Fundraiser Details

 

Share this page

In December of 2012, when Aurora was just two months old, her amazing pediatrician, Dr. Carla Gorum, felt a mass in Aurora's abdomen at a routine Well Baby Check-up. Two days later, Aurora was checked in at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Aurora spent her first Christmas in the hospital, undergoing the many scans and many biopsies the doctors needed to figure out what type of cancer Aurora had and the best treatment plan. In early January 2013, Aurora's oncologists diagnosed her with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma. Before she was even three months old Aurora began her first of four rounds of chemotherapy. Throughout treatment, Aurora had to go to Stanford between one and five times a week, have her blood drawn twice a week through her central line, have the dressing on her central line changed weekly, and take antibiotics. Aurora received three blood transfusions and a platelet transfusion during her treatment and had to be fairly isolated since chemotherapy had suppressed her immune system. Even though Aurora was going through so much and was often nauseated, tired, and achy, her fun and lively spirit was not diminished; throughout treatment, she remained happy and playful, bringing joy and smiles wherever she went (mostly the hospital!). Aurora has been cancer free since her surgery in April 2013, during which doctors removed the remainder of her tumors. Aurora is now a feisty 1-year-old who loves to run, draw, throw the ball for her dog, and make people laugh.

Why the Lemonade Stand (by Katrina Learned):

Aurora's family and the staff of CBSE are so thankful that Aurora's treatment was a success, but are heartbroken that not all babies and children with pediatric cancer are so fortunate. Please help fund further research for effective pediatric cancer treatments with fewer short-term and long-term side-effects. These brave warriors need and deserve our support! Let's make sure that some day soon all children diagnosed with cancer (and their families) will be able to expect a cure. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 in honor of Aurora!

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/650637888330366/

1. Cancer kills more children than any other disease in the US. In fact, cancer kills more children than Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis and Pediatric AIDS combined (NCI).
2. There are no effective therapies for many forms of childhood cancers, and survivors often suffer long-term side effects from treatment.
3. Childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded. Less than 1% of NCI's budget goes directly to pediatric cancer research. Big pharma is rarely involved becuase the diseases are rare.
4. Fundraisers such as this one are a major source of funding for pediatric cancer research, so you can really make a difference by participating!

Please watch this video by childhood cancer patient and advocate Megan McNeil (1990-2011):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pHISnIj2Y

Let's make a difference this Easter Weekend and help fight this disease one cup at a time!!

Aurora (16 months), 10 months cancer free!