Cure Childhood Cancer

CURE Blog


September 26th, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Catie Wilkins

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 26, 2010 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’s Story

Catie Wilkins was the firstborn child of Tre’ and Jenny Wilkins.  A slight motor delay led to an eventual diagnosis of medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, on her first birthday.  Catie and her family then entered into a world of doctors and surgeries and chemotherapies and medicines, without warning.

Catie’s treatments included twelve surgeries, four different chemotherapy protocols and six weeks of radiation.  Her tumor continued to persist and eventually grow, even through very harsh treatments.  Catie battled cancer for three years and four months before succumbing to a common virus due to a compromised immune system (result of chemotherapy).

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

Catie was funny and tough, loving and mischievous.  She was quick to tease her daddy and you should have heard her laugh! 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; dogs and tree frogs topped 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 wisdom beyond her years.  Those who knew and loved Catie were forever changed by the enormity of her spirit and her determination to live FULLY 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 $60,000 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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September 25th, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Holly Slavin

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 25, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Holly Slavin. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Holly’s Fund.

On January 5, 2009 our six year old daughter, Holly, was one of the 46 children diagnosed with cancer that day. We had never heard of the word Rhabdomyosarcoma, and yet the word instantly became a part of our everyday vocabulary. We entered a world where everyone is equal, and no one is excluded. A world where we are all the same–ethnicity, language, gender, religion and social status are irrelevant. A world where our kids play bingo and everyone wins. A world where missing body parts go unnoticed and bald heads are the norm. A world where strangers go out of their way to lend a helping hand. Athletes, celebrities, musicians, beauty queens and Santa Claus come to see you, and where anything needed is just a push of a button away. This is a world where no one wants to be, yet everyone is glad they are not alone. This is life on the children’s oncology floor. This world has needles and I.V. poles, MRI’s and CT scans, ambulances and surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants. We all fight the same battle, each on our own battleground, and working towards the same goal; to save our children. We would like for you to get to know our daughter, so our Holly, can be your Holly too.

I like sharks, webkinz, and Justin Bieber.
In fact, I have been swimming with sharks, no cage, just me and the sharks.
It was wonderful!
I love to read, play outside, go to school,
And be with my friends.
I love the color blue, especially the ocean shade.
I have cancer, it does not define me. I define it.
I am a fighter….and a helper.
I love to learn new things,
I watch and read everything there is about sharks and the ocean.
There is a lot of beauty to be found in the water.
I have a 6 year old sister. 
She likes horses, butterflies, and dolphins.
She hates cancer. 
Cancer does not define her.
I am sensitive to harsh words, people staring,
and being touched.
I love to sing and dance in my kitchen with my mom and sister.
I like to play baseball with my dad and beat him at video games.
I have faith in God and I believe in miracles.
I say things I shouldn’t, before I even realize
I have said them.
My mind just happens to think a little faster than my mouth.
I like the smell of spring, my mom’s cookies, and fresh sheets.
I hate needles, Cancer, IV poles, mummies, and the dark.
I like to think about heaven and talking to God.
I do not like having my picture taken
but I do like to be famous.
I was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Florida and now I am a Georgia Peach.
I like Animal Planet, The Learning Channel,
and PG 13 movies.
I have a dog and a cat. I love my mom, my dad, and my sister. They love me.
They are who I am, they define me and I define them. 
We are Slavin Strong.
We are surrounded by a community that cares about childhood cancer.
I AM HOLLY KATHLEEN SLAVIN, SHARKGIRL

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 $60,000 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.

Donate to Holly’s Fund

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.

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


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September 25th, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Carter Richards

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 25, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Carter Richards. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Carter’s Fund.

Carter’s Story

It has been two years since we sat in a hospital room at Scottish Rite Children’s hospital  listening as a we were told that our 6-year-old son, Carter, had Leukemia.  Sometimes, it seems like yesterday and other times, it seems like we have been in treatment forever.  Over the past two years, Carter has been hospitalized three times and I have honestly lost count of the ER visits, chemo visits, pills, infusions, missed school days and finger pricks.  I am amazed every day at how well these kids handle their cancer.  They are stronger than the strongest adults.  They fight hard and they play harder.

It might sound like a cliché, but our blessings are too many to count.  Our fellow cancer families have become treasured friends that we can’t imagine life without.   Our new perspective on life has made us better parents and better people, and a much closer family.  I am so very grateful every single day for our friends and family and those at Scottish Rite who have made it their mission to cure Carter.  There is no earthly way to express thanks for someone giving your child a chance at life.  And, there’s no way to imagine ever having a life without that child.

Carter is scheduled to finish treatment in July of 2011.  For Eric and I, this journey will not be over when Carter stops taking pills and no longer needs spinal taps.  In fact, our fundraising isn’t about Carter.  It’s about the children that can’t be cured.  It’s about the children that are diagnosed every single day.  Sometimes the details are fuzzy, but one thing I will never forget is the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness that comes with your child being diagnosed with cancer.  It is indescribable pain.  We will spend our lives trying to cure these children.   There is just no other option.

We have received a lot of help and support for fundraising events since Carter was diagnosed.  Please consider helping us once again.  There are new families every day that sit in the seat we once sat in.  This is the way we give them hope.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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 $60,000 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 Carter’s Fund.

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


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September 24th, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Ashley Averill

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 24, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Ashley Averill. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Ashley’s Fund.

Ashley’s story

Ashley was the older of two daughters.  Her sister, Madison, is 12 years old. Ashley’s father, John Averill, is a partner with Insurance Office of America. Her mother, Melanie Averill, has been a homemaker since her birth in 1994.

Ashley began her 7th grade school year like all other students in August 2007.  She was excited about her schedule which included clogging, guitar lessons and two art classes, in addition to her academic studies.  Ashley had a known passion for music and art.  She excelled in her artistic ability and with her guitar skills.  Everyone knew her talents were beyond her years as a young teen.  Ashley was a beautiful girl from the inner most part of her soul to her outward flawless ivory complexion.

On October 14, 2007, she woke up at 5:30am with flu-like symptoms.  Three days later her parents were advised by a doctor at Egleston of her stage IV liver cancer diagnosis.  Her family was in disbelief as her health profile did not match the disease which had silently invaded her adolescent body.  The large tumor on her liver and the smaller tumors in her lungs were known to be chemo-resistant.  As parents who sought the best care for their child, Ashley was flown to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in November where 65% of her liver was removed.  She was scheduled to begin experimental treatment in Bethesda, Maryland at the National Cancer Institute for the lung tumors.  The week of her first appointment was spent at Egleston, because a tumor had rapidly grown causing her liver and her kidneys to fail.  Her battle from diagnosis to death was three months.

Ashley’s commitment to Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her and her story.  One of her weekly highlights was attending her Wednesday night Bible study.  She loved her group, her leaders and learning more about God’s Word.  During her battle, she claimed Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Her 13 years of life has made a profound impact on many lives and she accomplished more in her few years than others who live to old age.

Her family has total peace and assurance of her new Home.  She is missed by her family beyond measure.  We hold on to the hope of seeing her again.  We can rejoice at the glorious reunion awaiting each of us as she is among the cloud of witnesses welcoming each of us to her Heavenly Home.  May her legacy of love and faithfulness continue for many generations.

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 $60,000 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 Ashley’s Fund.

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


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September 24th, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honor Austin Taylor

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 24, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Austin Taylor. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Austin’s Fund.

Austin’s Story

On September 5th, 2007, our lives were forever changed. We took Austin to Scottish Rite to have a lump on his abdomen checked. Through scans, tumor biopsies, and bone marrow biopsies, Austin was diagnosed with stage IV, high risk Neuroblastoma, a very rare and aggressive childhood cancer. It was in his abdomen, his hip, and his bone marrow. His oncologist told us Austin could be cured and that was what we were going to work towards, together. He had 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 2 more rounds of very high dose chemo requiring a stem cell rescue after each round, a 7 hour surgery to remove his tumor, 13 rounds of radiation, 6 months of an oral medication, and countless scans and minor surgeries. November 30th, 2008 was the last day of Austin’s treatment. He has recently been moved to scans every 6 months and lab work every 3 months to monitor for relapse.

It’s hard to hear the words, “your child has cancer,” but it’s harder to hold him down to have a tube put down his nose or an IV started for the first time and then realizing one day that these things don’t even effect your 3 year old anymore is heartbreaking. Seeing the hair fall that you’ve run your fingers through since he was born fall out brings a lump to your throat. Knowing he can’t play with friends because his blood counts are so dangerously low that any infection would be life threatening is horrifying. Giving permission for doctors to give poison to your child because it’s his best chance of survival is beyond words. Holding him while he throws up because of the chemo, bathing him hourly so the chemo doesn’t burn his skin, making him walk laps so his muscles won’t weaken too much, and watching him being put under anesthesia over and over are frightening and not even close to being a fair life for a child. Not knowing what the future holds for Austin will never be easy.

This cancer journey has been hard, but it’s taught me that life is a blessing and Austin is a gift from God.  He now has the chance to be a normal 5 year old, but we’ll always have to look over our shoulders for relapse, other cancers, and horrible side effects from the treatments he’s had. CURE is a wonderful organization that works toward two very important goals. One, they support families fighting cancer by providing food, gift cards, financial support, a listening ear and much more. Two, they provide much needed funds for childhood cancer research. Many treatments for childhood cancer are at least 30 years old, without any advancement; the treatments are tough on these kids and their bodies.

We don’t know what tomorrow holds for Austin, but God has blessed our family and will continue to carry us through this journey.  Your support of CURE would fund vital research that could save these kids’ lives and offer a better quality of life after treatment.

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 $60,000 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 Austin’s Fund.

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


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September 23rd, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Sarah Barr

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 23, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Sarah Barr. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Sarah’s Fund.

Sarah’s story, shared by her Mom, Heather Barr

When August of 2009 began, Sarah’s thoughts were focused on moving up to the youth group at church, starting 7th grade, friends, and approaching her 13th birthday.  She was excited about all of these things! None of us had any idea that her 7th grade year would be nothing like expected!

On August 9, 2009, as Sarah and I were having a popsicle together, I rubbed her leg affectionately and discovered a mass there.  Her dad and I weren’t overly concerned, since Sarah didn’t even know it was there, and she had no pain or fever. She had x-rays done that week, and the next day, her pediatrician said the radiologist believed it was Ewing’s Sarcoma or osteosarcoma – one of two types of bone cancer. Her pediatrician’s office had already scheduled an MRI and an oncology appointment for the following week!  We sat down with her to share that she might have cancer, a conversation that no parents EVER want to have with their child.

It was confirmed to be Ewing’s Sarcoma, and the whirlwind began. Days were busy with trips to doctors’ offices, travel time, waiting time, appointments, scans, and floods of new information.  Conversations became filled with words like tumor, cancer, biopsy, surgery, bone marrow, pathology reports, metastases, oncologists, orthopaedics, blood counts, and more.  Sarah’s chemotherapy treatments were all done inpatient.  Nearly every other Wednesday for the next eight months, she was in for treatment.  Her treatments went back and forth in a pattern of an overnight round and then a 5-day round.  Sometimes she was in the hospital more than that due to an unexpected fever or from being too sick from the chemo to leave.  Her tumor removal surgery was done on December 2, 2009, after she had completed the first six chemotherapy rounds.  The surgeon removed about two-thirds of her right femur (everywhere the cancer had been).  Her bone was replaced with a cadaver bone, and the cadaver and remaining femur were fastened together with a plate and screws.

Though she completed chemotherapy treatments on April 11, 2010, further recovery is needed.  She has not walked since the surgery, as the plate is not strong enough to bear her weight.  The soonest she might bear weight on that leg is October of 2010.  Once she can bear weight again, she will re-learn how to walk and should gradually be able to resume all normal activities.

We are thankful for the support we received from the CURE Childhood Cancer Organization.  The Thursday night Open Arms meals were a treat, as were the snacks in clinic, the conversations with CURE volunteers, the books and information we were given, and knowing the work you all are doing towards eliminating childhood cancer!

In spite of the unexpected difficulties of this year, we are thankful for how God has brought us through, what we have learned, what Sarah has overcome, new friendships that have been made, and the wonderful care and compassion she has received from so many!

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 $60,000 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 Sarah’s Fund.

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


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September 23rd, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Julia Pinotti

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 23, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Julia Pinotti. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Julia’s Fund.

Julia’s story

In 2006, we were your typical family experiencing the joys of raising our 2-year-old twin daughters, Julia and Claire. They were growing, learning and changing daily and we felt content and blessed. Then, over Memorial Day weekend, our lives took a sudden and unexpected detour. We were out of town in NY when Julia got sick. Initially, we were concerned that everyone in our family would have the stomach bug. Our concern shifted as Julia became more lethargic and could not keep anything down. After calling our pediatrician’s nurse line, we took Julia to the local hospital in east central PA near my parent’s home. It was an exhausting night of x-rays, blood draws, IV attempts, etc.  By the morning Julia’s situation continued to decline.  I mentioned to the pediatrician the possibility of head trauma, since earlier in the week my aunt had fallen while carrying Julia. The CT scan revealed that Julia had hydrocephalus and needed immediate surgery.

We decided to transfer to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.  I was anxious about the surgery, but thought, once the surgery was complete Julia would be fine. When transport arrived, my heart sank as they informed us that Julia’s condition was too critical, that she might not survive the drive and a helicopter was called. As I climbed aboard the helicopter with my 2 year old daughter in the back, everything felt surreal. When we landed, we were immediately ushered to a room and prepped for surgery to relieve the hydrocephalus. I was beginning to calm again. Then, the neurosurgeon approached and said he saw a shadow on the CT scan, which was probably tumor. I felt the floor give way and panic swept through my body. I remember speaking the unthinkable; our daughter might have cancer, she might die. The next day an MRI was performed. The tumor was on the brain stem, not a favorable location. This made removal impossible and surgery very risky. One week later, Julia had a craniotomy in order to obtain a biopsy and determine what type of cancer had crept into our life.  Three days later, we were told the devastating news, Julia had an ATRT, one of the rarest, deadliest brain tumors. She was given 6 months to live and less than a 10 % change of survival.

We were presented with two options: we could take Julia home on hospice care or have our toddler endure a clinical trial with an incredibly intense protocol of chemotherapy and radiation. As her parents, the option was obvious. A few weeks later, we returned to Atlanta and Julia started her 52 weeks of Chemotherapy and 6 weeks of daily radiation. For 15 months, our lives revolved around doctor’s visits, long hospitals stays, and scary moments due to treatment side effects. Our world was turned inside out and upside down and the battle scars run deep. Our story is one that has a happy ending. Praise the Lord, Julia beat the odds! She just started 1st grade along with her amazing twin sister. Julia is over 4 years from diagnosis and off treatment for 3 years. Julia is doing amazingly well and we are so grateful that we get to tuck her into bed each night and hear her tales of the first grade. We pray she is healed and lives a very long life, but there is no cure for ATRT.  Not yet! Cancer and Childhood just don’t belong together. Our daughter should not have to have yearly hearing and heart check-ups to see if the treatment she endured has left more damage to her growing, 6-year-old body. Please help us fund research for better, less toxic treatment options. No matter how big or small a donation, every penny helps. Thank you and God bless.

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 $60,000 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 Julia’s Fund.

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


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September 22nd, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Olivia Pauleon

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 22, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Olivia Pauleon. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Olivia’s Fund.

Olivia Inez Pauleon Age 4 at Diagnosis with Hepatoblastoma

Olivia has been a fighter since her first day of life.  She was born at 26 weeks and 1 day and weighed 2 lbs., 5 oz.  She spent 7 months in the NICU before coming home with a tracheostomy and ventilator, a tube for her feeding, a shunt for her hydrocephalus and medication for her epilepsy.

She was hospitalized a few times over the years, but she overcame the vent after about two years of time.  Never, not in a million years, would anyone have guessed that our beautiful girl, who’d already been through so much, would have to battle cancer.

In March of 2010, she went in for three repeated VA Shunt surgeries; it just kept clogging which meant it’d have to be revised again.  After the third one, her belly became extremely swollen.  An ultrasound was done, and a baseball sized tumor was noted on her liver; there were also two smaller tumors noted.  Nothing was noted anywhere but the liver, though, thank goodness!  A biopsy was conducted, and the very same day that the pathology came back, we started chemo.  She had already gotten the IV port in her chest that morning because they were 99% sure of what it was.

Her chemo drugs are Vincristine, FU-5, Doxorubicin and Cisplatin. The first round of chemo affected her so much that she spent nearly the entire month of April in the hospital.  Since then, she’s gotten a total of 4 rounds of chemo and her AFP has gone down to as low as 32.4!  She’s received many transfusions of both blood and platelets.  We thank all the donors out there as you have truly saved a life!

Since her tumors cannot be surgically removed at this time, and she doesn’t qualify for a liver transplant, we have decided to try a new round of chemo drugs.  In August 2010, she started oral Irinotecan at home and continues Vincristine in clinic to be repeated on the same 21-day cycle. Through it all, she remains a happy, care-free girl.

Her spirit and fight for life are absolutely amazing! She can be in the middle of being sick or even throwing up major amounts of blood, and still just has the will about her to be happy.  She has blessed her family with her love and we are so glad she chose us.

In December 2010, we are hoping that she can enjoy her Wish that was granted by the Make A Wish Foundation.  She wants to go see Disney at Christmastime.  She loves lights and big characters and the heat will not interfere with her ability to be outside to enjoy it. Cancer doesn’t have her!  She has cancer, but is beating it down good!

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 $60,000 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 Olivia’s Fund.

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


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September 22nd, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Liam Howell

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 22, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Liam Howell. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Liam’s Fund.

Liam’s story

My name is Liam, and on August 1, 2007 I was born with a rare pediatric cancer called congenital fibrosarcoma. At 2 days old, I had major surgery to remove the tumor that was 10 cm in diameter protruding off my back. When my surgeon went in, he found part of my tumor had rooted in my abdominal wall. Mommy and Daddy learned the tumor had grown through the gaps of my ribs and into my lung cavity while I was forming in Mommy’s womb. Fortunately, it didn’t metastasize. I began chemotherapy at 2 ½ weeks old, and after 2 rounds of chemo, my tumor began shrinking out of my lung cavity and thinning through my ribs. I continued chemo and tolerated it well considering what it does to the body. There were challenges, but my doctors remained positive I would beat my cancer. At 3 months old, I developed a rare side effect of chemo called VOD (veno occlusive disease)—it affects the function of the liver. My liver recovered faster than the doctors expected, and it is completely healthy now. At 9 months old, I finished my 9th round of chemo. I had a biopsy to check for any remaining cancer tissue, and the results showed the tumor tissue was gone!! What remained was normal and showed zero similarities to my original tumor.  My oncologist, who I love dearly and still enjoy visiting, decided it would be wise to do 2 more rounds of chemo to kill any microscopic cells left.  In April 2008, I had my last push of chemo, and in May 2008 I was officially in remission! Over the next 2 years, I was checked frequently through CAT scans and will continue to be checked every 6 months through this next year.

My journey with cancer has shifted. My possibility of scoliosis was high because my spine had to form around the tumor, but treating cancer was most important. At 2 yrs old, scoliosis became real, and I was diagnosed with a severe 70 degree curve in my spine. If uncorrected, my left lung wouldn’t develop to adult capacity. In January 2009, a VEPTR growing rod was placed in my back. For the 1st time, cancer took a back seat, and that is wonderful news to any cancer patient! 3 days after the VEPTR surgery, I was running around like normal! Cancer never stopped me from being a high-energy little boy who soaks up every ounce of life, and neither did this! For 6 months, I wore a back brace, but Mommy and Daddy convinced me it was my “Iron Man” gear. In July I had my first of several VEPTR lengthenings—I did great with that surgery, and my spine is down to an 18 degree curve!

I absolutely love life! My parents remain strong, and my family feels blessed to have the doctors and support we have. My name is Liam Howell; I am 3 yrs old, and I am a cancer survivor!

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 $60,000 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 Liam’s Fund.

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


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September 21st, 2010

CURE Childhood Cancer Honors Aidyn Reid

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Join us today, September 21, 2010 as CURE Childhood Cancer honors CURE Kid Aidyn Reid. Join our fight as CURE’s Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time! Donate to Aidyn’s Fund.

Our journey began on May 18, 2009.  Since then there have been many heartaches, sadness, happy times and tears.  It is a roller coaster of emotions at every turn and a lot of uncertaintees.  You are always packed just in case you have to go to the ER at a moments notice and you are always on pins and needles.  It is a scary place to be but there are so many people through the hospital that are going through the same battle.

Aidyn has kept going through 13 rounds of chemo, 25 radiation treatments, and 11 surgeries in the past 14 months.  He has also learned how to walk 3 times already and although he can walk good now with his braces on, he is not supposed to walk long because of pain and the chance that he may fall and break something like his hip.  He has loss use of his bladder so they took out his appendix and made a channel from his belly button to his bladder so we can catch him through his belly button and he is on continuous feeds through his feeding tube. He is on his third reoccurrence and it has now become a very serious situation for us.  See, this cancer is so rare that there is no protocol after the initial tumor.  This cancer is usually in remission after the first occurrence and 4 rounds of chemo.  Although we know chemo will not work, he is currently taking a strong chemo to keep the tumor small until we can do radiation again in September in Jacksonville, Florida.  We are running out of ways of fighting it.  He is currently on a regimen that has only been done on adults.  It consists of large doses of chemo closer together than normal.

It is an amazing act of God that brings people together in hard times and in situations where people just need people.  Whether it is listening, prayers, lending a hand, donations or just being there you can see God’s hand in it all.  This opens up a whole new world and brings you closer to him.  We only hope and pray that his will is to heal our little angel so he can blossom and bring his story to life and use it for God’s work.

Aidyn’s strength and endurance is our motivation to keep fighting this fight.  When you look at all he has been through and all that he still has to go through, and the smile that he has on his face all the time, even after being sick, it will give you strength.  When he is having a great day, besides no hair you wouldn’t know anything is wrong and that he is fighting the fight of his life but he is.  Thank you so much for helping us help him.  He deserves the best because he is a child of God and is stronger than most people I know.

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 $60,000 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.

Donate to Aidyn’s Fund.

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.

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


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  • SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA FIGHT

    Musicians VANN and Ryan Burton's song "Sometimes You Gotta Fight" is available now! Click here to watch the video and click here to download. All proceeds are donated to CURE.

  • YOUTH COUNCIL

    Rising High School Sophomores are invited to apply for CURE's Youth Council. Applications are due June 30, 2012.  Click here for more information.