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 | Feb 9, 2017
The Healing Power of Friendship

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

At CCA, we know that for seriously ill children and their families, every moment is precious, and we’ve made it our mission to transform those moments with joy. When Blake was diagnosed with clear cell sarcoma kidney (CCSK) at just 2-year-old, CCA was there to deliver the healing power of friendship right to his bedside with the Chemo Pal® Mentor Program.

“When we first heard about the CCA and the Chemo Pal Program, I was honestly skeptical and sort of confused by it all,” said Blake’s mom Renee. “But after meeting Aunnah and finding out more about what the CCA is all about I have been changed.”

Having faced a difficult year of treatment and many days in the hospital, Renee was grateful that Blake had a trusted adult friend who could distract him with fun and games and ease his pain and anxiety.

“Aunnah is amazing and has become family, Blake calls her his other brother! Every visit with her turns into an adventure,” she said. “Aunnah is always focused on making Blake happy, and he is always bursting with joy when she’s around.”

After a long, hard fought battle, Blake is now in remission and was able to celebrate with his Chemo Pal and life-long friend.

Blake 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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Nov 14, 2016
The Joy of Friendship

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

Elijah’s smile is a true definition of what joy looks like. It lights up his entire face and appears whenever he talks about his big brother Isaiah, his Chemo Pal mentor, Jack, or his favorite team on the planet, the Portland Trailblazers.

This good-natured teenager loves playing video games, watching sports, and taking road trips to anywhere sunny. He was recently able to visit Disneyland and like any typical teenager, sought out the scariest rides. “The Screamer was my favorite,” he laughed.

Elijah is fighting osteosarcoma with the same fearless spirit. It hasn’t been easy, but he says the support of his family has helped him get through the toughest times. “My family is my hero. They’ve stayed so strong through this, and that keeps me strong too.”

Elijah’s Chemo Pal, Jack, also shared his experience with the program. “I have had the honor of being a Chemo Pal with two amazing and courageous teens, over the past few years, who have brought me incredible joy and inspiration. I know that is what I am supposed to bring to them as a volunteer, and I am hopeful I have made a difference, but these two guys have undeniably enriched my life.”

Elijah, who was named a 2015 CCA Hero, 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.

Links:

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Aug 24, 2016
"Little Superman" Meets His Match

By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist

2015 CCA Hero Asher

Little Asher is a super friendly kid with a smile that’s guaranteed to melt your heart. He loves to dance, play with his siblings (all nine of them!), and sing the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” song with anyone who cares to join in.

Asher was born with Down syndrome and diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the age of 1. But even though his life is filled with tough treatments and long hospital stays, Asher’s mom, Sharonda, says he continues to bring joy to everyone around him. “He’s our little Superman”.

Besides the love of his large family, Asher also has the support of his Chemo Pal mentor, Brittany. The two were matched up last year and have been best friends ever since. “We’re so grateful for our Chemo Pal who has become a part of our family,” says Sharonda. “If there’s a bright side to this experience, it’s been meeting wonderful people like Brittany.”

Asher was named a 2015 CCA Hero and was honored at a ceremony alongside his family and friends.

Asher 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.

Asher and his Chemo Pal Brittany

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