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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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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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HOC Hero of the Week: Kamryn Schumann

Posted in Awards, Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 20, 2012| 1 Comment »

This week, we would like to honor Kamryn Schumann, our HOC Hero of the Week!  4-year-old Kamryn was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms’ Tumor in November 2010.

Kamryn is an inspiration to ALL those around her! She was never a victim to cancer; she fought and beat cancer, and continues to be a strong girl! Who ever said that kids can’t be teachers? Kamryn has taught me to treasure life and face challenges in a new way. She’s truly an angel here on Earth!

Kamryn shows off her Disney Princess hat sent by Hats Off For Cancer in 2011

We are happy to report that Kamryn beat cancer in June 2011, and has been cancer-free ever since!

Kamryn in 2012, showing off her big smile as a cancer survivor!

To mark this incredible news, a family friend wrote this poem for Kamryn and shared it with us:

S– Sometimes life’s obstacles become one of our greatest ife stories its true, Even though we don’t understand why things happen they way they do.

U– Understanding God’s  plan is left unknown and hard, But we cannt give up hope and let down our guard

R– Remembering that your family and friends were all near made it easier to face challenges and anything you feared

V– Voices of prayer were spoken for you, To keep you wiht God’s angels and all you went through

I– In Novemeber you faced the biggest batttle of all, But throught the whole thing you stood courageous and tall

V– Victim of cancer, is what you were not,  You stayed strong and brave in every step that you fought

O– On June 27, 2011, the best news was sent from above, For God and his angels watched over you and surrounded you wth their love

R– Reading the scan came easy for doctors as they delivered the news that day- They said you were finished and a SURVIVOR it’s true, Forever and Always!

(written by Holly Cole)

You can keep track of Kamryn’s story through her CaringBridge page.

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: Addyson Brankle

Posted in Hat Heroes, HOC Hero of the Week, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 12, 2012| 1 Comment »

This week, we are honoring 9-year old Addyson Brankle, who has been fighting medulloblastoma (brain tumor) for the past five years.

Addyson was only 4-years old when she was originally diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She has relapsed 3 times since that initial diagnosis and is currently battling cancer right now.

Her nominator described her as:

One amazing girl and fighter…never let [cancer] get her down and goes to school every day, unless she’s in the hospital.

Addyson Brankle – HOC Hero of the Week

You can leave messages for Addyson on her Caring Bridge page.

We’re praying for you, Addyson!

Thanks to everyone sending nominations in for the HOC Hero of the Week!  We are blown away by the children and teenagers you are nominating.

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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Sound of Heart – Hats Off For Cancer tribute

Posted in Hat Heroes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 25, 2011| 2 Comments »

Sound of Heart was written and sung by Cazz featuring Dennis Lawrence exclusively for Hats Off For Cancer.

Buy it on iTunes, all profit goes to Hats Off For Cancer!

Directed by Jessica Rotter, Produced by Dennis Lawrence, Music by Cazz, Edited by Hunter LeMoine.

A very special thanks to the cast and crew!

Everyone a part of this volunteered their time and efforts. We’re so thankful for you all.

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Hats Off For Cancer Public Service Announcement

Posted in Hat Drives, Hat Heroes, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Like the song in the background? It’s Sound of Heart, written and sung by Cazz featuring Dennis Lawrence exclusively for Hats Off For Cancer. Buy it on iTunes, all profit goes to Hats Off For Cancer: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sound-heart-hats-off-for-cancer/id469444476

While more than 45 children are being diagnosed with cancer every day, Hats Off For Cancer is hard at work providing hats and smiles to these heroic kids. More than one million children on five continents have benefited from this program since it BEGAN in 1996. You can join us and help bring smiles and happiness to the brave kids fighting the battle of their lives. Start a Hats Off for Cancer Club at your school, hold a hat drive or fundraising event in your community or at your company. Personally, I have seen how the gift of a hat can brighten a difficult day, and believe me it is worth our time and effort. To learn more log on to www.hatsoffforcancer.org. Together we can put a big smile on the face of a child fighting cancer!

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In his own words: Tyler Barker, Junior Board of Director member

Posted in Board of Directors, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on October 20, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“Why are you involved with Hats Off For Cancer?”

Tyler Barker

I am proud to share why I support Hats Off For Cancer. My Mom was diagnosed with a tumor when I was only 9 months old and had a lot of her hair shaved off for her surgery.  As a result, Hats Off is very close to my heart. I am honored to be able to help collect hats for the thousands of children who lose their hair during their cancer treatment and surgery. I am extremely grateful for my health and for being able to pursue my passion of golf.

I have also been a Double Red Cell and Platelet Donor for the past two years.  Many patients who need platelets are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant and have weakened immune systems. A platelet dose from a single donor reduces the patient’s exposure to multiple donors and is therefore preferred by many physicians. A single platelet donation can provide enough platelets for a full therapeutic dose for a patient in need. In fact, some platelet donations yield enough platelets for two or three therapeutic doses. By contrast, it takes four to six whole blood donations to produce a single therapeutic dose.  My monthly platelet donation takes a full 2 hours. Knowing I can affect someone’s life in a huge way, through platelet donations and through my work with Hats Off For Cancer, means a lot to me.

Through golf and the events I play in, I have made wonderful connections in the sporting industry and am happy to have received the support from companies like Adidas and Taylormade to name a few.  I am looking forward to Mad Hatter Day 2011 and collecting over 1000 hats myself!

More about Tyler:

Tyler is the first and only Junior Board Member for the international nonprofit program, Hats Off For Cancer.  He has participated and organized several hat drives and is responsible for spearheading the Portland area’s Hats Off For Cancer’s National Mad Hatter Day Event for two consecutive years now.  His first effort found him as the national award winner for the most hats and monies donated. This is not an easy achievement as there were over 100 hat projects nationally entered in the Mad Hatter Day event. He was also featured on the Hats Off website as the national award winner with a photo and story about his very special event.    His commitment continued and was so impressive to the HOC Board of Directors, that they invited him to hold the position of the very first Junior Board member to be named on this nonprofit board.

Tyler started playing golf in his freshman year of high school and his leadership and personable skills earned him the role of captain of the Varsity team in his Junior and Senior Year. After only 6 years of golf, he has since gone on to play on the International Junior Golf Tour. After qualifying for the IGJT Tournament of Champions in Florida in May of 2011, Tyler was selected to play for the IJGT Team USA against Scotland and Canada in St Andrews, Scotland, in the Euro Cup in July 2011.

Sharing the same birthplace as famous South African golfers such as Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen, Tyler hopes to emulate their success on the national playing field. Tyler continues to use his sport to connect with Nike, Adidas, Taylormade, Quicksilver as well as DC Shoes, to encourage them to donate hats to Hats off for Cancer.

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In her own words: Di Barker, Board of Director member

Posted in Board of Directors, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on August 1, 2011| 2 Comments »

“Why are you involved with Hats Off For Cancer?”

Di Barker

I am extremely proud to serve on the board for Hats Off For Cancer.  My empathy with those who lose their hair through surgery or chemotherapy is very personal for me.  In 1993, at the age of 33 and a mother of two beautiful children aged 9 months and 7 yrs, I was diagnosed with a Pleomorphic Adenoma.  As a child I had suffered from severe headaches and as my Mother had suffered from Migraines, I was treated accordingly.  It was not until I lost my hearing, in what seemed like a flash on an ordinary day, that the doctor’s investigated.

An MRI showcased a tumor the size of an orange encompassing my parotid gland on the right hand side of my head.  It was dangerously close to my facial nerve and was pressing on the parasympathetic nerve at the base of my skull, which the cause of my loss of hearing. To say I was petrified was an understatement for sure!  The doctors told me they had never seen a pleomorphic adenoma as big as mine was.  They surmised it had been growing for at least 25 years!  No wonder those headaches I endured all those years were so painful!

Though it is classified as a benign tumor, pleomorphic adenomas have the capacity to grow to large proportions and may undergo malignant transformation, to form carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, a risk that increases with time. Although my tumor was “benign” the tumor was aneuploid, which means it can recur after resection and it can invade normal adjacent tissue. Distant metastases have been reported after long (+10 years) time intervals.

Surgery was performed immediately to remove the tumor and I woke up to find my head had been shaved on the right side.  I was grateful to have long hair at the time and was able to conceal the shaved area with a big comb over!  As my facial nerve had been stretched in order to get the tumor out, I experienced facial paralysis for 5 months. Thankfully this was short lived and I continue to have my MRI checkups and am extremely grateful to say they have all been clear.

As a HOFC Board member, I am honored to partner with the “World’s Greatest Bank”, Umpqua Bank in Portland, Oregon. Umpqua Bank has committed to an ongoing relationship with Hats Off For Cancer using their locations at various retirement facilities in and around Oregon.  The wonderful ladies in the knitting clubs at the retirement centers knit and crochet hats all year long.  Umpqua Bank generously donates all the wool and baggies to package the hats in. Each year, on HOFC’s Mad Hatter Day, Umpqua Bank throws a big party at one of the retirement centers for the knitting club ladies and they do a hand over of all the hats the ladies have made.  It is an event I look forward to each and every year. I am always humbled at the warmth and kindness in every stitch in each hat. The messages of hope and love for the children that the ladies include with the hats they have made, are lovingly appreciated by all the children who receive them.

We have received over 1,000 hats in the past 3 years along with donations of just over $1,200.00 from Umpqua Bank and their knitting club ladies!!

More about Di Barker:

Di Barker is the owner and Principal Designer of Abundanceforlife Living & Interiors and has been practicing Interior Design in Portland, OR since 2001.  Di has created functional, elegant and amplified spaces for an amazing array of residential and corporate clients. She received an “Honorable Mention” by the Interior Design Society for the National Interior Designer of the Year Awards in 2011.

Before moving to the Northwest in 2000, Di enjoyed the fast pace of Toronto, Canada for two and half years.  Born and raised in South Africa, Di enjoyed successful careers as a successful Managing Real Estate Broker, as well as in the glamorous world of fashion and design for 18 years.

On behalf of children battling cancer, we thank you, Di, for serving as a Board member and helping Hats Off For Cancer reach more than 1,000,000 children as they fight this disease.  We’re so grateful for your involvement!


					
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