Every school day, 46 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer. Often, after children or families go through the journey of childhood cancer, they have a desire to give back as a way of providing hope to children newly diagnosed, or as a way to continue funding the breakthrough treatments that will allow more and more children to be successfully cured.
Children’s Cancer Research Fund is the grateful beneficiary of several activities and events presented by childhood cancer survivors and their families. They are creating a legacy that will impact the world of childhood cancer for years to come.
Fighting for My Life, Growing Up With Cancer
When Amy Mareck was thirteen years old, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. Through years of difficult treatments, including a leg amputation, she kept a journal of her experiences. This inspirational memoir was Amy's way of helping others.
Emma's Hope
Emma was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 3. For years, her family has hosted Emma’s Hope in Pepin, Wisconsin. The event brings together the community and has raised more than $100,000 for Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament
Karl was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor as a toddler. After a courageous battle, Karl died. His family holds on to his memory and continues to support the fight for childhood cancer through an annual southern Minnesota golf tournament held in his honor.
Scott Gazda Foundation “Fun In The Sun, The Kids Are #1”
In the seven years that Scott battled cancer, his mother, Beverly Carlson Gazda, said that the family lived more than many families do in a lifetime. While she wonders at questions she can’t answer, Beverly says she knows they were all blessed to have truly lived each day to its fullest. Annually, Ken Gazda, Scott's father, hosts the “Fun in the Sun, the Kids are #1” to help kids that are currently battling the disease.
Ryan Shuman Open Golf Tournament
Shuman was a senior athlete from Eden Prairie who lost his battle on December 1, 2006 (just 11 days shy of his 18th birthday) after a 29 month fight against a rare childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. During Ryan's 29 month fight, he became a strong advocate for the fight against childhood cancer and it was his goal to help raise awareness, improve the quality of life for children with cancer, and most important, find a cure! His family continues Ryan’s mission in search of a cure through the Ryan Shuman Open Golf Tournament.
