Newsletter Published by Why Me Phone: 508-757-7734 Fall / Winter
Transcription
Newsletter Published by Why Me Phone: 508-757-7734 Fall / Winter
Published by Why Me Phone: 508-757-7734 Fax: 508-756-5119 www.whyme.org Fall / Winter 2004-2005 Newsletter Comes to Life! Our Sherry's House Dedication & Ribbon Cutting! It was a beautiful, sunny day this past June when, after much anticipation and not a few prayers, we held our Sherry's House dedication & ribbon cutting. From our building partners, foundations, corporations, groups and volunteers to our Why Me children, families and staff, everyone gave from the bottom of their hearts to see our home for kids become a reality. Sherry's House now stands as a true testament to the power of love. Every inch of this home has been designed, built and crafted with love. We’re Half-Way to Our Goal! 2 million (Our Goal!) Thank you for helping us get half way to our capital fund raising goal. Through the generosity of our building partners, we have saved an additional $700,000 in construction costs! However, this does not include landscaping, furniture, start up costs or operational costs. Please make your checks payable to Sherry’s House. 1 million Half-way there! • $ • Sign up for Disney World or Las Vegas – Join The Sherry’s All-Star Fun Run/Walk Team • If your gift is in memory or in honor of an individual, please include the name and address of the person who is to be notified. • Leave a legacy: 75 will sponsor a child for a day at Sherry’s House • Plan a gift of real estate • Insurance or appreciable assets Each donation is greatly appreciated and directly benefits all Central New England families facing childhood cancer. All of our services are provided completely free of charge to the whole family. Comes to Life! The Marlene Kemp Farley Children's Learning Center The UPS Foundation Family Living Room Retired teachers, college interns and our volunteers help cancer patient children and their brothers and sisters remain academically successful and connected to learning. A cozy, inviting space for families to curl up under an afghan and share a special moment together. All the woodwork was hand re-finished by students from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. Special thanks to the UPS Foundation for the largest corporate gift ever received by Sherry's House . . . $ 100,000. Thanks to Jenn & Chris Lavin and Vicki & Bob Thebeau for their tireless dedication in memory of their friend, Kindergarten t e a c h e r, M a r l e n e Kemp Farley. Also thanks to everyone at Ta t n u c k M a g n e t Pictured above Tatnuck Magnet School School for raising students drop by for a visit money and donating children's books, and to Freda Garbose for furnishing our library in memory of her grandaughter Emily. The Why Me Counseling and Support Group Center, honoring the life and spirit of Jillian M. Bertonazzi The backbone of Why Me is our day-to-day , emotional support for children and families. Mentoring, counseling, and support groups will p a i r c h i l d re n , parents and siblings with others who understand and can help. What could be more valuable to healing? Pictured above Tom Bertonazzi (Jillian's dad) •Mural treatment lovingly created by Why Me mom, Debbie Hughes Johnson, in honor of her son Cody. • Color designs of all rooms courtesy: Melissa Ruttle, Color Consulting & Design, Princeton. Pictured (l-r) Mike Killilea, HR Manager, East New England District, Laura Prunier and William Walsh all of United Parcel Service The Big-Top Room "Ladies & Gentlemen and Children of All Ages, Step into the big top and let your imagination soar!" It's hard to feel alone in such an incredible room. Dedicated with deep gratitude to all our friends at G. M. Bergeron, Custom Builders for their heartfelt dedication and leadership. Pictured in the Big-Top Room are (l-r) Chad, Gerry and Wade Bergeron along Jerry "Bigfoot" Kuntz, Bergeron Project Manager All Sherry's House window treatments donated by Linda Tokarz of Rutland. The Isabella Rose Capaldi Children's Remembrance Gazebo A Child-Dedicated Space Due to compromised immune systems, children receiving cancer treatment are asked not to go outside. This gazebo is designed to bring the outside, inside and spark childhood wonder and play. It overlooks our brook and soon-to-be "Jason's Children's Serenity Garden". Pictured are Isabella's parents Kim and Ralph Capaldi Comes to Life! Fruit & Jingles Children's Activity & Performing Arts Center Arts and crafts, games, DVD's, performing & visual arts, Pictured above Sue Oberg & Harvey and music will be Jacobvitz aka "Fruit & Jingles" part and parcel of our kid's activities program. This space has been specially designed with a stage and gallery lighting to showcase the children's budding art work . . . a welcome relief from the hospital environment. Parents Quiet Room Funding generously provided by Richard Lundgren & Family A special place for parents and caregivers to relax and replenish. Broadband Internet connection enables ease of communication to family members and loved ones. Coming Spring 2005 The Jason White Children's Serenity Garden & Waterfall Conceived in loving memory of Jason White Imagine a special garden place designed to heal on many levels from children's cancer. Each family member needs a little peace & quiet and serenity - escape to our babbling brook to daydream and imagine. Jason is the son of our Family Services Director, Margaret White. Margaret has provided a life-time of support to all our Why Me families, for which we are eternally grateful. Why Me Organizational Headquarters A NEW HOME FOR WHY ME Generously made possible with a grant from The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Pamela Bouley Sanborn Storybook Family Lounge A more private family space to watch television, to cozy up in their pajamas, read a bedtime tale and snuggle. Thanks to World of Unfinished Furniture, Assabet students, and Fred Cormier, pictured right. Pictured (l-r) Mullen Sawyer, Ex. Dir. Sherry's House, along with Fuller Foundation representatives, Joyce I. Fuller, Jan L. Fuller and Mark W. Fuller, Chairman After almost twenty years of providing love & support for our families, we're thrilled to finally have our own specially designed headquarters that we're calling "Command Central for Support & Services". Our new space will allow us to better serve our families and volunteers.Why Me provides families with the direct social, logistical, emotional and financial support they need, on a daily basis, to successfully fight childhood cancer.Why Me staff and volunteers are available when and where needed each day: at home, in hospital, at cancer clinic and now at Sherry's House. Students, faculty and parents from the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School's Painting & Decorating class were invited to a special day of recognition that we recently hosted for them at Sherry's House. We were pleased to dedicate our "Jungle Room" bedroom in their honor for their tireless work over the past two and a half years: refurbishing the original home's woodwork, matching all the new woodwork, painting the entire interior, and all the magnificent murals. In every way they have put their hearts and souls into this home, bringing it to life. Their work is a treasure to behold. Our special thanks also goes out to their instructor and teacher, Tim Tonelli (pictured center). It was a pleasure working with everyone at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. Comes to Life! Family Kitchen Our New Sherry's House Sign Dedicated with deep gratitude to all our Sherry's House All-Star Fun Run/Walk Teams, who have collectively raised more than $500,000 over the past 5 years to build Sherry's House. Next Year - 2005 - Sherry's House All-Star Fun Run/Walk Teams Las Vegas & Disneyworld! (see back page for details) Special thank you's to O'Coin's for discounting all the appliances and the Westerman Family for completely outfitting our kitchen with professional quality kitchen supplies. Kitchen and dining furniture provided by Michael & Joyce Keegan, and Nichols & Stone Furniture. Live-In Manager's Apartment The cherry on top of our sundae Families join us for our dedication. Lovingly created and donated by Mark Herbert and Everyone at Sunshine Sign Company of North Grafton. Can you imagine a better way to honor our work and beautiful new home? Indoor Waterfall Fountain Sculpture Coming Soon! Thanks to John & Donna Sansoucy & Sansoucy Stone Sherry Anne Shepherd 13 Year Old Founder of Why Me Worcester Help for Youth - Memories Everlasting (W.H.Y. M.E.) A live in presence from someone who has experienced all aspects of childhood cancer and can offer support and guidance to our kids and families in a most sensitive way. Generously made possible with a grant from The Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation. Pictured above with Terry Shepherd are Carolyn Dircks Van Riper and children, TJ & Shannon. Family Guest Rooms Outfitted to make every difference to healing . . . High speed broadband internet connections & digital cable television (provided in part by Charter Communications), sound proofed rooms, air filtration like that found in hospitals, ultra violet radiation to kill creepy things in the ductwork, and private guest voice mail (courtesy of Barry Communications). Thank you to John Valentin, former third baseman with the Boston Red Sox & Rotman's Furniture for contributing towards all guest room bedding and four bedrooms of furniture and to the Westerman Family for donating DVD/television sets for all guest bedrooms. Sherry was the first patient admitted when UMASS opened their new pediatric oncology clinic in 1981. She started a tradition of handing out teddy bears to welcome new children to the ward. Sherry helped many of her fellow patients find opportunities to lighten their load: weekend retreats to the Cape, concerts, ordering pizza for delivery to the back of a limo. After four years of cancer treatment, she worked with her mom and dad to create a nonprofit organization to carry on her hospitality. Sherry’s legacy of love lives on . . . every child served by UMASS Pediatric Oncology Department is eligible to receive the support and services of Why Me. Sherry’s House is a dream come true, created to provide love and support to our 275 existing Why Me families and to each new family that will have to face childhood cancer in the future. Comes to Life! Sherry's House Donors & Building Partners Our Why Me Families Decorating/Furnishings Foundations 2003 - 2004 O'Coins HomeBrands George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation World of Unfinished Furniture Quebec UPS Foundation John Valentin, former Third Baseman, Boston Red Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation, Inc. Marathon Sox Stoddard Charitable Trust Participants Rotmans Furniture Corporations Fred Cormier Commonwealth Office Furniture Shepherd & Goldstein, LLP David Penza Debbie Hughes Johnson-Paint & Mural Artist Picadilly Pub Restaurants Kathy Kroll Nichols & Stone Lundgren Honda Christine Cicero Tatnuck Magnet School Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce Jessica Rodio Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Contractors Elizabeth Flanders Valerie Morin Paint & Decorating G. M. Bergeron, Inc.-Custom Builder Kayt O'Rourke Linda Tokarz Window Treatments Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Diana Pruzinsky Melissa Ruttle Color Consulting & Decorating Painting & Decorating Jeff Morrison Jen Niles-Artist John E. Boyce, Architect Doug McAllister Westerman's Restaurant Supply Mark E. Meacham, Inc. Jerry & Selma Erlandson Building 19 Lennox Air Conditioning Evelyn Dolan Mr. & Mrs. Michael Keegan Venmar Air Purification Donors R.C. Shaw Sprinklers Richard Lundgren & Family Rivco Cabinetry The San Francisco Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Hamshaw Lumber Lawrence Stupski Washusett Lumber Grand Lodge, Grand Masters of Masons Paradigm Windows James & Joan Lyons Associated Elevator Company Tom Berg Nesco Benjamin Lighting David Ahlin Barry Electric & Communications Scott & Geraldine Baeder Graves Engineering, Inc. Jonathan Kirschner Commercial Asbestos Removal Judith Griffin O'Connell Fire Protection Joseph Carbonneau A. L. Puriton Corp. Ride New England Morrison Fence Kerri Coleman Memorial Fund B & R Surveyors Taylor Gardner Memorial Fund Bekaert Specialty Films. LLC Isabella Capaldi Memorial Fund FW Webb Plumbing Supply Jillian Bertonazzi Memorial Fund Electronic Security Group Junior League of Worcester All-in-One Insulation Members of the Worcester Regional WalMart - Hudson & North Oxford Peryea Company Association of REALTORS stopped by for a Ms. Carol Botty Rome Building Products tour of Sherry's House and to deliver their Mr. & Mrs.William Rivernider Steve Swedish Tree Service $10,000 check as Presenting Sponsor of our Mr. Rob Wirtanen Family Holiday Party. Pictured in front row Mark Wyco (l-r) are Roz Levine and Karen Freeman, Mr. Jason Kurchner Rutland Nurseries realtors and members of Why Me's Board Amvets Auxiliary Post 1980 Marlboro Energy Design Corporation of Directors. Worcester Executives Association Wendy's Decorating Depot 200 Foundation, Inc. Systematics Gregory Peters Boy Scout Troup 9 Worcester Valley Concrete Economy Paint Eagle Leasing Dedication & Open House Days at Sherry's House Abbott's Flooring sponsored by Country Wide Home Loans - Karen Freeman Williams Scotsman Sunshine Sign Company We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals and companies for helping us celebrate. Central Mass Seamless Gutters Sancoucy Stone Neet Events Immedia Sound Ricciardi Brothers Excavating Balloon Platoon Patti & Bill Gianopoulus Maurice Capistran Sports Auctions for Charity Lisa Jean, A Division of A Basket Case Maureen Quinn Ushkurnis Photography Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS Keith Faucher Plastering Taylor Rental,W. Boylston Street,Worcester Michele Villani, Ginette Trolsen, WSRS-FM 96.1/WTAG AM580 Good As Gold Coffee Mullen Sawyer, Irma Gennaro, Paula Mondino, DNS-The Business Printer SunriseCleaning Service Jeannie Gallagher, Margaret White Tacticom-Website Manager Worcester Police Department-Traffic Control Jim Ashkurnis Photography Charter Communications Our Why Me Volunteers A Great Big Bear Hug Thank You! Just a small sampling of the many individuals, service clubs, religious organizations, corporations and foundations who come to the aid of our kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you to.... Mr. and Mrs.William Rivernider Dudley Police Department The Stupinski Family Fund US Marines Toys for Tots Campaign Independent Order of Foresters - Fitchburg Mr. James McGuire Worcester Lodge of Elks North High School Student Councel,Worcester Umass Memorial Healthcare, Payroll Dept. Worcester Art Museum Mr. and Mrs. Pete Gerardi Harbro Sales & Service Mr. and Mrs. Eric Marcus Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Feldman Computerized Horizons Millbrook Distribution Services TJ Maxx & More - Greendale Mall Fallon Clinic,W. Boylston - IT Department Carbonneau Adjusters Worcester Ice Cats "Teddy Bear Toss" J.J. O'Brien & Sons Retired Men's Club of Greendale Ms. Catherine Riordan & Mr. John Foley Federated Church of Sturbrige & Fiskdale Worcester Firefighter Auxillary Cytec Corporation Membership-First Congregational Church of Worc. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Duquette Friends and Family The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Walmart Store - Hudson The Woman's Auxilliary Post #1980, Marlboro Worcester District Medical Society Alliance American Legion Auxiliary-Webster/DudleyUnit #184 Worcester Police Auxiliary Thank you to the following friends for their generous grants to fund Why Me's Childhood Cancer Lifeline. Allmerica Financial Charitable Foundation The Marshall Family Foundation Fred Harris Daniels Foundation The TJX Foundation NE Hi-tech Charity Foundation Washington Mutual Bank The Susan Simpson Charity Fund Why Me's Terence Shepherd, center, presents a recognition plaque to Piccadilly Pub Regional Operations Managers Donald Bonci (l) and John Eggers. The Piccadilly Pub Restaurants has been the presenting sponsor of our All-Star Marathon Teams who were raising funds for the past five years to build Sherry's House by participating in the Bermuda Marathon. This year with the help of the Piccadilly Pub Restaurants and our runners, walkers and supporters, more than $500,000 total has been raised so far. In January 2005 we're moving our AllStar Teams to Las Vegas and Disney World ! 1999 - 2004 Bermuda Marathon Participants Mark Allen Lisa Arcabascio Kevin Barry Cheryl Baskin Karen & Jodi Belliveau Bridget Bergan Christopher Bitzas Cathleen Bradshaw Kayt O'Rourke Colleen Brosnihan Ann Brunelle Kimberly Bumstead Cheryl Burgess Sandra & Nicole Buron Lisa Burrill Steven Cannon Edith & Apryl Cardwell Debbie Carlson Ann Carrigan Tracey Cavaco Steve, Bonnie & Corey Coleman Fred & Dale Cormier Stephen Crawford Heather Cremins Kathy Cullion Carol D'Amico Gina Daw Suzanne Demsey Anne Dickinson Heather Doerr Evelyn Dolan John Donovan Elizabeth Dunn John Eggers Jerry & Selma Erlandson Gretchen Ficara Heather Frechette Melissa French Irma Gennaro Brian Germain Nancy Greenberg Nancy Griffis Rob Halvorsen Karla Hanson Cynthia Hawkesworth Thayne Hendricks John Herlihy Jane Hill Nancy Hill Roberta Hlatky-Hall Ann Holden Bill Hulsey Heidi Hyotte Deborah Johnson Deborah Jones Vreg Kandoyan Rob Kasprzak Jacqueline Kearns Lisa Khoury Matt Kiechle Hilda Kogurt Bill & Laura Krauss Kathy Kroll Karen Lachner-Bliss Pauline Lajoie Elizabeth Lloyd Gordon, Denise & Gordie Lockbaum Gail Lucas Sherri Lundell Barry Lundgren David Lundgren Richard Lundgren Kevin Lynch Nydia Machado David Manning Leah Martin Malia Mason Doug McAllister Annette McDonnell Inez McKenzie Susan McMahon Brian Meaney Cheryl Miller Michael Miller Paula Mondino Valerie Morin Jeff Morrison Paula Murphy Dean Murphy Katherine Murphy Richard Murray Christine Needham Cynthia Normandie Sacha O'Brien Kayt O'Rourke Dale Para Julie Paradis Donna Payne Sharon Pedone Susan Petrosky David Penza Tara Perry Diana Pruzinsky Pamela Reidy Philip & Tammy Renaud Peter Richard Jeanne Rossetti Kathleen Rowe Margy Roy Penny Sabourin Diane Sacco-Dalton Rose Schilling Anne Schofield Ken Segal Andy Sharry Jack & Marilyn Sharry Carolyn Shea Robert Shusterman Robert Smith Marci Smith Jennifer Spidle Bill & Tina Sullivan Kara Sullivan John & Zee Swenson Mary Swiatek Francis Taylor Sheryl Taylor Wanda Taylor Janet Tedeschi Jennifer Teed Cathleen Tierney Jami Wessels Scott Winchester Jane and Sheila Wyco Linda Wyman Giving Opportunities Designated Giving In Memory of or In Honor of... You can direct your donation to support any of our programs and services. We will be happy to match up your gift for you to honor or memorialize a friend, co-worker or loved one. The Gift of Volunteering is Priceless Amazing! Fabulous! Sensational! That's just a few words to describe a Why Me volunteer. We know we would never be able to help the hundreds of kids and families we serve throughout the year without the generosity of our volunteers. They give selflessly of their time and their love in so many ways. If you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of our special families,please contact our office and ask for Volunteer Coordinator Jeanne Gallagher. Leave A Legacy Why Me, Inc. accepts bequests of any kind. (ie. life insurance, real estate, stocks, bonds) made through a Last Will and Testament. Let our financial advisor help tailor make the right planned gift for you. Plan now to have the greatest tax savings. You Can Help Brighten the Holidays for Our Kids & Families! Why not send your donation in honor of, or in memory of a loved one? It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer!Thank You You Can Designate Your United Way Gift to Why Me Simply write in Why Me's name to be the recipient on your United Way pledge form. Why Me is an approved "Certified" agency of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. We thank you for remembering "our" kids with your pledge. Family Fun Events: Year-round events for Why Me families to bring the whole family together with other families, solely for the purpose of having fun and sharing. October 17, 2004 Sunday - Why Me's Family Halloween Costume Party, Holiday Inn, Marlboro December 5, 2004 Sunday Why Me's Family Holiday Party, Best Western Royal Plaza, Marlboro Sponsored by the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS February 4, 5 & 6, 2005 -”Circle of Healing" Parents Retreat - Hole-in-the-Wall Gang Camp, Ashford, CT March 6, 2005 Sunday - Why Me's Family Clown Cavalcade - Holiday Inn,Worcester April 9, 2005 - Why Me's Ninth Annual IceCats Adventure,Worcester Centrum,Worcester Sponsored by Allmerica Financial Charitable Foundation & the Worcester IceCats Children Who Reach Out to Help Other Children These thoughtful gestures, by children for children, will surely brighten the day for our kids Our heartfelt thanks goes out to . . . The students from Tatnuck Magnet School Third grade students at the Paton School, Shrewsbury Emily and Katie Mandara who created and sold jewelry and crafts to help our kids. Mrs. Largess' Fifth grade class at Roosevelt Elementary School, Worcester for their get well cards The students at the First Baptist Church of North Oxford Vacation Bible School for their generous collection. The Brownie Troop #141, West Tatnuck School for their hand made teddy bears. The students at Kappa Delta Pi, Worcester Sate College for new books. The faculty, staff and students at the MA College of Pharmacy for their gifts for our kids. Brownie Troop 514 & Webster Girls Scout Troop #558 for their toys and get well cards. Girl Scout Troop #9, Worcester for their Mother's Gift Bag items and cards. Noelle Sturm and the members of International Order or Rainbow for their donation. Great Job Kids! Fall/Winter 2004-2005 Fund Raising Events Always check our website for additions and changes Proceeds fund Why Me programs for children/families and Sherry's House October 2, 2004 - "Halloween Haunted Forest" - A Community Family Event hosted by the Independent Order of Foresters, Camp Collier, Gardner, MA - contact Ben Wales 978-688-6868 or 508-2697872 NOTE NEW LOCATION October 11, 2004 - Lennie Peterson's "Seventh Annual 39 1/2 Birthday Bash" - Plantation Club, Worcester - contact Lennie Peterson 781-545-8022 November 19, 2004 - Bridget’s Bash - Knights of Columbus, Worcester - contact Mark Wyco 508-792-2307 December 10, 2004 - 2nd Annual Gold Ribbon Holiday Reception - Embassy Suites, Marlboro - contact John Sousa 508-3801797 January 30, 2005 - Sherry's House All-Star Marathon Team - Las Vegas International Marathon (Jan28th – Feb 1st) - contact Deb Greenslit 508-756-8795 or Paula Mondino 508-757-7734 February 6, 2005 - Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting - Nantasket Beach Hotel, Hull, MA - contact Sue Oberg 781-925-9793 February 12, 2005 - Bella's Ball,A Valentine Event in Memory of Isabella Capaldi - Manor Restaurant, W. Boylston 6:30 pm until? contact Ralph or Kim Capaldi 508-832-9934 Volunteer & Support Group Meetings Volunteer Meetings: Become a Why Me volunteer and you're sure to meet new friends, help others less fortunate and make a difference in the life of a child. We're in full swing with our family events, fund raisers and family support and welcome your support. Location: Sherry's House, 1152 Pleasant Street,Worcester* Mark your Calendars: Thursday - October 14, 2004 - Topic: Halloween Party & Sherry's House needs Thursday - November 18, 2004 - Topic: Christmas Party & Holiday Happening Thursday - December 16, 2004 - Topic: Holiday Happenings Thursday - January 20, 2005 - Topic: Sherry's House & Upcoming Fund Raisers If you have any questions, please call Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanne Gallagher at the Why Me/Sherry's House office 508 757-7734. Volunteer Appreciation Corner Our Helping Hand Award gives recognition and a thank you to a special Why Me volunteer(s). Their gift of time, talent and resources is most precious. We are dedicating this issue to two of our very own special angels, we call them: "Our Nancies" We don't know what we would have Volunteers (l-r) Nancy Ambrose & Nancy Griffis are picdone if they tured at the pediatric oncology clinic doing what they do hadn't come best....in this case, helping Jonathan celebrate his end of into our lives. treatment. They are each loving & caring and sure know how to make the children laugh and smile. Dedication is their middle name for they have an aura of love around them that encircles anyone they meet. There are no words that can express our gratitude for their help. We love "Our Nancies"! Bereavement Support Groups: “Circle of Healing” Parent Support Group Sherry's House, 1152 Pleasant Street,Worcester 7:00 p.m. October 18 • November 15 December 20 • January 17 • February 4, 5 & 6, 2005 • Parent’s Weekend Retreat to “Hole-In-The-Wall Gang” Camp, Ashford, CT Why Me offers support and a safe haven to parents who have lost their child to cancer. Our "Circle of Healing" support group meets monthly September through May. "Mixture of Memories" Sibling Support Group Led by Ann Marie Bouchard,Why Me offers a support group for siblings who have lost their brother or sister to cancer. Each month meetings are held on the same dates, times and location as our parent bereavement support group meetings. Sherry's House Is New Home For Why Me's New Family Support Groups We are planning our Why Me Support Groups Program at Sherry's House. We will have separate groups for the child/teen with cancer, the siblings and the parents. Each group will be held at the same time, but will meet in different rooms at Sherry's House. Groups will be facilitated by professional individuals, some who are Why Me cancer survivors, parents and siblings. We believe that this will make these groups unique because these facilitators will be their personal touch and will have a better understanding of family needs. Our Family Support Groups will be in group format and not individual therapy. We encourage our families to seek individual professional help whenever necessary. Please remember our support groups will be to compliment individual care management. We have found that connecting child to child, mom to mom, family to family to have far reaching benefits to coping. Doctor Joe Why Me mom, Deb Johnson, and her mural. Congratulations to our long time volunteer, Joe Cocozella. Joe is now our "official" Why Me doctor. We always knew that someday we could call him Doctor Joe. He is definitely the next Patch Adams! We love you, Doctor Joe! Family News Welcome to Our New Children and Families • Patrick • Nathaniel • Benjamin • Ethan • Peter • Madison • Amandeep • Franco • Steven • Joseph • Cassie • Kathleen • Samantha • Sydnie • Dominic • Derek • Ramon • Antonio • Tyler • Abigail • Joey • Lucas If any of our new families have any questions about Why Me and the services we provide, please feel free to contact Margaret White at Sherry's House 508-757-7734. Family Updates Our thoughts and prayers are with Edward’s family and Tim’s family. Congratulations to Yundu, age 14, on her successful Piano solo recital this past March at the CFA Concert Hall, Boston University. Yundu is a very gifted musician winning numerous awards for her talent including First Prize for Solo, 18th International Young Artists Piano Competition 2003. Bravo! “Card Fairy” - Families, please note new E-mail address Our "card fairy" will be happy to send cards to kids whether on treatment, in the hospital, for off treatment celebrations, birthdays or any other special occasion. If you know of a child who would appreciate hearing from her, or know of a special occasion for a child, please call her at 508-877-3737,e-mail her at [email protected] or write her at 81L Nicholas Road, Framingham 01701. www.whyme.org Many thanks . . .The Why Me Web site is made possible through the generosity of TactiCom: 508-393-9955 Last Thoughts . . . As always, our thoughts and prayers are with all our children and families. Our congratulations on completing their end of treatment to: Jeremy, Celeigh, Amy, Jonathan, Caren, Mikey, Jacob, Nathan, Samantha, Marissa, Ryan and Tia. Yeah kids. You're fabulous, awesome and amazing! Congratulations to the family of Kaitlyn Olivia on the birth of their new baby daughter, and to the family of Maxwell on the birth of their new baby boy! Thank you to Taylor’s family for your donations on the occasion of his fifth birthday. Happy Birthday,Taylor! Congratulations to college bound Why Me "kids": Danielle bound for Warner South College, Lake Wales, Florida Cody to Quinsigamond Community College,Worcester If you are a Why Me family and would like to learn how to send your child to the best college possible . . . and be able to afford it! Call Why Me dad, Joe MacMunn, for assistance. The Why Me children, Heather, Jessica and Nathan stopped by our office to drop off Christmas presents to help another Why Me family. Last year we were able to give the family holiday presents to help them through a tough time. So, this past holiday they wanted to help another family through their own difficult holiday season. Nathan also had a can and bottle drive and collected $14. Thank you kids! Have you Had Your Wish Granted? Any Why Me child or teen who receives their care at The Children's Medical Center at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA and who has not had their wish granted them by one of the wish-granting foundations, is urged to contact Cheryl Oliveri, Social Worker at the Children's Medical Center for further details. Cheryl can be reached at 508-856-6298. If your child is being treated at another hospital, please contact their social worker directly. Family Services Margaret White, our Family Services Director and her team of skilled volunteers are available (in hospital, at home and soon, at Sherry’s House) to help families find the information, resources and support they need to fight childhood cancer. A poem written by Lindsay, age 11 HOPE Hope is a thing that falls from the sky, It's such a great thing Don't ask me why. Hope can kill fear, or hope can Kill dreams, Hope is found mostly at wishing streams. When something is wrong, And nothings gone right, Hope is the thing that will make Everything alright. We Want to Hear From Our Kids and Families Family news is important, and if we have missed some important info on your family, we are sorry. Please forward your news to our new location at 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602. We would love to share it with others who understand and care. Why Me's Lindsay had a party to celebrate her ending 4 years of treatment. Friends and family members collected $735 to give to Lindsay who turned around and donated it all to help other Why Me kids and families. Thank you, Lindsay. We love you! HARVARD BOUND! Why Me teen, Emily, celebrates her nineteenth birthday with us and is joined by volunteers, Nancy Ambrose and Nancy Griffis. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Emily as she begins her new adventure as a Harvard College student. Hope creates dreams, or rather not fear, but most good hope is happening when Christ is near. So when you're feeling gloomy, you know what I'll say, try hope my dear, and that will make your day. You Can Help Brighten the Life of a Child! Sponsor a Family Fun Event. We’ll be happy to tailor make a sponsorship package to fit your corporate or individual needs. Family Halloween Costume Party / October Clown Cavalcade February IceCats Hockey Adventure March sponsored by Allmerica Financial Charitable Foundation, the Worcester IceCats & Integrated Sports Marketing Family Holiday Party / December presenting sponsor - Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS he Year, Throughout t ur Kids at the O s it is v e M Why he ology Clinic, t Pediatric Onc se. Sherry’s Hou t a w o n d n a Hospital, Families, Kids, Individuals, Amateur Athletes Sign Up NOW for DISNEY WORLD or LAS VEGAS! January 2005 Join Our Sherry’s House All-Star Fun Run/Walk Teams Every Step Leads to Helping Central New England Kids With Cancer This event is truly for everyone! Families, Kids, •Amateur Athletes…anyone can be a part of Sherry’s Team. Runners,Walkers, Cheerleaders, Everyone! DISNEY WORLD - An event that’s open to kids and •adults and those of us who never want to grow up. Choose from an easy Family Fun Run 5K (3mi) or a half or full marathon. Kids can join in too, and enter the Kids Races for 8 yr. olds and younger. Or, how ‘bout entering your youngest family member in the Infant Diaper Dash? • LAS VEGAS – The city that never sleeps invites you to choose from the easy 5K (3 mi.) or the half or full marathon. Las Vegas…for a thrill you will never forget. details visit www.whyme.org/marathon. •htmlForor additional call event coordinator, Deb Greenslit, at 508-7568795 or 508-954-2090. Commemorative Colorized Newsletter sponsored by THE BUSINESS PRINTER ening p O e h t g n Celebrahtierry’s House! of S A non-profit, charitable organization 1152 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01602 Why Me & Sherry’s House Wish List (Due to cancer treatment, we ask that all items be new) Bedding - twin cotton sheet sets, twin Vellux blankets, pillows & covers - white Art supplies, Little Tyke toys, new children's books - all ages, gifts for teenagers Landscaping - garden benches, trees / shrubs, organic vegetable garden, cutting flower garden, decorative fencing, garden tools, snowblower, storage shed Phone Card Laptop computers, notecards/stationary Digital video camcorder Laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins Bath towels,washcloths,hand towels - white or pale yellow only please Non-perishable foodstuffs - canned goods, rice, pasta, etc. Tickets for sport and show events, movies, and amusement parks Disposable cameras Gift certificates for food, clothing (ie;Walmart, K-Mart, Shaws, Stop & Shop, etc.) Hand-held computer games, board games, videos, puzzles, etch-a-sketch, etc Gift certificates to Friendly's Burger King, McDonald's, Papa Ginos