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Emily's Intro...
September is upon us, which means our big fundraisers are over, I am back training for the St. Jude half marathon, and all the kids are back at school. All the kids except many of those fighting cancer, and those who like our sweet Sophie, that never lived long enough to ride that big yellow bus to start kindergarten. It's fitting that this month of September which is often associated with kids and "Back to School" is also the month that is recognized as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month."
According to statistics, every three minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer. That means 25,000 kids around the world will hear the words "you have cancer" this month alone. And seven more will die each day. These numbers are scary and unacceptable. Across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economics, childhood cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in children, and they cannot fight alone.
If you haven't yet heard, the National Cancer Institute (our government/federal funding) allocates only 4% to be divided for research among all pediatric cancers. And today that 4% is now seeing cuts, which means our kids get less and less. The majority of pharmaceutical companies do not focus on researching and developing drugs for childhood cancers because there is little money to be made. Therefore, it is up to smaller organizations like Smiles For Sophie Forever and research hospitals, like St. Jude to raise the money and do the research. And that is why we need you! So many people offer to help, and right now, one way you can do so is to donate to SFSF here, or to our St. Jude team fundraising page here. If you aren't financially able to donate, consider reading this piece written by a fellow DIPG Mom for some inspiration on ways you can help those families who need you.
 A childhood cancer diagnosis is tough, and most can't even imagine. We couldn't imagine either, but now we know the reality. We know that not all kids get to go to kindergarten, so when Marie stepped on that bus for the first time this year, and I fought back tears, I realized how blessed I am to have her and Sarah with us. I want all kids to be able to "go back to school," and I want all parents to have their lifetime with their kids. Those thoughts filled my mind on Marie's first day, and later that afternoon; after the girls got off the bus, we had a crazy rainstorm in the sun, and sure enough, Sophie left a rainbow for us to see. Sarah got out of the car with her iPad to take a picture. I have hope that my "wants and dreams" can become a reality if we all can work together for the kids.
With 15 days left in the month, I encourage you to do a little more for the ones who need you, and I thank those of you who have already joined me in spreading awareness. My dream is that one day there really will be hope for all of the kids diagnosed with cancer, because...
"No child should die in the dawn of life." - Danny Thomas
With gratitude and hope,
Emily Quayle
SFSF Board President
Sophie, Sarah, and Marie's Mommy
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Team SFSF raising their sights for Memphis
Seventy-nine days until the St. Jude Marathon Weekend and Team SFSF is not only fundraising, but running countless miles in training for December 3, 2016.
To date, the 20-member team has collaboratively raised $12,891 for St. Jude with team captain and SFSF President, Emily Quayle, already surpassing her $2500 Hero commitment.
The team consists of Angie Allen, Evan Gillen, Rachelle Gillen, Keri Haibach, Lauren Hicks, Kelle Ilitch, Travis Ilitch, Kristina Juech, Matthew Juech, Charly Miklaski, Susie Miklaski, Andrea Morton, Dana Nicklas, Dave Plautz, Emily Quayle, Jennifer Slater, Sarah Smith, Kristin Stobe, Heather Tinsley and Amy Wilson.
Although SFSF is based in Ohio, the team hails from five other states: Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin, spreading awareness and fundraising across the U.S.
As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, several team members have turned to Facebook to raise awareness and solicit donations.
The eight members who registered as platinum level Heroes commit to raising $2500 and are guaranteed a hotel room for two nights in Memphis, and they very willingly share their rooms with other SFSF team members. Since St. Jude reserves so many hotel rooms in Memphis for that weekend, it is nearly impossible for participants to secure a room within walking distance to the race start and finish locations. $2500 participants not reaching their commitments will be assessed the remaining amount.
All other team members have also registered as Heroes at various fundraising commitments ($500 and $1500) for other incentives such as the opportunity to tour St. Jude on Friday morning or afternoon, the ever-inspiring Heroes pasta party on Friday night, and the Heroes pre and post-race lounge on Saturday. All of these events of the St Jude Marathon Weekend make this a bucket list race!
The fundraising pages of the Team SFSF participants may be accessed from the main Team SFSF page, where individual team members' pages may be searched in order to make a donation.
All team members are striving to reach their fundraising commitments and work together to help one another reach their goals.
SFSF, whose mission is to support St. Jude, as in years past, will supplement the team's overall fundraising goal of $25,000.
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Bash & Dash surpasses goal 
Under the starting line arch, donated by James Moyer of Geico, 752 runners and walkers began their treks in honor of Sophie's 13th birthday celebration. Sunny skies and moderate temperatures created ideal conditions for a more than ideal cause.
With all expenses paid, this year's Bash and Dash netted $55,035, which is up 11% from last year, to support SFSF's tri-fold mission.
New this year was FMU's extended obstacle course offering unlimited trips with the purchase of a red, white and blue FMU/SFSF wristband.
Another new and popular attraction for both kids and adults was the TapSnap booth donated by long-time SFSF supporters, Mari and Dan Durbin. On-the-spot printed photos with both a SFSF or an Americana background, encouraged the posers to don a wide variety of spirited July 4th "get-ups." Hundreds of prints were given away, free of charge to Bash and Dash participants, keeping alive race memories. The Durbins' sophisticated set-up also allowed them to email the pictures to all.
The FMU warm-up, the National Anthem, Happy Birthday to Sophie, the flower drop at the Quayle home, the traditional kids' activities including the 50-yd dash, face-painting, cookie walk, chalk art and the camaraderie shared by SFSF prevailed.
Once again the silent auction, Chinese raffle and 50-50 were great fundraising events. The newly added SFSF apparel and logo merchandise attracted SFSF supporters.
The success of the event was evident in the sold-out "hot dogs" at the concession stand, the record tickets at the Chinese raffle and the number of participants at the Walker Road Park at noon.
SFSF is grateful for all who added to the success of the 9th Annual SFSF Bash and Dash, with the hope that the 10th Annual will be a banner year. Same time, same place --- July 4, 2017! |
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Bash & Dash participants making memories in the TapSnap booth
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One in five children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. will not survive.
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FMU is bold, goes gold for childhood cancer|
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ActivPrayer circle to start the day.
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The second annual FMU Labor Day workout, the Mega Mile, held on September 5, 2016 at Avon Lake High School raised $425 for Emily Quayle's St. Jude fundraising campaign.
The event began with a prayer ceremony for the children of three FMU members, Piper Samuels, Luke Albright and Shane Haddad, all victims of pediatric cancer.
In record high temps, the 71 participants completed the early morning, grueling workout --- a lap around the track, followed by 5 times up and down the bleachers and 15 push-ups, repeated four times.
SFSF thanks Amber and Theo for organizing the event, the members who attended and donated, and Megan Walsh who watched the children of participants during the workout.
SFSF offers prayers of healing for not only Piper, Luke and Shane, but for all the children battling pediatric cancer.
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FMU "Be Bold, Go Gold" crew.
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SFSF Holiday Shopping Extravaganza ---
Less than two months from today
The 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza to benefit SFSF, is now securing vendors for its November 12, 2016 event.
Organized again this year by its brainchild, Kristin Van Euwen, former SFSF Board Member and two-time Bash and Dash director, the extravaganza features early Christmas shopping under one roof --- Holy Spirit Catholic Church, in Avon Lake, at Lear and Walker Rds.
Among the already committed businesses are: LuLaRoe, Norwex, KEEP Collective, Thirty-One, Stella & Dot, Younique, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Wildtree, Partylite and Anna's Candies.
The cost of admission to the 10am-4pm event is a $2 minimum donation and will also feature a Chinese Raffle of items donated by the vendors, the SFSF store featuring new items and the SFSF 2016 Christmas ornament (see related article), pizza lunch and a SFSF bake sale. Proceeds from table fees, event admission, raffle, concessions and bake sale will all benefit SFSF.
The application and details for potential vendors can be found on Kristin's FB Event page. All questions should be directed to Kristin at 440-781-1179.
SFSF welcomes all early-bird shoppers and vendors and thanks Kristin for her efforts on behalf of SFSF.
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Piston Group --- A force for SFSF
 Piston Group, a Redford, MI, company dedicated to building "world-class assemblies for America's top manufacturers" is building a charitable donation for SFSF by naming the Foundation as The recipient of two of its monthly jeans days.
Once a month, employees may wear jeans for a $10 donation to a selected charity. Piston employee Lou Stoney, high school friend of Charly Miklaski, Emily Quayle's brother, nominated SFSF. The Foundation was chosen to be the benefactor for both August and September. The August collection was re-scheduled for September 2 and the September jeans day will be September 28, 2016, at the Piston Group Tailgate Party.
SFSF thanks the Piston group, Lou Stoney, and the Jeans Brigade for their contributions to SFSF.
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| Shopping for the holidays
With Halloween just a month and a half from today, Thanksgiving not even a month later, and Christmas less than 100 days from today, shopping will begin in full force.
Online shoppers remember to use Amazon Smile and iGive for your orders; designated percentages from both will be earmarked for SFSF, if shoppers designate SFSF as their "charity of choice."
SFSF thanks those who use the two services, and reminds all who have not registered to visit AmazonSmile and iGive to begin a very simple, cost-free method of supporting SFSF.
Think AmazonSmile and iGive for Halloween costumes, holiday décor and supplies, and most of all, Christmas gifts and supplies... the possibilities are endless, the effort, minimal, and the rewards, priceless.
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In the last 20 years, ONE new drug has been approved for childhood cancer.
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| SFSF grants surpass $740,000
Since May 2016, the Foundation has helped 28 families and awarded $28,000 in grant money, half of that coming from Jenna's Rainbow Foundation, bringing the total amount of family grants awarded to $569,253. The grand total donated by SFSF, including donations to The Cure Starts Now ($82,000) and St. Jude ($90,562), is $741,815.
Every month, the SFSF Grant Committee approves applications for financial assistance for families of children with brain cancer. The children of the families who received grants in June, July and August 2016 are:
- Peyton, age 2 - ATRT
- Ayari-Me'll, age 2 - ATRT
- Khameshia, age 14 - malignant embryonal tumor, grade IV
- Katherine, age 7 - passed away from a DIPG on June 6, 2016
- Anonymous, age 6 - ependymoma
- Liberty, age 6 - passed away from DIPG on December 20, 2015
- Destiny, age 5 - passed away from a DIPG on May 31, 2016
- Sebastian, age 5 - medulloblastoma
- Anonymous, age 10 - DIPG
- Marcellus, age 6 - DIPG
- Tanner, age 18 - astrocytoma
- Kambria, age 7 - low grade glioma
- Landyn, age 9 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Abigail, age 7 - DIPG
- Baylee, age 10 - pilomyxoid astrocytoma
- Legacie, age 5 - DIPG
- Mary, age 12 - high grade glioma
- Diontae, age 5 - glioblastoma grade IV
- Benjamin, age 10 - pilocytoc astrocytoma
- Harper, age 7 - craniopharyngioma
- Anonymous, age 14 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Anonymous, age 4 - glioblastoma
- Brandon, age 17 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Jayden, age 6 - optic glioma
- Anonymous, age 4 - retinoblastoma
- Jonathan, age 2 - medulloblastoma
- Kavan, age 7 - DIPG
- Kelly, age 11 - germ cell tumor
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2016 SFSF Christmas Ornament Now Available
Early-bird Christmas shoppers, (Yes, the stores have had Christmas goods out since July along with back-to-school, Halloween and Thanksgiving items.) the 2016 SFSF Christmas ornament is now available for $10.
The 3-inch in diameter, 1/2-inch thick, round, acrylic ornament, featuring the music theme of the 2016 SFSF Appeal and packaged in a white organza pouch, may be ordered on the SFSF website or by contacting Emily, and will also be available at the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza (see related article).
"With a song in our hearts, SFSF is music to our ears" graces one side of the ornament --- a perfect message for the season of music and love. And traditionally, the reverse side features the year and the SFSF logo.
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Lakeland Eagles soar high for SFSF
 Next Friday night, September 23, 2016, at 7:00 pm, Lakeland High in White Lake, Michigan will host its first ever "Gold Out Against Cancer" charity football game, raising awareness of childhood cancer while supporting SFSF.
The Gold Out, coordinated by Brad Farquhar, Lakeland High School's Building Liason for Athletics & Activities, and Scott Rolando, Lakeland's Student Activities Director, encourages fans to purchase and wear a gold "Gold Out" T-shirt to Lakeland's KLAA division battle against Walled Lake Central, with proceeds from the sale benefiting SFSF, and in memory of Lakeland senior Spencer Hale, who lost his battle with osteosarcoma on July 3, 2016. SFSF Board President, Emily Quayle, will be on hand to receive the donation at half-time ceremonies.
Brad's connection to SFSF was established through his wife, Kathy (Ottenbreit), childhood friend and classmate of Sarah Smith and Emily Quayle, and 4-time participant in the St. Jude Marathon Weekend. As a family, the Farquhars are long-time supporters of SFSF and St. Jude, as both of their boys, Trent and Tate, have also participated in the St Jude Marathon Weekend in Memphis, while Brad traveled to Memphis with Kathy in 2012 to support her as she ran the full marathon.
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Brad and Kathy in 2012 at St. Jude when Kathy ran the full marathon; Tate, Kathy and Trent in 2014 when they ran the 5K.
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Gold-Out shirts may be reserved by emailing Lakeland HS Student Activities Director, Mr. Scott Rolando, and will be available for pick-up the week of September 19. During that same week the shirts ($5.00 for S-XL and $7 for XXL) will also be available at Lakeland High during the lunch hours. In addition to the T-shirts, the Cheer and Pom teams as well as the school's Optimist Club will be fundraising for SFSF and in memory of Spencer. Cash donations will be accepted until September 23, 2016, by contacting Scott Rolando; Huron Valley Schools PaySchools account holders may donate online at HVS.org, choosing Lakeland High School, then Lakeland Leadership Program and including "gold out donation" in the comment section. Donations can also be mailed to Brad Farquhar at (checks payable to SFSF): 1630 Bogie Lake Rd, White Lake, MI 48356.
SFSF thanks the Lakeland High Varsity FB team, Lakeland Leadership, Brad Farquhar, Scott Rolando and all the Lakeland fans for their united effort to support SFSF, pediatric cancer research and for observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
GO EAGLES!
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Eat at Chili's, Dine with a purpose
As continued supporters of St. Jude, SFSF promotes the efforts of Chili's Restaurants, whose contributions to St. Jude has surpassed $58 million in the last 14 years, with an additional $30 million pledged over the next six years.
In conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (Sept 1-21 at Chili's restaurants), guests can support lifesaving work at St. Jude by:
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Nic Smith, Sophie's cousin, coloring his pepper at Chili's on his birthday.
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- Decorating a pepper coloring sheet in a Chili's restaurant for a donation and sharing on social media using #CreateAPepper
- Adding a donation to their check using the tabletop tablet located on every restaurant table or through online to-go orders
- Purchasing a Create-A-Pepper T-shirt for $10 or promotional items such as a crazy straw or koozie for $1 when dining in restaurant
Next Wednesday, September 21 --- St Jude Day at Chili's --- more than 1300 participating restaurants will donate the proceeds of sales to the St. Jude School Program, supporting the needs of patients and families, highlighted by the naming ceremony for support of the school program. A minimum of $100,000 has been pledged for this event.
SFSF supports the work of Chili's, as does the St. Jude Marathon Team, who have toured St. Jude and can all attest to the awesome Chili's Care Center at St. Jude.
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Grandma Miklaski's, Cousin Zachary's and Nic's colored peppers for a donation on 9.9.16.
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Every day 46 kids are diagnosed
with cancer; every day
7 kids will die from cancer.
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Sport gold ribbon, support St. Jude 
In conjunction with the fundraising for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, Team SFSF Member, Sarah Smith, a KEEP Collective designer, is hosting a fundraiser. The maroon (St. Jude signature color) leather bracelet with the gold cancer ribbon is available for purchase with all cash proceeds earmarked for St. Jude and the hostess product incentives to be donated to SFSF to be used in future SFSF fundraising events.
To conveniently order a St. Jude/Childhood Cancer Awareness bracelet, simply click here and one will be added to a cart for easy check out. Quantities can be edited as needed before check out. Those interested in sharing the fundraiser and the opportunity to purchase a bracelet can join Sarah's FB fundraising group and add any members who might want to support St. Jude and Team SFSF.
The fundraiser continues through the month of September.
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Summer Sizzles with SFSF fundraisers
Ohio Golf Outing
It was a hot one on Saturday, July 23, as 25-foursomes hit the links at Legacy 18 for the Fifth Annual SFSF Ohio Golf Outing.
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Ohio Golf Outing winning team.
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With temperatures in the mid-nineties, the golfers were provided with ice cold towels, but the support for SFSF never cooled down as profits of the event were $7556.53, a 2% increase over last year.
Holly Przybysz won the 50-50 raffle and donated her winnings to SFSF. The winning team honors went to Austin Elder, James Daley, Billy Wivell and Mike Popovic.
SFSF thanks the golfers and the volunteers who beat the heat for SFSF.
3 on 3 Basketball
The temperatures cooled by Saturday, July 30, as 35 teams participated in the 2nd Annual SFSF 3 on 3 Basketball Tourney, organized by Kayla Bucci, daughter of SFSF Board Members, Andrea and Dan Bucci.
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Kayla Bucci, event organizer.
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Although temperatures were really not a factor for the event held in the air-conditioned Avon Lake High School gymnasium, the players were hot. Winning male teams were: 4th grade Wildcats, 5th grade ACEZ, 6th grade Goats, 7th grade Elites and 8th grade Squilliam Fancysons. Female winning teams were: 4th grade Scorchers, 5th grade Flying Pigs and 8th grade Cannon. The best team name honors went to the 6th grade boys team, the Dime Droppers.
The event raised $3145 for SFSF thanks to the dedication and hard work of Kayla Bucci.
Michigan Golf Outing
Cooler temperatures prevailed providing ideal golf conditions on Monday, June 13 for the 18 foursomes who enjoyed the greens of Warwick Hills Golf Course, former home of the Buick Open.
In its 10th year, the annual event, organized by Marc's parents, Kathy and Bob Quayle, and his brother Brett Quayle and his wife Amy, the outing raised $3945.48 for SFSF coffers.
SFSF thanks the Michigan connection for its undying effort and support.
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