11.15.2018 • Thursday • M 1 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • B1 OLD NEWSBOYS
CARING
2018
SINCE 1957 · OLDNEWSBOYSDAY.ORG
SECTION B
FRIENDS OF KIDS WITH CANCER
Smile eases strain of daily struggles
Art from the Heart auctions more than 60 pieces of art created from the heart , soul and talent of kids with cancer in St. Louis.
KIRSTYN CORBETT Senior Francis Howell High School
T
he term “healing” is defined as the process of causing a wound, injury or person to return to physical health. For the Friends of Kids with Cancer, healing is a multi-faceted affair that delves much deeper than just physical trauma. The charitable organization specializes in providing financial, educational, emotional and recreational support to children undergoing or who have undergone cancer treatment, along with assistance to their families. The charity, established in 1992, was founded by two mothers whose children were undergoing treatment, along with an education specialist working with the families and seeing the struggles that accompany childhood cancer. “They had started talking about needing to come up with some way for kids to at least leave with a smile in what was, oftentimes, a painful procedure,” explained Tim Mickelson, director. “They had specifically wanted to focus on the non-medical side of the equation – the emotional, educational and recreational side – and came up with the idea of a toy box.” Every time a child had a treatment session, he or she would pick a toy and, in spite of the pain that day, leave with a smile and a good memory. Twenty-six years later, this small deed has developed into numerous programs. Emotional, educational and recreational support continues to promote
the original mantra of Helping Kids with Cancer: Be kids! The programs extend past the patient’s time for treatment and focus on assisting their families as well. “We provide counseling, both in group and individual sessions, for parents and siblings to express their emotions to an audience that understands what they’re feeling. This helps them focus on more positive and hopeful aspects of the
“The organization has been there for my son when he had to go through two different battles. They’ve completely spoiled him rotten, as well as our family, to help us get through everything and forget all of the everyday grind you have to go through,” Edwards said. “It’s nice to be able to go out as a family and have financial assistance, providing toys for the kids, sending us places, having their special parties – which is good for us
Proud modeling stars whose background is helped by Friends of Kids with Cancer walk the runway with friends, mentors and celebrities at an annual fashion show and boutique.
situation,” Mickelson said. “In these circumstances, it is critically important that families can continue to play and have fun together. We want them to have reasons to laugh, smile, enjoy being together, and forget about cancer – even if it’s just for a short time.” Donielle Edwards found resources helped both her son’s journey and her own.
meeting other people – and being able to connect with the other families that are going through similar situations.” To provide these joyful occasions, the organization arranges for families to receive opportunities like seats at sports events, throwing out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and group-sponsored events. More fun comes
at annual community events, including a 5K walk-run, Christmas Wonderland celebration and fashion show and boutique. This year, the fashion show and boutique on Nov. 8 was planned for The RitzCarlton St. Louis. At the 26th anniversary show, the classic lunchtime fashion event showcased 30 current and former patients walking the runway alongside an adult connected to the organization or the patient’s individual treatment. At the dinner show, members of the St. Louis Blues hockey team walked the runway, too. “On that day, the room is full of incredible love and support,” Mickelson said. “This is a day where cancer does not exist. It’s a day about being the star from the moment that you walk into The Ritz and a day where cancer is kicked to the curb.” These events are opportunities for children and parents to connect with others in similar circumstances and provide funding for the program. “While everyone cares and loves you for you, no one understands the situation more than other parents who have experienced having a child go through treatment, so these events provide opportunities to smile and experience joy with others around you who have experienced exactly what you’re experiencing,” Mickelson said. The Friends of Kids with Cancer program puts this money solely toward St. Louis families, the only requirement to receive assistance from the organization. “We will never refuse a child assistance,” Mickelson said. “Cancer is color blind. It knows no distinction of race, language or gender. Our view is a kid is a kid is a kid and if there is a kid in St. Louis who has cancer, we’re going to be there for him.”
CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
Concern for children includes diapers JESSICA STACKER Senior Villa Duchesne High School
A
ffordable childcare is not easy to come by for many parents and families. Cornerstone Center for Early Learning breaks the barrier between affordable childcare and quality education for young children. Cornerstone serves families of all economic backgrounds. This organization was founded in 1969 in the St. Louis Shaw neighborhood with full accreditation and has upheld the same promises since then. The staff is committed to caring for the whole child. Many of them have dedicated 15 years or more to educating and adhering to each child’s emotional and social needs. This service suits working families perfectly because its hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round, not just during the traditional school year. Tuition is determined on a sliding scale so families are only responsible for paying what they can afford based on personal financial circumstances. Families who wish to enroll a child may reach out to Cornerstone and receive a two-page enrollment packet with an application fee of $20. Cornerstone checks the boxes for many aspects of diversity. While children of all economic backgrounds are invited to attend, many students live in poverty and 46 percent attend the program free because
Early learners at Cornerstone Center embrace the warmth of Old Newsboys’ support.
they qualify under state guidelines. In 2017, eighty-four percent of students were from St. Louis City, but the remaining student body came from as far away as St. Charles County and Illinois. Many racial groups are represented, with about half African-American. Cornerstone’s emphasis is on helping any family in need of its services, not isolating them by priority groups. Cornerstone children are provided with a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack. Basic necessities such as diapers, infant formula and medical, dental, vision, hearing and developmental screenings are provided with no additional cost to families. This is where Old Newsboys has come to
the rescue. Cornerstone Center for Early Learning has received support for its onsite Diapering Program from the organization for the past six years. Diapering supplies are provided to children younger than age 3 while they are on-site Monday through Friday. Director Jami Melton said, “The school fully understands that buying diapers may present financial stress for some families, so alleviating this burden can be critical. Cornerstone is extremely thankful for the help from the Old Newsboys Day organization because this service would not be possible without them.” The school helps relieve financial stress in other ways, too. Speech, physical and
occupational therapy are provided at no charge to families whose children need these treatments. Other necessities such as clothing, food, toys, books and much more are donated to children and their caretakers. Learning, of course, is a vital component for Cornerstone. Melton said, “Cornerstone strives to prepare students for a lifetime of positive social interaction and learning.” From the first step into the center, they begin their path in the basics of reading, writing, math, science and art. The program provide hands-on experiences while learning with activities children love: playing in water, pounding on dough, drawing, painting, singing and dancing. These methods are working efficiently as shown by students scoring “on target” or above the national average for learning in 2017. In last spring’s annual Family Satisfaction Survey, offered optionally and anonymously, 100 percent of respondents ranked Cornerstone very high or extremely high and believe their children are being prepared for future success in school. Responses included, “Thank you for providing a nurturing, safe place for children,” and “Our family loves this center!” Touching the staff the most for their lasting impact on children and families, one statement said, “Cornerstone staff and teachers are like extended family to me and my children. I am so grateful to have found a childcare center where my children are nurtured and where I feel supported.”