Physical Health United States Project #5315

Chemo Pal Mentor Program Delivers Friendship

by Children's Cancer Association

Chemo Pal Mentor Program Delivers Friendship

Project Report | Sep 20, 2017
A Pal that Makes All the Difference

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

Alfredo is a friendly, well-spoken 14-year-old with a serious comedic streak and courage to spare. He’s also a huge fan of wrestling. While he loves challenging his little brother Ivan to friendly matches on the family trampoline, these days he is saving his all strength to fight spindle cell sarcoma. “But don’t worry,” grinned Ivan, “we’re going to have a rematch as soon as we can.”

Alfredo has another good friend in his corner: his Chemo Pal, Diego. These two guys love getting together to play video games, go for walks, or just sit together and talk. “He’s great,” said Alfredo. “It’s really nice to have someone to do things with.”

As for his future, Alfredo is leaving his options open but thinks he might like to be a police officer or a professional wrestler someday. Or maybe even a doctor like the ones at Randall Children’s Hospital who have helped him so much.

Whatever he does, he’ll do it with the love and support of his family, who say he’s the best example of a hero they’ve ever seen. “He has so much faith and he never stops fighting,” said his mom, Mayra. “He’s a big hero to me because he makes me laugh when I get bored and he plays Legos with me,” added his little sister, Julia.

For Alfredo, the admiration is mutual. “My family is my hero. They’ve taken such good care of me and stayed by my side the entire time,” he said.

When asked if he had any advice for other kids like him, Alfredo was quick to reply. “Definitely get a Chemo Pal. It makes all the difference!”

Alfredo was also named a 2017 CCA Hero and was honored at ceremony in May alongside his family and friends.

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Jul 14, 2017
Finding Comfort in a Chemo Pal Friendship

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

Sarai is quiet and shy at first, but when she finally breaks into a radiant smile, it’s well worth the wait. The best way to get her to open up is to make animal noises, something her Grandpa Jorge just happens to be very good at. “She adores animals, especially horses,” he explained.

When Sarai was born, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Pompe disease, which inhibits muscle growth and can cause respiratory issues. Her treatment requires ongoing infusions, which isn’t much fun for a four-year-old. That’s where her Chemo Pal, Rachel, comes in.

When Rachel was matched with Sarai two years ago, the pair quickly formed a bond over Play-Doh dates, coloring books, and of course, playing with toy animals. Their friendship has also meant a lot to Sarai’s mother, Rosa.

“I really like that Sarai has someone that she can play with and look forward to seeing,” said Rosa. “Before Rachel came along, she wouldn’t talk at all. Now she’s starting to warm up and get a lot more chatty.”

Rachel has noticed a difference as well. “Every time I visit I’m impressed by Sarai’s resilience and patience,” she explained. “I feel so lucky to be her Chemo Pal.”

This little lady has big hopes of meeting a real horse someday and even going for a ride. Sarai hasn’t quite decided what she wants to be when she grows up, but with strength and courage like hers, she’ll undoubtedly be anything she sets her mind to.

Sarai was recently named a 2017 CCA Hero and was honored at a ceremony in May alongside friends and family.

Sarai is one of the 250 Pacific Northwest children and teens CCA’s Chemo Pal® Mentor Program has brought the joy of friendship in the past year. Trained Chemo Pal mentors have devoted 5,800 hours forging and strengthening friendships and family bonds, bringing diversion, fun, and activities to kids during their treatment. Chemo Pal mentors also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.

In 2013, Oregon Mentors awarded CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program with their most prestigious award for mentoring excellence, recognizing the program for exceeding standards of excellence and quality.

With your support, we can match even more seriously ill children and teens with compassionate adults who offer supportive relationships throughout treatments.

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Apr 27, 2017
Graduating From Chemo Pals to Best Friends

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

Chemo Pal Graduation!

One of the best parts of being a Chemo Pal Mentor is being able to celebrate a mentee’s completion of treatment at their Chemo Pal graduation. Mason and Eileen recently got to celebrate such an occasion after more than three long years of treatment.

Mason is a funny, giggly guy who loves playing with superheroes, dinosaurs, stickers, cars, and Play-Doh. He also likes to throw the football around and would occasionally take rides around the hallways of the hospital in a play car.

Eileen insists that even though she may be the mentor, Mason teaches her so much about how to play and laugh no matter the circumstances, and to be brave through it all. She says that the most heartwarming and very best part of the days she gets to see him are the tackle hugs he gives both to her and to the bag full of toys she brings alongs as soon as she walks in the room.

According to Mason’s mom and doctor, Mason is not just graduating the match, but he and Eileen are also graduating from Chemo Pals to BFFs! They are always enjoying being silly together and will continue to have more adventures together outside of the hospital.

Mason is one of the 250 Pacific Northwest children and teens CCA’s Chemo Pal® Mentor Program has brought the joy of friendship in the past year. Trained Chemo Pal mentors have devoted 5,800 hours forging and strengthening friendships and family bonds, bringing diversion, fun, and activities to kids during their treatment. Chemo Pal mentors also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.

In 2013, Oregon Mentors awarded CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program with their most prestigious award for mentoring excellence, recognizing the program for exceeding standards of excellence and quality.

With your support, we can match even more seriously ill children and teens with compassionate adults who offer supportive relationships throughout treatments.

Eileen and Mason's first meeting

Being silly at the Blazer game

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