We can't believe that this month is coming to an end! With September being National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it gives all of us an opportunity to talk about childhood cancer, to explain to people that we need to specifically support and fund childhood cancer research, to share the staggering statistics about the number of children affected and the tiny amount of support given to research by the federal government.
We are so very thankful to our family and friends who have joined us in our crusade to spread the word and raise money for research! You raised a total of $4,535 in honor of our girls! WOW! In addition to those donation, the school where Christy works had a Hat Day on Friday. The staff and students raised $521.00 for CURE!
Because of you and countless other donors, CURE surpassed their goal of raising $200,000 with their CURE Kids Conquer Cancer campaign. As of tonight, $205,044 has been donated!!
You can still donate here: http://bit.ly/1AaG7HC
Another very special reason that this month was a September to remember was that Elena was asked to speak at this month's Quiet Heroes event. The event was Saturday. This was the 10th Annual luncheon. It is a very unique and inspiring event honoring mothers of children with cancer. At the same time, the event raises much needed funds for pediatric cancer research. Over the past nine years, this event has raised more than 4 million dollars.
Usually the keynote speaker is an adult. This year, Elena and four other childhood cancer survivors spoke. They shared their stories and inspired everyone there. We are so very proud of Elena for sharing her story, her strength, and her battle. She clearly and confidently did that in front of 600 people! She was amazing! As of today, including raffle sales, silent auction sales, tickets sales and donations, that event has raised $410,000!!! Incredible!
We had a such a wonderful time and are grateful to CURE for the invitation to enjoy the event as a family! It was fun watching Elena practice her speech in the ballroom, in her pjs, at 11:00 pm the night before. We also had the best time visiting with our friends that night! The girls LOVED staying in a hotel - a rare event for the Tates! Getting dressed up, eating a fancy lunch together, laughing (and crying!) and volunteering at this event together was something we won't forget.
the girls in our hotel room the morning of the event
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| dress rehearsal |
our friend Sarah and Elena before the event
watching a picture tribute to those children
who have survived cancer and those who have lost their battle
E with our friend and the best Child Life Specialist EVER, Karen
Elena mentioned her in her speech
the children who spoke and their moms
all of us with Karen after the event
Thank you for making a difference not only in our lives but in the lives of other children you will never meet!!
In Him,
The Tates
"He restores my soul." Psalm 23:1
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