I am running 1/4 to 1/2 mile every day the month of July to raise funds for Griffins Friends. Here is my story.
In 2014 at the age of 11 months I was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk, neuroblastoma. I underwent six rounds of intensive chemotherapy at Baystate Children's Hospital before my care was transferred to the world renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and neuroblastoma specialist, Dr. Suzanne Shusterman. With her guidance and the help of countless doctors and nurses at Boston Children's Hospital, I had a full tumor resection, autologous stem cell transplant, 12 rounds of targeted radiation therapy and 6 rounds of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody therapy using an experimental drug which, after years of research by centers like the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, was recently accepted by the FDA as an approved treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma.
I am now 7 years old and have been cancer free for five years!
Griffins Friends brought so much joy to myself and my family while I was undergoing treatment. I would love to give back to other children with cancer diagnoses. There is no amount too small. Thank you for visiting my page.
Welcome to my fundraising page! Everyone involved with the Team Griffin's Friends Miles for Smiles challenge will be raising money for the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund. We all realize that times are tough right now, but we continue to strive to raise a substantial amount of funds as we continue to organize events and activities for children. For us, this is just as much about everyone feeling connected during these times and spreading some joy.
Bringing Moments of Joy to Courageous Kids
Griffin’s Friends is a group of volunteers dedicated to providing support to children with cancer. Founded in 1994 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Griffin’s Friends is named for Griffin D. Kelleher. His legacy is this special group which supports, in a unique way, children in treatment for cancer and their families.
Griffin’s Friends established the “Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund” at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc., which is funded by donations from fund-raising activities organized by Griffin’s Friends volunteers.
Griffin’s Friends raises funds in the name of, and on behalf of, the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc., which is a tax-exempt, nonprofit entity that supports the nonprofit entities in the Baystate Health system, including, but not limited to, Baystate Medical Center, Inc.
Our Mission
The goal of Griffin's Friends is simple and appealing: To bring moments of joy to courageous kids. This message conveys our aspiration for all of our efforts, whether event planning, fundraising, or marathon running. We strive to ease the hardships of children in treatment for cancer and the families who love and support them.
