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Hats Off For Cancer mourns loss of Kevin Cordasco

March 14, 2013 by Hats Off For Cancer

Last Monday, the Hats Off For Cancer family lost a great member of the team, one of our Teen Ambassadors, Kevin Cordasco.  Kevin was 16-years old and he had been battling cancer since age 9.  He is featured in our music video for Sound of Heart (http://youtu.be/PcDonfj_qKY) and in our Public Service Announcement (http://youtu.be/VEIV7W5YlfU).  Kevin is an inspiration to us, and to so many that knew him.  We are grateful for the opportunity we had to spend time with Kevin and see his courage and passion for life first-hand.  Kevin used his life to make a difference, and we are thankful for all that he did!

Below is an article from The Acorn newspaper detailing Kevin’s accomplishments and his battle with cancer:

Community mourns loss of Kevin Cordasco

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers

A vigil will take place this evening between 7 and 9 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village to remember the life of Kevin Cordasco, a 16-year-old Calabasas teen who died March 11 following his long bout with neuroblastoma.

The much-loved Calabasas High School junior was diagnosed with the disease at 9 and was recognized throughout the community as a beacon of courage in the face of insurmountable odds.

During his ordeal, Kevin had been in and out of hospitals in three different cities searching for a cure. He endured multiple surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments and fought his way through a number of relapses with spirit intact.

As he was being named Honorary Mayor for the City of Calabasas in January, Kevin said his parents, Kevin Sr. and Melodie, and younger brother, Cade, encouraged him to be strong and resilient.

“Our city is grieving alongside the Cordasco family over the loss of their beloved son and brother,” said Mary Sue Maurer, mayor of the city.

Even after doctors ran out of options to slow his disease, Kevin refused to give up. Maurer said Kevin and his family symbolize the spirit of the community. His mantra was “courage, strength and believe.”

“That is what he personifies for this community,” said C.J. Foss, Calabasas High principal.

“Kevin has been and continues to be a tremendous inspiration to students and staff at CHS. His courage, positive spirit and joy for living came through anytime you talked to him or talked about him,” Foss said.

During the past six years Kevin spoke in front of thousands of people and inspired many with his determination and will

In addition to being named Calabasas Citizen of the Year in 2008, he received the A.C. Stelle Middle School Courage Award when he graduated from eighth grade. He also was honored by the Calabasas boys’ basketball team as the team’s Most Inspirational Player.

Foss said students at CHS are making plans for a special memorial in honor of Kevin.

Kevin Cordasco will rest in the company of heroes in the Garden of Valor at Pierce Brothers in Westlake Village. His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Fri., March 15 at St. Bernadine’s Catholic Church, 24410 Calvert St., Woodland Hills.

There will be a procession to Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village followed by a 1p.m. reception at the Westlake Village Inn at 31943 Agoura Road.

The public is welcome to attend.

Link to article: http://www.theacorn.com/news/2013-03-14/Community/Community_mourns_loss_of_Kevin_Cordasco.html

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World’s Largest Crowdfunding-for-Good Platform, Fundly, Announces Campaign of the Year Winners

February 26, 2013 by Hats Off For Cancer

Tuesday, February 26th 2013
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The world’s largest crowdfunding-for-good platform, Fundly (www.fundly.com) today announced the winners of the Fundly Campaign of the Year Challenge to recognize standout crowdfunding campaigns among the more than 30,000 fundraising campaigns on its platform.

Fundly is showcasing these standout examples of crowdfunding for social change to recognize the creativity, dedication and success of those leading the winning campaigns and inspire others to learn from the winners’ inventive ways of using Fundly’s platform to leverage their social networks to fundraise for a diverse array of causes.

“Fundly Campaign of the Year winners are inspiring examples of crowdfunding’s highest potential – driving social change,” said Fundly CEO, Dave Boyce. “Fundly’s mission is to help more people give more, and these winning organizations and individuals personify that mission and will undoubtedly motivate and help others succeed in their fundraising efforts.”

The Fundly Campaign of the Year Winners are:

  • Best Campaign by an Organization: Hats Off for Cancer– Campaign to collect and donate hats of all kinds to the courageous children who lose their hair due to cancer treatments.
  • Best Campaign by an Individual: Help Ashwin Vishnuvardhan – Campaign to benefit Ashwin and his family, after this kindhearted student was diagnosed with Acute Myalobalstic Leukemia.
  • Best Campaign for Kids or Pets: Have a Heart for Myles – Campaign to benefit a loveable dog with a grave heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arterosis (PDA).
  • Best Event-Based Campaign: Walk for Humanity– Campaign to support the annual charity fundraising event led by MKA USA, America’s leading Muslim youth organization, to raise funds for soup kitchens and social projects benefitting families nationwide.
  • Most Inspirational Campaign: #MAKEASTAND! LEMON-AID– Campaign launched by nine year-old Vivienne Harr to combat child slavery and human trafficking, with funds going to global nonprofit Not for Sale.
  • People’s Choice Campaign: Ella’s Fund – Campaign to benefit the young family whose unborn child was diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

To date, Fundly has enabled more than 30,000 campaigns led by individuals, volunteer groups and nonprofit organizations of all sizes to collectively raise more than $305 million for their causes.

About Fundly
The world’s #1 crowdfunding platform for social good, Fundly’s mission is to help more people give more. The largest, most widely-adopted and easiest-to-use crowdfunding-for-good platform, Fundly has enabled more than 30,000 nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups and individual fundraisers large and small to collectively raise more than $305 million and counting. Fundly is the proven fundraising solution for everyone from local PTAs, to Run-Walk-Ride events, to the world’s largest charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Teach for America and Children’s Miracle Network. Learn more about Fundly at www.fundly.com and see Fundly in the news at http://fundly.com/press/. 

Contact: Deborah Schneider / dschneider@prandcompany.com / 415-277-6973

SOURCE Fundly

Copyright (2013) PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved

Read more: http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2013/02/26/worlds-largest-crowdfunding-good-platform-fundly-announces-campaign-year-winners#ixzz2M3ZI8ZZk

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Hats donated for children fighting cancer

February 7, 2013 by Hats Off For Cancer

Posted on February 7, 2013

More than 100 new hats were recently donated to the Valerie Fund Children’s Center at the Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Ave., Long Branch, to benefit children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment.

The hats were dropped off by three students representing the SkillsUSA club from the Monmouth County Vocational School District: Ebed Rincon of Ocean Township, Hector Pint, of Eatontown, and Marquis Johnson, of Neptune.

Active members of SkillsUSA from the auto mechanics, nursing and electrical programs participated in the hat collection, which was spearheaded by the district’s Middletown campus club advisor, Dan Marra.

Students approached Marra about the possibility of raising awareness for the Mad Hatter Hats Off for Cancer drive benefiting children and teens stricken with cancer.

Since its inception in 1996, Hats Off for Cancer has worked with hospitals, camps and individuals to distribute more than 1.5 million hats to cancer patients.

Link to article: http://atl.gmnews.com/news/2013-02-07/Front_Page/Hats_donated_for_children_fighting_cancer.html

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Students Put Hats On to Help Hats Off for Cancer

February 5, 2013 by Hats Off For Cancer

Posted on February 5, 2013 at 3:43 pm

Canton Charter Academy Holds Month-Long Fundraiser to Support Children with Cancer

Friday’s were extra special at Canton Charter Academy in the month of January as students wore hats to raise money for children with cancer.

The school’s National Junior Honor Society sponsored a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Hats Off For Cancer. Students donated a dollar for the chance to wear a hat on Friday.

Fifth-grade Teacher Ken MacKinnon said the response from the students has been incredible. “They proudly stroll into school sporting their hats,” MacKinnon said. “I have even seen students donate more than they are required, or bring in fun hats for their classmates.”

Hats Off for Cancer uses donations to provide hats to children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.

“A lot of kids don’t know how to relate to people who have cancer, and they don’t know how to reach out to help them,” said eighth-grade student Shannon Kasinger. “This organization makes it easy to help.”

MacKinnon said he hopes the fundraiser shows students that even the smallest donation can have a huge impact for a child battling cancer. All of those dollar hat days added up fast and the school donated $1,040 to Hats Off For Cancer.

Link to article: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/blog_posts/students-put-hats-on-to-help-hats-off-for-cancer

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CBS Celebrity Cook-Off vote could mean $5,000 for Hats Off For Cancer!

January 7, 2013 by Hats Off For Cancer

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Our own board member, Eric Christian Olsen, who plays Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, needs our votes for the CBS Celebrity Cook-Off competition to help win $5,000 for Hats Off For Cancer!  Just go to this web site: http://www.cbs.com/superbowl/celebrity-cook-off/ and click on the Vote buttons next to Eric’s recipe.  Share them on your facebook page and twitter.  The more votes, the better!

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Terry student, cancer survivor, holds fundraiser for national organization

December 31, 2012 by Hats Off For Cancer

Fort Bend Herald

Posted: Monday, December 31, 2012 11:39 am By Denise Adams

ImageTerry High School student Melissa Ramos, 15, was diagnosed with acute myleloid leukemia on April 11, 2011. She underwent chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, determined to put up a fight.

During the treatments, Ramos also lost her hair, but she never lost her sense of hope, especially as friends and family gave her their unconditional support.

A classmate and friend, Kristen Wigington, donated her hair to Locks of Love specifically for Ramos. Her mother’s co-workers donated platelets of blood, and others in the community rallied to help this always smiling teen.

On Sept. 22, 2011, Ramos left the hospital and on Oct. 10, 2011, she received word she was officially in remission.

To give back, Ramos, a member of the Terry High yearbook staff, organized a school hat day in conjunction with the national “Hats Off For Cancer” organization. The national organization has donated over 1,500,000 brand new hats to cancer survivors.

As the hat day approached, Ramos, R.J. Hernandez and their families made dozens of orange ribbons for students to pin to their hats to signify they’d donated to the “Hats Off” day.

Her fellow yearbook staffers helped make posters and Ramos raised awareness for the need to fund a cure for cancer by sharing her story with her classmates.

In total, the Terry Rangers donated $190 to “Hat’s Off For Cancer” in Melissa’s honor who is still in remission and said she “feels fine.” Ramos said she’s happy that, in some way, she can help others.

“I wanted to give something back and to help find a cure for cancer,” Ramos said.

Anyone wishing to know more about HOFC can visit their website at http://hatsoffforcancer.org.

Link to article: http://www.fbherald.com/news/article_0a21267e-5371-11e2-b3d9-0019bb2963f4.html?_dc=25795173365.622757

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Frisco principal makes good on promise to support students with cancer

November 27, 2012 by Hats Off For Cancer


by STEVE STOLER
WFAA
Posted on November 26, 2012 at 9:43 PM

FRISCO — A Frisco principal says bald is beautiful. And now, he doesn’t have to worry about his hair in the morning.

He made good on a bet with students.

Imani Miller is a dancer. She’s a lieutenant on the Heritage High School drill team. In September, she had a relapse of leukemia. She’s undergoing chemotherapy. Imani is one of two students at Heritage who are battling cancer.

“It’s really hard to wrap your mind around the fact that someone so close to you has been suffering so much,” said Bethany Alexander, Imani’s friend.

Heritage principal Mark Mimms made a promise to his students: If they raised thousands of dollars for a cancer organization, he would shave his head.

“I chose to do this because I want to honor them,” Mimms said. “My hair will grow back.”

In one week, students exceeded the principal’s challenge. They raised $6,600 for Hats Off For Cancer.

“They were coming in, digging the change out of their purses or out of their pockets, and turning it in,” said Jacqueline Hollowell, DECA sponsor.

Students who helped raise money saw the shaving in person. The rest of the school watched it from their classrooms.

“And I think it was an eye opener to the students that there are a lot of students going through a lot worse than they are, and that we need to be appreciative,” said Tannaz Zakeri, Imani’s friend.

News 8 spent some time with Imani Miller. She didn’t feel up to appearing on camera. She’s in remission and must endure two-and-a-half years of chemo treatments. She and her mother told us all the love coming from her school is therapeutic.

“And to know that her friends and her classmates and the teachers and everyone is not only thinking about her, but rallying for her, it means a lot,” Kimberly Miller said. “It’s a huge boost for her, emotionally.”

The kids at school say it’s been a boost for them too, knowing they’re bringing comfort to two classmates, in such a tough time.

E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com

Link to article

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Cast of NCIS: Los Angeles signs DVD’s for Hats Off For Cancer auction

November 18, 2012 by Hats Off For Cancer

NCIS: Los Angeles cast members Eric Christian Olsen, LL Cool J, Chris O’Donnell, Linda Hunt, Daniela Ruah and Barrett Foa signed four DVD’s from The Second Season DVD (6 disc set) to be auctioned off for Hats Off For Cancer.  100% of the winning bid will go to helping kids and teens with cancer.  We even received them (hand-delivered) from our celebrity spokesperson (and NCIS cast member), Eric Christian Olsen.  Bidding ends on Friday, November 23rd, so bid soon and bid often to help kids and teens battling cancer.  Click here to see the listing and bid!

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Eric Christian Olsen hand delivers signed NCIS: Los Angeles DVD’s and hats to Hats Off For Cancer!

 

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HOC Hero of the Week: Kaleb Borders

November 15, 2012 by Hats Off For Cancer

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. 

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week | 1 Comment »

East Side Elementary collects hats for children’s cancer project

October 24, 2012 by Hats Off For Cancer

Written by Jo Anne Embleton

Jacksonville Daily Progress

JACKSONVILLE —

East Side teachers Emily McKnight and Mandy Johnston spearheaded the Mad Hatter Drive as part of a Hats Off for Cancer project at the PK-4 program.

Students from their 3rd and 4th grade Applied Learning Community classes collected 133 ball caps, berets and various other kinds of hats to donate to anational organization benefitting children with cancer.

The ACL students wrote PSAs about childhood cancers that also dispelled myths about the disease, they said.

Searcy said they researched the project and coordinated it from start to finish, along with taking charge of a Pink Out T-shirt sale held earlier in the month at the school to raise breast cancer awareness.

“They took it and just ran with it,” Searcy said.

Photo by Jo Anne Embleton

Photo by Jo Anne Embleton


http://jacksonvilleprogress.com/local/x699460859/East-Side-Elementary-collects-hats-for-children-s-cancer-project

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