There is a quote by an unknown person that says “Sometimes real heroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.” In Rochester, New York the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association provides “emotional, educational, social and financial assistance to families whose children have cancer or a blood disorder”, whose children are fighting big battles. I had the honor to learn more about this incredible non-profit when Holly Dutcher, Executive Director, shared some of her time to talk with me about all things C.U.R.E.
“Some days I had to tell myself “Get through the next five minutes, you can get through the next five minutes. And I did. I made it through months of my child’s cancer treatment five minutes at a time.” Mother of a cancer survivor
C.U.R.E., which stands for Counseling Understanding Research Education was founded in 1976 by a group of parents who had lost their children to cancer. Judi and John Sturge, along with other parents who were grieving, created a support system with one another. They understood each other and the heartache they all felt. Realizing the power this special support system provided resulted in the formation of C.U.R.E. in becoming a non-profit with the mission “to improve the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their loved ones.”
“Ah, kindness. What a simple way to tell another struggling soul there is love to be found in the world.” Alison Malee
In the past 46 years C.U.R.E. has provided support and more to the families they help. They have four core pillars of support. The first is Financial. C.U.R.E. pays for all parking for families during hospital stays. Meal vouchers, GrubHub and other supplementary financial assistance is provided. C.U.R.E. will provide emergency financial assistance when needed. Families are provided financial assistance for the funeral if their child dies. The families pay nothing for any C.U.R.E. support, activity, or event. The second pillar is Social. From zoom support groups, a peer parental support system, to fun activities (all materials and fees paid for by C.U.R.E.) they provide a network of ongoing support. Not sure of how to use the Roku at the hospital, just ask and someone will tell you how. There are yearly survivor celebrations with families. C.U.R.E. is also mindful of including siblings so every child in the family is included in all C.U.R.E. activities. The third pillar is Emotional. C.U.R.E. provides a variety of emotional supports for parents who going through the complex medical system along with other needs as well. When a parent is reeling from the cancer or blood disorder their child has been diagnosed with, the C.U.R.E. Parent Advocate will be there to help, armed with compassion, understanding, and knowledge. The fourth pillar is Educational Support. An Educational Liaison will help with making sure the child’s education needs are met from providing tutoring support to meeting with schools to determine what the child needs. The Educational Liaison will also provide education to school staff, including classmates, to help them understand what the medical diagnosis means for the child. This support remains ongoing for as long as the child needs it.
“Our heroes ride IV poles down the hallways. They have bald heads yet still are beautiful, they go through chemo, radiation, and lots of pokes. They smile even though they are fighting for their lives. They might be small but they are mighty.” Unknown
Once you are part of the C.U.R.E. family you are always a part of the C.U.R.E. family. The C.U.R.E. connection begins after the family has received a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis from a Doctor at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Next the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Social Worker meets with the family. In addition to other paperwork the social worker shares information about C.U.R.E. asking the family if they want to become connected with C.U.R.E. If they say yes a HIPAA release of information is completed and the social worker shares the contact information with the C.U.R.E. Parent Advocate. Due to years of building a strong relationship with Golisano Children’s Hospital, the C.U.R.E. Parent Advocate has designated office space at Golisano. All of the support C.U.R.E. provides is done quietly and with integrity. The services are provided purposely with the framework of how to support parents, siblings, and the child with the cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Holly shared the analogy of having a pitcher of water with many glasses around it that need to be filled. C.U.R.E. will help to fill that pitcher of water so parents have less to think about and less to do. Holly leads C.U.R.E. with passion and dedication. She expressed gratitude and respect for staff (there are only a few) and the volunteers who are fierce in their desire to do what they can to support these families going through such difficult times.
It is with great honor and admiration we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on the C.U.R.E.Childhood Cancer Association in Rochester, New York. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesome to the world.
To learn more about the incredible C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association here is their information:
https://www.curekidscancer.com/
Facebook: @curekidscancerRochester
https://www.facebook.com/curekidscancerRochester/
Twitter: @curekidscancer
https://twitter.com/curekidscancer_
Instagram: @curekidscancer_
