridge.
Simply click here for HFC's profile on DonorBridge, any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ON WEDNESDAY, September 8. You can donate directly through the link as much as you want - HFC will receive the full amount PLUS a match! The only requirement is a minimum donation of $25 for your gift to receive matching funds.
You do not need a login to make donations. Only gifts made to HFC through the DonorBridge site on Wednesday, Sept 8 from 7am - 7pm will be matched.
Gifts made on Giving Day will be processed through the Communities Foundation of Texas. Donations will appear on credit card statements as being payable to “CFTexas.” Donors will receive an acknowledgement email that includes an official gift substantiation/tax receipt. Heroes for Children will be notified and given your contact information, unless you request to remain anonymous. If you do not receive an email receipt, please contact CFT directly at donorservices@cftexas.org, and we’ll provide another copy.
There is $700,000 in matching dollars for 2010 Giving Day. The lead gift for the fund is from Communities Foundation of Texas, whose board committed $500,000 for this event.
Matching money is not a straight “dollar for dollar” match. Matching funds will be determined by taking the total matching funds available as of Giving Day and dividing the total amount of donations from the day, to determine the percentage by which each donation will be matched. This ensures all nonprofits receive matching funds! Most likely, HFC will receive $.10 - $.25 in match per $1 donated.
In addition to matching funds, The Dallas Foundation has pledged $50,000 to be given out in prizes to encourage participating nonprofits to be as strategic and creative as possible in engaging their donors. The prizes will be awarded as follows:
1.The single nonprofit organization that receives the largest cumulative dollar amount in donations. Prize = $10,000
2.Greatest number of individual donors for a nonprofit organization with an operating budget under $1,000,000. Prize = $10,000
3.Greatest number of individual donors for a nonprofit organization with an operating budget over $1,000,000. Prize = $10,000
4.The nonprofit organization that receives the 1,929th donation. Prize = $10,000
5.The nonprofit organization that receives the 2,010th donation. Prize = $10,000
Your donation to Heroes for Children could help us obtain additional prize money - we would love for as many people as possible to donate the minimum $25 to help us win one of the prizes as well. You can give ANY TIME between 7 am and 7 pm on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, just click here for HFC's profile on DonorBridge.
Your support of Heroes for Children during September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is truly appreciated. On behalf of all of the families battling childhood cancer, thank you in advance for your support!
Please let Michelle Peacock know if you have any issues making your donation on Wednesday. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Get Up and Give! Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Heroes for Children will receive matching funds when donations are made online through DonorBridge.
Simply click here for HFC's profile on DonorBridge, any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ON WEDNESDAY, September 8. You can donate directly through the link as much as you want - HFC will receive the full amount PLUS a match! The only requirement is a minimum donation of $25 for your gift to receive matching funds.
You do not need a login to make donations. Only gifts made to HFC through the DonorBridge site on Wednesday, Sept 8 from 7am - 7pm will be matched.
Gifts made on Giving Day will be processed through the Communities Foundation of Texas. Donations will appear on credit card statements as being payable to “CFTexas.” Donors will receive an acknowledgement email that includes an official gift substantiation/tax receipt. Heroes for Children will be notified and given your contact information, unless you request to remain anonymous. If you do not receive an email receipt, please contact CFT directly at donorservices@cftexas.org, and we’ll provide another copy.
There is $700,000 in matching dollars for 2010 Giving Day. The lead gift for the fund is from Communities Foundation of Texas, whose board committed $500,000 for this event.
Matching money is not a straight “dollar for dollar” match. Matching funds will be determined by taking the total matching funds available as of Giving Day and dividing the total amount of donations from the day, to determine the percentage by which each donation will be matched. This ensures all nonprofits receive matching funds! Most likely, HFC will receive $.10 - $.25 in match per $1 donated.
In addition to matching funds, The Dallas Foundation has pledged $50,000 to be given out in prizes to encourage participating nonprofits to be as strategic and creative as possible in engaging their donors. The prizes will be awarded as follows:
1.The single nonprofit organization that receives the largest cumulative dollar amount in donations. Prize = $10,000
2.Greatest number of individual donors for a nonprofit organization with an operating budget under $1,000,000. Prize = $10,000
3.Greatest number of individual donors for a nonprofit organization with an operating budget over $1,000,000. Prize = $10,000
4.The nonprofit organization that receives the 1,929th donation. Prize = $10,000
5.The nonprofit organization that receives the 2,010th donation. Prize = $10,000
Your donation to Heroes for Children could help us obtain additional prize money - we would love for as many people as possible to donate the minimum $25 to help us win one of the prizes as well. You can give ANY TIME between 7 am and 7 pm on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, just click here for HFC's profile on DonorBridge.
Your support of Heroes for Children during September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, is truly appreciated. On behalf of all of the families battling childhood cancer, thank you in advance for your support!
Please let Michelle Peacock know if you have any issues making your donation on Wednesday. Thank you!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If you are a Heroes for Children supporter, you're going to hear this statement a lot. As an organization serving families battling childhood cancer, we believe it is our responsibility to help educate our community on childhood cancer. We want people to know and understand why our work is important and what these families are experiencing.
"Your child has cancer" has to be four of the scariest words a parent could ever hear. More than a thousand parents in Texas will have those very words spoken to them. They will then learn the specific type of cancer and the treatment protocols to follow. They will learn a "new normal" for their lives. Every day, 46 children in the United States will be diagnosed with a form of cancer. Every day, a parent is hearing the devastating words "your child has cancer."
Childhood Cancer
The most common types of cancers in children are:
1. Leukemia--Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, otherwise known as ALL, is the most common form of childhood cancer. 75% of all cases of leukemias found in children are ALL. The treatment is long--ranging between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years depending on various factors. Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, quarterly spinal taps, steroid treatments. Some leukemia patients (AML and relapsed ALL most commonly) will also require a stem cell transplant (cord blood or bone marrow)
2. Brain Tumors--Brain tumors come in many forms. The most common are referred to as "gliomas." With brain tumors, patients often require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes other treatments such as proton therapy.
3. Sarcomas--These are bone or soft tissue cancers. There are many variations of cancers within this category. Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, is more likely to be found at the growing end of the long bones in extremeties. This means that they are found in places such as the femur, and most commonly found during the teenage years. Soft tissue cancers include Rhabdomyosarcoma which develops in the muscles.
Treatment
Each cancer comes with a treatment. Often times, each child comes with a different treatment due to the specific needs of that child. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, long hospital stays, steroid treatments, and other targeted drug treatments are all things that can be happening for a patient.
Because pediatric oncology is still more rare than adult oncology, treatment centers are in major cities at bigger hospitals. For example, in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex, families must travel to Medical City Children's Hospital, Children's Medical Center of Dallas, or Cook Children's of Ft. Worth for their treatments. This alone can be a hardship for those families traveling far distances.
The danger of infection is huge. A cancer patient and family must be vigilant about germs. There are no more fun trips to the Chuck E Cheese's in the beginning of treatment. During flu season, extra precautions are taken. When a child's ANC, or Absolute Neutrophil Count which is a number that shows their ability to fight infection is low, a family is often set to be in isolation either at home or in the hospital.
*Above information is from The American Cancer Society as well as Childhood Oncology Group (COG)
Making a difference
Heroes for Children is one of multiple organizations serving pediatric oncology. Many are searching for a cure for childhood cancer, putting their funds into critical research. We sincerely hope that research will one day make an organization like Heroes for Children not needed. However, until that time, we're here to support the families.
We hope you will join us this month in supporting families with children battling cancer in Texas. Visit our website for various activities this month you can be involved. in. You CAN make a difference in the lives of these families. Get involved TODAY.
"Your child has cancer" has to be four of the scariest words a parent could ever hear. More than a thousand parents in Texas will have those very words spoken to them. They will then learn the specific type of cancer and the treatment protocols to follow. They will learn a "new normal" for their lives. Every day, 46 children in the United States will be diagnosed with a form of cancer. Every day, a parent is hearing the devastating words "your child has cancer."
Childhood Cancer
The most common types of cancers in children are:
1. Leukemia--Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, otherwise known as ALL, is the most common form of childhood cancer. 75% of all cases of leukemias found in children are ALL. The treatment is long--ranging between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years depending on various factors. Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, quarterly spinal taps, steroid treatments. Some leukemia patients (AML and relapsed ALL most commonly) will also require a stem cell transplant (cord blood or bone marrow)
2. Brain Tumors--Brain tumors come in many forms. The most common are referred to as "gliomas." With brain tumors, patients often require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes other treatments such as proton therapy.
3. Sarcomas--These are bone or soft tissue cancers. There are many variations of cancers within this category. Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, is more likely to be found at the growing end of the long bones in extremeties. This means that they are found in places such as the femur, and most commonly found during the teenage years. Soft tissue cancers include Rhabdomyosarcoma which develops in the muscles.
Treatment
Each cancer comes with a treatment. Often times, each child comes with a different treatment due to the specific needs of that child. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, long hospital stays, steroid treatments, and other targeted drug treatments are all things that can be happening for a patient.
Because pediatric oncology is still more rare than adult oncology, treatment centers are in major cities at bigger hospitals. For example, in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex, families must travel to Medical City Children's Hospital, Children's Medical Center of Dallas, or Cook Children's of Ft. Worth for their treatments. This alone can be a hardship for those families traveling far distances.
The danger of infection is huge. A cancer patient and family must be vigilant about germs. There are no more fun trips to the Chuck E Cheese's in the beginning of treatment. During flu season, extra precautions are taken. When a child's ANC, or Absolute Neutrophil Count which is a number that shows their ability to fight infection is low, a family is often set to be in isolation either at home or in the hospital.
*Above information is from The American Cancer Society as well as Childhood Oncology Group (COG)
Making a difference
Heroes for Children is one of multiple organizations serving pediatric oncology. Many are searching for a cure for childhood cancer, putting their funds into critical research. We sincerely hope that research will one day make an organization like Heroes for Children not needed. However, until that time, we're here to support the families.
We hope you will join us this month in supporting families with children battling cancer in Texas. Visit our website for various activities this month you can be involved. in. You CAN make a difference in the lives of these families. Get involved TODAY.
**September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. How will you make a difference? www.heroesforchildren.org**
Monday, August 30, 2010
August Volunteer of the Month
Heroes for Children would like to recognize the volunteer efforts of Natalie Nespeca for the month of August. Natalie spent numerous hours volunteering in our office this summer assisting development with 5K projects and promotion of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Natalie also played a huge part in helping our Programs department with multiple large mailing projects for HFC Friends Membership drive. Natalie's reliability, flexibility and willingness to come in day after day, during what has been a very busy month for HFC staffers, and help with these important projects is why we'd like to acknowledge her this month. Thank you Natalie for all your support volunteering in the office and to further the mission of Heroes for Children.
Name, Occupation:
Natalie Nespeca, Business Analyst/ PM
How did you get involved with HFC?
I was inspired by a friend’s battle with cancer last year. Particularly her strength, positive attitude, and selflessness. When anyone asked how they could help her, she encouraged everyone to help out Heroes for Children instead. I can now see how great it is to have a support network for cancer, but even more important is a support network for pediatric cancer.
I became more involved in the organization to help promote that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness. It would be so great if childhood cancer one day has the same recognition as Breast Cancer does in October. That's just me dreaming big!
Do you have any kids and/or pets?
I have two puppies.
From looking at you, no one would guess that…..
I love puppies and children.
Favorite place to eat:
Coffee shops
What’s on your book shelf?
Edward Tufte’s Envisioning Information. It's the techie in me- I like graphics, charts, and spreadsheets!
What’s in your iPod/CD changer?
A variety of country, alternative, and rock songs; never liked disco : )
Who’s your hero?
Anyone struggling with childhood cancer or in the armed forces. I celebrate them with gold and yellow ribbons in support.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Hook 'em for Heroes - Kids Fishing - So Much Fun!
This past Saturday, over 200 kids participated in the inaugural fishing tournament, Hook 'em for Heroes, to benefit Heroes for Children. Special thanks to Craig White for dreaming up this fun event and coordinating everything, and to all of the sponsors: Richardson Fire Fighters Association, The Home Depot, Medical City Children's Hospital, Genghis Grill, Jimmy John's, Acute Kids Urgent Care, City of Richardson, Texans Credit Union, QuestCare Partners, Academy, B.A.S.S., Cabela's, Owens, Atomic Design & Consulting. The kids had a blast with all of the fun activities... here are just a few of the pics to tell the story of the day! (photos courtesy of Lacy White)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Hook 'em for Heroes Kids Fishing Tournament - Register by Aug 1 for $10
Details:
Hook 'em for Heroes presented by Medical City Children's Hospital
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Breckinridge Park, Richardson
Park in LOT B off Brand Rd.
8 am - check-in
9am - 11 am - fishing
11:30 am - awards
Other fun kids activities include bounce houses, crafts, Home Depot station, and face painters. Bring your own fishing gear, or use the gear provided. Awards will be given by age category.
Visit www.hookemforheroes.com for all of the information and to register online!
Want to participate for FREE?? Just raise $50 or more, and registration fee is on us! Just select the "Agree to Fundraise" option through online registration at www.hookemforheroes.com.
Proceeds from tournament benefit Heroes for Children's mission to provide financial and social assistance to families in Texas with children battling cancer.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July Volunteers of the Month
Bob and Karen Foster have been involved with Heroes for Children since before we were even Heroes for Children! When little Allie Scott was in the hospital battling leukemia, Karen and Bob met Jenny, Allie and Andrew. Karen and Bob were close friends with Dana & Dennis Eisenberg, whose son, Sam, was in the room next to Allie also fighting leukemia. When Jenny and I co-founded Heroes for Children, Karen joined our advisory board. She has served on the 5K committee and helped HFC grow into the organization we are today! Karen is a busy Mom of three and decided to take a step back this year from the advisory board. Have no fear though, because her amazing husband, Bob, stepped in and took her place! Karen and Bob both have a huge heart for HFC and we have been so blessed to have them involved. Next month, they are opening up their beautiful home to host our annual HFC Board of Directors and family Pool Party! We are all looking forward to that! Thanks Karen and Bob for all you do to further the mission of Heroes for Children.
Name, Occupation:
Bob Foster, Partner, Ernst & Young
Karen Foster, CEO, Athletic Baby and President, Women's Auxiliary, Vogel Alcove
How did you get involved with HFC?
Karen became acquainted with Jenny Scott during visits to Medical City to see a friend's son who was battling cancer. Karen served on the advisory board for four years. Bob watched the impact HFC has had in the community. When Karen stepped down Bob asked if he could replace her on the advisory board.
Do you have any kids and/or pets?
We have three children: Zeev 15, Sophia 7 and Ben 5
We have a dog, dwarf hamster, two water frogs and a Russian tortoise.
From looking at you, no one would guess that…..
Bob: I want more children
Karen: That I am adopted
Favorite place to eat:
Fogo de Chao
What’s on your book shelf?
Bob: Photo books of our kids and all our family travels
Karen: Wild Trees by Richard Preston, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and Nurture by Nature by Paul Tieger
What’s in your iPod/CD changer?
Bob: Kris Kristofferson - The Austin Sessions
Karen: Dave Matthews and The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Who’s your hero?
Bob: My mother for raising two sons while working two jobs and Roberto Clemente
Karen: too many heroes to list
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