Inaugural Ridgefield CureSearch Walk Celebrates and Remembers the Lives of Local Children
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- Category: Fundraisers
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 23:17
- Written by Terri Garlick
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Comes to Ridgefield, CT to raise lifesaving funds
Ridgefield, CT – CureSearch for Children’s Cancer joins forces with Ridgefielders to mobilize individuals, families and local businesses to raise lifesaving funds for children’s cancer research. On Sunday, May 15, 2011 hundreds of Ridgefield and neighboring town residents will gather at Ridgefield Town Hall to honor children living with cancer and to participate in the CureSearch Walk down Main Street. Ridgefield’s own Hannah Trotman, age 3, will be one of the many children honored at the event.
“Our daughter Hannah was diagnosed with Leukemia in November 2009 and we learned very early on that CureSearch and the research it supports through the Children’s Oncology Group would play perhaps the most significant role in saving her life,” shared Rebecca and Julian Trotman. The community of Ridgefield has been a tremendous source of strength and support to our family throughout Hannah’s illness and treatment. That we are able to give something back to CureSearch as part of a Ridgefield-based event seems only fitting. We are all looking forward to the Walk on May 15th and the opportunity to honor and celebrate all those who have been touched by childhood cancer.”
The opening ceremonies will include a medal ceremony that recognizes childhood cancer patients and survivors like Hannah. A white balloon release will offer a time of reflection in memory of children who lost their battle with this disease. Event chair, Beth Butler was inspired to bring the Walk to Ridgefield in honor of her niece, Eloise Gould who was lost to cancer at age 14 just one year ago this month.
“We are looking forward to having the community come together for this special event honoring local children and families impacted by childhood cancer,” says Beth Butler. “Unfortunately, like most communities, we have been touched by children with cancer either directly or through our connections. Our unique community spirit is what gives many of us the strength to get through difficult personal challenges in life. I am a perfect example of that. The support over the past year and during the planning of this event has been wonderful and I am extremely grateful for all who have joined our efforts. It inspires me to continue to raise awareness and to help other children and families right here in our community.”
The Walk, led by children and childhood cancer survivors, follows a Main Street route and ends at Town Hall. Main Street will be closed to traffic for the Walk.
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. By working collaboratively, the Children’s Oncology Group has improved cure rates for children’s cancer at a pace much faster than any one individual or single institution could accomplish alone – from a 10% cure rate 40 years ago to 78% overall today. By continuing to raise funds for research, CureSearch will reach the day when children won’t even know the word cancer.
CureSearch funds the lifesaving, collaborative research of the Children’s Oncology Group whose more than 6,000 physician and nurse members at more than 180 member hospitals which treat 90% of children with cancer in the United States. Funding efforts by CureSearch for Children’s Cancer allow children with cancer to receive world-class treatment and care close to home at three local hospitals – Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Yale University and New York Medical College – all members of the Children’s Oncology Group.
“Progress has been made in children’s cancer research over the years, but federal funding alone is not enough to cure the 40,000 children under 15 currently receiving treatment for cancer, or the 13,500 who will be diagnosed this year,” said John Lehr, president and CEO of CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. “We must rely on private citizens to help us raise every possible dollar for children’s cancer research, and we hope the people of Fairfield County will join The CureSearch Walk to support our efforts.”
It’s not too late to register! Please join us with your family, friends and neighbors by registering today at www.curesearchwalk.org/ridgefield.
