NEWS AND EVENTS cont.
Cool People Care
September 2010
Did You Know...
- Childhood cancer, far from being one cancer, is many different kinds of cancer each one with its own individual challenges and treatments.
- On the average, one in every four elementary schools has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are current or former cancer patients.
- Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children; more than genetic anomalies, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS combined.
- September is National Childhood cancer awareness month.
- Gabe's My Heart is partnering with Cool People Care, Inc for the purpose of raising funds for the Chemo Duck Program and to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer Month - September 2010.
Azaya
September 2010
Chemo Duck wears more than one costume in his super hero battle against childhood diseases. We recently received an email from someone using him as “Hemo Duck.” Gennifur is a mother and Hemophiliac with a two-year-old son who also has the disease.
She said, “It has been very hard living with this type of disorder. I have a difficult time grasping the fact that my son is different and has to be protected pretty much at all times.” She attended New Hampshire Hemophilia Association Camp recently and her son Azaya suffered an injury that caused his arm to bleed during that time. “It took five of us to hold him down and it took the nurse six times before she could get a vein to infuse with his factor. It was extremely upsetting and very frustrating.” At the camp she met another mother with a two-year-old son named Devin. His case of Hemophilia is so severe that he had to have a port put in. He had a Chemo Duck that they called “Hemo Duck.” He could practice the same treatments on his duck that he was about to undergo since he had a port and an I.V. line just like Devin. It helped to calm him down and understand what was happening to him.
Gennifur requested a Chemo Duck for Azaya so he would have a furry friend to help him manage his disease. Of course we sent her one! She said, “I can't thank you enough for this duck. He has already been playing with it and notices that he too needs to be infused when he gets injured. I really think that this is the start to help Azaya with his infusions as well as myself.”
We’re glad that Chemo Duck can adapt to other life threatening conditions to help children be less frightened about their treatments, no matter what illness they have.
Running For A Great Cause
September 2010
by Amamda ElizerIn high school, I use to run around the block to get exercise. One afternoon my mother, being her funny self, commented that "I run like a duck"; never did I think that her statement would have such truth behind it.
Many years, and three children later, I got the urge to once again lace up the "sneaks" and hit the pavement. I decided to train for the Music City ½ Marathon and show myself that I could balance life and still enjoy my athletic side.
During Music City, I saw so many people running to support wonderful causes. T-shirts, banners and flags covered every inch of the course. I, too, wanted to run for something or someone. I vowed that I would represent a great cause at my next ½ Marathon.
A friend told me about Lu Sipos, her son Gabe and the Chemo Duck Project. After talking with Lu, I knew that this was only the beginning of my involvement with Chemo duck and children living with cancer.
So, here I am training once again for a half marathon. This time I am running the St Jude’s half marathon on December 4th. What a perfect choice as it will benefit the children of St Jude’s Hospital and I can raise funds for the Chemo Duck program at the same time. Please take a minute to visit my Firstgiving page and support my efforts as I run until every child living with cancer has a duck. This is my mission and I will continue to run or, as my mom says, "waddle" for ducks. http://www.firstgiving.com/awelizer
Walgreen's Fundraiser
June 2010
We would like to say a huge thank you to greater Nashville area Walgreens stores for running a month long fundraiser for us during March. Local stores
hosted a number of different events including, bake sales, car washes and
collecting change at the cash registers.
We are extremely proud to partner with such an amazing organization and hope that this will be a continuing partnership. This fundraiser collected over 15 thousand dollars and enabled Gabe's My Heart to finish the Chemo Duck cartoon!
Chemo Duck Cartoon
June 2010
The first ever three-minute installment of a Chemo Duck cartoon is now up and running! Bringing Chemo Duck to life in a cartoon is a fun and entertaining way to educate kids through a means they are familiar with. The first episode is an introduction to questions and issues children have when they are diagnosed with cancer. Chemo Duck helps children of all ages see and practice procedures they are about to undergo. In his cartoon form, he can answer questions children often ask. Chemo Duck is a feathery companion that will always be there during treatment and now everyone can watch him on-screen as well! Chemo Duck will have a series of episodes that will teach kids and their families useful facts about cancer and treatments, while making them laugh at the same time. Chemo Duck's animated life was made possible by Walgreens, The Memorial Foundation and JS Enterprises.
Be sure to check out Chemo Duck's cartoon at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxthuUoEMVA. (If you search "Chemo Duck" it will be the first video to pop up)
Gabe's Goodies Update
June 2010
We would like to say another big thank you to Independence High School in Spring Hill TN, for hosting a "Gabe's Goodies" Ice Cream Social. Teams competed against each other to raise the most money from their ice cream booth. The winning team was called "Everyday's a Sundae" and made a profit of $120 for Gabe's My Heart. The senior class raised over $800. Students had a blast raising money for such a great cause. Several businesses donated items for the sale including: Kroger, Publix, Ben & Jerry's, Baskin Robbins, ColdStone Creamery, Sonic and Burger King, so thanks to them too!
Congratulations Gabe
June 2010
Gabe finished the last mile of his "Mile at a Time" Marathon at the Kids
Country Music Marathon on April 23rd ....as you can see he was followed closely to the finish line by a very large Duck!!
A Heartwarming Note About Rosie
April 2010
We just wanted to thank you for Chemo Duck. The day Chemo Duck appeared Rosie, my five-year-old daughter, was jumping for joy just opening the box. Just minutes later she was in the kitchen with Chemo Duck and I heard her taking to him, she said, "Chemo Duck, I know I just got you, but I already love you!" It was too cute! Thank you for bringing her such joy. She goes through so much. Chemo duck has been with her to Chemo, to all her doctor's appointments, to school to meet her class. He has had many chemo treatments, antibiotics, IV infusions, heparin, flushes and more! She loves Chemo Duck!!
What a great way for the kids to work through all their fears and have a friend to share their journey with. Rosie has an inoperable brain tumor and she has been battling it since her third birthday. She recently started her third round of chemo--this time it will be a 24 month chemo. Thank you for making her days at the hospital better, with Chemo duck by her side!!
JoAnne Colucci
Chemo Duck Running Team Update
April 2010
The Chemo Duck running team is up and running (pun intended), our friends Jessica and Beth both completed the Tom King Half Marathon in early March and our new friend Laurie took part in a local 5k. The Chemo Duck Team now has more than 15 members and has raised more than $2500. We are extremely grateful to ICV Solutions for their sponsorship of the Chemo Duck running team.
Many of our members are taking part in the Country Music half marathon on April 24th. Here at Gabe's My Heart, we could not be more proud of our marathon team. If you would like to get in shape and help children living with cancer at the same time contact; lu@chemoduck.org and grab your running shoes!
Chemo Duck Paper Dolls
April 2010
What does your child do on those long days in the hospital? Gabe's My Heart is working hard to create fun ideas to keep you busy during your down time.
We are very proud to announce the first of our cut out activities:
Chemo Duck and Friends Paper Cut Outs
Print the sheets on cardstock and have fun cutting them out and dressing up Chemo Duck, Gabe, Dr Melissa and our new friend Gigi! All our paper friends can be dressed as hospital staff, patients or in their play clothes. For more fun you can print the sheets on magnetic paper and stick your friends to the refrigerator door!!!
See the new cut outs at /package-pdf/cutouts.pdf.
New Printable Pages
February 2010
In the upcoming months, Gabe's My Heart will be adding new printable activities to our Kids section of the website.
Our first addition is a printable certificate so your remarkable kids can make a promise to take care of their Chemo Duck. studies have shown, that Children find it empowering to have their very own patient to care for. Allowing children to experience the role of both patient and caregiver, Chemo Duck helps children feel in control of their current situation and promotes a perceptive understanding of a doctors responsibilities. By providing this certificate, we offer the children a light-hearted formalization of his or her mission as a "doctor" and an enjoyable way to celebrate the beginning of a new friendship.
Audrianna
February 2010
My 3yr old daughter Audrianna has Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma; she was diagnosed April 8, 2009. We have gone through many rounds of chemo, surgery and are now on the 2nd stem cell transplant per her protocol. Audrianna received a chemo duck from her hospital with a Hickman broviak just like hers and she was thrilled!!! Chemo Duck has been named Quackers and Audrianna shows everyone his broviak. She loves the fact that the bandage opens and she can see where it went into the ducks chest just like she can see her line when it's being changed.
Audrianna also has a little sister name Kyra who is forever trying to flush Audri's broviak for her. Now Kyra has a way to explore a boviak without having to worry about exposing Audri to germs or infection. I wanted to thank you for donating the ducks to the hospital for patients like my daughter. Children should never get cancer, but when they do it's so nice to know there are places like www.Chemoduck.org to help them understand.
- Angie B (Audrianna's Mom)
Letter From Gabe
February 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
I have decided to join the Chemo Duck Marathon Team. I am taking part in the Kids Country Music Marathon with the members of my school running club. Leading up to the event I will run one mile before school twice a week until I have logged 25 miles. We will run our final mile at the COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON on April 24th 2010 in downtown Nashville.
As most of you know, My Mum made the first Chemo Duck for me when I was in treatment for Rhabdomyosarcoma. I was only one and had a hard time understanding why my life had changed so much in such a short time. My Mum tried hard to find something to teach me about cancer treatment in a way I could identify with. After looking for a while she found that there was nothing available to teach young children, so she decided to create something herself.
Since the day my Mum made my special buddy "Chemo Duck", we have dreamed of helping every kid living with cancer to overcome their fears. We are well on our way. By summer 2010, 5000 families will have been helped by my little yellow buddy!
I am writing to see if you can help me along the journey! My Marathon Goal is to raise $1,725.00. This is enough to sponsor Chemo Ducks for one hospital for a whole year! PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!!
$25 will pay for one duck for a child with cancer. To donate please visit www.firstgiving.com/gabrielsipos. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Love, Gabe
Happy Holidays from Gabe's My Heart and Chemo Duck!
December 2009
Each Year the Sipos Family, founders of Gabe's Chemo Duck, count their abundant blessings. Gabe Sipos was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma on Christmas day 2002, but as of today is happy, healthy and cancer free.
Gabe's My Heart thanks you for your support of our growing program and invites you to join in our gratitude by reaching out to help a child in need.
Consider adopting a Chemo Duck, to help a child diagnosed with cancer this Holiday Season.
The Duck will travel to a child along with any personal wishes you would like us to include.
Please accept all our best wishes for the year to come
Sincerely,
Gabe's Chemo Duck Program
Amanda Elizer
December 2009
Running for a great cause
by Amanda Elizer
In high school, I use to run around the block to get exercise. One afternoon my mother, being her funny self, commented that “I run like a duck”; never did I think that her statement would have such truth behind it.
Many years, and three children later, I got the urge to once again lace up the “sneaks” and hit the pavement. I decided to train for the Music City ½ Marathon and show myself that I could balance life and still enjoy my athletic side.
During Music City, I saw so many people running to support wonderful causes. T-shirts, banners and flags covered every inch of the course. I, too, wanted to run for something or someone. I vowed that I would represent a great cause at my next ½ Marathon.
I was told by a friend about Lu Sipos, her son Gabe and the Chemo Duck Project. After talking with Lu, I knew that this was only the beginning of my involvement with Chemo duck and children living with cancer .
So, here I am today, I have returned from a ½ Marathon in San Antonio, Texas. With the help of friends and family, I have met my first goal of raising funds for 100 ducks for children across the United State. I plan to continue to run until every child living with cancer has a duck. This is my mission and I will continue to run or, as my mom thinks "waddle" for ducks.
Grey Ghost 5k Update
December 2009
Gabe's My Heart would like to thank all the participants in the inaugural
Grey Ghost 5k run in Spring Hill TN on October 31st.
The event was an enormous success and although the day was wet and chilly
everyone had a great time and really entered into the spirit of the event.
Local school children showed their support for Gabe's Chemo Duck program by
showing up in droves and even running the 1k Goblin Gallop in the mud!!
Gabe's very own Longview elementary school won the trophy for the most participants! It was so cool to see all their bright yellow Chemo Duck
shirts running in a pack!!
The Rotary Club of Spring Hill donated enough money to Gabe's My Heart to
adopt over 50 chemo ducks!!!
For more information on the Grey Ghost 5k, please visit www.greyghost5k.com.