My view was mostly sitting alongside a hospital bed. I watched my daughter fight cancer from that front row seat. Like other parents with a child struggling against cancer, I counted drops of chemotherapy going into her port, hoping each drop was helping to win the war...I was lost in that place reserved for parents of sick children...frightened and hopeful, sad and prayerful, adrift in a sea of nurses, doctors, protocols, blood draws and sleepless nights in hospital chairs.
The dedication of Dr. Cairo and his team was remarkable but the outcome was not what we hoped for...PCRF and all those connected with it are the best hope for a cancer free future for our children. If you can help, please do...no parent should watch their child die.
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a favorite charity because it is dedicated to finding and funding the most effective and cutting edge pediatric cancer research. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time is now.
I've been involved with PCRF since 1984, our daughter was diagnosed with AML in 1983 and her survival chances were 10%, thanks to the great work of Dr Mitch Cairo today she's 38 with four beautiful children. Research is needed more and more to wipe out this dreaded disease. I've been involved with the Rod Carew Golf Tournament for years in raising money to help PCRF, Rod lost his daughter but he continues to give his support to help other children survive this disease. They are great people at PCRF who give their time and effort and I couldn't think of a better organization to give this award.
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PCRF is a fantastic organization that we have been involved with since 1983. It started in 1983 just before our daughter was diagnosed with AML. Her chances of survival at that time was 10%. Today thanks to the brilliant Dr. Mitch Cairo and his staff, and the staff at Childrens Hospital of Orange County our daughter Kelly is 35 and has four beautiful children (all Pittsburgh Steelers fans). Our daughter went through 2 1/2 years of intense chemo, now with the help of PCRF and their research that same protocol is 6 months. I remember the beginning of PCRF and the first fundraisers, Pigmy Goat Show, Chili Cook-Offs, the 1st Bid for the Kids at the El Adobe in San Juan Capistrano. Now with the Walk-a-Thon, Holiday Card sale and the Rod Carew Golf Tournament they are raising good money for research. We would like to thank Dr. Cairo and his staff, Nancy, Bonnie and staff for their many hours of work, and to Rod for his golf tournament and his behind the scenes visits to the children at hospitals all over the country. It is our wish that this organization is not needed in the future, so please if you have read this please send your donations, they are greatly appreciated and the kids thank you. Have to go the grandkids our coming, something we didn't think we would ever say in 1983. Lou & Pat Sauritch
There is not a more worthy cuase than childrens health or education. I believe what you do is essential to the growth of the world community, and benefits us all greatly. Thank you for all you do to support our youth.
PCRF saves lives. They give comfort and hope to children and families. There efforts educates the community on this very important issue. I was lucky enough to attend there card artist event. The love and support that was shown overwhelmed me. I am so very thankful to all the volunteers at PCRF. This is an organization like no other.
My wife and I have been involved with PCRF for a number of years. The work that this organization is sponsoring is phenomenal. Over the years, we have been deeply moved by the hundreds of personal testamonials that young people have presented to provide a first hand view of the wonderful advances in treatment and care that the Foundation has made possible. At the heart of PCRF and its work are a multitude of active, caring and extremely generous volunteers.
There is nothing closer to my heart than pediatric cancer, as this terrible disease took my eight year old daughter two years ago. It is unthinkable that there is so little federal funding for research in this area, and PCRF is a ray of hope for each and every family, by directing all of their donations to research specifically for pediatric cancer. In addition, my daughter was thrilled to be able to participate in their children-with-cancer-designed Christmas cards, as so many children are. It is such an amazing program and great way to raise funds. They make these children feel special and important. Most importantly, they have been successful in raising a great deal of money towards researching a cure for a disease that steals beautiful children from this world, and tears apart families. God Bless them!
I love working with Nancy Franks and the entire staff. The care and dedication given to every function really shows just how passionate everyone at PCRF is about helping to eradicate this terrible disease. Thank you for making me part of a GREAT team. Michael Villani
I love this organization and I can't say enough about it. I have a passion for pediatric cancer although I have never been directly effected by it. I have volunteered with PCRF a few times and also recruited my sister. We had such a great time during events and the people are all so genuine. You really get a sense of what the organization is all about once you see the smiles on all the kids' faces that they touch. I have since moved out of state and am still looking for such an organization like this.
I have done some volunteer work for PCRF and am very impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers. Everone I came in contact with really cared about the kids and the organization. It was a joy working with these people who devoted many many hours trying to find a cure for childhood cancers and provinding support and comfort to parents. Helen Naughton
My daughter is a cancer survivor and we have supported Pediartic Cancer Research Foundation for the last 7 years. They continually do new research to provide cures for childrens cancer. For the children that are healthy enough there is the Western Roundup evey year. This was a favorite for my daughter with all the rides, games, food and wonderful prizes.
I currently help PCRF with their media and PR efforts for their annual Run/Walk event in Irvine. I also attend their annual Bid For the Kids. PCRF does many great events to help raise money for research to help find a cure for kids with cancer and fight the horrible disease. 80 percent of each dollar is spent on finding a cure, so your donations go a long way.
My organization has supported the outstanding work of PCRF for many years and we will continue to do so; their interest and strength in providing children with resources cannot be excelled.
PCRF is a wonderful organization. Our family has been volunteering and participating in their events for years. Our 2 young children are even involved and are so proud! They have a friend who was struck with leukemia, so this foundation really hits close to home. Thank you PCRF for everything you do!
We've been volunteering for PCRF since before our own children were born, and now we love participating in the various events with them. The fundraising events are always great family fun but also help us make "giving back" a crucial part of our family culture
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is an awesome organization to volunteer for. Everyone appreciates even the smallest effort you are willing to do for the organization. The volunteers are commited to their service and the children are what it is all about. Helping the children regain their health is the goal and what better opportunity can there be!
It has been an honor and a priviledge to give my time, energy and money to this organization. They really reach out and care for everyone and are the most helpful to those in need. God Bless our children and Thank you to Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation!
Pedriatric Cancer Research Foundation is an amazing foundation. We have been supporting this group as a family. It has been a wonderful experience for my children to be able to help kids that are fighting cancer especially since they lost their grandfather to cancer. Their fundraiser called Dribble for the Cure at UCLA was so rewarding knowing that we could possibly make a difference. We love using their holiday cards as well to spread the word. The proceeds go to the foundation. We also hope to participate in their 5K run/walk next year. This is a foundation that you can help with as a family. Thank you Pediatric Cancer Foundation!!!
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is the champion of the forgotten victims of cancer--children. Dedicated individuals have embraced the challenge to improve the survival and quality of life of children, adolescents and young adults in their efforts to provide funding for basic and clinical research.
