Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain continued “It’s difficult to describe the feeling you have toward people who saved your child’s life,” she said. “Not only did they save his life, but they helped us get through it in a way that was positive and supportive. They were always there for us.” One day, Carter hopes to become an oncology nurse, so he can help other young cancer patients like him. Carter also dreams of finding the cure for cancer. In a mock lab set up in a backyard treehouse that he received as part of his “Make a Wish” request, he tinkers with beakers, pipettes, glass slides and a microscope.
proceeds to Children’s Colorado researchers studying Carter’s specific type of cancer. Not long ago, these budding philanthropists got to tour the cancer lab to see the impact that their donations are having on research. A plaque on one of the pieces of equipment in the lab reads “Crafts for Cancer in honor of Carter.” “The nitrogen freezer is named after us,” Carter said, beaming with pride. There couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to this vivacious boy who is not only determined to beat cancer, but to also give back, all with a smile on his face.
Carter has also started raising funds for the hospital by selling arts and crafts that he and his friends make through their Crafts for Cancer project. The group donates 100 percent of their
IN THIS ISSUE Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain................. 1, 4 Melinda: What Courage Means to Me......... 2 Your Gifts in Action...................................... 3 Kids Helping Kids........................................ 4
WHY YOUR GIFTS ARE SO IMPORTANT The need for pediatric research An estimated 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 1 in 5 who are diagnosed will die from the disease within five years. In the United States, cancer is currently the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15.
Kids Helping Kids We’re so proud of these kids, who give their time and energy to make others’ lives better.
With the help of donors, physician-scientists at Children’s Colorado are on the cutting edge of pediatric cancer research that is leading to promising new treatments.
Student council members from Windsor Charter Academy raised an amazing $10,003 for Children’s Hospital Colorado by organizing a read-a-thon at their school!
Today, through advocacy, collaboration and aggressive clinical trials, Children’s Colorado has been instrumental in decreasing the time it takes to get new treatments to kids who need them.
Children’s Hospital Colorado patient, Logan, organized a 3-point and free throw contest called the "Children’s Challenge" at his elementary school, raising more than $2,300 for Urgent Care at Briargate in honor of his brother, Trevor. Even our youngest donors empty their piggy banks to support Children’s Hospital Colorado patients!
CONNECT WITH US: Anschutz Medical Campus 13123 E. 16th Avenue, Box 045, Aurora, CO 80045 www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/helpkids
“ Children’s Colorado is at the forefront of some of the most promising pediatric cancer research of our time. But we simply don’t have the funding to support all of the studies we need to do. That’s why community support is vital. By partnering with donors who care as deeply as we do about eradicating childhood cancers, we’ll continue to pioneer new cancer breakthroughs that impact the lives of children here and around the world.”
– Steve Winesett, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation
Carter’s Loss is Also His Gain Carter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in second grade. He began radiation and three and a half years of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Colorado when he was just 8 years old. His treatment left him tired and in pain, keeping him in the hospital or home from school for weeks or months at a time. To pass the time, he built elaborate Lego creations, did woodworking projects with his dad, Monty, and watched the television show Chopped on the Food Network Channel, which helped make him hungry when he felt nauseated from chemotherapy. He went from being one of the fastest kids in his class to barely being able to walk some days. “The hardest part is that Carter lost the prime of his childhood,” said his mom, Kelly. “He missed field trips, being active and typical kid experiences. It’s tough when you think about what cancer has robbed from him.” But through his difficult journey with cancer, Carter also gained several things: the desire to give back, a strong interest in oncology (the branch of medicine related to the study and treatment of tumors), and a new perspective on life. “I keep saying ‘attitude is everything,’ ” said Carter. “That’s my motto.” Dr. Joanne Hilden, a pediatric oncologist, has been by his side through his entire journey. She met Carter the first night he arrived at the hospital and has been his doctor ever since. Kelly said that Carter’s doctors, nurses, physical therapists and pain specialists at Children’s Colorado have all truly become part of their family. continued on page 4