Cure Childhood Cancer

CURE Blog


September 30th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Ashleigh Broadus

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 30, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Ashleigh Broadus. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Ashleigh’s Fund. 

Ashleigh BroadusAshleigh Broadus’ Story:

My childhood was anything but normal as I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of 3. I was admitted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, and my prognosis was poor. I was very ill, weighed only 23 pounds and had lost most of my ability to walk. I had no energy to do the things a normal 3 year old would do or carry on what would be considered a normal life for a child my age. I went through two and a half years of chemotherapy in hopes to cure the cancer. At age 5, I entered remission. My experience brought my family closer and helped us learn that every day is a gift. To this day, we believe every day is a blessing since there was a time when we didn’t know if surviving was possible. My family is very strong willed and never let me give up.

Today, I am twenty years old and, on November 15, I will be 15 years in remission. During times of need, we are all looking for inspiration and role models. My experience with cancer has inspired me to become a nurse in order to help those undergoing treatment. When I was receiving chemotherapy, I had a very good nurse – Nurse Liz – who constantly made me smile and continually reminded me that I was just a kid. She helped me to see it was ok to react as I needed to depending on what I was going through. She taught me to smile when life gets hard, and everything seemed to get better. I feel as a nurse, I can not only offer smiles and guidance but, most importantly, hope. My ultimate goal is to be a nurse practitioner in pediatric oncology.

Currently, I attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. I will be beginning my junior year in August 2009, when I will begin nursing classes. This is a very exciting adventure, and I have dreamed about this opportunity since I was a little girl. Throughout college, I have volunteered with cancer organizations and had the opportunity to speak about my experiences to children under 18 who are undergoing cancer treatment. I strive to offer them hope.

They say you cannot succumb to the tears of the moment but must work to achieve the joys of a lifetime. Everyone searches for strength in different aspects of their lives; such as religion, family, and even friendships made along the way. My strength came from my parents who never let me give up on my dreams and guided me through every step. I am very thankful for my parents because without their strength, I may not have made it to today. Also, I am very thankful for my grandparents who have helped me through this journey and supported my efforts to fulfill my dreams.

For those families who have children with cancer, I offer you hope and encourage you to always stay strong. Surviving is possible – I am proof. The journey may be rough but, thanks to advancements in treatments resulting from research of the type CURE funds, the landscape for childhood cancer patients is more promising than ever. I further believe that getting involved and reaching out to others is the greatest gift we all have to give.

My future is bright and full of promise. I look around at all the people who have rallied around me, and I look forward to taking my place in life and giving back the way so many gave to me. Encouragement, hope, belief, and dreams are words we all want to hear from the people closest to us when they reflect on our life’s journey. In closing I found this saying and decided to adapt it as, “my words to live by”: “Cancer is so limited it cannot… Cripple love, shatter hope, corrode faith, destroy peace, kill friendship, suppress memories, silence courage, invade the soul, steal eternal life, or conquer the spirit.” (Author Unknown)

In her own words Ashleigh Broadus

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Ashleigh’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 30th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Caroline Johnson

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 30, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Caroline Johnson. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Caroline’s Fund. 

Caroline Johnson PhotoCaroline Johnson’s Story:

Caroline Johnson is the daughter of Charles and Nancy Johnson of Bremen and has seen a lot of adversity in her life for a ten year old girl. She was born with a birth defect and had surgery the day she was born and spent almost the first month of her life at Scottish Rite. She was born with an omphalacele, which is a hole in her abdomen which allowed some of her organs to move in and out during the pregnancy and then was contained by a sack from the umbilical cord at birth. The omphalacele was repaired and she lived a normal life till the summer before she was to start kindergarten at age 5. Caroline’s sister, Katherine, noticed a knot beside her throat and alerted their mother. Nancy took Caroline to the doctor and tests were performed and determined that it might be some type of cancer. The pediatrician got in touch with doctors at the AFLAC Cancer Center at Scottish Rite and Caroline was sent to Scottish Rite that evening. Caroline was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma. This solid tumor had formed in her abdomen and had surrounded her aorta. She missed her first days of school while she was in the hospital with her first round of chemotherapy. She would end up having five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove 85% of the tumor, two stem cell transplants, radiation, and six months of accutane therapy. She missed a total of 93 days out of school for kindergarten, but has been successful in school since that time. She has spent over 100 days of her life in the hospital at either Scottish Rite or Egleston. For the past couple of years, she has been declared with no evidence of disease. She made her first visit to the Survivor’s Clinic this past January. She has been under the care of Dr. Bradley George at the AFLAC Cancer Center for the past five years. Caroline is currently a fifth grader at the Bremen 4th and 5th Grade Academy, and she will turn 11 in October. Caroline has had a lot of support from her family and the Bremen community. CURE has been there for our family from the beginning. On the first day we were at Scottish Rite, we received a bag full of things from CURE.

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Caroline’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 30th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Summer Curry

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 30, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Summer Curry. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Summer’s Fund.

Summer CurrySummer Curry’s Story:

About a year ago, 7 year old Summer Curry made an unselfish sacrifice that most adults would think twice about. She came to her father and I and said “Mommy, there’s a place you can cut your hair and give it to little girls with cancer for wigs”.

That place was Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially strapped children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss. The hairpieces are made entirely from donated human hair, and Summer was hoping to donate about 9 ½ inches of her own hair for the cause.

At first, David and I weren’t sure if Summer should cut so much of her hair. Her hair flowed beyond her waist and was beautiful. Summer was just adamant about it. She just had this “conviction” about it, so we finally let her do it. She was and we were so proud of her.

In an ironic turn of events, Summer was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, an aggressive type of leukemia normally only found in adults. Summer was diagnosed on Thursday and began aggressive Chemotherapy that following Sunday.

Summer Briana Curry was born with her twin brother on June 10, 1997. A precious and special little girl at the tender age of 8 she was diagnosed with AML. With hopes and determination of a cure Summer underwent a matched (her twin brother) donor bone marrow transplant. In complete remission and 100% donor cells Summer relapsed and continued a bitter battled. She won her battle by means of a Heavenly body on September 19th, 2007. Summer was the sunshine of her families life and it is now by Grace that we survive without her. She will be forever loved, forever missed and forever 10.

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Summer’s Fund

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 29th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Ward Wright

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 29, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Ward Wright. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Ward’s Fund. 

Ward Wright PhotoWard Wright’s Story:

What seemed to be a simple visit to our pediatrician for a tummy ache turned out to be the most devastating day of our lives. Our son, Ward, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma at age three and a half. A million questions raced through our minds but the biggest one was “how?” We had always made such a great effort to preserve our son’s health. The only conclusion we could come to was that it was just bad luck. On April 22, 2009 we thought we were embarking on a hopeless journey. However, to our surprise, this “hopeless journey” actually proved to bring more strength and hope to our family than we had ever experienced. Our family grew closer, our faith grew stronger, and we learned how to offer support to others who were traveling a similar road.

We have been overwhelmed and amazed by the volume of people and organizations, such as CURE, that have a genuine desire to ease the burden of childhood cancer. From the first day we arrived at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta at Egleston we were surrounded by people who have a real passion for finding a cure for this disease. But it doesn’t stop there. Not only do they endorse cancer research but they support the individual needs of each family represented. Our family has been truly blessed by their presence.

Ward is approaching the end of chemotherapy and is scheduled for tandem bone marrow transplants, surgery, and radiation. His spirit has not been shaken in the least by this dreaded disease, nor has his faith in God’s healing power waivered. He has fallen in love with our new “cancer family” and is able to find enjoyment in each hospital visit.

Ward just celebrated his fourth birthday and continues to live each day to the fullest. He has taught our family and all who know him how to fully rely on God. Each day is a victory in this battle with cancer and Ward can’t wait for the day when he can proclaim to the world that he is cancer-free!

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Ward’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 29th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Jessie Claire Churchwell

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 29, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Jessie Claire Churchwell. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate Jessie Claire’s Fund. 

Jessie Clair Churchwell Photo 2Jessie Claire Churchwell’s Story:

Meet our sweet little Jessie Claire. She is only two years old and has been battling cancer for 8 months now. However, her story begins when she was only 10 weeks old and diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type I (NFI). This is an unpredictable genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow any place on the central nervous system at any time. Due to the diagnosis of NFI, Jessie Claire requires MRI’s on a yearly basis.

Last Christmas Jessie Claire was 16 months old and like all parents, we were looking forward to seeing the excitement in her face when she woke to find toys under the Christmas tree. Not even 24 hours before beginning Christmas festivities, we received the devastating news that the latest MRI revealed Jessie Claire has a brain tumor located along her optic pathway. When you hear that someone’s child has cancer, your heart breaks. When your own child has cancer, your heart is shattered. Fortunately, the excitement and joy experienced by Jessie Claire Christmas morning saved us from even more tears and feelings of desperation. It’s that same daily joy and excitement of our precious toddler that wills us to greet her each morning with a smile even when we have spent the night crying for her.

In February Jessie Claire had surgery to implant a port and received her first dose of chemotherapy the same day. She would receive chemo treatments once a week with some scheduled breaks. The entire process would last a year. Jessie Claire’s battle against cancer was on and we were given hope that chemo would work and Jessie Claire would not go blind.

During the induction phase, Jessie Claire was a sick little one who had many days consisting of fevers, vomiting, refusing to eat, lots of tears, and many hours in our arms. At the end of these first three months, Jessie Claire had experienced five ER visits, one brief hospital stay, and significant weight loss.

After the induction phase, Jessie Claire had a MRI that revealed the tumor had almost doubled in size. All hope that our daughter would not go blind was lost. Panic set in like never before and we were faced with a difficult decision, stay on the current treatment plan or change to a chemo called Vinblastine. Reportedly, Vinblastine has less harsh side effects than the previous chemo. However, it does not have the research studies behind it to track its success rate. Two oncologists said changing the treatment plan was a good option but recommended continuing the current path of treatment. As a parent, how do you allow your child to continue receiving a drug that makes her extremely sick and does not seem to work? But what if you request to change the treatment and your daughter goes blind? After many sleepless nights and lots of prayer, the decision was made, change to Vinblastine.

The change in chemo also meant starting over from the very beginning receiving treatments once a week for 54 weeks with no scheduled breaks. However, Jessie Claire has been maintaining and gaining weight and she doesn’t get as sick as in the past. Jessie Claire is a brave little trooper who enjoys her weekly visits to the clinic. Our little social butterfly runs around the clinic greeting everyone with a huge smile and big “hi”. When it’s time to leave she runs around the clinic again informing everyone “Yay! All done!”

After only eight treatments, Jessie Claire had a fourth MRI. Praise God, the tumor has reduced in size from 25 percent to 50 percent! With about 11 months of treatment left, our sweet little Jessie Claire still has a long and difficult path ahead, but now we have hope!

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate Jessie Claire’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 28th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Keith Towells

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 28, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Keith Towells. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Keith’s fund. 

Keith Towells PhotoKeith Towells’ Story:

Keith Dewayne Towells, my first and only son, entered this world on March 24, 2003, weighing 8 lbs and 4 oz. The first 18 months of his life were ‘normal’ and he was perceived to be in perfect health. In October of 2004, that perception quickly diminished revealing an unfathomable reality: Keith was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia).

Keith’s treatment protocol included three intensive rounds of chemotherapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite Campus). He bravely fought through each round and bounced back with the uncanny resolve of a true champion. In January 2005, the doctors confirmed Keith was in remission and scheduled him for a bone marrow transplant to conceivably give him the greatest chance of being cured.

Keith’s bone marrow donor was his older sister Morgan (surprisingly she was a PERFECT genetic match)! The bone marrow transplant took place in Baltimore, MD at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Morgan was only 6 years old at that time, but she was very brave and excited to help her brother.

90 days post-transplant, the doctors discovered that Keith had relapsed; the Leukemia was back and even more aggressive. Unfortunately, there were no other viable treatment options for Keith, so I made the decision to take him back to the familiar surroundings and people of our home in Atlanta, Ga.

For the next month, we enjoyed all the comforts of home while suffering through the pains of not knowing what was next. How many more months, days, hours, or minutes were we going to be given to share with Keith? No one knew.

I am so grateful that we were blessed with 1 month and 8 days more, as Keith Dewayne Towells’ body exited this world on June 6, 2005. Keith peacefully passed away at home in his race car bed at the tender age of two. His physical presence with us was limited, but his spirit will thrive in our hearts forever.

My ‘new-normal’ reality, being a bereaved parent, is one I have found no word to adequately describe. There will never be a word. However, there is hope that no other parent will be faced with searching for that word. CURE is the epitome of that hope because it advocates for much needed pediatric cancer research.

Sincerely,

Keith’s mom

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Keith’s fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 28th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Anna Robison

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 28, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Anna Robison. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Anna’s Fund. 

Anna Robison PhotoAnna Robison’s Story:

In January 2006, when Anna was two year’s old, she was looking a little run down. She was pale and tired so we went to the Doctor thinking that she might be a little anemic. Imagine the complete horror when told that we needed to get her to Scottish Rite immediately. They did not know why, but they knew that she needed a blood transfusion right away. Her heart, liver and spleen were enlarged. Her condition was so precarious, an ambulance was called since they were afraid she might go into cardiac arrest or stroke on the way to the hospital.

We spent four nights in the ICU and received six pints of blood that weekend. Anna’s blood counts were so low that the blood literally had to be received drip by drip so that her body would not go into shock. But we went home with good news because we were told there was no malignancy even though we did not know what was wrong with our little girl.

After three long weeks of almost daily trips to the hospital for more blood transfusions and tests, it was an incredibly devastating shock to find that Anna was finally diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It is the most common form of childhood cancer, but was not easily detected in her case because in a rare twist, her bone marrow was able to retain the leukemia without it spilling into her bloodstream. Hence the slow detection process and also the severity of her general health condition as her body adapted itself to it’s changing condition.

The treatment is a long process, almost two and a half years of a daily chemotherapy regime. Treatment comes in the form of pills, infusions, and direct injections into the spine. Throughout her treatment, Anna was a wonderful patient who bore the medicine, pain, needles and side effects without complaint. Although hospitalized a number of times with pneumonia, her resiliency and positive attitude was inspiring and helped us all get through this trial in her life. Today she is a healthy, active six year old who can light up a room with her sunny disposition.

There are many reasons to be thankful during our journey with cancer. From blood donors, the medical staff and the ongoing determination of great organizations like CURE, who work every day raising funds to find a cure for cancer. All this contributed to saving Anna’s life. To look at her today, you would not know of the trials she has been through. Anna is one of the lucky ones who is now enjoying first grade and her story thus far has a happy ending. Tragically this is not the case for many families living with the devastating effects of this disease. In tribute to them, our hope is that in sharing Anna’s story, more awareness and help can be provided so that that other families afflicted in the future will be able to share the same happy ending.

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Anna’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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September 27th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Elena Tate

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 27, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Elena Tate. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Elena’s Fund. 

ElenaTate PhotoElena Tate’s Story:

Who would have thought three little words could change our lives so drastically? Our daughter’s pediatrician said, “It is leukemia.” On April 6th of this year, our daughter, Elena was diagnosed. It felt like the world had stopped turning. We have to admit that at the time we knew very little about this disease or how it was treated and we were scared. We couldn’t believe that we would have to tell our nine year old daughter that she had cancer. We couldn’t process it all ourselves. We waited overnight before telling her. Three difficult months followed Elena’s release from the hospital. Elena was unable to do anything unassisted except eat and drink. We juggled work, weekly clinic visits, our younger daughter, Olivia, and learning how to care for Elena. After these first three months, life began to settle. We have been richly blessed with amazing support from our friends, family, church, and even strangers. They have helped us make this transition and continue to be there with us as we fight this battle against cancer.

Does Elena have a long road ahead of her? Yes, she will continue receiving chemotherapy treatments every seven to ten days for the next six months. She will not be off treatment until sometime in mid 2011. Do we find joy in each day? Yes, even if you have to look for it; it is there. Elena was a non-stop, very active girl before being diagnosed. She loved soccer, running, and riding her bike. She’ll be able to do these things again. Since being diagnosed with leukemia, Elena, now 10, has discovered new things. She loves cooking, photography, and scrapbooking.

While our lives have been forever changed, God has been in the details, and He has blessed us along the way. CURE Childhood Cancer has been one of the many blessings. Over the past five months, the work CURE has done has touched our lives. We spent almost a week in the hospital when Elena was diagnosed. One of the first nights we were there, a CURE volunteer delivered a tote bag to us. The tote included a booklet containing information and encouragement we needed to hear those first few days. During clinic visits, Elena loves talking to the CURE volunteers and eating the sweet treats they bring.

Elena has said, “It doesn’t really feel like I have cancer because cancer is such a big word.” Cancer is a big word, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Though the road is long and there will be bumps along the way, we will take each day, step by step, trusting the Lord with the path He has for our daughter and our family.

Mark and Christy Tate

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Elena’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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Posted in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month


September 27th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Amanda Riley

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 27, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Amanda Riley. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Amanda’s Fund. 

Amanda Riley photoAmanda Riley’s Story:

She is the girl with the beautiful contagious smile with a vibrant, outgoing personality. She is a fiercely competitive three-sport varsity letter athlete with a passion for running and a tremendous love for the game of basketball. She gives 100% to everything she does. She is a planner and knows what she wants to do with her life and refuses to accept “no” for an answer. She has great faith and trust that God will take care of her. She is strong willed and by far the toughest person we know. She is our 16-year-old daughter, Amanda, and she has cancer.

On March 1, 2009, Amanda woke up in a panic because she was unable to empty her bladder. She had been having back and leg muscle spasms for several weeks and was up most of the night in pain. We went to the emergency room and the end result was that her MRI showed abnormalities. The following week she saw several specialists and had numerous tests run. On Friday, March 6th, we were given the news no parent should ever have to hear. Our daughter had a tumor in the bladder/pelvic area and it had metastasized to the lungs and bones. Naturally, we were devastated and in shock.

The following Monday we met with Dr Louis Rapkin, an Oncologist at CHOA. He suspected she had a Rhabdomyosarcoma. We discussed a treatment plan of 14 rounds of chemo, 30 rounds of radiation and possibly surgery. She entered the hospital on March 6 for a biopsy and port placement and the diagnosis was confirmed. She spent 18 of the next 22 days there and had a catheter for 7 weeks. She continued to be in constant pain and was practically bed ridden for 3 months. Our beautiful daughter known for her infectious smile was almost broken.

Finally after almost 3 months and 4 rounds of chemo, she turned the corner. Her spasms are gone and her 22 prescriptions are down to 3. At times she does not feel well because of chemo treatments but at least she is pain free.

Amanda was rescanned and on July 1st, – 4 months to the day that she initially went to the emergency room, we were given the most incredible news. The tumor in her bladder has shrunk significantly, the metastases in the lungs appear to have “melted away” and the bones are healing. Needless to say, we were ecstatic and relieved. She still has a long way to go but we are optimistic that all she is going through is worthwhile.

These days Amanda is trying to get on with her life. She has a new car, got her license and is looking forward to going back to school. We know it will be awhile before she runs another race or plays in a basketball game but that is okay. Right now the only thing that matters is that we have our Amanda back. She is again the girl with the beautiful contagious smile and the vibrant outgoing personality that we so love.

Steve, Barbara & Brittany Riley

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Amanda’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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Posted in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month


September 26th, 2009

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Catie Wilkins

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 26, 2009 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Catie Wilkins. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Catie’s Fund. 

catie for website - reduced fileCatie Wilkins’s Story:

Catie Wilkins was the firstborn child of Tre’ and Jenny Wilkins. A slight gross motor delay led to an eventual diagnosis of medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, on her first birthday. Catie and her family were plunged into a world of doctors and surgeries and chemotherapies and medicines with little warning.

Catie’s treatments included 12 surgeries, 4 different chemotherapy protocols and 6 weeks of radiation. Her tumor continued to persist and eventually grow even through very harsh treatments. She battled cancer for 3 years and 4 months before succumbing to a common virus due to an immune system that was compromised because of chemotherapy.

Catie battled cancer for most of her life, but more importantly, she lived FULL for her entire life. Often people who hear that she fought this wretched disease for all but her first year feel that she must have had a rough existence. Folks who think this did not know Catie. She crammed a whole lot of living and fun and laughter into her all too short 4 years and nearly 4 months.

Catie was funny and tough, loving and mischievous. She was quick to tease her daddy and you should have heard her laugh when she pulled something off on him. Her favorite place on earth was the beach where she loved to catch hermit crabs and play in the sand. She was an animal lover, with dogs and tree frogs topping her list of favorites.

It’s impossible to capture the essence of Catie in just a few words. She was, in some ways, just a normal kid. But she was an old soul with a wisdom beyond her years. Those who knew and loved Catie were forever changed by the enormity of her spirit and determination to live FULL in spite of what life threw at her.

About September & CURE’S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:

September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.

About CURE Childhood Cancer:

Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Donate to Catie’s Fund 

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.


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    Nacho Average Taco

    For May and June, order the CURE taco at Red Pepper Taqueria and $1 will be donated to CURE. The taco features chargrilled calamari, crispy eggplant, tomato, onion, sorrel, and ginger pico.


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    Home by Dark - Singer/Songwriter Show

    Saturday June 1st at 8PM at Chukkar Farm in Alpharetta, GA. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CURE. Bring your own chairs and picnic for this beautiful outdoor music event. Click here to learn more.