Go4thegoal Foundation

Go 4 the Goal really helps to empower kids to make a difference in the lives of other children suffering from pediatric cancer. They cheered on and supported my son and his high school baseball team as they "laced up" and raised money for Go 4 the Goal through hitting home runs! They were so helpful in making sure the kids had what they needed to make their project a success for everyone involved. I was so impressed with G4G philosophy and genuine kindness that I am now volunteering for them, too! And, their initiatives really go right to helping children in their local communities. They really champion kids in so many ways.

To our friends at the Go4theGoal foundation:

As you know, the mission behind Camp No Worries is to provide a summer camp experience solely to give children with cancer and their siblings an opportunity to relax, enjoy themselves, and forget about their troubles for one week every summer. It’s a place that allows children facing a diagnosis of cancer to just be kids. It’s a place of happiness, friendship, and new adventures. It’s a place of camaraderie and acceptance where everyone knows first-hand what it’s like to live with cancer. And it’s a true summer camp experience in every sense of the word.

In 2012, Camp No Worries celebrated its 18th year of providing children with a week of “no worries.” With the generous support of the Go4theGoal foundation we were able to take our Fight like a Girl and Wilderness Adventure programs for the teenage campers to the next level. Natalie Richardson, the Fight Like A Girl program coordinator, said the older girls loved their second year of Fight Like a Girl, which focused on empowerment, self-esteem, and support for one another. The group 'got in the ring' to discuss their strengths and weaknesses and began to understand how they have similarities and can support one another. After receiving their official Fight Like a Girl t-shirts, the girls participated in yoga to learn to strengthen their minds and bodies. The group made two crafts this year including metal stamping jewelry. The necklaces had a metal stamping piece designed by each participant, a unique bead, and boxing glove charm. The closing craft was a tree poster where every girl thumb-stamped their unique print on everyone else's tree, as a reminder that they can stand strong with each other to lean on. This program continues to develop our teenage girl campers, as they grow into mature, strong women.

Jon Bernacki, the Wilderness Adventure program coordinator, said the older boys began their adventure at their campsite and hiked some of the lesser traveled trails of Camp No Worries. They crossed Camp Inawendiwin's Betsy's Bridge then hiked along the stream through the marshes, over sphagnum moss, among the sedges and beneath the Cedar trees that give the stream its brown color. The muddy hike gave a very a different perspective than our usual hot and sandy pinelands campground. The boys ended their hike at the old lakefront beach where the boys were broken into four teams. A large bull's eye target was placed far out in the dry lakebed while the boys took turns working in teams to lob water balloons at the target using giant slingshots. The boys finished their adventure with a few games of tug-of-war across the stream. The games were a great finish and a fun way to cool off after the hike. From this program, the boys were able to walk the path less traveled, explore a unique habitat of the pinelands, and have fun working as a team while playing a variety of different games.

Go4theGoal also provided every one of our campers with a Pillow Pet and helped some of our camp families with their travel expenses to and from camp. In addition, Nick Stefanacci donated his DJ services for our Thursday evening program, which featured inflatable games for our campers. It was clear that campers, counselors, and the staff all enjoyed the music since there was a constant dance party in front of the DJ tent all night long.

Because of Go4theGoal’s support, a cancer patient who has undergone rigorous chemotherapy treatments and has been limited to a strict diet can be found singing songs at a campfire while eating S’mores. His or her sibling, who has spent much of their time at the hospital during visiting hours, can be found swimming alongside other brothers and sisters who have done the same. And still another child who has lost a brother or sister to cancer can be found making arts and crafts with a new group of friends who know exactly what they’re feeling. These children and countless more benefit from Camp No Worries each summer, but we could not provide this experience without the generosity of organizations like Go4theGoal.

We truly appreciate everything you have done for Camp No Worries this year and we are very excited about continuing this great relationship for years to come!

Sincerely,

Chris “Cal” Callanan
Camp No Worries, Director

As the site manager of a medical arts high school I am always looking for volunteer and educational opportunities for our students in the medical field. Go4theGoal was a win-win opportunity. Our students learned about pediatric cancer through guest speakers at the school. The fact that we had a discussion about pediatric cancer made the topic more relevant to my students. The heartbreaking story of Ms. Stefanacci's son, Richard and his battle with cancer really caught all my student's attention. It was wonderful to see some of my students volunteer and donate their time and raise funds for Go4The Goal at Richard's Run. I expect we will increase our contribution next year.

Go4thegoal is an amazing organization, not only providing support to those who need it most, but also enabling and empowering people to make a difference on behalf of others. My involvement with G4G came after learning about a former student's diagnosis with cancer. Like most people, I wanted to help, but did not know where to start. Someone put me in touch with this organization and in a short time, our community was able to sell nearly 1,000 pairs of laces! This organization is the network of support that all families should have when dealing with an illness.

Go 4 the Goal has been so extremely helpful to the families served by the organization I work at, POST. Here at Pediatric Oncology Support Team, we help local families with case management and counseling. As the case manager, it is my job to locate financial resources that families can use. I consider "Go 4 the Goal" my secret weapon. I request their assistance when things are very time urgent. They make it so easy and I don't think I've been denied once. It is such a relief working with Go 4 the Goal, I am so glad I made the connection with Beth (the CEO) who really provides personal attention to families. THANK YOU Go 4 the Goal.

Finding out a family member, let alone a child is diagnosed with cancer is the most devastating news you could ever imagine. Go 4 the Goal managed to turn this tragedy into something a little more uplifting. They helped to rally the community behind my cousin and his family, the support we saw was truly inspiring. They really did such an amazing job with helping out and just raising so much awareness for pediatric cancer. It seems that people do not recognize pediatric cancer until it hits close to home, it is clear that Go 4 the Goal wants to change that and with their mission and the events they do, they are the BEST organization to do that. They are so wonderful in all that they do, I am looking forward to working with them in the future!

In life, it has been an understanding of mine that life's deepest purpose can be found in our relationships. It is the connections with our families, our friends, our co-workers and our community that provides us with lasting memories of purpose. Go4theGoal is a charity which embraces the lasting memories of purpose for children affected by cancer. The work and effort which goes into this charity is both heartwarming and inspiring. This charity is filled with extraordinary men and women who put these children affected by cancer before themselves. Go4theGoal is truly an exceptional charity. It is a pleasure doing business with Go4theGoal. Adeline McGovern SJ Print Solutions

The Go4theGoal Foundation is a foundation like no other because the main goal of the foundation is to help others. The foundation is not in existence to generate money for board members. It is solely to change the lives of those who are affected by cancer, like our dear friend Richard Stefanacci was just a few years ago. My other fellow board members are all Class A people who truly care and Go4theGoal is an up-and-coming foundation that truly deserves more and more recognition and publicity as the foundation continues to grow. Go4theGoal...We WILL help you get there!

Our son Dalton passed from Ewings Sarcoma in 2010. It is our pledge to raise awareness to this and other pediatric cancers. Raising enough funds to get our son Dalton's truck wrapped with Go4theGoal information along with a beautiful picture of our son. It is our honor to drive the truck publisizing this cause to raise awareness to pediatric cancers.

I work with many charities and causes and Go4thegoal is one of the best and most enjoyable to work with. I know the money we raise goes directly to support the children and the staff is an amazing group to work with. They have an amazing vision and are very organized in executing the vision. Their Lace-Up 4 Pediatric Initiative has impacted so many of the constituents I work with. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a cause to support to work with Go4theGoal.

I am a pediatric oncology social worker in Washington State. I couldn't believe that Go For the Goal was willing to help our patients, being on the opposite side of the country! G4G staff have always responded incredibly promptly to our requests for assistance for our families. They have been very professional and personable, and have made the process easier than any foundation I have ever come across. G4G really cares about making a difference for kids and families, and they are a joy to work with. Thank you so much for your incredible hard work!

I am a social worker in a pediatric cancer program and Go 4 the Goal has made a big difference in the lives of our patients. The organization has provided us with electronics and gift cards that have helped our clients cope with long and difficult hospitalizations. The staff of the Go 4 the Goal are responsive, professional and easy to work with. The organization fills a critical need in the care of children with serious illnesses, and does it exceptionally well.

Go 4 the goal's staff are attentive and respond quickly to our requests. They serve the pediatric oncology population greatly!

Go4theGoal has been amazing! I work as a Child Life Specialist in pediatric oncology and we have been so lucky to be able to work with such an amazing caring group. Go4theGoal recently donated ipads to our unit, which has been so wonderful for our patients. They love them and the ipads keep them occupied while they are inpatient. Thank you for everything!!

Go 4 the Goal supports, inspires, and consistently makes a difference in the lives of so many children with cancer and their families. Go 4 the Goal recently sponsored a survivor reunion for our pediatric bone marrow transplant patients and their families. The day was filled with food, music, and activities to celebrate the accomplishments of these incredible children and families. The day was filled with laughter, hope, and heartfelt joy. It was a magical day that would not have been possible without Go 4 the Goal. Thank you for all you do!!!

A few weeks ago I asked Beth and Tara from G4G for an IPAD for one of our Bone Marrow Transplant patients. Last week the staff was so excited to give this gift to the patient. Each day we try so hard to put a smile on the faces of our patients, but sometimes we are limited with how much we can do. Approximately two years ago, I met Ann, Beth, and Kim from Go4theGoal. This meeting sparked a wonderful relationship and as a result of the kindness of everyone at Go4theGoal, we have been able to put smiles on our patients’ faces. We have given gifts during the holidays, gifts post transplant (their new birthday), install new televisions in each patient’s room, provide MAC laptop to the patients, and last week was another great moment. Being able to give a transplant patient who did not receive a gift during the Christmas holidays an IPAD and a Gift card was so rewarding. She was so thankful, tearful, and happy. Most of our patients do not have the means to enjoy things that we take for granted, so moments like these are priceless. I am so thankful to everyone at Go4theGoal, the support that they have given us at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami, is more than we could ever imagine. You are always here for us throughout the year, not only during the holiday season and for that. I just want to say thank you.

I have been a pediatric social worker for over 25 years, specializing in pediatric oncology for almost 15 years. I received a phone call from the founder, Beth about 2 years ago. She came to meet me and explained how they could help some of the families I work with. She was so genuine and kind.

Well first of all, when a request is placed such as getting a computer...she or her husband deliver it to me right away...so the kids can start using it!!! Go 4the Goal understands the importance of kids communicating with their friends, school, and family. Also, they give out many tickets to go to the Union games-soccer-. Kids get an opportunity to go with their friends...and just be a normal kid.. even if it is for a few hours!!!. Go4 the Goal also makes sure I have I-touch Ipods...which I give out to the kids that go for radiation treatments, teenagers,...listening to their music makes a tough situation a bit easier. I also can't forget the surprise gift cards...when a family is having a rough day...I am able to give them a gift card so that they know someone has thought about them. I am grateful that GO4the Goal found me.....As I write this review I have a bright smile on my face as I am truly grateful for them and the ease in asking them for help!!!!

Our son was recently diagnosed with relapsed Ewing's Sarcoma, and Go4TheGoal arranged our flights to see an expert in New York and purchased tickets for us. There was no way we could have gone without this help. They were so very kind and helpful!

I am a child life specialist, working with hem/onc patients. There's a general sentiment among our staff that go4thegoal stands for doing things beyond our expectations. We keep getting wowed at the parties, the special gifts and how every detail is thought of with such consideration. I have a patient who became blind as a result of her treatment and wanted a guitar for her birthday. As soon as Go4thegoal heard about this, they arranged for a guitar, in her favorite color and free lessons. Without ever meeting the patient, they shared our passion to help her and went about fulfilling her wish beyond her dreams!

GO 4 THE GOAL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! Writing from Children's National Medical Center in D.C. I am a social work graduate intern working in the Oncology unit here and been so impressed and amazed by this incredible (and very organized) group. The quick responses to request, the timely nature of receiving the actual items, the friendly nature of the people working at Go4theGoal--everything start to finish is fantastic.

I really feel like the discovery of this agency, for us, has been nothing short of a miracle. The look of pure delight and awe on the kid's faces when receiving their IPADS, or IPODS, etc, is truly something to witness. Many of these kids would never have the means to buy these items for themselves so it really is amazing work that the people at Go4theGoal are doing.

Go4theGoal is an amazing organization with a passion to help children undergoing treatment not only for Ewing Sarcoma but for other pediatric cancers as well. They are incredibly open and responsive to the needs of the various children's hospitals they support and work hard to fulfill those needs.

Go4theGoal's leadership also has a great understanding for the role of research -- especially in support of those leading the way in transformational breakthroughs.

Anyone working with Beth will be profoundly moved and inspired.

Go 4 the Goal has done so much for our patients at TCI. The Halloween party was such a hit! There was such a lively atmosphere and the kids were squealing with delight. Many of our staff came just to watch the kids having such a good time! Go 4 the Goal helps kids forget about their illnesses.

I am a pediatric oncology social worker at University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. I cannot express enough what a gift Go4thegoal has been to both our patients and our social work team. I recently commented to the organization that I feel as though we have our very own fairy godmother in this foundation. It seems that whatever we need to better serve our patients and families, Go4thegoal is there to assist. The well being of both our patients and their families have been significantly improved thanks to the kindness and compassion this foundation has shared with us.

Go4the Goal continues to amaze me! They have provided the children and teens at TCI with so much over the past few years; from unbelievably generous Holiday gifts, to weekly and monthly raffle prizes, but the Halloween party that they threw at our hospital this Fall had such a lasting impact on our patients! We even had families join us for the day, who weren't scheduled to be at the hospital. They are still talking about it! They continue to brighten our patient's lives, and focus on the fun and enjoyment of childhood, despite illness.

Where to begin? Go 4 the Goal Foundation has been such a devoted friend to the young patients at Tomorrows Children's Fund who are fighting cancer. The foundation provided us with Mac laptops for patients to use while they are receiving long treatments at the medical center. They hand select wonderful presents to brighten the faces of our children. Their "lottery" for our patients provides one child each week to win a bag filled with goodies and once a month a patient's name is drawn to receive an amazing electronic item. Go 4 the Goal provides both patient and parent with that much needed boost! We LOVE Go 4 the Goal!

This foundation never ceases to amaze me. Each time I contact the foundation requesting assistance for a patient and family, the foundation agrees to help, often going above and beyond to meet the needs of pediatric oncology population. They truly understand the needs of the families and offer support to those who need it the most. The foundation keeps in mind the particular needs of a teenage child and finds a way to bring joy to their lives. Our division is so very grateful for this foundation and all that they do.

As a sarcoma patient at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, I was treated to the day of a lifetime. With my dad, I went to the clinching game of the 2008 World Series to watch my favorite Philadelphia Phillies win the long-awaited championship. After a great dinner in center city, the limo dropped us off for a an amazing experience that I will never forget. To add to all of this, I also received a personalized gift during the winter holidays. Seeing the smiles on the other children's faces when they opened their gifts in clinic definitely brightened everyone's mood. I simply cannot thank this organization enough, and sincerely hope others can help donate in order to increase the effect.

You could not possibly find a group of more visionary leaders or harder working volunteers than Go4thegoal. Everywhere they go they leave smiles on children who suffer from terrible illnesses. They are innovative and proactive and compassionate beyond belief. If you choose them, you will be advancing the cure of pediatric cancers like it could be done in no other organization. Go4thegoal uses more innovativion with less bureaucracy than any other charitable organization I've encountered.

Go4 the Goal is a wonderful non profit. Every penny goes to try to eliminate pediatric cancer and make the lives of cancer patients the best they can be. It is truly an organization from the heart.

Go4theGoal Foundation is an incredible non-profit that is making a big difference in the battle on childhood cancer. The numerous programs they've founded in various Pediatric Hospitals as well as their committment to funding research for a cure for Sarcoma is inspiring. Go4theGoal was there for our 14 year old daughter when she was in the battle of her life with Rhabdomysarcoma. Through their very generous gifts that they donated, she was able to have precious and memorable time playing games with her younger brother and was able to enjoy her favorite music while enduring multiple chemotherapy treatments and hospital stays. Our precious daughter lost her battle. We appreciate the Founders and all the members of Go4theGoal for their endless time and committment to the fight on Childhood cancer. Thank you.

I have worked closely with this foundation since its inception and am amazed with the committment of the family and friends to help children with cancer and their challenge to help fund research of Ewing's Sarcoma. We will help find a cure for this awful disease. I have delivered holiday gift baskets to hospitals and to see the look on the children's faces is so rewarding!

They are a great organization that really helps spread awareness and raise money for cancer/pediatric cancer. I have great experiences and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in each of the events I've attended for Go4theGoal.

Go4theGoal Foundation is a growing non-profit that is making a big impact on childhood cancer. Their hands on approaoch can be seen in the unique programs they've founded in various Pediatric Hospitals as well as their committment to funding research for a cure for Ewings Sarcoma. Go4theGoal's focus is on making a difference in the lives of children who are battling cancer each and every day.

Very good organization working on numerous childhood cancer related issues. There are growing and doing good things for research as well as the children with cancer. They have provided numerous bed-side services to children with cancer, while helping to fund promising research. They will be challenged as the continue to grow to prioritize funding opportunities - balancing short and long-term goals.

Go4TheGoal is a seminal organization demonstrating leadership in the field of helping children and families with cancer. Through the sponsorship of Dr Jeffrey toretsky at georgetown university in developing novel therapies for the cure of Ewing's sarcoma, this organization has developed beyond the critical role of social giving. It has developed into a charity that is proactively trying to better the world for children with cancer through collaboration with academia, industry and nonprofits to foster intelligent and novel approaches to finding a cure.