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Posts Tagged ‘Hats Off For Cancer’

Terry student, cancer survivor, holds fundraiser for national organization

Posted in Awareness, Fundraiser, Hat Drives, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on December 31, 2012| Leave a Comment »

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

Posted in Fundraiser, Hat Drives, Mad Hatter Day, Media, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on November 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »


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

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 18, 2012| Leave a Comment »

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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Orangefield students participate in ”Hats off For Cancer” campaign

Posted in Hat Drives, Mad Hatter Day, Media, tagged , , , , on October 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The Orangefield Junior High Student Council and National Junior Honor Society have teamed up with “Hats Off For Cancer” to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.  For the past three Fridays, on each campus, students were invited to donate either a new hat or $1; in exchange, they could wear a cap during the day at school. So far the school district has raised $1,152.43 and  collected 265 hats.

“This is a cause that is close to many of our hearts. We wanted to help out in any way possible. I am proud of these kids.” said Principal Preston Clark.

Two sixth graders, Alexis Sturrock and Madison Taylor, were especially motivated to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Madison donated 123  hats and Alexis donated 118  hats. Alexis collected the majority of her hats from her grandmother Debra Sturrock, owner of Jubi Prints in Vidor and Madison worked closely with her mother, Evelyn Taylor, owner of Center Stage Boutique  in Orange, collecting hats. Madison and her mom participated in the campaign last year and plan to make it an annual tradition.

The hats and monies will be donated to Texas Childrens Hospital. The two junior high organizations will continue to take contributions until the end of October. Donations can be mailed to the campus at 7745 Sandbar Rd. Orangefield, Tx. 77639 or dropped off in the office.

“Hats Off For Cancer” collects and donates hats of all kinds to the courageous children who lose their hair due to cancer treatments.

As one of the leading and original hat programs, Hats Off For Cancer has donated more than 1.5 million brand new hats to hospitals, camps, and individuals worldwide since 1996.

The program was founded by Tara Lawrence at age 14 after losing her grandfather to prostate cancer. Attending fundraising events for cancer research, Tara met kids her age who were battling cancer. The children told her over and over again how much they hated to lose their hair. After hearing this from so many children, Tara knew she could do something to help. In 1996, she began writing letters to companies, sports teams, and celebrities asking for the simple donation of a hat. The charity received more than 1,000 hats in the first three months, and has grown in the past 16 years to help more than 1.5 million children and set up drives on five different continents.

Still run as 100 percent volunteer, all funds go directly to purchasing, storing, and shipping hats, as well as helping cancer patients’ families in need, and running the Mad Hatter drive events around the world.

“Hats Off For Cancer” is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Photo: OJH sixth graders, Alexis Sturrock and Madison Taylor, organize hats they collected for cancer patients.

Original story: http://therecordlive.com/2012/10/18/orangefield-students-participate-hats-cancer-campaign/

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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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Thousands help kids battling cancer during 6th annual Mad Hatter fundraisers for Hats Off For Cancer | PRLog

Posted in Awareness, Hat Drives, Mad Hatter Day, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Thousands help kids battling cancer during 6th annual Mad Hatter fundraisers for Hats Off For Cancer | PRLog.

Thousands help kids battling cancer during 6th annual Mad Hatter fundraisers for Hats Off For Cancer

On one of the silliest days of the year, Mad Hatter Day, Hats Off For Cancer charity is hosting their 6th annual nationwide Mad Hatter fundraiser and hat drive for kids and teens battling cancer. This is a wonderful opportunity for groups to help.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Collage of Hats Off For Cancer hat recipients
Collage of Hats Off For Cancer hat recipients

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 04, 2012 – Thousands help kids battling cancer during 6th annual Mad Hatter fundraisers for Hats Off For Cancer.

LOS ANGELES – The 6th of October is one of the silliest days of the year, also known as Mad Hatter Day. It is almost exactly half a year away from April Fool’s Day and is represented by the illustrations found in the hat of the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In celebration of this silly day, Hats Off For Cancer is hosting their 6th annual nationwide Mad Hatter fundraiser and hat drive for children and teens battling cancer.

Since its founding in 1996, Hats Off For Cancer has donated more than 1,500,000 brand new hats to hospitals, camps and individuals worldwide. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for groups to raise funds, awareness, and provide hats to children and teens with cancer.  In 2011, a record of over 500 groups participated in this wonderful event.  With the help of schools, businesses, churches and sports teams across the country, Hats Off For Cancer hopes to bring even more smiles to the faces of children with cancer.

“Hats Off for Cancer is one of the few great charities where we can all have a direct and tangible effect on the lives of others. In the most simplistic yet profound way we can give the gift of hope in a journey that sometimes breaks us, but with the outcome, that after words, we are stronger in the broken places.”
-Eric Christian Olsen (Actor, NCIS LA; Celebrity Spokesperson and Board Member, Hats Off For Cancer)

Events are currently planned in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington.  It’s not too late for groups to register their events at the Hats Off For Cancer web site: http://www.hatsoffforcancer.org/mad-hatter-drive.

About Hats Off For Cancer:

Hats Off For Cancer collects and donates hats of all kinds to the courageous children who lose their hair due to cancer treatments. As one of the leading and original hat programs, Hats Off For Cancer has donated more than 1,500,000 brand new hats to hospitals, camps, and individuals worldwide since 1996. Hats Off For Cancer continues to focus on ways to improve the lives of children and teens battling cancer. Hats Off For Cancer is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.  More information can be found on the Hats Off For Cancer web site: http://www.hatsoffforcancer.org.

For Media Inquiries please contact: Tara Lawrence, 424-888-4632

director@hatsoffforcancer.org  |  http://www.hatsoffforcancer.org.

Watch the Hats Off For Cancer Public Service Announcement featuring NCIS LA actor Eric Christian Olsen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEIV7W5YlfU.

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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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Join Us in Helping Kids with Cancer!

Posted in Awareness, Fundraiser, Hat Drives, Mad Hatter Day, tagged , , , , , , , on September 17, 2012| Leave a Comment »

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Re–Join-Us-in-Helping-Kids-with-Cancer-.html?soid=1103080512554&aid=MpEvi8lV6UI.

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HOC Hero of the Week: Chris West

Posted in Awareness, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on September 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

To kick off the start of September, and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to honor our HOC Hero of the Week, Chris West.

Chris is a 14-year-old who has a probable relapse after fighting stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma last year.

 

Last year, Chris began complaining of arm pain and after many doctor visits, was told he had stage 4 Hogdkins Lymphoma.  In June, 2011, Chris had a port put in and started chemotherapy.

Chris was diagnosed during the last week of school in 2011.  Even though he spent his whole summer in treatment, he always had a smile on his face.  He kept that positive outlook the entire time.

Chris finished his chemo in October and finished radiation in December, 2011.  This past April, he was able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip, and celebrated his “End of Chemo” party in July, 2012.  He also got his friends together to fundraise for charities focusing on helping cancer patients.

Chris had to be home schooled last year due to treatments,  and was looking forward to going back to school this year.  However, after going for routine scans, only two days after his 14th birthday, Chris was told he had a probable relapse.  On what was supposed to be his first day back to school with friends, Chris had a surgeon consultation, and has his biopsy scheduled for September 10th.

Despite a relapse and returning to treatment and radiation looming over his head, Chris has kept his positive attitude.  He is scared and nervous, but focused on school work.

Please join us in praying for Chris and his family as they face cancer once again.  You can “like” his facebook page!  Help him get to 1,000 likes before he goes for his biopsy appointment on September 10th.

Chris, your selflessness coordinating fundraisers for charities to help others with cancer and your positive outlook are truly inspiring.  We are proud to name you our HOC Hero of the Week!

Check out Chris’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/prayersforchriswest

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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Ways to get involved during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

Posted in Awareness, Fundraiser, Hat Drives, Mad Hatter Day, Media, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I have been receiving a lot of emails from schools, groups and companies, asking how to help spread awareness during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  I thought it might be good to address that here on the blog.  First, check out our Get Involved section on the Hats Off For Cancer (HOC) Web site if you know how you want to help.  If you’re still unsure, keep reading.

One of the easiest and more impacting ways to get involved is by hosting a Mad Hatter Drive at your school or church, in your community, with an organization or at your place of work.

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There are a ton of different ideas for your drive listed in our e-packets.

  • Some that have been very successful for groups in the past include designating a “Hat Day” where you collect a $1 donation from each person that wears a hat for the day.
  • Another great idea for an elementary or middle school is asking everyone to bring in their craziest hat and put it on during an assembly, asking for a $1 donation for HOC, and then holding a “Hat Parade” outside so everyone can see the fun hats and handing out prizes in certain categories!
  • You can host a Mad Hatter tea party and charge admission, either a new hat or a couple of dollars.
  • Hat drives are also a great way to give back, asking everyone to bring in new, kid-friendly hats to give to HOC.
  • Some groups have held a Battle of the Bands or a local concert after school or at church and used the admission fees to donate to HOC.
  • High Schools and Colleges have challenged rival schools to a competition to see who can raise the most money or collect the most hats.
  • Contact your local grocery store about partnering to ask patrons to donate $1 and they can write their name on a hat cut-out and post them up in the store display area.
  • Church groups and civic organizations and groups can knit or crochet soft hats.
  • Schools have used assembly time to show the HOC PSA and music video as a way to help everyone understand a little more about cancer and who is being helped through volunteering for Hats Off For Cancer.
  • Companies can give workers additional casual day passes for those that have participated in a donation or hat drive, or hold a golf outing with your company as the sponsor.
  • Everyone can get involved by hosting a virtual fundraiser through our online donation page where you can set up your very own page for Hats Off For Cancer and send the link out to family and friends.
  • You can find more ideas based on your type of group and event by visiting the Get Involved section of our Web site: Get Involved.

Truly, the opportunities are endless.  However, the most important part to remember is that you’re helping to spread awareness of this terrible disease, and you’re encouraging others to donate in a very simple, but in a way that is very meaningful and important to those benefiting from it.

Ultimately, one of the goals of Hats Off For Cancer is that everyone who participates in or coordinates an event, realizes how easy it is to give back, and uses this as a springboard to continue seeking out opportunities to give back to others in need.

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Here is a fun way to promote awareness. Just share this photo on your facebook page or tweet it to your followers!

Remember, getting involved can be as easy as you want it to be, but the impact can be felt for the rest of your life.

Thank you for reading and we hope you’ll consider joining us in bringing some much needed awareness to the courageous kids and teens who are battling and have battled cancer!

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