We never expected our surprise visit to the “Family Quiet Room” the day we took Jack to the E.R… It was a spring day of breathtaking splendor, a stark contrast to the breath stealing walls we would later face… Nothing of that day’s beauty prepared us to hear the word: CANCER.

While attending our city’s annual “Touch a Truck” event, a dream for a boy like Jack, Jack misperceived the depth of a stair and took a stumble. “Owwww!” he exclaimed, immediately grabbing his left shoulder and wincing in sudden pain.

Throughout that day, and the following, Jack complained intermittently of pain in his shoulder, causing us to wonder if it had become dislocated in the tumble. Later that day, we would surely know, as he awoke from a nap with wrenching wailing and screams.

After what felt like hours begging for pain medication and shoulder X-rays, we were escorted to the “Quiet Room.” “Jack appears to have a tumor in his shoulder.” The normally harmless yank to his arm had caused a stress fracture in the area, already silently brittle from advanced disease. In our shock and dismay, we bolted that suffocating room, and ran the halls to our boy. We would roam those halls in terror for the next 17 days, as we embarked on the most difficult journey of our lives.

The days that followed our admission to the hospital seemed to blur by in equal measures of breakneck speed and agonizing wait. Scan upon scan confirmed the most dire of circumstances for our young boy: Stage IV Neuroblastoma, high risk for relapse, unfavorable histology, N-Myc amplification, extensive bone-marrow disease, rare lesions in his lungs, and two large — possibly too dangerous for surgery — tumors on his left kidney, and within inches of his heart. We were terrified.

The plan for treatment, which would include 5 rounds of induction chemotherapy, tumor resection with open-chest and abdominal surgeries, stem-cell harvesting, two excruciating and life-threatening rounds of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplants, radiation treatment, and 6 months of oral chemo (that we were certain a 3-year-old would never be able to swallow!), was daunting. Considering I was also 5 months pregnant, it was even more so.

We had no human capacity to grasp the magnitude of what we faced. All we knew is that we believed our son could be CURED. On the top of the drawing in which our oncologist scribbled each event to occur, we asked him to write the title that would define our entire journey: “The Road to the Cure.” He did, and gratefully, it has been a self-fulfilling prophecy.

CURE Childhood Cancer gave us hope for that road early on in our journey. As we quickly learned all about neuroblastoma and the vicious way it ravages children, we learned that CURE is one of the top supporters of research to stop childhood cancers. We also learned that because neuroblastoma is such a complex disease of the sympathetic nervous system and requires the most intricate of studies, a very small amount of research money is dedicated to ending the disease. However, CURE, has committed funds to support anti-body treatments that are improving the survival rates for neuroblastoma children every day! CURE has invested in top researchers who understand this deadly disease, so perhaps parents won’t EVER have to hear the words we heard at the beginning of the journey: “We can give you a few really good years with your child…”

“A few really good years?” Is that really what we want for our children?

Certainly, “a few really good years” is a blessing to any parent facing the “odds” we faced with Jack. You will scramble to hold onto to any scrap of hope with your child. Yet, we wanted and BELIEVED in a lifetime. We wanted and BELIEVED it was worth the fight. We wanted and BELIEVED in the Cure. And, with grace and amazing doctors, we are now living it 5 years past Jack’s surprise diagnosis in the hospital that day.

We never expected to need CURE the day we walked into the E.R. We never expected we would be fed a warm meal by volunteers every week, or be personally touched by the benefactors who support the organization. But we did, and were indeed blessed continually by CURE and the support of people, we will never even know. Sadly, statistics say that many of our kids will relapse and need CURE again. And, CURE will be there to help the family’s immediate needs, while fearlessly fighting to stop it from happening to another child. We pray every day that won’t be Jack. But one thing is certain: from the human touch we received in the hospital, to the groundbreaking research being done for children like Jack all over the world, we couldn’t be more grateful.

Today, Jack is entering 3rd grade, and is as healthy and happy as can be. He knows he had “sick cells”, and now wears hearing aids because of the profound hearing loss he suffered from the harsh chemo. He doesn’t have any reflexes in his legs, feet or hands, which means he can’t be in the military. But, on his tummy, he has a badge of honor that we never expected him to have: it is the scar from his tumor that says, “I AM the Cure Baby!”

By: Jennifer Williamson

In 1987, Joe Coleman was busy raising a four-year-old son, Joseph Jr., and Shannon, his two year-old daughter who was, as most toddlers are, extremely energetic and excited by her boundless ability to jump, skip and run faster and higher with each day.

Then, suddenly, one morning Shannon began limping. It would be the first step on a rocky path she and her family would stumble down together and one that would change the course of their lives in ways they could never have imagined.

At the age of two, Shannon was diagnosed with an acute case of leukemia, and her family was given a grim prognosis for her future. At that time Dr. Ragab, founder of CURE Childhood Cancer, was on staff at Egleston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ragab introduced Joe and his family to a support system which became an integral part of the family’s survival.

“During Shannon’s gut-wrenching treatment we naturally had so many questions. Our fear was overwhelming, and we sought support and encouragement from people involved with CURE Childhood Cancer,” says Joe. “What we received was a support system that helped us reach a bright light at the end of our darkened tunnel.” Joe says his family received critical direction and vital emotional support from CURE during the most difficult period of their lives.

In 1988, Joe joined CURE’s Board of Directors, and he has been an active part of the organization ever since. “I went to too many funerals of children who fought the battle and lost, unlike Shannon who won her battle against cancer, and I knew I had to stay involved with an organization which dedicates more than 90 percent of money raised to research and patient and family support,” Joe notes. “I truly believe we must continue to fund pediatric cancer research and, by doing so, we will find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime.”

Throughout Shannon’s three arduous years of treatment, Joe’s family not only benefited from the many resources CURE Childhood Cancer offered, but through CURE, they found hope and encouragement when they were wrought with fear that Shannon wouldn’t survive, much less live to be a thriving adult. Today, Shannon is currently studying to receive her Master’s degree in Autism & Behavioral disorders from Auburn University.

“I vividly remember wondering, when Shannon was ravaged by needles and nauseating chemotherapy, if I would be blessed to walk Shannon down the aisle on her wedding day,” Joe muses. Twenty-one years after her treatment, Joe will get his chance to do just that, as he will be Shannon’s escort down the aisle when she marries on June 19, 2010.

CURE Childhood Cancer pays tribute to Joe’s dedication and long commitment to fighting childhood cancer.

You hear stories of childhood cancer – always focusing on the cancer. But what about after the battle is over – once it’s been won so to speak? At times, the battle to return to a normal life can be just as daunting as battle with the disease itself. It requires continued courage and strength to get back to your life when cancer is all you’ve known for so long.

Ronnie Gordon has been off therapy since 1993. Since then, he has accomplished many of his dreams that he at one point did not think would be possible. He graduated from Buford High School in 2005. Then went to Jacksonville State University where he was a Marching Southerner for two years. He is also a member of Alliance Drum and Bugle Corp, who took the title of DCA World Champions in 2008.

Ronnie loves to spend his time helping others. He has been a very active part of Camp Sunshine since 1994. Since 2006 he has put together a parade with his fellow musicians for the kids at Camp Sunshine. Even after such hard times at one point in his life, Ronnie is still focused on others.

Ronnie is currently a satellite technician for Mastec Advanced Technologies. He is also active in a community theatre group by the name of Fifth Row Center. In addition to being a satellite technician, Ronnie is also a videographer and has many of his creations on You Tube.

CURE Childhood Cancer celebrates Ronnie and his recovery.

Thousands of KPMG LLP employees came together in more than 90 offices nationwide on Friday, December 4, to participate in a unique community service event which will combine the audit, tax and advisory firm’s support for literacy with charitable giving.

KPMG employees mobilized for “Operation Holiday Bear Hugs” to create over 22,000 holiday packages to be donated to local charities and hospitals for children. The holiday packages consisted of a new teddy bear, which employees assembled, dressed and adorned with a special holiday greeting for the child receiving the bear, and a brand new book.

The books were provided through KPMG’s Family for Literacy (FFL) program.

The Atlanta KPMG Office donated 200 bears to CURE Childhood Cancer for distribution at Egleston and Scottish Rite during the holidays. CURE would like to recognize KPMG for their volunteer efforts and thank them for all of the bears they have provided.

Overwhelmed with holiday shopping? Looking to support a good cause this year during the holidays? This year, there’s a way to do your holiday shopping and support CURE Childhood Cancer at the same time.

CURE now has Gift Donations available for purchase online. Give the gift of a CURE – A donation in honor of a friend or family member makes the perfect holiday gift.

Click here to make your Gift Donation. You can choose the gift amount you’d like to make and a card will be mailed to the gift recipient informing them that a donation has been made for that amount in their honor.

Help support CURE while you shop this holiday season!

The 2nd Annual NOJOE Foundation Charity Circus was held in Dallas, GA on November 21, 2009 and was a tremendous success.  Over $1,000 was raised to support CURE Childhood Cancer.

Performers came from all across the southeastern U.S. and donated their time and talents for the show.  “We are truly overwhelmed that the community and performers have supported this show so amazingly. We sold out the show,” said Joey Thurmond owner of NOJOE’S Clown Circus.

The show featured Joe M. Turner magician, guest Ringmaster, The Georgia BubbleMan Robin Booth, The Freestyle Connection BMX Stunt Team, and a cast of clowns including RJ, Lovey, Lucky, Poke-A-Dot Patti, & Lew-E.  Miss Jamie performed an act from the Polynesian Islands called Poi.  Toot the daredevil clown performed wire walking, and juggling.  The star of the show, NOJOE, performed great new routines and his amazing balancing act that included bicycles, and a 12” step ladder.

The show ended with a finale of confetti showers over the audience. After the show the children were invited to take pictures and get autographs with their favorite stars of the show.

On Friday December 4th a check was presented to CURE Childhood Cancer. Plans are already underway for next year’s NOJOE Foundation Circus.

CURE would like to thank Joey Thurmond, President of NOJOE’S CLOWN CIRCUS, for his continued support of CURE!

The 17th Annual Lauren’s Run and CURE Childhood Cancer Annual Picnic will be held at Concourse Office Park on Sunday, May 2, 2009. All race participants and picnic guests will receive a complimentary t-shirt. This year, CURE is holding a contest to determine the design that will adorn thousands of t-shirts.

To participate, the artwork must be completed by a child or adolescent age 5-19. The design should be no more than 3 colors (not including color of the actual t-shirt) and should be wholly original. Designs should be submitted to CURE T-shirt design contest, 1835 Savoy Drive, Suite 102, Atlanta, GA 30341 on or before February 15, 2010.

For more information or with questions, contact Lisa Branch.

As CURE launches our 2009-2010 Annual Giving Campaign, we are starkly reminded that this campaign is about more than just fundraising. It is truly and urgently about saving lives.  We prepared our Annual Giving Campaign Brochure, outlining how funds raised will be utilized, months ago and included a story we knew would inspire all who read it. The story is about Jack, a courageous young warrior who battled neuroblastoma in 2004 but, at the time written, was joyously living the cure.  Just weeks ago – and months after the Annual Giving Campaign Brochure was printed – Jack’s cancer returned.  Jack’s shocking relapse, five years after finishing treatment, serves as a stark reminder to all of us that we cannot relent on the urgent pursuit of a cure.

The Annual Campaign is the cornerstone of CURE’s fundraising efforts. Running through June 30, 2010, proceeds from this campaign will be put to immediate use wherever they are needed most.  The campaign is CURE’s vehicle to raise vital funds to do the important work we do to accomplish our mission.

“Each day, more than 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, and even more children like Jack experience recurrences.  CURE is committed to helping families through the difficult journey with childhood cancer and advancing the effort to cure this disease,” remarks Executive Director Kristin Connor.  “The Annual Giving Campaign is critical to our ability to fully pursue both vital research projects as well as provide important support for families.  No level of support is too small. We appreciate each and every dollar, each and every donation.”

Your support of the Annual Giving Campaign is essential to give Jack and the thousands of children like him hope as they continue to fight for their young lives.  Please, donate now.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We believe this to be true.

CURE Childhood Cancer is currently seeking photographs of children with cancer, survivors or children who have been lost to cancer.  Siblings and/or other family members can also be included in the photographs.  We would like to be able to use these photos in our communication materials since “real” photos of children from our very own CURE community will best paint the picture of childhood cancer in an authentic light.

We welcome your photos for submission with your permission that they may be used for such things as brochures, emails, online or on our website. We cannot utilize photographs that are copyrighted, which includes Flashes of Hope photographs.

Thank you for sharing your children with us and allowing us to honor them and their journeys by utilizing their photos.

Please email all photos to kristin@curechildhoodcancer.org

“It is a day I look forward to all year long,” a sentiment expressed by one honored mom but shared by many as they expressed their love and appreciation for the annual “A Tribute to Our Quiet Heroes” luncheon, an event conceived of and hosted by Chris Glavine, wife of baseball superstar Tom Glavine.

The fifth annual luncheon was held on Saturday, September 19th and, by all accounts, continued the tradition of an elegant event packed full of inspiration and emotion. The luncheon is a very unique event that honors mothers of childhood cancer patients past and present. The mothers are hosted and presented with a beautiful luncheon, an inspiring speaker and a day to share their joys and their pains with the only people who truly understand them, their fellow moms.

CURE Childhood Cancer’s Executive director, Kristin Connor, explains that the event began and continues to be about a need that she, Chris Glavine and other committee members have to do something for the moms they love. “Almost selfishly, we need this day,” says Connor. “We need to have some way – however small – to show these moms that we care about what they’ve been through and continue to endure.”

“The Quiet Heroes luncheon is a very unique and special event,” explains hostess, Chris Glavine. “I believe the day remains in the hearts of those who attend. It is my hope that they will all be inspired to take a more active roll in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Ruth Hoffman, a Quiet Hero and Executive director of the National office of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, was the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Mrs. Hoffman discussed the need for more research and emphasized the need for less toxic treatments, citing her own daughter’s struggles as an adult survivor. As always, the talented and giving Jill Becker, also a Quiet Hero, emceed the event.

Even in a tough economy, this year’s event was an overwhelming success, raising $260,000 for childhood cancer research. “The fact that more than 550 people attended this luncheon on a busy Saturday in September and opened their hearts and their wallets to our cause proves that people really care,” remarks Connor. “It gives us so much hope.”

Below two Quiet Heroes share how much the luncheon means to them.

For me, Quiet Heroes is one of the most special days of the year. It is a day when I am recognized for the struggle I have weathered with my child and, especially during her treatments, it was the one day I stopped to let myself be cared for. As I enter the hotel, I see all of the silent auction items and I watch as people playfully fight over bids. It brings tears to my eyes because I know that every dollar they bid means more hope for our children. Seated in this beautiful room for lunch, surrounded by so many other mothers who have fought or are fighting similar battles with their children, I am home again. I am amazed by the number of people there, and again I am touched and thrilled, knowing that many of those people chose to pay for their seats – more hope for our children. As I look around me on that day, I know that every face there represents either a mom or family member of a child, or they chose to be there because they care about this battle our children are fighting. How precious all of those people are to me. This is a day filled with love ~ and so much hope. And I am so grateful for it.

~ Quiet Hero Lisa Hanger

The annual Quiet Heroes luncheon is an event like no other. It is truly hard to put into words what the day represents and means to so many of us. It is an experience of the truest of sisterhood and total acceptance. There is probably no other venue where you have something in common with every woman in the room that has on a name tag with the Quiet Heroes reference. There are emotions of every type expressed on the faces of these women. There are smiles of joy in seeing their fellow cancer moms and confirming that their child is still in survivor status. There are smiles of hope as they are telling that their children are bravely still fighting their battles. There are tears of deep loss but smiles of gratitude for those wanting to know how they are coping with their loss or wanting to learn about who their child was. The connections that are made are ties of a lifetime that bond these women together. As all of the Quiet Heroes are asked to stand each year, we do it with pride but with such sadness. As we look around the room and see all of the other mothers, our hearts are filled with love and admiration for each other but with such sadness for all of the children represented there. The Quiet Heroes luncheon is one of the greatest gifts that I have personally received since I started the cancer journey with my daughter. It is an event that I cherish and look forward to every year. I always leave with renewed hope and am re-energized for the task at hand.

~ Quiet Hero Cathy Smith

Watch for details about the sixth annual “A Tribute to Our Quiet Heroes,”coming in September 2010.