To All of Our Supporters,
Listed below is an update of some families we have been helping since our last report in June.
Dylan first came to the attention of the Foundation in the summer of 2016 as a 13-year old with a history of Ewing Sarcoma with recurrent metastases of the lungs. He was being treated at DuPont Hospital for Children and his family was feeling the stress of transporting him to Delaware for treatments. Last winter, the Foundation made several mortgage payments for the family and this spring, purchased a van so that the family could continue to guarantee Dylan was able to see his doctors and receive the necessary treatment to fight this disease.
The Foundation first received a referral for Malaysia when she was two years old in November, 2015. She had been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Malaysia is still receiving treatment at the hospital and has received a bone marrow transplant. Her biological parents are no longer involved with her care and Malaysia and her sister are being cared for by an aunt and uncle. The Foundation continues to provide financial assistance for the family, from time to time, most recently with overdue utility bills.
Brayden, an 8 year old diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2014, is still in a maintenance chemotherapy regime at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. His father is no longer involved with the family which, in addition to Brayden, includes his mother, maternal grandmother and two other special needs siblings. Brayden has also been diagnosed with Autism. All these factors make it difficult for Brayden’s mother to seek employment outside the home. The Foundation has assisted this family by making rental payments on its behalf.
In May, the Foundation was contacted by Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital about Lesenia, a five year old girl with Down’s syndrome who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier in the month. Lesenia began treatments immediately that will last for several years. She had been living in New Freedom with her mother, grandmother and four siblings. Her father is incarcerated and has no contact with his children. Lesenia has had several serious medical emergencies that have necessitated hospitalization. Because Lesenia’s mother is unable to return to work at this time, the foundation has assisted the family by paying quite a few household bills.
Valentino is a four year old, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in February, 2017. He lives with his parents and is fortunate to have the help of paternal grandparents who live close by. Valentino will need about two and a half years of treatment, hopefully largely as an outpatient at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Valentino’s mother has been fortunate to have an employer that allows her to work most days from home since he is not able to attend daycare due to his compromised immune system. Unfortunately, dad was in the hiring process when his son was diagnosed and was not hired for the positon, after multiple interviews, and is currently seeking employment. The Foundation has paid several months’ rent for the family to help them over this hurdle.
The Foundation would be unable to help these families without your continued generosity. Your support of our yearly events and your personal contributions make a tangible and substantial difference to the families in our area who need our assistance. We sincerely thank you!
Jeff and Pam,
The Board and Committee