Mission Moment: Perry Coxe
Mission Monday: Burkley Ford
In February 2021, Burkley was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, cancer that forms in
certain types of nerve tissue, at the tender age of three. She had a large tumor in her abdomen with
metastasis to her lymph nodes as well as her bone marrow. Genetic testing found the tumor to be
the more aggressive form of Neuroblastoma, giving Burkley a 50% chance of survival. In February,
she had a very successful surgery which removed the tumor and bulk of the malignant abdominal
lymph nodes. She then underwent 6 rounds of inpatient chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant
(which was 7 weeks of inpatient at the Medical University of South Carolina), and radiation. She is
now undergoing monthly inpatient immunotherapy. In June 2021, her testing showed no evidence of
disease and thankfully has had no evidence of disease since.
Children’s Cancer Partners has supported Burkley and her family during her entire journey. CCP aided her family with the cost of gas, parking, and meals – three expenses that add up quickly. This financial burden would have posed difficulties for the family if CCP was not there to support them. Additionally,
monthly check-ins on Burkley means so much to the family. “CCP means that we have a little less worry in our otherwise very stressful life,” states Burkley’s mom. “When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you drop everything to be with your child. This means we missed countless days of work and yet required more money to pay for travel and food. CCP has been an incredible charity to aid us with these costs and help relieve that burden.”
Volunteer Partner Spotlight: Michele Harvey
Michele Harvey has volunteered for Children’s Cancer Partners since 2016. Michele is often in the Children’s Cancer Partners office assisting with everything from birthday boxes that are sent out to our children during their birthday month to stuffing envelopes for the latest appeal. Michele plays a pivotal role in organizing other volunteers to assist with many volunteer opportunities. She rallies her Trinity Circle group to help with appeal mailings and even the delicious baked goods that were at the 2022 Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off benefiting Children’s Cancer Partners.
Michele has brought her passion of volunteerism to her family. Michele’s husband, Pat, can be found at any Children’s Cancer Partners fundraising event. Most recently, Michele and her granddaughter assisted our team with the packing of birthday boxes. We are so grateful for Michele and her dedication to our children.
Children’s Cancer Partners was able to catch up with Michele Harvey:
Children’s Cancer Partners: What made you choose to volunteer for Children’s Cancer Partners?
Harvey: I learned about the wonderful work of Children’s Cancer Partners (formerly Children’s Security Blanket) through Tommy Russell, co-founder and a fellow church member. I was so touched by the love and care and meaningful services provided not only to children diagnosed with cancer, but to their families, including their siblings. Elsie Wright, other members of our church circle, and I began volunteering several years ago and we’ve been able to get other members of our congregation at Trinity United Methodist Church (UMC) involved.
Children’s Cancer Partners: What’s your favorite volunteer activity?
Harvey: I most enjoy helping with the annual Christmas party held for all the families served by Children’s Cancer Partners. It’s such a joyous event and the children are so excited to be there with their siblings and other cancer patients participating in holiday activities
Children’s Cancer Partners: After almost 6 years of volunteering for us, why do you choose to continue to give us your time?
Harvey: I’m so grateful for Children’s Cancer Partners and the the important work they do, and I’m happy to help in any way I can. I enjoy working with fellow volunteers from Trinity and I have had the opportunity to get to know other wonderful volunteers, as well.
Children’s Cancer Partners: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Harvey: After 28 years as a teacher of special needs children, I am enjoying retirement! Attending live music performances, walking in the neighborhood with my audiobooks, and having lunch with friends are favorite activities. I continue to be very involved at Trinity UMC and volunteer with other local organizations, including League of Women Voters. I enjoyed travel adventures with my husband, Peyton, prior to COVID. I’m always delighted to get together with our immediate and extended family, and especially enjoy being with our grandchildren, Ella (8) and Gaver (5). Ella helped me pack birthday boxes at Children’s Cancer Partners when she visited last week!
Meet Kedeidra!
We welcome Kedeidra Dupree to the Children’s Cancer Partners team as a Family Advocate in the Durham area! Originally from Macclesfield, North Carolina, Kedeidra made Durham her home 6 years ago. Kedeidra comes to us with a background in child and family services. She obtained both an AAS degree and BA degree in Child Development with a minor in Social Work from Fayetteville State University. She was previously an instructor, case manager, child specialist; amongst many other titles. Her education and child development background were, and have always been, especially rewarding because she received the opportunity to help children and families grow through many moments within their lives.
While on the journey of career development Kedeidra has built many long-lasting connections including assisting with national organizations and speaking on many panels. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and researching; as well as spending time and taking care of her teenage sister. “Entering into the world of motherhood has been my greatest challenge yet; as my sister and I learn from each other daily,” stated Kedeidra. “Now day to day; I feel that my most rewarding experience thus far is helping make a difference in children and families. I welcome the opportunity within this wonderful organization as I start here at Children’s Cancer Partners.”
Corporate Partner Spotlight: Benjamin Weeks
Children’s Cancer Partners recently partnered with Benjamin Weeks, Founder and Communications Director of Slang Creative.
Benjamin shot his first film when he was in the fourth grade. Using a stationary 8 mm film camera and stop motion control, the ten second animation entitled, “Man Falls on Banana” inspired this thing he calls a career.
Later in life, he received his BA degree in Media Communications from Carson-Newman University, interned for Magnovox in their corporate video production facility, worked for PBS Televison, served as President of the Digital Video Professionals Association (DVPA), launched his own successful video production company called Aardvark Interactive Studios and is currently co-founder of Slang Creative.
He loves his girls Rebecca and Abby. He’s passionate about God, Clemson football, music, 80s trivia, hiking, camping, white water rafting and playing tennis. He also knows every 80s song ever written.
I got involved with the Children’s Cancer Partners after learning about their amazing mission to help the families of children with cancer. I’ve always had a heart for helping others and I saw a fabulous opportunity to help them promote their fundraising efforts. I consider it a privilege to partner with them in raising awareness for their cause!
I’ve been involved in marketing and communications for over thirty years. During this time, I’ve focused on media production. I love telling a compelling story through video or even in a single frame of photography. I love the challenge of using all my senses to pull together the elements of a story in a way that evokes just the right tone and perspective.
With Children’s Cancer Partners, I’ve been so touched by the impact the organization has had on so many individuals and families. I’ve been deeply moved by the joy that families have expressed in how they truly “partner” with families to ease their financial burden. I’ve been particularly impressed with how the organization seeks out the families when they need help the most. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the parents and children and hearing their heartfelt gratitude toward their organization makes me want to tell All of their inspiring stories.
I hope that my storytelling will be compelling enough to provide awareness about children with cancer and ultimately I hope others will be inspired to see the need to help and to act on this tremendous need.
We are so grateful to team up with Benjamin and Slang Creative to tell our story. You can contact Slang Creative and learn more at –www.slangcreative.com.
Corporate Partner Spotlight: Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
It’s been nearly 7 years since Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System started its partnership with Children’s Cancer Partners. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System has sponsored events such as Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off and Docs Who Rock, all of which benefit local children battling cancer. Since the partnering with Children’s Cancer Partners, 83 children have been served and 357 individuals (parents/guardian, siblings) have been impacted.
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas provides critical, caring support for local families going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is grateful for CCP’s work in our community and proud to support the organization’s efforts to improve the overall quality of life of children battling cancer.
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2022 Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off. “We are so grateful for our partnership with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System,” states Laura Allen, Executive Director of Children’s Cancer Partners. “They have made such an impact on our organization and the local children we serve. We forward to many more years of partnership.”
Join Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Children’s Cancer Parnters, and Cribbs Kitchen on April 30 in Downtown Spartanburg to support local children battling cancer.
Meet Beau Bourquin!
Beau Bourquin has partnered with Children’s Cancer Partners by joining our Development Committee in March of 2022.
Beau was born in Cleveland Ohio and graduated from Kent State University, earning a B.S. Degree in Business Marketing & minor in Global Communications. Beau loves his Buckeye state, but now calls Raleigh, NC home, where Beau is the founder and owner of his own residential real estate company, The Beau Group. Prior to real estate, Beau worked as a fashion model for a number of fashion modeling agencies and designers all over the world including Ford NYC, Armani, Elite Paris, Prada, Click LA, Versace, Beatrice Milan and more. While modeling all over the world, Beau discovered how unorganized and unprotected his fellow models were as a result of no services to assist them while traveling the world and wanted to help. Beau created a global fashion modeling service company that offered critical services to fashion models while traveling the world to assure their health, safety and happiness. These services included lodging, travel, insurance, entertainment, financial options and more.
In his spare time, Beau enjoys spending time with his two daughters and traveling up and down the east coast for their volleyball and cheer tournaments. When not traveling, Beau enjoys working out at his club, attending his local church, cooking & grilling out, watching sports, going to the lake, beach and mountains, mountain biking, golf, skiing around the world, tennis, basketball and spending time with his black lab named, Buddy.
Beau on why he joined our Development Committee
“I am a blessed man and thank my parents for teaching me to appreciate life, choose happiness and help others enjoy life. I have spent my life volunteering for children’s foundations and organizations and when given the opportunity I was responsible for assisting in organizing a fashion runway show in NYC. We contacted the top fashion designers in the world and asked them to create Sesame Street themed clothing to be worn on the runway to then be auctioned off to raise awareness and money for the children’s hospital in NYC. We held the runway show early in the evening so children from the hospital could attend and see the show and meet their favorite characters from Sesame Street who were in attendance. The night was a huge success! After I got into the cab to go home, I broke down and cried with happiness after reflecting on seeing the children’s faces that lit up the night with happiness. It was wonderful to see them enjoying a night away from the hospital and health struggles! From that moment forward, I have and will dedicate my time to children and their families in need.
I believe God brings people into our lives at certain times for certain reasons. I am thankful God brought Dania Beck, Children’s Cancer Partners Director of Philanthropy, and I together as friends. After Dania shared more about what she does and Children’s Cancer Partners and its mission, I was hooked and wanted to be involved! I told Dania, please let me know what I can do and when to assist her, Children’s Cancer Partners, her team and all children and families who are battling cancer! Me and my global resources are here to help in any way we can…Let’s roll!”
Meet Ryan Melvin!
When Melvin’s daughter, Jasmine, was 2-years-old, she was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma. His family traveled across the Carolinas to meet with different doctors at pediatric treatment centers to get Jasmine the best possible care. While on the road, the Melvin family met countless other children fighting their own battles, and their families who were experiencing similar heartaches and struggles as his own.
Jasmine lost her battle six months after her initial diagnosis. While her passing devastated Melvin and his family, it lit a passion in him for helping other families who are personally affected by pediatric cancer.
“Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is providing an incredible service to families across South and North Carolina, plus much more,” Melvin said. “I am proud to be part of an organization that helps children who are battling pediatric cancer that also helps families that need the help and resources. From personal experience, I know the struggle these families are facing and I’m excited to play a small part in providing the much needed assistance the partners at CCP offer.”
“Ryan Melvin is the perfect addition to our board,” said CCP Executive Director Laura Allen. “Not only does he understand what CCP families are going through, but his passion for helping others shines brightly and he will be a true asset to helping CCP achieve its mission of providing immediate, comprehensive and continuous support to children battling cancer throughout the Carolinas.”
Melvin resides in Columbia, S.C. and works for the South Carolina Department of Commerce where he recruits new companies and works with existing ones who are looking to expand their operations in the state. Prior to joining S.C. Commerce, Melvin worked as a Sales Manager for the Columbia Metro Convention Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also worked in Business Development for the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
Corporate Partner Spotlight: White Oak Management
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas and White Oak Management, a provider of assisted living, short term rehabilitation, nursing homes, independent living, and memory care throughout the Carolinas, have a long history of partnership. White Oak Management has sponsored events such as Cribb’s Kitchen Annual Burger Cook-Off and Docs Who Rock. Most recently, White Oak Management has partnered with CCP by giving funds to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to continue to support Carolina children battling cancer. This partnership has continued to grow through the alignment of each organizations’ missions.
“We believe in Children’s Cancer Partners and its mission to help children and their families battling cancer,” states Doug Cecil, President of White Oak Management. “CCP’s level of support and responsiveness to families is amazing. We are proud to partner with CCP. They make it possible for families to deal with such a terrifying diagnosis that comes with great medical costs, not to mention the costs associated with travel for treatment. We, at White Oak, hope our contribution allows them to receive the care they need with as little stress as possible on both the child and their family,” states Cecil.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Dunleavy – Celebrating Time, Talent, and Treasure
Without volunteers, Children’s Cancer Partners would not be where it is today. We still heavily rely on volunteers to make sure all of our children receive the lifesaving cancer treatment they need. We have volunteers giving their time, talent and treasure on committees such as Development, Governance, and Finance. Each committee serves the purpose to provide ideas and support to the Children’s Cancer Partners staff to continue our growth to meet our goal of serving every Carolina child battling cancer. Development Committee Member, Kathy Dunleavy, brings years of profound wisdom and talent in the field of philanthropy to Children’s Cancer Partners, especially talent.
Kathy has called Spartanburg home for the last 32 years. Kathy currently serves as the Meeting Street Academy Community Liaison. Previously, Kathy served as the President/CEO of the Mary Black Foundation. Prior to Mary Black, Kathy served as President/CEO of United Way of the Piedmont and also had a 20-year banking career. She has greatly impacted the Spartanburg community. Her current community activities include being a member of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Audit and Compliance committee, a board member of Spartanburg Academic Movement, and USC Upstate’s School of Public Health and Education Advisory Board as well as on the Truist Advisory Board and the Johnson School of Business Advisory Board.
“Kathy is very well respected for her long and rich history in the nonprofit sector. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Children’s Cancer Partners,” states Dania Beck, Director of Philanthropy. “She has become an invaluable part of our organization and the Development Committee by utilizing her skillsets and relationships to connect us to valued partners in the communities we serve.”
Kathy has received much recognition including the Order of the Palmetto in 2011 given by Governor Nikki Haley, the Humanitarian of the Year by the Urban League of the Upstate in 2011, the Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Chamber in 2012, and the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award presented by Converse University in 2011 and Wofford College in 2018. Kathy and her husband, Ray, reside in Spartanburg and have a blended family of six children and five grandchildren.
We couldn’t do it without volunteers, especially ones like Kathy. Kathy, thank you for giving back! Let us know about what other time, talent, and treasures we need to know about!
Mission Moment: Perry Coxe
Diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a type of childhood cancer that starts in the kidneys, in September 2021, Perry was an active four year old with no medical history concerns. Perry and her sister, Bailey were outside playing when she fell. Mom, Brittany, rushed to see what was the matter when she heard Perry screaming a different scream than normal and crying. The pain subsided and Perry’s parents chalked it up as another “boo-boo”. The next morning, Perry woke up with a low grade fever and complained of the pain in her side again. Brittany took Perry to Levine’s Children’s hospital where they ran tests and found a mass.
“Life changed pretty quickly from then on,” states Griffin, Perry’s dad. “The biggest thing is how isolated you can feel while going through the battle together. We were fortunate to know that we had overwhelming support from friends and family, which quickly turned into support from complete strangers and organizations, just like Children’s Cancer Partners.” He continues, “Our hearts go out to people that get a diagnosis that don’t have the structure of support that we have, it would be difficult to manage without it.” Children’s Cancer Partners has assisted with gas, food, parking, hotel stays and more since Perry’s diagnosis. These things add up when you’re driving back and forth or staying overnight due to treatment, all while trying to focus on what’s important – the well-being of your child. “CCP took that concern off of our shoulders from the beginning. We are very fortunate to have CCP and our social worker at Duke Children’s for introducing us to CCP,” said Griffin.
Brittany and Griffin are organizing a golf tournament, High Hopes Golf Tournament, in the Durham area in mid-April. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
