Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Your donation to PCH

Today Heather and Nancy, Directors, and Preston Solomon, London's brother presented our donation to Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Our $17,000 donation, made possible by your Run registration fees, will fund pediatric cancer research and supplies for the oncology floor playroom.  

When London was able to leave her hospital room, she played in the playroom.  When she was on restriction (to protect her from infection) the playroom came to her.  Cathy, the playroom queen, came to her once, sometimes twice a day with games, music and crafts to keep her busy and her mind off her treatment and cancer.  Knowing you have a bad disease is heavy information.  PCH works diligently to alleviate that heaviness by providing outlets for these special kids to be KIDS.  Kids shouldn't have such big worries!  The playrooms also provide the kids the chance to socialize with other kids, and the same for parents.  It is hard to be stuck in a hospital room for weeks on end - so the playroom is a pretty busy place!  It also takes a lot to provide new toys and activities for the daily visitors.  Cathy and the others who work there are happy to have our donation.

Much of cancer research is done with clinical studies. These studies lead to the most effective treatment. Because of these types of studies, “The CDC report shows a 20% decline in the pediatric cancer death rate between 1990 and 2004" (December 12, 2007, Bethesda, MD – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  London participated in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) study.  Her family hoped that her participation will aid another child beat the disease.  We are happy to support efforts to continue clinical trials and the continuing decline in pediatric cancer deaths.

Just think - your RUN helps a lot of kids!  Thank you for helping us support a really good cause.