Looking Back on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is always a big month for me, because it's my birthday month and it's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This past month has been pretty great for Juggling for Jude!
Here are some highlights:
St. Jude Walk/Run San Francisco: Yesterday, I kicked off the walkers and juggled through the 5K route. Thanks to some amazing donors, I was tied for first place for the top individual fundraiser for the event! But what made the event even more special was meeting St. Jude brain cancer survivor, Riku. He's four and has been done with treatment for six months after living with his parents at St. Jude for seven months! He's been through so much, and he was so sweet and cute and I was so lucky to meet him. He liked my Juggling for St. Jude ball, so I gave it to him. It's kids like Riku that make everything I do worthwhile! I got to do a live interview for KTVU-2 news, too!
St. Jude Miracles on the Bay Gala San Francisco: This was my second year at the gala and I got to meet this year's honored ambassador, Matt Ocko, a HUGE St. Jude supporter who is incredibly generous. I also got to meet a former patient, Beth, who was my age when she was diagnosed with the same type of brain cancer that Riku has. She has an amazing survivor story, and it was so great to meet her, as well! It was also so great to have my family with me to share in this inspiring night for St. Jude!
Association of Fundraising Professionals Youth in Philanthropy Award: I was honored at the first of two events for this exciting award, and I got to spend time with Deborah Johnson, director of the Northern California chapter of St. Jude. It's always great to spend time with her, and it was exciting to meet the other honorees for National Philanthropy Day. The big event is in November!Those are just some of the highlights of September! I can't wait for October, because my mom has a big birthday, and we did something fun (and challenging) to raise money in her honor. I'll be sharing the video soon! Also, October is when In Shape health clubs do their month-long FIGHT CANCER fundraiser, and they are once again including Juggling for Jude and St. Jude in their giving. Last year they donated $50,000! AMAZING!
As always, thank you for your support. If you'd like to help kids like Riku, please go HERE. Your donation goes directly to St. Jude! We're closing in on $350,000! Maybe you'll help me get there!
THANK YOU!
Hollis