NJ Pediatric Cancer Support

Ablaze Communications and ECF!

2009-07-06T16:24:00.007-04:00

Ablaze Communications services marketing professionals to effectively communicate their message through newsletters, brochures, postcards, and other marketing materials. Several years ago, under the direction of Lauren Alexanderson, ECF’s former Director of Marketing and Communications, Ablaze designed ECF’s award-winning 25th anniversary Annual Report (check it out here: http://www.emmanuelcancer.org/docman/doc_view-20.html).

Jennine Arena, President, became involved with ECF when she was living locally. She initially provided some design services to ECF through Ablaze, and soon afterwards she and her children were raising funds to support ECF’s services. Today, Jennine’s company contributes 1% of all proceeds from design to ECF! We are very grateful for this partnership.

Jim Cirone Runs NJ Marathon for ECF

2009-06-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

This year’s New Jersey Marathon took place from May 1 - 3, 2009, in Long Branch. Not only was ECF designated as one of the beneficiaries, we had very special representation there. Volunteer Jim Cirone, who is a cancer survivor, donned an ECF tee-shirt and ran a half-marathon despite his treatment some years ago for Ewing’s Sarcoma in his left foot.

In Jim’s words, “I had radiation, 18 months of chemotherapy and surgery, and was fortunate that they were able to take out the effected bones and save my foot. It was one of the first times they tried limb salvaging surgery and I was very fortunate that it worked. Running the marathon is a great experience to see some old guy (I’m now 43) who’s basically living a normal life and competing in such a physical event.”

We are all proud of Jim, and thank him for promoting ECF. Most of all, we wish him continued good health.

GCCS Food Drive for Southern Region

2009-06-02T16:08:00.003-04:00

On May 7, 2009 10th grade students from the Gloucester County Christian School in Sewell, New Jersey, delivered boxes of non-perishable food items for ECF’s Southern Regional Center’s Food Pantry. Debbie Catalano, the school’s Athletic Director and senior girl’s gym teacher, along with several students, delivered the food. The following is a list of the students who participated:

Ø Joshua Saunders
Ø Glenn Vasaturo
Ø Shelly Haney
Ø Catherine Kearney
Ø Lydia Hanna
Ø Jacqueline Raube
Ø Devon Cryon
Ø Shaunessy Hanrahan
Ø Susan Goodrow

We thank you all!

Firehouse Tour

2009-05-14T15:14:00.006-04:00

We at the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation extend our gratitude to Steve Contreras of the West Belmar Fire Company. Steve once again invited several ECF kids for a tour. While there, the children were also treated to a firetruck ride and lunch. Check out some photos of Tony and Matthew and a few friends and siblings enjoying their tour!

Mother's Day Tea Party - You're Invited!

2009-03-05T15:56:00.009-05:00

Please support our sponsors: Bigelow Tea and Ito En Ltd.

Suzie Cordially Invites you to a Private Mother’s Day Tea Party

My name is Suzie and I am the mother of a child with cancer. My son, Jake, was diagnosed at age six with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Jake’s journey ahead would consist of bone marrow biopsies/aspirations, lumbar punctures, blood draws, x-rays, scans and chemotherapy. After many delays and hospital stays, Jake completed 3 ½ years of treatment. He began his new life after cancer. However, on January 16, 2007, a year and a half after completing treatment, we were told Jake’s cancer was back. His brother Colton wasn’t a bone marrow match for Jake so it was decided chemotherapy would be the course of treatment. A year and a half later, it was clear that Jake’s treatment wasn’t going according to plan and it was decided that Jake would receive an unrelated bone marrow transplant due to the many delays in treatment. On July 29, 2008, Jake received a bone marrow transplant. The road to recover has been long and hard but he is back in school and is enjoying all his favorite activities.

Our family could not have gotten through this difficult journey without the support we received from the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. The emotional support, financial support and food deliveries are valuable services that allowed us to focus on Jake’s care. It truly does take a village to raise a child. We can’t thank the staff and the many volunteers enough for what they have done for us. If I were asked to give advice to a newly diagnosed patient’s family, I would say, “Accept the help and just say thank you!”

This Mother's Day, you can help provide services to over 200 NJ families like mine, whose children are battling cancer. Best of all, you can do this without even leaving your kitchen table! All you have to do is enjoy a cup of tea on Mother’s Day, in honor of the mothers who are facing the enormous challenges of caring for a child with cancer. As you honor these moms, please take a moment to send a contribution to ECF . No gift is too small.

On behalf of all ECF moms, past and present, happy Mother’s Day!

Who Can Resist an Afternoon of Chocolate?

2009-02-11T12:21:00.004-05:00

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the 2nd Annual Chocolate Lover’s Delight was held on Sunday, February 8th at the Sakima Country Club in Carney’s Point. Attendees were treated to a luncheon, a smorgasbord of delectable desserts, and a centerpiece chocolate fountain. There was also an auction table, a 50/50 raffle, and entertainment by students from the McAleer School of Irish Dance and the Broesler School of Irish Dance. Of the 12 dancers, one is ranked 5th in the world, and several compete both nationally and internationally.

Attending were General Manager Michael Drager of NuStar, and ECF Board Treasurer Steven Wooton. Contributing to an already successful afternoon, the fact that the Zachary and his family, recipients of ECF’s support, were able to be there, made this an even more meaningful time for all. Their Caseworker, Kim Cranstoun, addressed the crowd. Volunteer Event Coordinator Peg Kirsch and her team of helpers did an outstanding job in putting this event together, along with staff liaison and Southern Regional Director Laurie Ehrlich. Nearly $6,000 was raised to help families in this part of New Jersey.

Pointsettia Bash a Huge Success!

2009-01-05T12:55:00.007-05:00

Each holiday season, 94.3 The Point FM holds a Pointsettia Bash to benefit the families served by the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. This year's event took place on December 11 at The Headliner on Route 35 in Neptune, and featured New Jersey's own group, The Nerds.
Party-goers brought new, unwrapped gifts that were later distributed to ECF kids and their siblings.

Clips from this year's Pointsettia Bash can be viewed on You Tube.
One of the Eastern Region's volunteers, Izola Fix, is featured. ECF's Eastern Regional Director, Joann Passantino, was presented with a check by the Blue Knights for a fundraiser they held for us several months ago.
Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1rq56UUgZk

Philanthropy Begins with Children

2008-12-08T15:48:00.003-05:00

You may remember Kim Cranstoun, ECF Caseworker for the Salem County area, from a feature story in one of our recent newsletters. Kim has been battling cancer in her own family, since the diagnosis of her husband, Jamey, who has a brain tumor. Although mother and daughter are busy dealing with their own stress, Caeley, who is five years old, still managed to collect donations at her birthday party for the food pantry at ECF’s Southern Regional Center in Woodbury. This just demonstrates that in the face of adversity, and at the age of five, it’s never too soon to give back. ECF welcomes these gifts, and donations of any size. Please visit http://www.emmanuelcancer.org/ for more information on how you can get involved.

Inspiring Thoughts for Uncertain Times

2008-08-28T13:04:00.002-04:00

by James Boyle

Lately, it has been almost impossible to avoid hearing alarming reports about a slowing economy, rising fuel costs and the negative impact both are having on the lives of Americans. These bleak reports can take their toll on a person's psyche, especially in the case of donors, volunteers and nonprofit staff members who want nothing more than to provide the best services they can to those they serve.

Making a difference is difficult enough, but during such periods when "donor belt-tightening" is predicted, the challenges we all face grow beyond donations to include managing our internal loss of energy and motivation. Traditionally, economic downturns leave everyone feeling weak, lethargic and fatigued. It is natural to experience a drain of energy, but now is not the time to succumb. In fact, now is the time for all of us to step up and be a source of inspiration to those around us.

Energy, both high and low, is contagious. High energy is associated with positive thoughts and creates enthusiasm and movement, while low energy creates blocks and paralysis. Low energy must be overcome if we are to be a motivating presence in the world.

Here are some tips to help us shift our energy:

Be conscious of your thoughts
What we choose to focus our thoughts on dictates our energy level and the energy we transfer to others. We need to understand the source of our thoughts. Start by asking yourself how possible it is that the way you feel is really the result of a recent economic report, an encounter with a troubling neighbor, or even a personal event? It is easy to get caught in a cycle where negative thoughts take hold of our emotions and alter our moods. But being aware of what triggers our descent down the path of negative thinking affords us the opportunity to choose whether we continue down this path of negativity or to focus on positive thoughts that motivate and inspire us and those around us.

Be conscious of the energy levels of others
Just as your energy is contagious, so is the energy of those around you. What is the likelihood that you are absorbing the low energy of a colleague or friend who is talking about a terrible day? We can empathize with others, but the danger comes when sympathy becomes our approach. Sympathy means you have taken on the pain of someone's unfortunate circumstance, while empathy is about understanding the situation while not getting emotionally attached.
It is not necessary to intentionally stop your own thoughts and feelings; rather, you must avoid getting caught up in them.

Make the shift
It is helpful to realize we have less of a chance to help others when we're in a state of low energy, so being conscious of your energy level is important. When you recognize low energy in yourself, activate thoughts that will make you feel good. Whether it is remembering a pleasant experience, hearing a favorite song or simply telling yourself, "I want to feel good," you have to push yourself to a place where your energy is high. We can be the spark that ignites the fire in others when we act on positive emotions, speak with a passionate voice, answer questions in an inspiring way or simply emit confidence and joy.
There are always different ways for us to approach what is happening in our world. It is a matter of choice. We can see tough times, higher gas prices and less money and conclude that things are hopeless. Or we can look at the world and see opportunities and possibilities. This is a time to for us to make a difference, to be the kind of person that will inspire greatness from those we touch.

James works part-time with ECF as a fundraiser. He also volunteers his time through his leadership coaching company Higher Potentials.

Johnson & Johnson Birthday Bags

2008-06-16T10:28:00.003-04:00

Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson, whose team created some stunning birthday bags for ECF kids and their siblings!

Above & Beyond

2008-06-16T10:21:00.004-04:00

Special thanks to ECF Volunteer Kevin McLaughlin & his children for brightening the front of the Scotch Plains office. Kevin & his girls came in over the weekend, cleaned out the flower boxes and planted some lovely purple begonias for spring. Additionally, Kevin lent his artistic talents to decorate the flower boxes with ECF's logo. (see below)

Drop by and see Kevin's handiwork yourself!

Scotch Plains Freshman Raises $375 for ECF

2008-06-06T14:29:00.003-04:00

Scotch Plains - Fanwood High School Freshman Hayley Cornwell organized a mini soccer tournament on April 25, 2008 to raise money for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. The event was a great success, bringing in $375 for the Central Regional Center.

Below, the winning team:

Westfield Foundation Grant

2008-05-27T12:12:00.002-04:00

The Westfield Foundation Supports ECF!

ECF's friends at The Westfield Foundation have generously chosen to support the Family Services Program with a $2000 grant. These funds are earmarked for counseling and advocacy services for local ECF families. 2008 marks the fifth year that The Westfield Foundation has supported ECF.

The Westfield Foundation was founded in 1975 by a group of local citizens led by former Westfield Mayor H. Emerson Thomas. Its mission is to enhance and support the quality of life of the citizens of Westfield. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization funded entirely by contributions.

25th Anniversary Annual Report Wins an Award!

2008-05-07T10:43:00.003-04:00

ECF's 25th Anniversary Annual Report won a Gold Hermes Creative Award! The submissions are judged by the American Association of Marketing & Communications Professionals.

Ablaze Communications, a longtime friend and supporter of ECF, did the graphic design. The staff did a fantastic job taking our concepts and ideas and making them come alive! Ablaze is based in Scotch Plains, NJ.

To obtain a copy of the report, click on the link above, or call 908-322-4323 or email emmanuelcancer@gmail.com to have a paper copy sent to you.

New Guide for Childhood Cancer Survivors

2008-04-17T14:30:00.005-04:00

The Next Step: Crossing the Bridge to Survivorship is a comprehensive guide for young adult cancer survivors and their families as they prepare to face life after cancer.

Written by Karen Hennessy, RN, MS, CPNP; Nabeel Arastu, BS Biology; & Dr. Aziza Shad, Amey Distinguished Professor of Neuro-Oncology and Childhood Cancer at Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.

The book is available in PDF format at Lombardi Cancer Center's website.

Features of the Book:

Personal Health Care Record
Personalizable Summaries & Reports
Overview of childhood cancers, treatments, & important long-term follow-up tests and concerns for each cancer type
Recommendations for healthy lifestyles after cancer
Life after cancer issues (education & employment, relationships, fertility, insurance, etc)
Important resources

Mount Saint Mary Academy Food Drive for ECF

2008-04-08T11:29:00.003-04:00

Lydia Senyk, a student at Mount Saint Marys Academy in Watching NJ, has organized a month-long food drive to help fill the Central Regional Center's pantry. As the summer months draw near, it gets tougher and tougher to fill them. If your school or business is interested in doing a food drive for your local Regional Center, contact your Regional Director to see how you can help.

3 Local Residents Cook to Raise Funds for Children With Cancer

2008-03-31T15:54:00.003-04:00

Robert Johnson, Richard Percel, and Joseph "Pepe" Garofalo hosted an episode of Iron Chef, which will be aired on the Food Network, to raise funds for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. Filming was completed on March 16, 2008 in Fairhaven; invitations to view the filming were by invitation only. Airdate TBA.

St. Cecelia's Pajama Day

2008-03-14T15:35:00.002-04:00

The students of St. Cecelia's School of Iselin, NJ came to school in their pajamas a few weeks ago. While they were at it, they collected pajamas for ECF's kids in Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, and Union Counties. Inspired by an episode of Oprah, kindergarten teacher Trudy Palko decided to infuse the fun pajama day at her school with a healthy dose of community spirit. The children collected over 25 sets of pajamas and books, wrote notes to ECF's kids, and presented ECF Central Regional Director, Barbara Kopel (pictured with two of St Cecelia's students), with beautifully wrapped bags at an assembly last week.

Note: Pajamas are a GREAT gift for a kid or teenager going through chemo or radiation.

ECF Listed on Causes Application in Facebook

2008-03-06T17:03:00.002-05:00

Emmanuel Cancer Foundation now has a page on Facebook, the popular networking site. One of Facebook's new popular applications, Causes, enables users to show their support for organizations and issues that they believe in. Visit ECF's Causes page, show your support, and if you're feeling generous, make a donation. All donations made through ECF's Causes page will benefit ECF.

If you do not have Facebook access, join now! It's free!

Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks Honors ECF's 25th Anniversary

2008-02-21T17:48:00.005-05:00

On a snowy evening in February, Mayor Martin Marks and the Scotch Plains Council honored the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for its 25 years of service to New Jersey's families battling cancer. The Council presented ECF with a signed proclamation at that time (see above).

25th Anniversary Charity Ball Just 2 Days Away!!

2008-02-21T17:41:00.004-05:00

On February 23, ECF is honoring 25 individuals and companies at the 25th Anniversary Charity Ball. Our theme, "25 Honorees for 25 Years" allows us to recognize volunteers and donors alike, who have believed in our mission and have devoted their time and resources to ensure that we can continue to do what we do best.

Learn about our distinguished honorees by clicking here!

Giants Football Auction

2008-01-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the Superbowl, the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is auctioning off an authentic 2007 football on eBay. The ball is signed by the entire 2007 Giants team, as well as Head Coach Tom Coughlin and General Manager Jerry Reese.

As you consider whether to place a bid on this item, please know that 100% of proceeds will benefit ECF's children and families.

Click on the word "eBay" or the football itself to visit the auction page.

Cancer Poetry Project Re-Released

2008-01-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

"A single poem—heart-rending, fearful, raging, beautiful, grotesque, even hilarious—lets us

know we're not alone in dealing with cancer. This was the idea that launched

The Cancer Poetry Project and drew more than 1,200 submissions from published poets,

first-time poets and everyone in between. The award-winning result is a national anthology of

140 poems, plus the story and people behind each".

The Cancer Poetry Project, a collection of poems by cancer patients and those who love them, has been re-released in stores and online this week. Included in the collection is a poem written by ECF's Director of Marketing & Communications, while she was undergoing treatments for osteosarcoma in 1995. Please click on the link above to learn about The Cancer Poetry Project and to purchase the book.

Valero Supports ECF with $30,000 Grant!

2008-01-22T12:19:00.000-05:00

Once again, the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation was a recipient of charitable donations from the Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children Golf Classic! The golf tournament, one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the PGA tour, was held the week of September 30-October 7. This year, the Valero Texas Open gave $8 million to charity!

The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation is incredibly proud to be included as a recipient of the proceeds from this tremendous event. Laurie Ehrlich, ECF's Southern Regional Director, together with Steven Wooton, ECF's Board Treasurer, were presented with the donation at a brunch on Friday, January 18. (From left to right: Kevin Fetchko, Claire Riggs, Laurie Ehrlich, Steven Wooton, & Jon Pickering)

Pajamas for Pajama Day

2008-01-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

St. Cecilia School, one of the 30 schools that participated in Dress Down Day this fall, is collecting pajamas for ECF kids for their upcoming Pajama Day in March 2008.

Trudy, a teacher at St. Cecilias, was inspired by an episode of Oprah. On the show, a woman had collected new pajamas for foster children. Trudy said, "It made me think of your cause (ECF), and I wondered if we could collect pajamas for cancer patients."

Pajamas are a great gift idea for cancer patients because many prefer to receive treatment in comfortable, warm clothes. For those who have been hospitalized, cuddly pajamas beats a hospital gown any day!

For more tips on how you can help a family battling cancer, visit ECF's How You Can Help page.