Expanding Family Services in North Carolina
Kidz in Lids Hosts Record Breaking Month!
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is pleased to announce that Kidz in Lids hosted a record-breaking month in September. CCP had dozens of schools join us throughout both Carolinas to help bring awareness about childhood cancer to local students all the while helping promote Childhood Cancer Awareness Month which takes place each September.
“September is an extra special month for children battling cancer,” said Laura Allen, Executive Director of Children’s Cancer Partners. “While we celebrate and help children and their families with childhood cancer everyday of the year, September marks a time where extra awareness is brought to the children fighting this horrific disease. We are so proud of the thousands of students across the Carolinas who helped make this awareness possible by hosting a Kidz in Lids day at their school.”
The Kidz in Lids Inclusion Program is just one way the community can give back to Children’s Cancer Partners; and it is an exclusive way for children in the Carolinas to help children who are battling cancer. Local schools can sign up to host a Kidz in Lids day any day of the school year. It’s easy! All students have to do is bring $1 to school to wear a hat (and faculty can participate by bringing $5 to dress casually for the day). This money is collected and goes directly back to Children’s Cancer Partners to support children in the school or district’s local area.
In September alone, we had dozens of schools participating, setting a record-breaking month for Kidz in Lids since its inception. Kidz in Lids was started in Spartanburg by a young lady with a big heart — Paige Melick, who lost a friend to cancer, went to her principal Jeremy Darby at Campobello Gramling School and urged something needed to be done. Kidz in Lids was born. And now Kidz in Lids is widespread in schools throughout North and South Carolina.
“Spartanburg District 1 and especially Campobello Gramling School is proud to partner with Children’s Cancer Partners to host Kidz in Lids,” said Dr. Ronald Garner, Superintendent of Spartanburg District 1 Schools. “We are proud to be the founding school for this incredible inclusion program that teaches our students inclusion, kindness, empathy, and, most importantly, allows students to give back to other students who are battling cancer and need the support of their peers.”
Learn more about Kidz in Lids here.
Upstate South Carolina Fuddruckers Owners Give Back to Childhood Cancer in September — “In the Business of Building Burgers and Hope”
Five Upstate South Carolina Fuddruckers’ Restaurants, under the leadership of owners, Allen and Lee Ann Johnston, are teaming up with local organizations to give back to children across the Upstate in September as a part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“We are so pleased to be involved with these two incredible organizations who do so much for children battling cancer. Being able to give back is so rewarding for our entire Fuddruckers’ team,” said Lee Ann Johnston. “While we’re in the business of building burgers, we’re also in the business of building hope, especially for these very special children battling cancer.”
The two partnerships include a Give-Back Day at all five Fuddruckers’ upstate locations (Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, Greer, and Duncan) all day on Wednesday, September 14. You can eat at the nearest Fuddruckers and 15% of your meal will be donated to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
CCP helps children diagnosed with cancer and their families across the Carolinas by providing funds for travel, food, lodging and other support. Last year, CCP reimbursed 1,720,165 auto miles and funded 838 hotel stays as families traveled to 11 states outside of the Carolinas for life saving pediatric cancer treatment. This year, it expects to assist an estimated 8,000 children, caregivers, and siblings.
The second partnership is with Roc Solid Foundation. Roc Solid provides custom backyard playsets to kids fighting cancer. The Fuddruckers’ team will be participating in a play-set build on September 15 to help a local Upstate child fighting cancer.
“We are so grateful for organizations like Fuddruckers and leaders like Lee Ann and Allen Johnston, who help make hope possible for the children of the Carolinas battling cancer,” said Laura Allen, executive director of Children’s Cancer Partners. “It takes a community to support these children on their journey, and we are so thankful for our local Fuddruckers for partnering with local organizations to give them the support they need.”
Letter to the Editor: No one budgets for cancer
Your family has been touched by cancer–I’m sure of it. Ours too, and it’s a very hard subject for us to talk about. But if ever there was a good time and a good reason, it is during September–National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
There is so much that can be done for cancer’s most precious patients, and you do not have to be a doctor or a nurse, a research scientist or a policymaker.
There is a family nearby that has just received the bitter news, “Your child has cancer.” Panic descends, life turns upside down and a long journey begins. Months of chemo or radiation, surgeries perhaps, nights and days in hospitals–countless treatment trips.
No one is prepared. Everyone needs someone to guide them through the emotional jungle, the treatment pathways. And certainly no one budgets for cancer–least of all their child’s cancer.
Some live great distances from the very few pediatric treatment centers. Some hold hourly jobs and lose work/wages whenever their child needs care. Just imagine the plight of single parents on duty 24/7/365!
We are fortunate here in the Carolinas to have an organization that reaches out to families within 24 hours, walks beside them on their terrifying journey, and fills the financial gaps so that every child has access to the best care–whether that be in New York, Houston or beyond, they make sure children get there.
This month especially, take a few minutes to visit that organization–Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas at www.childrenscancerpartners.org to learn more about the enormous challenges of childhood cancer, and what you can do to make things better.
If you are a grateful adult cancer survivor, celebrate your good fortune by helping a brave young cancer patient. They need you most.
Sincerely
Nene Gunn
Letter to the Editor: Local organization supports children battling cancer
For many in the Upstate, the word cancer hits hard. And for an even smaller group, the words Childhood Cancer hit even harder. For me personally, these words hit close to home. As a leader in the Upstate, this personal passion led me to search for an organization that would allow me to give back to families on the childhood cancer journey.
I was so humbled to learn about an organization right here in our backyard that does exactly that. Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is an organization whose mission is to cover treatment related travel costs–food, lodging, and transportation–so that families could get their child to treatment no matter how often or how far. I wanted to be involved immediately.
This incredible organization helps families get to the treatments their children need–whether that is providing gas cards to travel locally to PRISMA or providing air and hotel travel arrangements to get to needed treatments beyond the Upstate. We believe every child deserves the very best treatment, and I am honored to be a part of ensuring we get them there.
We are fortunate here in the Carolinas to have this organization, Children’s Cancer Partners, that reaches out to families within 24 hours, walks beside them on their terrifying journey, and fills the financial gaps so that every child has access to the best care–whether that be in New York, Houston or beyond, they make sure children get there.
In honor of children fighting cancer in the Upstate this month especially, please take a few minutes to visit that organization–Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas at www.childrenscancerpartners.org to learn more about the enormous challenges of childhood cancer, and what you can do to make things better.
Sincerely
Glenn Cash
Board Member, Children’s Cancer Partners
Vice President of Accounting and Finance
Connectivity and AFL Network Services US
Letter to the Editor: These children deserve to fight their battle
When I was asked to join Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) as a board member, it was an easy and immediate “Yes!” It’s easy to find your “why” with an organization like CCP whose mission to support families whose children are battling cancer is so noble and so incredibly needed.
Cancer touches almost every family but not every family is concerned that their car won’t be able to make the many and often hours-long journeys to the nearest pediatric cancer center for treatment, not everyone is worried they’ll lose their job while taking the time to care for their sick child.
Now that I am a new Mom, I think of so many children whose lives are threatened; cancer is the number one disease killer of children in America. These children and their families deserve to fight their battle with dignity and without crushing emotional worries and financial pressures. That is why I choose to support this worthy organization, especially now during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
All children deserve a fighting chance—CCP helps to provide this chance and provides a community for our children and their families. There are 50 Cape Fear region children depending on CCP today, and another 18 or more will join them every year.
I invite you to become a member of our community of fighters, of cheerleaders, of advocates and of our family for the sake of each one of the brave children being served by Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. Learn more by visiting them at www.childrenscancerpartners.org
And then please consider donating your time, talents and treasure today!
Sincerely,
Alex Hunt North
Letter to the editor: Pediatric cancer, a family perspective
When you become a parent, you are prepared for many things. Sleepless nights, too many diapers, too many bottles, fixing a skinned up knee. But one thing no one prepares you for–nor is there a manual–is hearing the words, “Your child has cancer.”
When our daughter was diagnosed with cancer, those very words shook our family to its core. We wondered, “What does this mean for our family?” “What does this mean for our child?” “Will she be okay?” The questions did not stop there.
But one question we never had to worry about for long was, “How will we get her to treatment?” Our family was so thankful to know of an organization that eased the burden of this question for us in a time that there were so many questions. They made sure our child was able to get to her treatments by eliminating the burden of travel related expenses.
We are fortunate here in the Carolinas to have this organization, Children’s Cancer Partners, that reaches out to families within 24 hours, walks beside them on their terrifying journey, and fills the financial gaps so that every child has access to the best care–whether that be in New York, Houston or beyond, they make sure children get there.
Because of this organization, our daughter received the care she needed no matter how often or how far. We want more parents, like us, to know that the answer to one of their many questions lies within the resources provided by this incredible organization.
This month especially, take a few minutes to visit that organization–Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas at www.childrenscancerpartners.org to learn more about the enormous challenges of childhood cancer, and what you can do to make things better.
Sincerely
Brittany & Griffin Coxe
Letter to the Editor: The youngest cancer victims who have so very much at stake
As an oncologist, I deal with life and death cancer challenges confronting adults every day. But in this national month of Childhood Cancer Awareness, I urge us all to consider these youngest cancer victims who have so very much at stake.
The average adult overtaken by cancer loses 15 years of life. That is a lot of time that could be spent with loved ones, grandchildren, or service to others.
Now consider the fate of children. The average age of childhood cancer diagnosis is six, and the average age at death from cancer is eight–they lose on average 71 years of life!
While cancer remains a leading cause of death in children in America, our national response has been inadequate and lacking. Only 201 institutions nationwide treat pediatric cancers, compared to many thousands for adults.
Children of rural and poor families face three times greater risks for late diagnosis, under treatment, relapse of death. They do not suffer from lack of love, but rather sheer distance to treatment and the family resources to get them there and provide homecare.
Did you know that Congress appropriates more research funds for adult male prostate cancer than for all pediatric cancers combined?
Cancer survival rates are expressed in terms of five years more life. While many of my patients are grateful for that time, it means less in the life of a six-year-old. One in three children will not survive 20 years beyond their cancer diagnosis.
We all have been touched by cancer, and many of us mourn its toll. But this month, give special thought to the 700+ Carolina children who will be diagnosed this year, and the thousands more already in treatment or survivorship. Learn more by visiting Carolina’s remarkable childhood cancer safety net–www.childrenscancerpartner.org and see if you can help in some way.
Sincerely,
Ki Young Chung, M.D.
Board Chair
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
Partner Spotlight: Measurement Incorporated
Dr. Henry H. Scherich, better known as “Hank” to those who know him well, is the Founder/CEO of Measurement Incorporated. Hank is married to his wife Linda, and they have two sons, Nathan (Allie) and Bryan (Lindsey). He has five grandchildren who he loves dearly.
Freelance writer and former newspaper columnist, Thomas Gasparoli, has written a biography of Hank’s life entitled “Leading By Example: The Henry Scherich Story” and it is available on Amazon.
While this book was written primarily for the next generation of Scherichs as a record of and reflection on Hank’s journey, he hopes others will find interesting and inspiring, too.
Measurement Incorporated (MI) is an employee-owned corporation. MI is a full-service educational testing company. Its primary business is developing and scoring student achievement examinations from kindergarten through college and at the professional level for state departments of education, local school districts and other educational agencies. Measurement Incorporated and Dr. Scherich have also been significantly involved in the re-development of downtown Durham. The company has been in business since 1980.
The main headquarters is in downtown Durham, but other locations are in Greensboro NC, Nashville TN, Taylor MI, Albany NY, and White Plains NY.
MI and the Scherich family are pleased to be a supporter of the Children’s Cancer Partners. Children’s Cancer Partners’ Durham office is based out of MI’s main headquarters and has been an in-kind donation since 2019.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
No one budgets for cancer. The facts are staggering. The average individual hospital stay for pediatric cancer costs over $40,000 Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality – AHRQ). Additionally, nearly 75% of families experience loss of 50% or more of household income (National Coalition of Cancer Survivors – NCCS). Not only does childhood cancer take a financial toll on a family, it takes an emotional toll as well. Families are isolated due to treatment that is often in-patient. Children’s Cancer Partners is there to assist with all needs of a Carolina child fighting cancer, and you can, too. Here’s how you can help over 1,700 Carolina children battling cancer!
Get the support of your friends on Facebook. Create a fundraiser on Facebook. All donations go directly to Children’s Cancer Partners and the children we serve. Create your fundraiser today: https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/
Do you shop on Amazon? You can give back with every qualifying purchase through Amazon Smile. Make sure you have Children’s Cancer Partners as your organization. You can start here: https://smile.amazon.com/
Shopping for every day goods can be difficult when your child is receiving treatment or in between doctor appointments. Our Family Advocates deliver every day products to our families so it’s one less thing for them to worry about. You can help stock our Gift in Kind closet here: https://a.co/dokEC6m
Teaching children important lessons about inclusion and helping others who are in need is something we value. Ask your child’s, grandchild’s, niece or nephew’s school to sign up to host a Kidz in Lids day or week and pass along these valuable skills: cchttps://childrenscancerpartners.org/kidz-in-lids/
Carolinas Childhood Cancer Giveback Month
You can attend a fundraiser during September!
Two Roosters Ice Cream – Durham, NC
- Wednesday, September 14 from 3:00pm until 9:00pm
- Durham location: 800 Taylor Street – Suite 9
- Mention CCP at checkout – in person and online!
The Scuba Shop – Spartanburg, SC
- Saturday, September 17 from 2-5 pm
- Converse University Pool
- Beginners welcome!
- You can check out more information about the event here: https://www.scubashopsc.com/en/uw-checkers-tournament-for-cancer
Holy City Brewing – Charleston, SC
- Thursday, September 22nd from 4:00 pm until 8:00pm
- DJ Night!
Verde – Columbia – Forest Acres
- Thursday, September 22nd from 4:00pm until 8:00pm
You can also host your own fundraiser! We were so grateful to be the non profit of choice from High Hopes Golf Tournament, a spaghetti dinner hosted by a Carolina teenager, and so much more during 2021.
The ideas are endless. Want to share an idea with us? Contact us at [email protected]. We’d love to chat!
Expanding Family Services in North Carolina
North Carolina motorists will see some precious smiles thanks to a grant from The Cannon Foundation to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP). The van provided bears the faces of North Carolina children battling cancer.
CCP is unique for its immediate, comprehensive and continuous support to children battling cancer, including travel assistance, lodging and emotional support throughout their perilous journey from diagnosis to age twenty-one.
“Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the United States, but treatment facilities are extremely limited,” said CCP Executive Director Laura Allen. “CCP walks alongside families in their darkest days, and this van will allow us to provide even more support for these North Carolina children.”
The van has the faces of three North Carolina children, each with their own special story.
Gracie is a CCP child who lives in Maxton, N.C. Diagnosed with a malignant tumor in 2018, CCP was at Gracie’s side as she underwent three courses of chemotherapy between her second and sixth birthdays at UNC Health in Chapel Hill.
“Now at six years old, Gracie is in remission and doing well,” said Gracie’s mom, Blair Locklear. “Thanks to her doctors at UNC and the support of Children’s Cancer Partners, Gracie gets to do more of what she loves, like playing dress up, dancing, and building sandcastles.”
Charlie is from Raleigh and was diagnosed with B-Cell ALL in November 2018 at the age of three. He had one 30-day stay at Duke Hospital in the beginning of his treatment, followed by 5 others — some planned for, others not — on top of regular treatment appointments at Duke. In March 2021, Charlie completed his treatments. Now at age seven, he enjoys doing parkour and competing on the local swim team in his hometown of Raleigh. Charlie also loves Super Wings, spending time with his friends, and playing with LEGOs, Transformers, and Shrinky Dinks.
Perry is another CCP child from Sanford NC. She was a healthy and active 4-year-old when she was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor in September 2021 after taking a tumble in her backyard. A trip to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte confirmed her parents’ worst fear: cancer. Perry has been responding well and will complete her treatment this month, and will ring the bell in August!
“Children’s Cancer Partners provides needed care and assistance to children and families facing their toughest days,” said Dr. Stuart Gold of UNC Health’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncology unit. “We are proud to work with CCP to ensure North Carolina children get access to the resources they need.”
CCP serves over 1200 children in North Carolina, and will assist more than 2,000 children across the Carolinas by the end of this year. On average, families confront costs of over $10,000 in transportation, food, lodging, special home care and other needs not covered by insurance. Some face far greater costs when their child is referred to out of state specialized treatment.
The van was made possible through a grant from The Cannon Foundation, a North Carolina-based philanthropy that provides capital and equipment funding for organizations across North Carolina. With The Cannon Foundation’s donation, North Carolina children with cancer and their families will have easier access to needed supplies that food stamp benefits cannot be used for. Those products include things like diapers, paper products including toilet paper, and soap products. The van will also allow CCP advocates to visit and assist CCP children during their treatments and provide additional after care support.
“We are proud to support CCP, a Carolinas-based nonprofit that makes sure our children get proper access to care, regardless of how far they must travel or how expensive it gets,” said Suzanne Philemon, Executive Director of The Cannon Foundation.
Last year, CCP reimbursed 1,720,165 auto miles and funded 838 hotel stays as families traveled to 11 states outside of the Carolinas for life saving pediatric cancer treatment. This year it expects to assist an estimated 8,000 children, caregivers, and siblings.
You can hear from a few of our families and watch the van reveal here.