Chores for Cures
Chores for Cures is a charity that was started by my family in 2008 and the money raised is not for me or my care.  The purpose and mission of Chores for Cures is simple, raise awareness and supply funding for research and cures for pediatric cancers.  The concept behind the foundation is to have school aged children raise money by performing age appropriate household chores.  For a period of one week or more, sponsored by family and friends, all proceeds from the chores are donated to Chores for Cures, a campaign developed around the principle of kids helping kids.
Go to www.choresforcures.org to make a donation or for more information on how to get kids involved. 

Blood and platelet donation saves lives!
For more information about blood and platelet donation please visit
www.communitybloodservices.org
 Blood and platelets have expiration dates, however a donation never goes to waste.

What are platelets?
All blood cells start out as "stem cells" and mature in the bone marrow into red cells, white cells, and platelets (thrombocytes).  Platelets are irregular disc shaped colorless inclusions in the blood and are an important part of the blood clotting process.  Healing begins with a single platelet binding to the wound and then additional platelets begin to bind to each other forming a platelet plug.  The platelet plug is stabilized by fibrin and bleeding stops allowing for healing of the wound.  The normal range for platelets is 150,000 to 400,000 per cubic milliliter.
During chemotherapy a person's counts can drop significantly causing the need for a transfusion.

As part of Hackensack University Medical Center, Tomorrows Children's Institute provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for cancers and blood disorders in children on an inpatient and outpatient basis since its establishment in 1987.
For more information please visit TCI at www.tcikids.com

 ---  two of TCI's support staff -- Dr. Chick 'N Pox and Dr. Kat Skan --- 

Tomorrows Children's Fund is a non-profit organization developed by parents to assist familiesof children being treated at Tomorrows Children's Institute. Tomorrows Children's Fund accepts direct donations as well as sponsors many events throughout the year. There are also items that can be purchased for the benefit of the children. To make a donation or for more information please visit www.atcfkid.com

The Mary Therese Rose Fund  was founded for children and their families cared for at the Valley Hospital Center for Child Development.  The fund assists families with the medical expenses incured by caring for a special needs child.  Mary Therese Rose was born with a rare genetic disorder and in  January 2003, just before her fifth birthday,  Mary Therese Rose passed away.  This fund goes on in her honor.  You can contact the fund at www.marysfoundation.org.

Starlight Farms is a non-profit organization providing equine-assisted activities in a relaxing enjoyable setting.  Located in Ringwood NJ, Starlight Farms encourages self-esteem, confidence and independence for those individuals with disabilities.
For more information or to make a donation please visit at www.starlightfarms.org

Camp Sunshine is located on Sebago Lake in Maine.  Since 1984 it has provided support and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families.  The program is free of charge to all families and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support.  The camp is operated year-round with support from donations and volunteers.
For more information or to make a donation please visit www.campsunshine.org