Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Thank you so much to Ron, Liz, and the entire staff of LIW/NYCW for allowing me to spread the word.

Thank you in advance to all of you reading, contributing, and working towards the cause.

Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children. Forty-six children (two classrooms of students,) are diagnosed every day. Over the last 25 years, the incidence of childhood cancer has increased every year. Forty years ago, childhood cancer was almost always fatal. Today, through the advancements in diagnosis and treatment, 77% of the children with cancer can now be cured. Despite this remarkable progress in research and treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children.

My family and I are participating in an event in Staten Island held by the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Over the past six years, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $12 million for the search for a cure. My aunt Zaka Youssef will be shaving her head bald, and donating her gorgeous hair towards the organization. As a group our goal is to raise $40,000. Every single penny counts!

Please visit the below link for more information, to make a contribution (every penny counts,) or find out how you can get involved.

Foundation Information

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Christine thank you for posting this. Your aunt is an amazing woman.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

That's a beautiful thing for your Aunt to do.

I lost a brother to Leaukemia in 1994.
He was 15 years old.

Many blessings.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Christine-

How selfless and incredible of your aunt to do this. I just donated online. I know first hand how horrible cancer can be and I hope your team raises a lot of money.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Your aunt is awesome, just placed my donation.....thanks for posting!

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Being a childhood cancer survivor myself, I can say that your Aunt is an amazing woman. I sent my donation. Good Luck......

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by hmpena

Christine-

How selfless and incredible of your aunt to do this. I just donated online. I know first hand how horrible cancer can be and I hope your team raises a lot of money.

---

That was very sweet of you to do!!!!! Thank you so much. It's great to hear success stories every single day, especially ones like yours and John's!

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by Shannondon

Being a childhood cancer survivor myself, I can say that your Aunt is an amazing woman. I sent my donation. Good Luck......

---

That's amazing to hear!!!! If you wouldn't mind sharing your story with us (through FM or on here) I'd gratefully appreciate it.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

bump

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

I was diagnosed at 4 years old with Leukemia. I did chemo for 3 years at Sloan Kettering. I missed alot of the basic skills in school because I was so young. Struggled trough High School. I went into remission at 8 years old. I never went back to Sloan Kettering until I was 26 and they had a reunion of childgood cancer survivors. I was emotionally overwhemled. It had not been a part of my life for so long that I forgot what it was like and met so many people that really had a rough time throughout their lives. They all have second cancers and most could not have children. I was heatlhy and so greatful. Three and a half years ago I gave birth to my son who is the light of my life and I know I was given him for a reason. He's going to be someone special. I thought it was me that was going to be someone special since I was a survivor but I think its my Son now. Maybe he'll discover the cure or something. I had my umbilical cord stored God forbid anything happens to him. Everyone who gets pregnant should look into it. For me it was worth it.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Chris-would you mind if i send this to my coworkers? I'm hoping they'd donate.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

Chris-would you mind if i send this to my coworkers? I'm hoping they'd donate.

---

Of course!!! Thank you!

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by Shannondon

I was diagnosed at 4 years old with Leukemia. I did chemo for 3 years at Sloan Kettering. I missed alot of the basic skills in school because I was so young. Struggled trough High School. I went into remission at 8 years old. I never went back to Sloan Kettering until I was 26 and they had a reunion of childgood cancer survivors. I was emotionally overwhemled. It had not been a part of my life for so long that I forgot what it was like and met so many people that really had a rough time throughout their lives. They all have second cancers and most could not have children. I was heatlhy and so greatful. Three and a half years ago I gave birth to my son who is the light of my life and I know I was given him for a reason. He's going to be someone special. I thought it was me that was going to be someone special since I was a survivor but I think its my Son now. Maybe he'll discover the cure or something. I had my umbilical cord stored God forbid anything happens to him. Everyone who gets pregnant should look into it. For me it was worth it.

---

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. You are a Blessed and AMAZING person. Thank you so much again! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

Your welcome and I hope you get lots and lots of money. Its a great foundation and makes you feel so good when you know you have done something so special. You and your Aunt will be blessed in many ways.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by Shannondon

I was diagnosed at 4 years old with Leukemia. I did chemo for 3 years at Sloan Kettering. I missed alot of the basic skills in school because I was so young. Struggled trough High School. I went into remission at 8 years old. I never went back to Sloan Kettering until I was 26 and they had a reunion of childgood cancer survivors. I was emotionally overwhemled. It had not been a part of my life for so long that I forgot what it was like and met so many people that really had a rough time throughout their lives. They all have second cancers and most could not have children. I was heatlhy and so greatful. Three and a half years ago I gave birth to my son who is the light of my life and I know I was given him for a reason. He's going to be someone special. I thought it was me that was going to be someone special since I was a survivor but I think its my Son now. Maybe he'll discover the cure or something. I had my umbilical cord stored God forbid anything happens to him. Everyone who gets pregnant should look into it. For me it was worth it.

---

you certainly are someone special. don't ever think other wise. It's a wonderful and inspirational story. Your son is a very lucky boy to have such a mother. Continued health and happiness to you and your family.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by ChrissynRicky

---

Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

Chris-would you mind if i send this to my coworkers? I'm hoping they'd donate.

---

Of course!!! Thank you!

---

I forwarded your message and the website link to several of my coworkers.

I myself had an experience with pre cancerous cells that had melanoma characteristics last year. I had two surgeries to remove the tissue and now have to be checked every year to make sure it doesnt return. It scared me more than I ever been scared in my life. It has left me with two scars, but I'm grateful that my dermatologist noticed it, and sent me to someone who specializes with this

It breaks my heart to see anyone with this disease, especially children. I made a donation in honor of your aunt being so wonderful to do this.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

I forwarded your message and the website link to several of my coworkers.

I myself had an experience with pre cancerous cells that had melanoma characteristics last year. I had two surgeries to remove the tissue and now have to be checked every year to make sure it doesnt return. It scared me more than I ever been scared in my life. It has left me with two scars, but I'm grateful that my dermatologist noticed it, and sent me to someone who specializes with this

It breaks my heart to see anyone with this disease, especially children. I made a donation in honor of your aunt being so wonderful to do this.

---

You're amazing Michelle! Thank you so much for your donation, and a very big to you for what you went through.

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

---

Posted by ChrissynRicky

---

Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

I forwarded your message and the website link to several of my coworkers.

I myself had an experience with pre cancerous cells that had melanoma characteristics last year. I had two surgeries to remove the tissue and now have to be checked every year to make sure it doesnt return. It scared me more than I ever been scared in my life. It has left me with two scars, but I'm grateful that my dermatologist noticed it, and sent me to someone who specializes with this

It breaks my heart to see anyone with this disease, especially children. I made a donation in honor of your aunt being so wonderful to do this.

---

You're amazing Michelle! Thank you so much for your donation, and a very big to you for what you went through.

---

you're welcome

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

A Special Thanks to Vinny from High Voltage Sounds for their contribution!

Re: Please open up your hearts...Childhood Cancer

My friends nephew shaves his head every year for St. Baldricks. I've donated every year, it's a wonderful organization.

That's wonderful that you and your family are able to participate.