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Archive for the ‘Awards’ Category

HOC Hero of the Week: Kaleb Borders

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week on November 15, 2012| 1 Comment »

This week we are honoring 5-year old Kaleb Borders.

5-year old Kaleb was diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer in February, 2012

The doctors said it was an inoperable brain tumor called Anaplastic Astrocytoma

Kaleb amazes all of his doctors and nurses.  He is the bravest person I’ve ever met.  Kaleb never gets tired or sick after chemotherapy.  He is brave through his blood draws and MRI’s.

We’re so inspired by Kaleb’s ability to still have fun and be positive while battling cancer that we wanted to honor him by naming him out HOC Hero of the Week.

You can help Kaleb and all of our Heroes by donating to our HOC Heroes fund here: http://www.fundly.com/hoc-heroes-of-the-week

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Johnathon Cahill

Posted in Awards, Awareness, Fundraiser, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , on October 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

This week we would like to honor two-year-old Johnathon Cahill, currently fighting stage 4 cancer.

This little boy is an inspiration to many.  A day after mother’s day this year, his family saw a lump bulging from his stomach.  After spending nearly a week in the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with a type of liver cancer called Hepatoblastoma.  This type of cancer only affects one in 1.5 million children.  The tumor covered 6/8th of Johnathon’s liver.  In August, doctor’s resected Johnathon’s liver.  Since he also had two small tumors on his lung, he was considered a stage 4 cancer patient.  He is currently undergoing chemotherapy, getting shots, and taking medications to beat cancer.

Johnathon’s sister, Sarah, describes her baby brother as a kid that refuses to sit in bed all day:

He gets right back up and plays with you.  Even when the chemo makes him unable to walk, he will sit on the floor and play through the pain.  Johnathon loves dancing and playing with cars and animals.  He has a strong personality that shines right through…and is a strong little boy who was born a fighter. While he’s in the hospital, he makes everyone smile.  The nurses told us that Johnathon is the reason that they love their job!  He’s inspired me to become an Oncology nurse and graduate a year early.

Sarah also says that some weeks are tougher than others.  This week, he starts chemotherapy at Columbia in NYC for his last three week round.  His family is incurring heavy medical costs, medication fees, as well as travel costs to get back and forth to the hospitals for Johnathon.

Johnathon’s name means “Gift from God” and he truly fits that meaning. Cancer won’t bully Johnathon, he will win this battle!

You can help Johnathon and his family!  First, check out his Hope for Johnathon facebook page set up by his sister, Sarah, and “Like” it.  Then head over to the fundraising page set up for him and his family and donate whatever you can to help out this brave 2-year-old.  Every little bit helps!

It’s obvious by looking at this little boy that he can light up a room, but he is also an inspiration to us at Hats Off For Cancer, making it easy to name Johnathon our HOC Hero of the Week!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Jordan Thorne

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 19, 2012| 1 Comment »

This week we are honoring 15-year-old Jordan Thorne, who battled brain cancer two separate times starting at age 9.  The first tumor was removed through a surgery.  It wasn’t until 3 years later that doctors found another tumor and determined that it was cancerous.  This time, the tumor would only be treatable through chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  Fortunately, Jordan has been cancer-free now for the past three years!

Jordan has motivated and educated people about cancer.  We could not be more proud of all of his numerous achievements and awards.  He is truly an inspiration to many! – Eva Murphy

Jordan raised funds for cancer research, helped with fashion shows, cancer walks, Cops for Cancer programs, and was even featured on a flyer handed out during the night they lit the CN Tower (in Toronto, Canada) gold for childhood cancer last September.  He is also being honored this September with the “‘Ace Bailey’ Award of Courage NHL Alumni Award” for his numerous good deeds.

Jordan also works with a program that helps teach disabled children how to ride a bike.  This is especially dear to Jordan as he was unable to ride a bike after his first tumor nearly seven years ago.  The program helped him get back on a bike and now he is paying it forward, helping others.  Jordan’s list of accomplishments does not end there.  He has written a motivational speech and a rap song about his battle with cancer and the affects on his life.  Jordan’s wish is to be a motivational speaker when he grows up.

It’s not only Jordan’s battle with cancer, but his positive outlook and mission to help others that make it easy to name Jordan our HOC Hero of the Week!  Check out Jordan’s Facebook group to let him know what an inspiration he is!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Max “SuperMax” Wilford

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 7, 2012| 1 Comment »

This week we would like to honor Max, also known as SuperMax.  Last August, SuperMax was diagnosed with brain cancer at only 4 and a half years old.  This type of brain cancer is very uncommon.  Through surgery, the tumor was partially resected.  SuperMax has been undergoing chemotherapy ever since as he fights the remaining tumor.

SuperMax prior to the diagnostic MRI in August, 2011.

Max’s mom Audra says it’s still a long road ahead, but her SuperMax is her hero.

Max shows me every day how to push harder, to be present with each day, and how not to give up. He’s a fighter, a sweetheart, and a goof-ball.

Inspired by Max, his family created Max’s Love Project where they fill their local hospital treasure chests to help other kids battling cancer.  They also donate “Cloud B’s Twilight Turtle” to kids around the country.

Max has learned the power of sharing his love and supporting his SuperBuddies, which is a tremendous gift. Every time he helps me deliver treasures, I am reminded of how proud I am of my hero and the very generous young man he’s becoming, even as he overcomes tremendous challenges himself. We’ve seen the healing power of love, first hand.

SuperMax fills treasure chests at CHOC Children’s cancer center.

SuperMax, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.  You are our HOC Hero!

Keep up-to-date with SuperMax here: http://www.facebook.com/teamsupermax, and find out more about Max’s Love Project here: http://www.facebook.com/maxloveproject.

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Claudia Reyes-Rios

Posted in Awards, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , on July 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

This week, we would like to honor Claudia Reyes-Rios as our HOC Hero of the Week.  Claudia was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma at age 11.

Her sister Maria told us how cancer was something that none of her family members ever had to deal with, until young Claudia was diagnosed and had to go through treatments.

 It was a huge blow to the entire family since the word cancer had never been associated to any family member, especially not to one as young as she was. Throughout her treatment she was a huge inspiration to us all. She never stopped smiling and at times even comforted us. She taught us about faith, courage and about not questioning God when things didn’t go the way we planned. She never doubted how much God loved her in spite of her circumstance and she inspired us to do the same.

Claudia proved to be a major inspiration for the family and is now a happy and healthy 18-year-old!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Mattelyn “Mattie” Magill

Posted in Awards, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , on May 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

This week we would like to honor Mattelyn “Mattie” Magill, a 10-year-old fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

After being diagnosed in July 2011, Mattie was taken to the hospital barely breathing and in renal failure.  The Leukemic cells spread throughout her body.  She was immediately placed on full dialysis and chemotherapy.  Within one month, the doctors told Mattie and her family that she was in remission.  She spent several more months in inpatient care at the hospital, going every other week.  As she got close to her maintenance phase and no longer having to stay in the hospital, she started experiencing headaches.  Doctors told her and her family that she relapsed, the leukemia was back and the only option is a Bone Marrow Transplant and full radiation.

Mattie Magill, a 10-year-old fighting leukemia

Mattie’s Aunt Christy told us that she is still going to school and even trying to do color guard.

Mattie is a very tough little girl. I have never heard her complain about being sick or why her not  one time.  I also work at a oncology office so I do know how difficult time this is for the patient as well as the family.

Mattie’s mother has had to take a leave of absence from work and focus on helping Mattie get better.  They have a donation page where you can help contribute to their growing household finances and medical bills as they help Mattie through this difficult time.  Please visit Mattie’s Fight.

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 


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HOC Hero of the Week: Breonia Adam

Posted in Awards, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , on May 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

This week we are honoring Breonia Adam, described as an “amazing daughter”, who was diagnosed with Hypodiploid Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 5, 2010 at the age of 15.

Breonia developed complications and suffered pancreatitis and liver failure. She surprised all of her doctors when she recovered from this set-back and continued receiving chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in July, 2010. Her older sister, Felicia, was her donor.

A year later, her arm started hurting and within 6 months, she relapsed. Her family was crushed and the doctors said there was nothing that they could do. Demanding she receive treatment, Breonia’s mother saw that she start chemotherapy. Unfortunately, they found that her spleen and liver were now full of leukemia cells and she was admitted to the hospital for the last time on February 18, 2012. On February 26, 2012, Breonia earned her angel wings from a bleed in her brain caused by the chemo and low counts.

Breonia’s mother told us:

Breonia inspired all who has heard her story, she always kept a smile on her face. Her strength and courage with all she went through was so great, nothing could ever compare to it, ever. We were determined to prove the doctors wrong, she was the 1% of ALL cases being hypodiploid.

She will always be my hero, we miss her so much and she will forever be 17. She always said she would live with us forever, she was cremated, so she will be with us forever. She also said she never wanted to be an adult and have the responsibilities–she is forever 17, like she wanted it to be like that. She would tell me she wanted to fly around with wings, and now she can do that. She said if she could go back in time and change things, she said she would not change the fact of her being sick. Her sickness opened her eyes and made her see things differently, she was so easy going and never would be serious, she never wanted to worry me at all.

Breonia was truly an amazing daughter, and I wish she was still here with us.

If you’d like to know more about Breonia, or leave her family words of encouragement, you can visit her Facebook group.

We are so honored to call Breonia our HOC Hero of the Week!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Benjamin Perry

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2012| 4 Comments »

This week we are honoring Benjamin Perry, a 15 year-old young man who is fighting Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive type of soft tissue cancer.

Benjamin Perry

Ben’s cancer has spread into his arm and his lungs.  He starts chemo again on Thursday and hopes to have at least 1,000 likes on his Facebook page: Prayers for Benjamin Perry.  You can leave Ben words of encouragement and prayers as he begins this second round of chemo this week!

Benjamin Perry

Ben is described as a very strong person who always looks for the silver lining.

Last Thursday, he gave the doctor a high-five and said, “Let’s do this!”

Maybe we all need to see things in the eyes of a child.  Hit it head on and don’t look back.  Thank you Ben for showing your Momma many life lessons through out the past year. I love you! 🙂

So, help show Ben that you are thinking of him and sending prayers his way by “liking” his page: Prayers for Benjamin Perry!

You’re a hero to us, Ben, and to many people praying for you!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Jordynn Schoenberger

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , on April 18, 2012| Leave a Comment »

This week we are honoring 17-year-old Jordynn Schoenberger.

Jordynn Schoenberger – March 2011

Jordynn was diagnosed in March 2011 with Hodgkins Lymphoma.  She  started chemotherapy and lost her hair, but never lost her fighting spirit.  Jordynn even continued going to school when she was feeling up to it in between her chemo treatments.

As one supporter commented:

Jordynn is a brave and strong young woman.  She is an inspiration to us all. I am proud to be part of her life

Jordynn Schoenberger – March 2011

After months of treatments, Jordynn’s scans came back clear and she was declared cancer free in June 2011!  Jordynn will graduate from High School this summer.

Congratulations, Jordynn!  We’re so happy to hear that you are healthy!  Check out Jordynn’s support group on Facebook.

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Rowdy Perkins

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Cancer is a word, not a sentence. ~ John Diamond

This week we want to honor 1-year old Rowdy Perkins.  Rowdy was diagnosed with 4S Neuroblastoma at less than a month old.  He started chemo and underwent four rounds as well as two surgeries to remove remaining tumors.

Rowdy Perkins, after being diagnosed with 4S Neuroblastoma

Rowdy’s mom let us know why Rowdy is a hero:

To us Rowdy is a real hero, we have learned soo much from him in the past year.  It is sad that Rowdy’s life so far has been filled with this hell, but we know how lucky we are that he was able to battle this beast and come out smiling and HEALTHY!

I hope that Rowdy’s story will inspire a lot of people…anything is possible if we have hope! 🙂

Rowdy Perkins

Happy and healthy!   1-year old Rowdy shows off his smile!

On July 1, 2011, Rowdy ended his treatments.  His most recent scans in February came out clean!  Congratulations Rowdy!  We honor you as our HOC Hero of the Week!  Check out his CaringBridge page and leave a message for him and his family!

If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them!  Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero. 

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