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providing hope & supportfor familes of children with cancer

Circle of Care was founded by three families whose children battled and survived cancer. We provide support and hope from the day of diagnosis and all throughout treatment.

Rosie, A Young Hero, Shares Her BattleYou will grow stronger ... You will gain knowledge ... You will survive!

Summer 2013

Often people do not think anything bad will hap-pen to them. This, unfortunately, is not always true, but from experience, I can tell you that more good came out of my cancer experience than bad.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on May 28, 2010 and really did not know what to think about it. I was in pure shock and almost in denial about the whole thing. I just could not believe this really happened to me. You see it on TV all the time and might even support cancer awareness walks, but never do you think you will fall victim to such an upsetting and awful disease.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a straight A student who loved to volunteer, help others, and also cheered on my school’s cheerleading squad. I started to notice a bump that kept getting bigger on what looked like my collarbone. It was the strangest thing because I was feeling fine and my throat wasn’t hurting, but this lump just seemed to keep growing. My parents and I thought it was about time we saw the doctor to see what was going on and that day my mom took me out of school was the last day for about seven months I would be in school.

My pediatrician ordered a CAT scan to see the lump’s details more clearly and what she saw was nothing good. There was another lump that had been growing in my chest that I didn’t even know about. Can you believe it? This disease can sneak up on you and you wouldn’t even know it! After seeing that, she knew it was lymphoma and told my mom and me of the results. I immediately burst into tears, couldn’t speak a word, and was shaking uncontrollably. I did not know what to do next or where to turn.

My oncologist, Dr. Ozkaynak ordered a biopsy of the mass in my neck and of my bone marrow to ensure that the cancer had not spread to my bones

and I began what would be a three-week stay at the hospital. Thank-fully, the cancer had not spread, but because of this disease, I had my first surgery and experience under anesthesia.

I began my chemotherapy in early June and continued until the end of August so my entire sum-mer was spent having chemotherapy, doctor visits, and sleeping at the hospital for three nights out of the week. It was not a fun summer.

After I finished chemo and began my radiation, I was feeling much better to talk to people and think more clearly without being under the influence of chemo. My social worker, Rose Bartone, is one of the best people on Earth. She sat and talked with me about anything, anytime of day and introduced me to Circle of Care who gave my bedroom a total make-over! I picked out nearly everything, from the paint color to the style of my bed frame. Karen was the director of my room makeover and listened to every-thing - they wanted to make my dreams a reality, and boy did they succeed!

So like I said before, there are so many more posi-tives than negatives that can come out of this experi-ence. There are many bumps in the road to recovery, but the best thing to do is to stay strong through every aspect, for you and your family.

You will grow stronger as a person and will gain knowledge that many others will not have. You will survive!

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A Letter from the FoundersDear Friends,

Where do you find your inspiration? As Circle of Care approaches the 9-year mark, we find it still comes from those fateful words.

Your child has cancer.Our inspiration comes from the kids and teens

we meet everyday who are in treatment. They continually amaze us with their positive attitudes, inner strength, humor and peace. Rosie, whose story is on our cover, is one such testament to overwhelming courage and unwavering faith. We are so grateful that she has shared her story.

We are also in awe of what other teens are doing to make this journey a little easier for those under going treatment. From fundraising, to stuffing Bags of Love, volunteering at the hospital and creating Art from the Heart dream room makeovers - their generosity and commitment to those in need is well, inspiring!

We never imagined this to be our fate or the path we would choose, but everyday we are grateful for our children’s continued good health, the people we’ve met along the way and the opportunity to lend a hand to the next family to hear those tragic words.

It is because of all of you that our Circle of Care continues to grow. Thank you for helping us all along the way!

Fondly,

Liz & Dawn

Items selected specifically for the for Circle of Care’s Bags of Love “Teenage Girl” category include iTunes cards, fuzzy slippers, nail files and polish, make up, books and hand-held toys. Many thanks to Christine Brandt and her Gymnastics Team for collectiing and bagging these meaningful items that are sure to bring cheer to others.

Mark your calendars with these upcoming Circle of Care events:

• June 22 Tennis Event at 4 Seasons Racquet Club in Wilton

• June 23 Family Fun Day at Edgerton Park in New Haven

• September 20 Second Annual Wine Tasting in Wilton

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to two departing board members. Greg Scott’s efforts to support children and families at the end of treatment will have a lasting impact on the future of Circle of Care. Kristine Gould brought organization and order to our Bags of Love program to ensure they were filled with all the right comforts. We wish Greg and Kristine well and know they will always be a part of our Circle.

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The adult volunteer group has been steady this winter, with recruiting ongoing. We have almost 100% coverage on the various units where we work with families dealing with pediatric cancer. There are always future volunteers in the training process, and we will be holding another training session at the end of May.

The teen summer program is shaping up. To date, the application process has not yet been completed, but we anticipate a strong turnout of teen and college volunteers who will dedicate their time twice weekly to help those pediatric patients, their siblings and parents and caregivers in any way they can.

Circle of Care volunteers of all ages provide a tremendous service to the patients and their families and to the hospital. We are proud to have such caring volunteers and pleased to have a positive impact.

The Volunteer Corner:Joanne DuBosque, Coordinator

On Thursdays, Circle of Care Volunteer Gigi Priebe can be found at Smilow’s Pediatric Oncology clinic enjoying activities with the patients. Here, Gigi helps Nick undertake a major LEGO building project requiring step-by-step instruction.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSAND

IN KIND DONORS:Bob’s Discount Furniture – Cheshire

Riverside Flooring – GreenwichWest Elm - Westport

Segmark Solutions - WiltonPaul’s Prosperous Printing - WiltonColgate Palmolive Co. - New York

Mitchell Gold – GreenwichSleepy’s – Cheshire

Want an easy way to give back to Circle of Care?How about with your daily dose of caffeine! We are excited about our continued partnership with

Solude Coffee.

Please visit soludecoffee.com/about-circleofcare to register and order coffee.

Now available at the Village Market in Wilton.

To learn more about becoming a Circle of Care Volunteer or to register for an upcoming training, please visit our website www.circleofcare.org

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Fundraising for Art from the Heart Requires Imagination

The Secret Society of Givers at the Jared Eliott Middle School in Clinton created a cute and clever way to raise money for an upcoming shoreline Art from the Heart makeover.

At lunch, paper hearts were

sold for 50 cents to classmates and teachers who could write their name on each heart and proudly post it at the school.

Thank you Secret Society of Givers and all who participated in this awesome fundraiser!

Another year, another dress….Once again, Shoreline Dress for Less collected and organized gently worn dresses for re-sale to this year’s high school juniors and seniors as well as others who needed just the right outfit at just the right price! Held in early April at Clinton’s Morgan High School library, racks of dresses in every shape, size and color proved to be just what the area girls needed for prom night and more.

We are grateful to the generous donations from many shoreline homes and to Crystal Cleaners for donating a portion of the cleaning services. Special thanks to Tina Garrity, Jill Swimmer, Carol New-ton and Abigail Sperry for orga-nizing the event. Monies raised will go toward the Art from the Heart room makeover happening soon for Madison resident Jake, age 12.

The Clinton Rotary Club generously donated $500 for the shoreline’s Art from the Heart Team. And then, took it upon themselves to challenge the Madison Rotary Club to match their donation. The Madison Rotarians stepped up to the plate with a $500 match!

As Board Member and Art from the Heart team leader Tina Garrity stated, “There’s nothing like friendly competition among neighbors and we are so pleased that Art from the Heart was chosen as the $1,000 beneficiary! With a room makeover coming up in Madison within the next few weeks, this fun challenge and extraordinary generosity could not have come at a better time. We are so appreciative to both the Clinton and Madison Rotary Clubs for their generosity and support.”

The Madison/Clinton AFTH team completed the makeover in Madison over the weekend of May 3rd. Jake is testing out his new desk chair after the reveal of his newly finished room!

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Art from the Heart

Scott lets out one happy cheer upon the reveal of his newly designed football-themed room. The AFTH/Wilton team is delighted by his excitement!

One young Art from the Heart recipient finds inspiration in everything Yankees. Working with a red, white and blue theme, the AFTH/Cheshire team did a complete Yankees-themed room that included a Yankees logo above the bed as well as a wall of pinstripes. Play Ball!

Art from the Heart/Greenwich made over Gabi’s room with neon colors and a mad scientist theme that made everyone smile. We will have to wait to see what Gabi concocts in her new, funky laboratory!

Through the luck of a lottery, several patients are the fortunate recipients of a room makeover. With ideas and input of the patient and through the hard work of our Art from the Heart teams, bedrooms be-come the place where dreams can come true.

We know that giving is even better than receiving, but Jackie Cooke, 16, of Wilton’s AFTH Team says it

best: “Being part of AFTH is not only a fun way to give, but it is also extremely rewarding and heart-warming. The people on our team are incredible and seeing our hard work come to life is our reward.”

The Madison/Clinton AFTH team with Jake upon reveal of his room. Based on his interest in the internet game World of Warcraft, the color scheme was light grey and navy with one wall painted a framed mural of a game map. With new shades, closet organization and furniture for relaxation and for homework, Jake is well on his way to recovery.

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What Others are Saying about Circle of Care

Items Needed forBAGS of LOVE:

Mini SpeakersFleece Pillows and Blankets

New Wii GamesFuzzy Slippers/Socks

Teen BooksColoring Books

MarkersMad Libs

Hats, bandanas, soft head coverings

Handheld Games

…I wanted to thank you again for your contin-ued generosity to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Division of Hematology and Oncology. Circle of Care has been a wonderful supporter and source of comfort to the many children and fami-lies who walk through our doors – from your Bags of Love and Parking Assistance Fund, to the Art from the Heart Program which you have up and running for our patients --- please know how truly grateful we are to have you as our partner!

Adria Giordano, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation

As a Board Member for TeamConnor Pediatric Cancer Foundation, I have had the privilege of getting to see the work of The Circle of Care intimately, as we have considered their organization for receiving grants from our foundation. We, as a Board for TCF, have been amazed at the work Circle of Care does. They are on the frontlines during a family’s most difficult time, anticipating their needs before they are even aware of what it is they need. Through the Purple Pages, the Bags of Love, and the support they provide through hospital Volunteers and phone Peer-to-Peer support, they help families know that they are not alone.

A cancer diagnosis is a terrible thing, but particu-larly for a child. Circle of Care is there from the very beginning and walks with the family through the duration of their treatment. They truly are an amaz-ing organization. Tonya, TeamConnor

Pediatric Cancer Foundation Board Member

As the Child Life Specialist for inpatient pediatric oncology, I have been able to see, first hand, the impact Circle of Care has on children and families…I can’t say enough about Circle of Care and all they have done for our families. Every time we email or speak on the phone, they are always willing to help provide support- whether financial or emotional. This is a relationship that I hope will continue for many years!

Kendra, YNHH Pediatric Oncology Child Life Specialist

Alexandra and Cassandra DiPierro are young volunteers committed to making positive memories for cancer patients. In February, the sisters filled bags with small gifts and craft activities for Valentine’s Day delivery at YNHH and CCMC. Thank you, girls, for your thoughtful work!!

Thank you for your support over the last two years. We are sincerely grateful for your kindness and generosity. Circle of Care has been wonderful to us from day one!

Kevin & Jen Zettergren

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This year, 2013, Circle of Care has received an unprecedented number of requests for financial assistance. Thankfully, we have been able to rely on our Lifeline Emergency Fund program to provide the financial support so desperately needed by our families. Through mid-April, 49% of our annual Lifeline Emergency Fund budget has been spent on payments made directly to creditors.

Among those who have come to our attention is Harrison, a 17–year-old boy from Rocky Hill. Harrison was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 9. He now has to undergo a bone marrow transplant and his single mom is struggling to manage Harrison’s medical costs while supporting her two other children. Lifeline has been able to come to the family’s rescue by making rent payments in the amount of $1,500.

Just prior to moving with his family to Gales Ferry, Marik, aged 10, was diagnosed with an Osteosarcoma of his left leg. Despite intensive chemotherapy, Marik’s leg must be amputated. With no family nearby to lean on for help and support, his mom had to stop working to care for Marik as they travel an hour each way for treatment. Household bills quickly piled up, but fortunately, our Lifeline Emergency Fund was available to take care of many

of the family’s smaller bills as well as making a mortgage payment in the amount of $1,180.

With such evident demand on the program, the maintenance of the Lifeline Emergency Fund has become a fundraising priority. Circle of Care will continue to be there for families with hope and support.

Help us update our records and keep you informed.

Please go to www.thecircleofcare.org/

updatemyinfo

Circle of Care was started in 2003 by three moms who met during their children’s own battle with pediatric cancer. We looked to each other for support, information and a sense of belonging. We shared our stories and tips for how to cope. Through all the laughter and tears during the years of treatment our children endured, we knew we had to give back. We wanted to share what we had learned and help those just beginning this journey. Having been there we knew just where to start, with day one. We began with Bags of Love, our day of diagnosis care package, and have since expanded to offer 6 programs throughout Connecticut and Westchester.

Today, as you reflect back to the beginning of this journey and how much you’ve learned along the way, know that your shared personal experiences are a valuable resource to our newly diagnosed families. Please consider an active role with Circle of Care as a volunteer and/or donor. With your help, Circle of Care will continue to grow and ease the path for other families of children with cancer. Together we can provide the kind of care to newly diagnosed families that only another parent who has been through this experience can give.

Lifeline Emergency FundThe hidden costs of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. 70% of families face serious financial hardship at some point during their child’s treatment.

Family to Family ...Interested in Becoming a Peer Mentor?

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Circle of Carebringng hope & support to families of children with cancer

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PAIDPERMIT NO. 155DEEP RIVER, CTPO Box 32

Wilton, CT 06897T: 203-663-6893

E: info@thecircleofcare.orgwww.thecircleofcare.org

Circle of Care is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

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Family Fun DaySunday, June 2311:30-3:00Edgerton Park, New HavenJoin us for a fun-filled day of crafts and activities hosted by Circle of Care volunteers. Meet other parents and share experiences while children enjoy a day of play.