DANI'S FOUNDATION

KISS MY LUMP BRACELETS NOW ON SALE FROM DANI'S FOUNDATION

2011-02-03T10:36:00-06:00

KISS MY LUMP BRACELETS NOW ON SALE!

Dani’s Foundation, the Colorado nonprofit organization who is committed to finding the cause and the cure for pediatric sarcomas; those cancers that affect and take the lives of children and young adults, will be launching its KISS MY LUMP pediatric sarcoma community education campaign with the release of its KISS MY LUMP silicon bracelets beginning February 1. These trendy bracelets are designed not only to raise funding for Dani’s Foundation but will help the Foundation in its effort to raise awareness on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma.

DID YOU KNOW:  CANCER IS THE #1 KILLER OF CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES?
Sarcomas account for 20% of cancers in children under age 20. Education is the key! Dani’s Foundation is committed to getting information out on the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas with the intent of educating the public and seeking earlier detection and ultimate survival.

WHY KISS MY LUMP? Many of the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas initially present as lumps and bumps on the bodies of children. Dani (the namesake of Dani's Foundation) Stell's Ewing's Sarcoma presented as an egg-sized lump on her rib cage. Although Dani and her family were pro-active in checking out the lump, her family physician was not up to speed on the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas and chalked the lump up to a minor ailment. Unfortunately Dani's lump went un-diagnosed for six months. By the time of her diagnosis with Ewing's Sarcoma, Dani was in critical condition and hospitalized immediately. She began aggressive treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a bone marrow transplant. Dani did not win in her battle against pediatric sarcoma!  And so, in memory to Dani and the thousands of other children and young adults who have lost their battles and/or who are currently waging battle against pediatric sarcomas, Dani's Foundation has developed the KISS MY LUMP bracelet as a trendy way in which to remind everyone to check out their lumps and bumps.

KISS MY LUMP bracelets are now available from Dani’s Foundation for the nominal fee of $3.50 each. Each bracelet is accompanied with an informational brochure that outlines the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas. To order your KISS MY LUMP bracelet, go to the Dani’s Foundation website (www.danisfoundation.org) and click on the KISS MY LUMP icon on the right hand side of the homepage.
“We hope that everyone will catch this new silicon bracelet trend and purchase a KISS MY LUMP bracelet during the month of February,” states Dani’s Foundation Youth Ambassador Maressa McClintock. “Besides raising funding for Dani’s Foundation and their efforts to End Pediatric Sarcoma, these bracelets can start the chatter on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma and encourage early testing should a lump or bump occur and persist on a child’s body.” McClintock, a Cherry Creek High School senior, was diagnosed with a pediatric sarcoma when she was 10 years old. Thanks to immediate attention by her family and physicians, McClintock’s cancer was treated immediately and she is 7 years cancer free!

Dani Urman, another Cherry Creek High School student and current pediatric sarcoma patient, is joining McClintock as a Youth Ambassador in the KISS MY LUMP campaign. Urman has undergone many months of treatment and is just now resuming her school and hopefully sport activities. “I am lucky! I’m still learning to walk on my new orthotic but I will be able to walk and golf soon. Hundreds of kids my age aren’t this lucky. They won’t ever be back.”

Both McClintock and Urman are committed to the cause and are helping Dani’s Foundation by working to get other area students involved in the KISS MY LUMP campaign. They will be asking their family and friends to purchase a KISS MY LUMP bracelet and each will be helping to educate the public on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma.

Dani’s Foundation is committed to educating those who are charged with the care of children to become acutely aware of the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas. Similar to Dani Stell’s case, many symptoms go overlooked since the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma tend to mimic those aches and pains attributed to childhood growth pains and/or those pains associated with physical activity. Pediatric sarcoma patients present with lumps on their ankles, knees, and other parts of their bodies. Dani’s Foundation wants all parents to become proactive in their child’s health and seek out medical attention should their child develop lumps and/or complain of pain for an extended period of time.

“Statistics show that the earlier a cancer diagnosis, the better the chance of survival,” explains Dani’s Foundation Founder and President Michele Ashby. “We thought that we were proactive when Dani’s lump was detected but we did not encourage further testing as the lump progressed for several months. Had we know then what we know now… Dani may still be alive today.”

For more information on Dani’s Foundation and the KISS MY LUMP bracelets and pediatric sarcoma community education campaign, call 303.601.1881 or email visit the Foundation’s website at www.danisfoundation.org.

  BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE!

APRIL 22 UPDATE

2009-04-22T13:13:00-06:00

EARTH DAY GREETINGS TO EACH OF YOU!
Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress.
Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions.
Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.
In reviewing the bullets from above, it is safe to say that every day is Dani's/David's/Scott's/Angela's/Chris'....... Day at Dani's Foundation. As a Foundation committed to finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and those other pediatric sarcomas that are affecting and taking the lives of our children and young adults, we continue to celebrate the gains that we have made and actively work to create new visions to accelerate our progress.

We invite you to unite with us around new actions within our Foundation and make a personal commitment to work with us to protect our most precious natural resource: Our Children.

As always, our very best wishes to you and yours as we celebrate a day of renewed resources for our world!

MICHELE ASHBY ADDRESSES TARGETED THERAPY FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS SYMPOSIUM HELD AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY APRIL 17

Michele Ashby, Founder and President of Dani's Foundation, was invited to present as a parent advocate at the Targeted Therapy for Childhood Cancer Symposium at Georgetown University on Friday, April 17. The date of Michele's presentation fell on the ten year anniversary of her daughter Dani's death from Ewing's Sarcoma. Michele's presentation served to bring a face of Ewing's Sarcoma to those in attendance who are working to find targeted therapies for Ewing's Sarcoma and those other forms of pediatric cancers that are affecting and taking the lives of children and young adults.

The one-day symposium was developed by The Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University as a way to bring scientists and others together; those professionals and individuals who are concerned about the need of developing targeted therapeutics for childhood cancer. This was a truly unique conference that combined clinical challenges, words of action by advocates and novel state-of-the-art research presentations in an information-filled program at Georgetown.

The majority of the day's symposium centered around the fact that today, almost 80% of all children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer are long term survivors, and the majority is considered cured. This success has largely been due to the use of more intensive therapy using a combination of different chemotherapeutic agents, surgery, and radiation. However, no treatment is without cost! As childhood cancer survivors become adolescents and young adults, some of them are at risk of developing complications related to the very treatments that saved their lives.

In addition to the statistics of survival success, there are still children with cancer who will not survive, in spite of the best therapies known today. This includes patients with brain tumors, leukemias, and sarcomas.

Childhood cancer is rare. Only 12,500 new patients are diagnosed each year in the United States. Unfortunately, these are small numbers when talking about new pharmaceutical development.

The Targeted Therapy for Childhood Cancer Symposium was designed to organize a panel of distinguished individuals who spend their careers taking good research ideas and translating them into the creation of new medicines for children. The challenges are significant as the pharmaceutical industry development costs are high and the consumer market is small, resulting in limited financial return for industry. The goal of this symposium was to give the attendees an overview on where we stand with the treatment of certain cancers today, the challenges that are faced when patients do not respond to treatment and what is being done to develop new medicines for childhood cancer. The outcome was to enlighten each participant on the importance of developing novel therapies for the treatment of childhood cancer and, with the support of everyone in attendance and their associates, the goal is to work together on the development of treatments that are targeted to the cancers in a far less toxic manner than what is currently occurring.

Advancements in childhood cancer will come in the form of team approaches and we need everyone's assistance if we are to succeed in combating these diseases and finding improved treatments for our children with cancer!

For more information on the Targeted Therapy for Childhood Cancer Symposium, contact Georgetown University Hospital and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology http://lombardi.georgetown.edu/events/pedstherapy/

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK

National Volunteer Week 2009 is happening now and has been designed this year to "Celebrate People in Action." Dani's Foundation would like to take this opportunity to recognize each of you who act as volunteers for our Foundation. You represent "those ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service" to our Foundation. None of you are ordinary by any stretch of the imagination and we want you to know that you are vital in assisting us in our mission to accomplish extraordinary achievements!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Dani's Foundation, we thank each and every one of you for your continued support of our efforts to succeed in the battle against Ewing's Sarcoma and the other forms of pediatric sarcomas that are affecting and taking the live of our children and young adults.

By continuing to work together, we can make a tremendous impact on these horrific diseases! Thank You for your support of our efforts to Succeed!

COMING EVENTS

KISS THE BLUZ GOODBYE SLATED FOR AUGUST 20 AT DENVER’S CITY PARK PAVILION

Denver's City Park Pavilion will be the site of the first annual Come and Kiss the Bluz Goodbye, a summertime stimulus party for Dani's Foundation that will take place on Thursday, August 20. Everyone is invited to attend this very special event that will feature the opportunity to confab with friends at the cocktail soiree, participate in a silent auction of dining and entertainment items, listen to amazing entertainment and relax amidst the splendor of the gardens of City Park.

Information will be coming soon on this very special event that will benefit Dani's Foundation but mark your calendars NOW and plan to be a part of this very special party in the park that will support the campaign to end pediatric cancers!

STEPS 3K WALK SEPTEMBER 19 TO BENEFIT DANI’S FOUNDATION

Break out your walking shoes and plan to STEPS (Stride To End Pediatric Sarcomas) with Dani's Foundation on Saturday, September 19 at the Pepsi Center in Downtown Denver.
We need your support of this very special 3K walk event that will assist in raising much needed funding for our Foundation and our efforts to continue funding of pediatric sarcoma cancer research. Your participation will insure our efforts in assisting to find the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and those other pediatric sarcomas that are affecting and taking the lives of our children and young adults.

Registration information will be posted soon on our website (www.danisfoundation.org) to assist in registering you, your family and your friends for this year's STEPS celebration.

Participation in STEPS is simple:
Obtain a STEPS Registration Form
Notify Dani's Foundation of your participation in STEPS
Ask others to join you in taking STEPS on September 19 to end pediatric sarcomas
Begin collecting pledges for your participation in STEPS from family, friends, business associates and others.
Show up on September 19 with pledges in hand and take your STEPS to support the effort to end pediatric sarcomas.
Join the post STEPS celebration party that will be planned immediately following the event on September 19.
For information on how you can participate in the 1st annual STEPS celebration for Dani's Foundation, contact Martha Simmons (303/601-1881 or via email to martha@dani'sfoundation.org).

By taking STEPS together, we will be closer to combating pediatric sarcomas! STEPS is being planned during the month of September which is nationally designated at Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

Foundation Update

2009-04-10T01:32:00-06:00

March 30, 2008

SPRIGTIME GREETINGS FROM DANI'S FOUNDATION!

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth?

~Edward Giobbi

Here's hoping that this email finds you well and preparing for the beauty of the season at hand. As noted in the quote above, springtime is a time of rebirth and as with that season, our foundation is in the process of evolvement and renewal.

I am writing today to ask for your active participation within Dani's Foundation and our campaign to grow and prosper in the days and months ahead. At this time we are in need of active volunteer participation within our Foundation. Any and all support that you can lend to our campaigns to assist patients with resources and information, develop education that will lead to earlier detection, assist with our fundraising effort to endow greater pediatric sarcoma research and help us to develop a united advocacy effort that will bring pediatric sarcomas to the forefront of federal funding opportunities, we will gladly welcome your involvement! At the present time we are seeking volunteer support in the following areas of our organization:

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Dani's Foundation meets four times per year and determines the program of work for the Foundation.

Legal Assistance
Financial Assistance
Members At Large

Program Volunteers

Working on developing resource information for our patient population

Education Volunteers

Working to institute our campaign to distribute symptom information to the masses with the goal of seeking earlier detection of pediatric sarcomas.

Research Volunteers

Medical and Scientific professionals are needed to serve on the Foundation's research grant development and review committees.

Advocacy Volunteers

Individuals who are interested in working with us on the development of a One Voice campaign that will work to organize all pediatric sarcoma foundations into a united advocacy effort that will take our overall message to our elected representatives.

Event Volunteers

Anyone wishing to assist with the staging of our many coming events.
We have great plans for a variety of special events and need bodies to help plan and implement these very special activities.

If you would like to volunteer your time and your talents to become actively involved in Dani's Foundation, we will gladly welcome your participation with us! To confirm your volunteer participation within Dani's Foundation, simply send an email directly to me at martha@danisfoundation.org and I will get information to you on the program of your choice and information on coming meetings.

(For those out of the Colorado area, we will be conducting telephonic meetings to actively involve everyone within our process of development.)

Any and all support that you can lend NOW to Dani's Foundation will be greatly appreciated by each of us who are working to eradicate these horrific diseases in the days ahead.

As always, our thanks for your continued support of Dani's Foundation and our best wishes to each of you for a glorious spring, wherever you may be!

Martha Simmons

Executive Director

DID YOU KNOW?

In the United States, cancer is the number 1 killer of children by disease.
Each year, about 3,000 children die from Cancer - more than from Asthma, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, Congenital Anomalies, and Pediatric AIDS combined.
Currently, one in every 330 Americans develops cancer during childhood or adolescence, before the age of 20.
On the average, 46 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every weekday in the United States.
Nationally, the incidence of cancer in children is more than 20 times greater than the incidence of AIDS in children.
Pediatric cancer funding is nominal in comparison to other more publicized diseases, such as pediatric AIDS or juvenile diabetes, which increase in awareness each year.
Awareness of much needed funding for Pediatric Cancer is virtually absent from the public eye due to lack of media attention.
For example, the funding for pediatric AIDS is four times greater than the funding for pediatric cancer, yet in comparison, twice as many children die of cancer in one month as do die of AIDS in one year.
The cases of pediatric cancer are increasing at a rate of 1% every year, while funding for research continues to be minimal.
Cancer during adolescence and young adulthood is increasing and unexplained; progress in treating cancer in these age groups is lagging.
Sadly, more than 60% of the American public knows little, if any, about pediatric cancer.
Cancer in childhood occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region.
A number of the advances in adult cancer treatment are due to breakthroughs in childhood cancer research.
"The payback for the investment (in childhood cancer) is immense," according to Doctor G. Denman Hammond, Founder of the National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
"More value-added can be achieved for every dollar invested in pediatric cancer research than in most if not virtually all other cancer research endeavors".
These facts demonstrate the dire need for increased awareness and funding toward childhood cancer research now.

The goals of Dani's Foundation are to fund:
the on-going development of patient resources and information with the goal of assisting those patients who are affected by pediatric cancers;
work on the development of a comprehensive education program that will be distributed to those who are on the front-line in dealing with children (school nurses, athletic directors, coaches and pediatricians and their staffs) with the goal of educating each on the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas and working toward earlier detection thereof;
cutting-edge research for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other forms of pediatric sarcomas, with the goal of finding the cause and the cure for these horrific diseases that are affecting and taking the lives of our children and young adults.
development an aggressive advocacy effort that will unite all pediatric sarcoma organizations within a "One Voice" campaign that will send our message - loud and clear - to our elected officials with the goal of encouraging increased federal funding for pediatric sarcomas and all childhood sarcomas.Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are the most common malignancies of bone tissues in children.

My Big Greek Roast Photography Update

2009-04-10T01:19:00-06:00

March 26, 2008

Springtime in Colorado

The weather outside is frightful and hopefully each of you are safe and warm during our only Colorado Blizzard. No complaints from this frustrated Gardner....my gardens are smiling through the elements.
For those of you who would like to take a glimpse at the March 14 My Big Greek Roast benefit, photos are now posted on our Foundation website. You may log on and preview by clicking the link below http://www.danisfoundation.org/index.cfm?content=gallery&folderPath=/root/2009mybiggreekroastbenefitauction
Hopefully you will enjoy the photos of this wonderful event for our Foundation and the patients and researchers that we serve.
Many new projects are in the works for our organization and information will be coming soon on new programs and special events. We are hopeful that you will continue your support of our efforts to assist in finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other forms of pediatric sarcomas that are affecting children and young adults.
Any and all support in the days and months ahead will be greatly appreciated!
Stay warm, dry and SAFE,
Martha Simmons
Executive Director

Denver Bronco TV Highlights My Big Greek
Roasting for A Cause
By Adam Zinser
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- "He has given his heart and soul to the Denver Broncos... And his hair." Those were some of the words said by KCNC CBS4's Vic Lombardi on Saturday night at "My Big Greek Roast," a roast and charity event honoring Denver Broncos Head Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos for his 33 years of service to the Broncos. While the night featured many jokes and funny stories, most of which had Greek as the focal point, all the proceeds benefitted Dani's Foundation for pediatric cancer research. From his family members to friends to former coaches and players, several hundred people packed the west club lounge at INVESCO Field at Mile High to celebrate Greek and help raise money and awareness for cancer research.

"With all the years I've worked with the Broncos, they are part of my family," Greek said. "The relationships you build at this level, they're like brothers, nephews, sons. It's really neat to see them all. It has been an awesome time. But it's all about Dani's Foundation. That's the neat part -- it's for a great cause." Dani's Foundation was formed in memory of Dani Stell, a young woman who, at the age of 18, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that mostly affects children and young adults. Despite her diagnosis, the active and energetic Dani fought on, graduating from high school and enrolling in college courses. As her mother Michelle Asby told those assembled at the event, Dani had a philosophy -- "I am living with cancer, not dying from it." However, she lost her battle with cancer in April 1999 at the age of 19, and since then, her mother has fought to raise awareness of and money for research of Ewing's sarcoma and other types of pediatric cancer.

Martha Simmons, Executive Director of the Foundation, helped plan and organize the event at INVESCO Field, and she said that it was without a doubt the biggest event yet. Previously, the most they had raised at a single event was $10,000, and they hoped to be able to raise much, much more with the help of the Denver Broncos. "We're thrilled to be associated with the Denver Bronco alumni," Simmons said. "You see the media here and the support that has come out of the community. This is a first for this organization." "If you read the story about Dani, she went six months being mis-diagnosed," Simmons continued. "We are finding this more and more. Six months could have saved Dani's life. Pediatric sarcomas are so underfunded. Any dollars we can donate could bring us one step closer to finding a cure."

So members of the Broncos and leaders in the community came together to celebrate Greek's career, knowing that every penny the event earned would help the Foundation fight for a cure.
What better way to raise awareness and money than by hosting a fun party to honor a man who has helped keep the Broncos healthy and playing football for 50 years? And it most definitely was a fun night. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper recorded a video message for Greek in which he officially proclaimed March 14, 2009 to be "Steve 'The Greek' Antonopulos Day." Former Bronco player and coach and current Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak also had a recorded video message for his former trainer.

As hosts of the event, 850 KOA's Dave Logan and KDVR Fox31's Ron Zappolo took playful shots at Greek all night as they introduced each speaker. Former players Mark Cooper, Jim Jensen and Billy Thompson were just a few of the Bronco alumni to take the podium and make fun of the man who helped keep them on the field. "It's tough for me to say anything bad about the guy, but I'm going to have to try," Jensen said, smiling. "If you can imagine this, Steve has been around the Broncos before there were computers. Steve has been around here since the old school days." Then Thompson chimed in with, "They told me I'd have five minutes to say all the great things I can say about Steve. And I said, 'Great. What am I going to do with the other four minutes?'"

"When I first met him it was 1976," Thompson continued. "That was the first time I saw Greek, and as a matter of fact, he had hair at that time. I had a little bit more too at that time." Through it all, Greek sat with his family and laughed, enjoying the evening, knowing that no matter what, it would all go to help out a worthy cause.

And, of course, he would have his own chance to get even. "Obviously to be roasted is one thing, but really it's an honor to be roasted," Greek said. "If they want to roast me, more power to them because I'll have the last say. I probably know more about them than they know about me. I may have the last laugh in this whole deal." At the end of the night, the event raised more than $47,000 for pediatric cancer research.

To view video from the event on Denver Bronco TV, click on the link below
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=8907

My Big Greek Roast Follow - Up

2009-04-10T01:14:00-06:00

March 16, 2009
A short note to update you on the Saturday's My Big Greek Roast event which benefited Dani's Foundation. We are thrilled to report that the evening was a smashing success for our foundation and we thank everyone who participated in this event on behalf of the children and young adults that we strive to serve. Until individual notes can be written, we would like to publicly take this opportunity to thank those who participated in the festivities surrounding this very special event including:

Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos Susan Antonopulos & members of the Antonopulos Family
Event Chairman Jim Jensen
Event Hosts Ron Zappolo and Dave Logan
Celebrity Roasters
Mayor John Hickenlooper
Gary Kubiak
Vic Lombardi
Billy Thompson
Rich Karlis
Mark Cooper
Keith Burns
Claudie Minor
David Treadwell
Gary Zimmerman
Celebrity Guests
Larry Brunson
Steve Busick
Bucky Dilts
Ron Egloff
Steve Foley
Jack Gehrke
John Grant
Dale Hackbart
Mike Harden
Kieth Kartz
Dave Studdard
Ralph Tamm
Billy Van Huesen
Tim "The Barrel Man" McKernan
Miles the Mascot
Members of the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders

In addition to those listed above, we thank those businesses and individuals who lent their support to this event including;

KOA RadioBud Light
Centennial Sir Speedy
Denver Bronco Community Development
Friends of Steve Antonopulos
Key Bank
KPI Properties
LABS, Inc.
Mine, LLC
Next Level Sports Performance
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Simmons
Steadman Hawkins Clinic
VBK Designs
West Tech, Inc.

Over 300 guests attended our first ever Roast event and we thank each of you who purchased tickets in honor of "The Greek" and Dani's Foundation. Your support via your attendance meant the world to all of us! 200 amazing auction items were showcased during the silent auction portion of Saturday's event. Our thanks to everyone who donated items to enhance our overall event. And, to those guests who purchase the items presented.....thank you for shopping on behalf of our foundation!
Volunteers are the key to our ultimate success and we thank the 50 plus individuals who gave unselfishly of their time and talents - prior to and during the actual event - to make this event a great success.
Many new friends were connected with Dani's Foundation on Saturday night and we thank each of you who participated for being a part of our team - Dani's Team - with the goal of working toward the ultimate victory: finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other sarcomas that are affecting children and young adults.
By working together we can make great strides in advancing treatment protocols and funding necessary research to end these terrible diseases. THANK YOU for the part that you have played in our future advancements!
THANK YOU ONE & ALL for your support of Dani's Foundation, this very special event and our efforts to succeed. Because of each of you, we will continue to grow and prosper in the days ahead!
Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. ~ David Thomas

Two Days and Counting

2009-04-10T01:10:00-06:00

March 12, 2009

MY BIG GREEK ROAST
Event Update 48 Hours and Counting.....

The final countdown has begun for what is sure to be the funniest event of the benefit season in Denver, CO. Here's hoping that you have booked your spot for My Big Greek Roast which will take place on Saturday night (March 14) from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in the West Club Lounge of Invesco Field at Mile High. Dani's Foundation is thrilled to be associated with KOA Radio, the Denver Bronco Alumni and, of course, the Man of March 14 Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos!
This is sure to be a wonderful night filled with much love and laughter as members of the Denver media and current and former Denver Broncos take their friendly jabs at the man who has kept the Bronco players up and running for over 33 years.
If you are attending the event, event information is listed below. Please review this information so that your arrival, parking and check in is flawless. If you have not made reservations and still want to attend this very special event, contact Dani's Foundation ASAP to secure your seat to My Big Greek Roast. There are some tickets available and we would love to have you join in on the festivities. To book reservations, call Martha Simmons at 303/601-1881 or email to martha@danisfoundation.org.
As always, our thanks to each of you for your support of Dani's Foundation and this very special event which will raise funding for increased education and research in the battle against Ewing's Sarcoma and the other forms of pediatric sarcomas that are taking the lives of our children and young adults.
Most Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Dani's Foundation

CELEBRITIES TOASING AND ROASTING THE GREEK ON MARCH 14

Below is a listing of some of the VIP Guests who will be toasting and roasting Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos on Saturday, March 14 during My Big Greek Roast.

Celebrity Guests
Tyrone Braxton
Keith Burns
Steve Busick
Mark Cooper
Jay Cutler
Tom Davis
Bucky Dilts
Ron Egloff
John Elway
Steve Foley
Jack Gehrke
Randy Gradishar
John Grant
Dale Hackbart
Mike Harden
Jim Jensen
Rich Karlis
Kieth Kartz
Dave Logan
Vic Lombardi
Claudie Minor
Haven Moses
Dave Preston
Dave Studdard
Ralph Tamm
Billy Thompson
David Treadwell
Billy Van Huesen
Ron Zappolo
Gary Zimmerman

Video Greetings
Mayor John Hickenlooper
Gary Kubiak

Special Appearances
The Barrel Man
Denver Bronco Cheerleaders
Miles the Mascot

MY BIG GREEK ROAST - GUEST INFORMATION

Below is information on Saturday's My Big Greek Roast event.
Please review this information and share with those who will be joining you at the event Saturday night.
Any questions, please let me know!

In advance, our thanks for your support of this very special event and Dani's Foundation.

EVENT DETAILS
MY BIG GREEK ROAST
A Night of Love and Laughter
honoring
Denver Bronco Trainer Steve Antonopulos
Saturday, March 14, 2009
6 - 10 p.m.
West Club Lounge - Invesco Field at Mile High

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00 P.M. - Registration Open, Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
7:00 P.M. - Greek Feast Dinner
8:00 P.M. - Silent Auction Closes and Toasting & Roasting Begins
10:00 P.M. - Silent Auction Check Out and Departure

ATTIRE

Many are asking what the attire is for My Big Greek Roast. Suggested attire is business and or cocktail apparel. Those wishing to dawn Togas for the celebration: Have at it!

ENTRANCE TO INVESCO FIELD & EVENT PARKING

Parking is located on the west side of the stadium in Parking Lot J.

Directions to Lot J of INVESCO Field at Mile High

From I-25

If you are traveling Northbound on I-25:
Exit at 17th Avenue and at the first stop sign is Bryant, where you will turn Right (north). Take your first available left (west). Follow the drive to the left and take a right into J and then to the far South end of J.

If you are traveling Southbound on I-25:
Exit at 23rd Avenue and take a right (west) off the exit. Follow 23rd to the first light and take a left (south) onto Clay Street. At the stop sign, take a left (east) onto 20th Avenue. At the stop sign take a right (Red Lion Inn will be on your right). At the next stop sign, take a right into the stadium parking lots. Follow the drive to the left and take a right into J and then to the far South end of J.

Directions to the United Club Level West Lounge

Walk up the main entry plaza to the Stadium.
Enter the stadium through Gate 2.
Inside Gate 2, there will be four elevators.
Take the escalator to level three, which is the floor the United Club Level West Club Lounge is located.
Exit the esculator and you will be at the registration desk in the United Club Level West Club Lounge.

REGISTRATION

There are no tickets for My Big Greek Roast event.
All names are submitted in advance with each registration and each guest attending will need to check in at the event registration to obtain auction program and table assignment information.

For those purchasing tickets/tables, please provide your guest names to Martha Simmons via email by Thursday, March 12, to insure that all guests check in with ease.

Any tickets on hold for the event will need to be paid at registration prior to entering the party.

IDENTIFICATION

Every guest will need a valid photo ID in order to be served alcoholic refreshments during the event. Please remember to bring your wallets! There are bars located throughout the event site to assist you in purchasing your liquid refreshments during the event.

CHECKBOOKS & CHARGE CARDS

There will be hundreds of GREAT auction items to bid upon during the Silent Auction portion of the event. Don't loose out on making your purchases for these items. All funds raised during the Silent Auction will support Dani's Foundation and the campaign to fund greater pediatric cancer research in the coming year!

QUESTIONS? For any other event questions that were not addressed in this article, contact Martha Simmons for details. Martha's contact information is:
303/601-1881
martha@danisfoundation.org
In the event that your email is returned from that address, please resend to mjscolorado@aol.com

One Week & Counting

2009-04-10T01:03:00-06:00

March 6, 2008
GREETINGS, ALL!
Below is information on My Big Greek Roast which will take place in Denver, CO on Saturday, March 14. Here's hoping that you have made your reservations to attend this Night of Love and LAUGHTER that will pay tribute to Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos and his 33 years of service to keeping the Denver Broncos up and running! This is sure to be the "funniest" event of the benefit season in Denver.
Many members of the Colorado sport and media community are coming together in a program that will toast and roast "The Greek". This is sure to be a Denver Bronco fan's DREAM COME TRUE....the opportunity to get up close and personal with NFL Hall of Famers, Denver Bronco Ring of Famers, and other former and current Bronco players as we all join together for a night of much-needed levity.
If you have yet to make your reservation for this very special event, there are spots open to the March 14 Roast. However, thanks to KOA radio, seats are going fast so call Dani's Foundation TODAY to book your spot for My Big Greek Roast on Saturday, March 14.
In advance, our thanks to everyone who is coming together to make this event a success for our foundation and our efforts to fund greater pediatric research in the days ahead. Have a GREAT weekend!
Martha Simmons
Executive Director
Dani's Foundation
303/601-1881
martha@danisfoundation.org

TOASTERS & ROASTERS ON MARCH 14

Below is a listing of some of the Toasters and Roasters who will be on hand for the March 14 My Big Greek Roast event:

TYRONE BRAXTON
KEITH BURNS
STEVE BUSICK
MARK COOPER
JAY CUTLER TOM DAVIS
RICK DENNISON
BUCKY DILTS
RON EGLOFF
STEVE FOLEY
JOHN GRANT
DALE HACKBART
MIKE HARDENJIM JENSEN
RICH KARLIS
KEITH KARTZDAVE LOGAN
VIC LOMBARDI
CLAUDIE MINOR
HAVEN MOSES
DAVE PRESTON
DAVE STUDDARD
RALPH TAMM
BILLY THOMPSON
BILLY VAN HUESENRON ZAPPOLO
GARY ZIMMERMAN
AND MANY, MANY MORE!

SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY:
THE BARREL MAN
MILES THE MASCOT
MEMBERS OF THE DENVER BRONCO CHEERLEADERS

AMAZING AUCTION ITEMS ABOUT AT MY BIG GREEK ROAST BENEFITBreak out your charge cards and check books and make plans now to do your bidding on some AMAZING auction items that will be showcased at My Big Greek Roast on Saturday, March 14 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Invesco Field at Mile High. Below is a listing of some of those GREAT items that will be available for bidding:

TRAVEL

7 Days / 6 Nights on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Hale Ho'ola Bed & Breakfast.
Hyatt Place Weekend Get Away in Colorado Springs
Weekend Get Away to the Westin Tabor Center
Weekend Get Away to the Westin Westminster
Weekend Get Away to the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Denver
Weekend Get Away to the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera
Napa Valley Wine Country Experience including 3-night stay at the Meritage Resort including daily breakfast, 6 hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service with wine tours, wine train and round-trip airfare for two.
America's Cup Yacht Adventure including a hands-on 2 1/2 hour sailing experience on Dennis Conner's infamous "Stars & Stripes" yacht, plus a 4-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (San Diego) and round-trip airfare for two.
Fairmont Whistler Ski Package for Two including 3-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (British Columbia) with daily breakfast, 3 days of amazing skiing at Whistler Blackcomb and round-trip airfare for two.
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Experience in Paris including either a 2-hour Parisian Market Tour with demonstration or a 6-hour themed workshop for two, plus a 5-night stay at the Hyatt Paris Madeleine and round-trip airfare for two.
NASCAR Racing Experience including classroom training for two and the once in a lifetime opportunity to drive NASCAR cars on a professional track. Package includes 4-night stay at a Hyatt property and round-trip airfare for two.
Choose Your Championship: Major Sport Package including two upper-level tickets to any one of your choice of major sporting events and an extraordinary dinner for two following the event. Packing includes a 3-night stay in a 4-star hotel and round-trip airfare for two.
Masters Final Round Experience including a 3-night stay in a 2 bedroom/2 bath home or condo and round-trip airfare for two.
NYC Fashion Week Experience including 2 VIP passes for a luxury suite overlooking the runway to either the Spring or Fall 2010 collection including a 3 night stay at either the W Times Square or the Grand Hyatt New York and round-trip airfare for two.
Jimmy Kimmel VIP Experience including two tickets to a Live taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live including VIP access to the Green Room; 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and round-trip airfare for two.
Round-Trip Airfare for Two within the US and Canada
Round-Trip Airfare for Two to Europe

SPORT & RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

2 Denver Bronco Game Tickets and a visit to the KOA Broadcast Booth with Dave Logan and Company
Denver Bronco Season Tickets
Colorado Rockies "Behind Home Plate" Tickets
Colorado Avalanche Tickets
Spend a day on the Links at Pelican Lakes in Windsor with Former Denver Bronco Jim Jensen
Denver Nugget Tickets
Autographed Chris Iannetta Colorado Rockies Jersey
Autographed Colorado Eagles All Star Team Jersey
Golf at Arrow Head Golf Club
Golf at the Meridian Golf Club
Golf at Fossil Trace Golf Club
Golf at Boulder's Flatirons Golf Course.
Golf at Denver's City Park
Golf at Holly Dot Golf Course in Colorado City
Lift Tickets to A Basin Ski Area
End of Season Skiing at Ski Cooper in Leadville
Monarch Mountain Ski Tickets
Spring Skiing Lift Tickets to Sunlight Mountain Resort
Private Yoga Class for your and 9 Friends

DINING OPPORTUNITIES from the following eateries

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Texas Roadhouse
Romano's Italian Restaurant
Sazza
Noodles & Company
Big Bill's New York Pizza
McCormick's Fish House & Bar in Downtown Denver
L'Atelier in Boulder
Cherry Cricket
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant in the Denver Tech Center
Maggiano's Little Italy
Fresh Fish Company in Denver
Pasquini's Pizzeria
Serioz Denver Style Pizzeria

ENTERTAINMENT OPPORTUNITIES from

Denver Art Museum
Arvada Center
Denver Zoo
Comedy Works in Downtown Denver
Molly Brown House in Denver
Adams Mystery Playhouse in Denver
Buntport Theater in Denver
Forney Museum of Transportation
VIP Package to the Greeley Stampede including Big & Rich Concert Tickets
Central City Opera Performance
Littleton Town Hall Arts Center
Paragon Theatre

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SHOPPING FOR A REALLY GREAT CAUSE?

There is something for everyone at the My Big Greek Roast Auction on Saturday, March 14. Hope to see you there!

PROCEEDS FROM MY BIG GREEK ROAST TO BENEFIT DANI'S FOUNDATION & INCREASED FUNDING FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

Daniele (Dani) Stell, was an active, bright and social young woman who loved fashion, dancing, school and friends. She aspired to become a fashion designer after graduating from college.

Dani was 18 years old when she found a lump on her side. After six months of medical visits, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that typically affects children and young adults.

By the time of Dani's diagnosis, the cancer had spread to her lungs. Although she showed no symptoms other than the lump on her side, Dani was in critical condition. She was hospitalized and began an aggressive schedule of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and a bone marrow transplant.

Dani was cancer-free for four months when doctors discovered the disease had returned, this time in her brain. Despite more chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Dani remained positive and was determined to beat her disease. Dani approached her cancer with the philosophy of "I am living with cancer, not dying from it." Thanks to this philosophy, Dani demonstrated courage and the will to live by graduating from high school and enrolling in and attending college classes.

Dani did not fulfill her dream to become a fashion designer but she lived her life with a flair for fashion. In April 1999, Dani lost her battle with cancer. She was 19 years old. Over the course of her 16 months of treatment, Dani became a symbol of strength to her family and friends.

Dani would often state that "we're picked for a reason" and with that will to succeed, Dani's family and friends established Dani's Foundation, an organization that would lend support and resources to Ewing's patients and family members, a vehicle to educate the public on the symptoms of the disease, the formation of an organized effort to advocate for better treatment programs for all pediatric cancer patients and a mechanism that would work toward finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and other pediatric sarcomas.

Today, Dani's Foundation is committed to finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other pediatric sarcomas; those rare forms of cancers that are taking the lives of children and young adults. Dani's Foundation is committed to establishing initiatives that will assist in funding necessary research for Ewing's Sarcoma and other pediatric sarcomas, working to educate the public-at-large on the symptoms of sarcomas, and working toward the development of better resources for the pediatric sarcoma population.

Your partnership with My Big Greek Roast and Dani's Foundation will make a tremendous impact on the lives of those patients and families who need support now. Your participation will help to fund vital scientific research that can ultimately find the cause and the cure for these deadly childhood diseases.

For more information on My Big Greek Roast and/or Dani's Foundation, visit the Foundation website at www.danisfoundation.org or contact Martha Simmons, Executive Director (303/601-1881 or Martha@danisfoundation.org)

MY BIG GREEK ROAST GUEST INFORMATION

For those who have already booked reservations to the March 14 My Big Greek Roast event, below is specific event information for your attendance.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 P.M. - Registration Open, Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
7:00 P.M. - Greek Feast Dinner
8:00 P.M. - Silent Auction Closes and Toasting & Roasting Begins
10:00 P.M. - Silent Auction Check Out and Departure
ATTIRE Many are asking what the attire is for My Big Greek Roast. Suggested attire is business and or cocktail apparel. Those wishing to dawn Togas for the celebration: Have at it!
ENTRANCE TO INVESCO FIELD & EVENT PARKING Parking is located on the west side of the stadium.The West Club Lounge is located on the United Club Level.Once your car is parked, walk to the Stadium's main entry plaza and enter through Gate 2.Inside Gate 2, there are elevators and an escalator for access to the festivities.Take the elevators/escalator to Level 3 that will deposit you in the United Club Lounge.There will be guides along the way to direct you to your final destination.

My Big Greek Roast - Media Advisory

2009-04-10T00:57:00-06:00

February 27, 2009
MY BIG GREEK ROAST to honor
Denver Bronco Trainer
Steve "the Greek" Antonopulos

Festivities to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Invesco Field at Mile High
Below is a press release on a very special event which will take place in Denver on March 14th.
MY BIG GREEK ROAST is an event to honor Denver Bronco Trainer Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos. The event is being billed as "the funniest" event of the benefit season with many current and former Denver Bronco players and coaches coming together to toast and to roast the man who has kept the Denver Broncos up and running for the past 33 years. Any and all promotional support that you can lend to this very special event - which will raise funds for Dani's Foundation and our efforts to fund greater pediatric cancer research in the days ahead - would be GREATLY appreciated. We are sure that many of your Denver Bronco audience will want to participate in the evening of Bronco lore and sheer entertainment. For additional information on this event, please contact Martha Simmons at Dani's Foundation (303/601-1881 or via email to martha@danisfoundation.org).
In advance, our thanks for your consideration of support of this very special event!
MY BIG GREEK ROAST TO HONOR A DENVER SPORT LEGEND
Members of the Denver Bronco Alumni, KOA Radio and Dani's Foundation will be coming together on Saturday, March 14 at Invesco Field at Mile High to pay a Hollywood style tribute to Denver Broncos Trainer Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos. My Big Greek Roast is being billed as "The Most Nostalgic and Lighthearted" event of the spring benefit season and will feature a variety of Colorado sport personalities taking their turns at toasting and roasting Antonopulos and his 33 year career as Head Trainer of the Denver Broncos.

Proceeds from My Big Greek Roast will benefit Dani's Foundation, a Colorado non-profit organization that is working to fund pediatric cancer research.

Steve Antonopulos, a.k.a. "The Greek" is considered by most of his peers as tops in his profession because of his dedication to the Broncos and his incredible long-lived career. Beginning in the early 1970's, he has worked for NFL coaches such as John Ralston, Red Miller, Dan Reeves, Wade Phillips, Mike Shanahan and now is working with Denver Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels. His career has included working for Denver Bronco Owners Gerry and Alan Phipps, Edgar Kaiser and Pat Bowlen. Quarterbacks Craig Morton, John Elway, Jake Plummer and Jay Cutler all worship "The Greek". "He is the best trainer in the business and each and every Bronco for the past three decades is indebted to 'The Greek'," explained My Big Greek Roast Chairman and former Denver Bronco Jim Jensen. "We are working to pull off an event that will not only pay tribute to a great man who has helped all of us further our careers, but hopefully will add some much-needed nostalgic camaraderie, Bronco fan support and laughter to the Denver community in these not-so-predictable times."

My Big Greek Roast is sure to be a very special event for any Denver Bronco fan. This event will mirror those infamous training camp dinners that are only privy to Bronco players and coaches. "Recollections from Steve's 33 years with the Broncos, as told by the players, coaches and media should make for an evening of unpredictable and insatiable fun," exclaimed Jensen, who played for the Broncos in the 1970's Orange Crush era and during their first trip to the Super Bowl in 1978. "This setting, this opportunity...has never been available before to the public-at-large. "The Greek" has been a cornerstone of our lives and careers and it will be our chance to finally acknowledge how much he has meant to all of us...good or otherwise."

Joining Jensen at the March 14 event will be Fox 31 News Anchor Ron Zappolo and KOA personality Dave Logan, who will be acting as co-hosts for the evening's Roast program. In addition to Jensen, Zappolo and Logan, current and former members of the Denver Broncos including Tyrone Braxton, Mark Cooper, Jay Cutler, Tom Davis, Rick Dennison, Buck Dilts, Ron Egloff, Steve Foley, John Grant, Dale Hackbart, Mike Harden, Rich Karlis, Keith Kartz, Claudie Minor, Haven Moses, Dave Preston, Dave Studdard, Ralph Tamm, Billy Thompson, Billy Van Huesen and Gary Zimmerman will be lining up to congratulate "The Greek" and take their heart-felt jabs at this man who has been responsible for keeping their careers up and running. In addition to current and former Broncos, CBS 4 Sport Anchor Vic Lombardi will be representing members of the Colorado media and he will be joined by other notable personalities including the infamous Barrel Man, Miles the Mascot and members of the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders in celebrating Antonopulos.

"This is sure to be a wonderful event for all Denver Bronco fans, the Colorado community and those pediatric cancer patients who are in need of hope," explained Dani's Foundation Founder and President Michele Ashby. "We are working to fill the Invesco ballroom on March 14 with the goal of joining together for an evening of love and laughter in honor of this wonderful man and those children and young adults who are in need of a cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other rare forms of sarcoma cancers that are affecting and taking their lives."

Tickets to My Big Greek Roast are $200/person. Included in the tax-deductible donation to Dani's Foundation is admission to the pre-Roast Cocktail Party and Silent Auction, a Greek Feast Dinner and the post-Dinner Roast. There is limited seating available to this very special event and anyone interested in obtaining tickets should contact Dani's Foundation NOW for details.

For more information on My Big Greek Roast - A Night of Love and Laughter in honor of Denver Bronco Trainer Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos - that will take place on Saturday, March 14 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the West Club Lounge at Invesco Field at Mile High, contact Dani's Foundation at 303.601.1881 or email to martha@danisfoundation.org.

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

VIP TOASTERS & ROASTER FOR THE MARCH 14 ROAST WILL INCLUDE:

JIM JENSEN, CHAIRMAN
DAVE LOGAN & RON ZAPPOLO, HOSTS
TYRONE BRAXTON
MARK COOPER
JAY CUTLER & MEMBERS OF THE 2008 DENVER BRONCO FOOTBALL TEAM
TOM DAVIS
RICK DENNISON
BUCKY DILTS
RON EGLOFF
STEVE FOLEY
JOHN GRANT
DALE HACKBART
MIKE HARDEN
RICH KARLIS
KEITH KARTZ
VIC LOMBARDI
CLAUDIE MINOR
HAVEN MOSES
DAVE PRESTON
DAVE STUDDARD
RALPH TAMM
BILLY THOMPSON
BILLY VAN HUESEN
GARY ZIMMERMAN
AND MANY, MANY MORE

SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY:
THE BARREL MAN
MILES THE MASCOT
MEMBERS OF THE DENVER BRONCO CHEERLEADERSWhy Steve "The Greek" Antonopulos?His last name is impossible, which is why everybody calls him "Greek". In the locker room at Dove Valley or wherever the Denver Broncos play, "Greek" rules!

Steve Antonopulos, a.k.a. "the Greek" is considered by most of his peers as the tops in his profession. He has worked for NFL coaches such as John Ralston, Red Miller, Dan Reeves, Wade Phillips, Mike Shanahan and now Josh McDaniels during his 30 year training reign with the Denver Broncos; all the while applying mile upon mile of tape to thousands of professional football players. Not bad for a small town kid from Hugo, Co.

Steve Antonopulos grew up in the eastern-plains town of Hugo, Colorado and played football there. Following high school, Antonopulos attended the University of Northern Colorado where he received both bachelor's and mater's degrees. Antonopulos is a great example of the success that can come to a small town high school graduate.

Antonopulos has been with the NFL for 30 years as the head trainer for the Denver Broncos. "He's the best trainer in the business, bar none.....every guy in the locker room is indebted to 'the Greek'," explained fullback Howard Griffith in January of 1999.

John Elway added his two cents for "the Greek" during his Hall of Fame induction speech in August 2004. "Nor would I be standing here, literally, if it weren't for our trainer, Steve Antonopulos. Thanks for all the Band-Aids, 'Greek'," and thanks for convincing me I wasn't hurt as much as I thought I was."
As the Broncos trainer, his tenure has spanned three decades, eight AFC Championship contests, six Super Bowls, seven coaches and 23 starting quarterbacks. He has seen wide-eyed rookies become household names, watched career-ending injuries rob players in their prime. He has seen innovations ranging from arthroscopic surgery to magnetic resonance imaging, and watched as alternative medicine moved into the mainstream. Through it all, the guy with the small-town upbringing and two Super-sized rings, not to mention a wife he met because of his job, hasn't once regretted the path he has chosen.

Antanopulos has and has been active in professional groups associated with his profession and has been recognized both locally and nationally for his innovation both on and off the field.
After so many years, Antonopulos is considered by many of his peers as tops in the profession. Certainly, he'd rank at the top if miles of tape were the measuring stick.
Running back Reggie Rivers once figured that Antonopulos probably had taped 500,000 ankles in his Broncos career.
"And that was eight, 10 years ago," Antonopulos said. "I couldn't tell you. I don't pay attention."
He also can't tell how many more he'll have taped when all is said and done.
"I've always said as long as I continue to have passion to do what I do and enjoy doing what I do and stay healthy, I could do this forever," he said. "I'm living a dream that I had growing up in eastern Colorado."

Turns out the kid from Hugo turned the right corner 30 years ago and thousands in Denver Bronco Country are thrilled that he continues as a fixture with the team and the NFL community!
Why Dani's FoundationDaniele (Dani) Stell, was an active, bright and social young woman who loved fashion, dancing, school and friends. She aspired to become a fashion designer after graduating from college.

Dani was 18 years old when she found a lump on her side. After six months of medical visits, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that typically affects children and young adults.

By the time of Dani's diagnosis, the cancer had spread to her lungs. Although she showed no symptoms other than the lump on her side, Dani was in critical condition. She was hospitalized and began an aggressive schedule of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and a bone marrow transplant.

Dani was cancer-free for four months when doctors discovered the disease had returned, this time in her brain. Despite more chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Dani remained positive and was determined to beat her disease. Dani approached her cancer with the philosophy of "I am living with cancer, not dying from it." Thanks to this philosophy, Dani demonstrated courage and the will to live by graduating from high school and enrolling in and attending college classes.

Dani did not fulfill her dream to become a fashion designer but she lived her life with a flair for fashion. In April 1999, Dani lost her battle with cancer. She was 19 years old. Over the course of her 16 months of treatment, Dani became a symbol of strength to her family and friends.

Dani would often state that "we're picked for a reason" and with that will to succeed, Dani's family and friends established Dani's Foundation, an organization that would lend support and resources to Ewing's patients and family members, a vehicle to educate the public on the symptoms of the disease, the formation of an organized effort to advocate for better treatment programs for all pediatric cancer patients and a mechanism that would work toward finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and other pediatric sarcomas.

Today, Dani's Foundation is committed to finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other pediatric sarcomas; those rare forms of cancers that are taking the lives of children and young adults. Dani's Foundation is committed to establishing initiatives that will assist in funding necessary research for Ewing's Sarcoma and other pediatric sarcomas, working to educate the public-at-large on the symptoms of sarcomas, and working toward the development of better resources for the pediatric sarcoma population.

Your partnership with My Big Greek Roast and Dani's Foundation will make a tremendous impact on the lives of those patients and families who need support now. Your participation will help to fund vital scientific research that can ultimately find the cause and the cure for these deadly childhood diseases.

For more information on My Big Greek Roast and/or Dani's Foundation, visit the Foundation website at www.danisfoundation.org or contact Martha Simmons, Executive Director (303/601-1881 or Martha@danisfoundation.org)

Advocacy Update

2009-04-10T00:55:00-06:00

February 27, 2009

As a Friend of Dani's Foundation and someone that is concerned about the battle against pediatric cancer, I am sending you information about a most important event that will be held in Colorado on Wednesday, March 4. I am hopeful that you will consider attending - if you are in the Denver area - and / or will pass this email on to others who might wish to participate.

The more voices heard, the more action taken!

As always, our thanks for your continued support of Dani's Foundation and our efforts to find the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the other sarcoma cancers that are affecting the lives of children and young adults.

Have a GREAT weekend!
Martha Simmons
Executive Director
Dani's Foundation

Colorado State Lobby Day March 4
Cancer Voices Needed to Advocate!
Dear Colorado Cancer Community

This is a reminder that the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will be holding its annual State Lobby Day on Wednesday March 4, 2009. We would like to invite all family and friends to attend and speak out to our Colorado elected officials about the issues that are affecting cancer this legislative session.

Please visit this link and SIGN UP ASAP so that we can schedule a meeting with your representative and senator ahead of time!!!

http://acscan.org/events/view/event/542

In these tough economic times it is important now more than ever for us as advocates to put cancer on the top of our legislature's priority list.
This year we will be advocating on behalf of several VERY important issues:

HB 09-1059

Introduced by Representative Primavera, would require that all private health insurance plans regulated by the state, continue to cover the routine patient care costs for policy holders who chose to enroll in a clinical trial. Due to the experimental and investigational nature of drugs and devices tested in clinical trials, insurers can be inconsistent about continuing to provide coverage for the routine care a patient needs while being enroll ed in a clinical trial. This bill does NOT ask that insurers cover the investigational drug or device itself, as this is typically covered by the sponsor of the trial. The bill only requires that insurers continue to provide all services that would be covered under the individual's policy regardless of their enrollment in the clinical trial.

The bill was passed through House Health and Human Services committee and well as the entire House by a unanimous vote and was introduced by Senator Morgan Carroll in the Senate. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing assignment in the Senate.

HB 09-1164

Introduced by Representative Diane20Primavera, would add an additional $25 dollar surcharge on to the "Committed to a Cure" breast cancer license plate. The additional revenue would be used to pay for an eligibility expansion for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid Treatment program when funds become sufficient and sustainable within the account.

Currently, a woman MUST be screened through the state's screening program (Women's Wellness Connection) in order to be eligible for treatment coverage through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program. In other words, if a woman meets ALL qualifying criteria for enrollment in the Treatment Program but was screened at a clinic outside of the Women's Wellness Connection, she WILL NOT qualify for Medicaid treatment coverage.

The goal of this legislation is to raise enough dollars through the license plate surcharge as well as additional private donations, to expand eligibility for the Treatment Program so that women meeting all other qualifying criteria can receive coverage for treatment, regardless of where they were screened.

This bill passed through the House Transportation Committee by a unanimous vote and will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on March 6 (2 days after Lobby Day).

State Lobby Day
Wednesday, March 4, 2009

We will be joining together to educate our lawmakers about the importance of removing cost barriers for preventative cancer screenings for private and public health insurance plans.

We will speak specifically to the screenings found most likely to prevent late stage disease such as colonoscopy, mammography, PSA, and pap. We expect legislation related to this concept to be introduced later in session.

We will also speak to the importance of preserving the programs funded through Amendment 35 Tobacco Tax money.

PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!

                  http://acscan.org/events/view/event/542

ACS CAN
2009 Colorado Lobby Day
Wednesday March 4, 2009

Event Agenda

7:30- 8:15 a.m.
Registration
Old Supreme Court Chambers, Capitol 2nd Floor

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies
Old Supreme Court Chambers at the Capitol

Legislative Speakers- Representative Dianne Primavera

Survivor Recognition

Donna Smith - American Patients United (from the movie Sicko)

Bob Beauprez - former Congressman from CD 7

Mo Lukens- Closing
There will be a "hook line and sinker" making the ASK training in the Old Supreme Court Chambers directly following opening ceremonies.

10:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Volunteer advocate meetings with Members of the GeneralAssembly
(These meetings will be scheduled for you by ACSCAN staff.
You will receive a meeting schedule with the specific location and time of your legislative meetings)

10:00 - 12 p.m.
Lobby Day Headquarters
Panera Bread
(located on the northeast corner of Grant Street and 13th Avenue.)
Bagels and coffee will be available while you are between meetings at the Capitol

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch at Panera Bread

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Wrap up session and closing remarks
Panera Bread

Please don't hesitate to call me with any questions.
We hope to see everyone there!!!

Dana Dzwonkowski
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN) Director of Government Relations - Colorado
2255 South Oneida Street
Denver, CO 80224
(O) 720.524.5445
(C) 202.553.2427
(F) 303.758.7006

Dani's Foundation News - December 4, 2008

2008-12-04T13:55:00-06:00

The "Season of Giving" is Upon Us

As we embark on the Season of Giving, we are asking for your support of Dani's Foundation and those that we serve in the Ewing's community: patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals and those scientific investigators who are looking for the cause and the cure for this dreadful disease that is taking the lives of too many of our children. One can only imagine what it is like - at this time of year - to be facing the diagnosis of a deadly disease. The physical and mental anguish must be awful for those patients and their families who are enduring a Ewing's experience. We want to play a part in making the days ahead brighter for the Ewing's population and we need your help to succeed!
Your support of our Foundation during the month of December will be the key to our ultimate success. By making a year-end tax-deductible gift to Dani's Foundation, you will help us in our efforts to:
expand information for the Ewing's community via our website;
develop a comprehensive community education program that can lead to increased awareness on the disease and hopefully earlier detection;
develop an endowment fund that will offer grant fund awards to scientific investigators who are looking into better treatment options for Ewing's patients and all pediatric cancer patients;
allow our Foundation to continue funding cutting-edge research that will find the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.
Your support of Dani's Foundation in the days to come....by making your personal donation and/or passing this email on to others who can lend support to our efforts .... will make a tremendous difference for those patients currently diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma and those children and young adults who will be diagnosed in the coming year. Your financial gift could be the key that unlocks the mystery to this dreadful childhood cancer!
In advance of your consideration of support, we thank you for your continued involvement with Dani's Foundation. We take pause today to wish you and yours a joyful season filled with health and happiness!
Martha Simmons
Executive Director
Dani's Foundation
Giving Tree Added to Foundation Website
Dani's Foundation has just posted a Giving Tree on the cover of our website (www.danisfoundation.org) to assist donors in making an secure online year-end donations to our Foundation during the Season of Giving.
Please visit our website, to see the pertinent information provided within its pages and to make your year-end tax-deductible gift to Dani's Foundation and the battle against Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.
Help us fill our Giving Tree with ornaments and gifts for the Ewing's population this holiday season!
DID YOU KNOW?
CHILDHOOD CANCER STATISTICS
Cancer is a random killer with no known cause.
Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children and adolescents, killing more children than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS/HIV combined.
Every day, in the United States 46 children - two classrooms of kids - are diagnosed with cancer.
Each year over 12,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. 3,000 children will die from cancer this year. A year.
The incidence of childhood cancer is rising almost 1%
One in ever 330 Americans will develop cancer before the age of 20.
Sarcomas are cancers of connective tissue (bone, muscle, fat, cartilage and soft tissue).
Each sarcoma, individually, is so rare that it is listed as an "orphan disease".
There are 50 types of pediatric sarcomas, and they account for 20% of all pediatric cancers.
99% of all sarcomas occur in children.
Ewing's Sarcoma (EWS) is most often diagnosed in children and young adults between 10 and 20 years old.
Ewing's Sarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents.
A tumor can arise in or around any bone in the body with few symptoms to warn the child that there is a problem.
Prior to diagnosis, the cancer often spreads (metastasizes) from bones to other organs such as the lungs.
Metastasis is present in about 33% of children and teens who are diagnosed with EWS.
Metastasis at diagnosis drops the chances of a 5-year survival rate to about 20%.

"The ten federally funded cancer cooperative groups, which enroll nearly half of the patients in the nation who are participating in cancer trials, have begun to shut down (clinical) trials and stop studying certain cancers amid funding concerns....among the hardest-hit will be rare cancers such as sarcomas..." Amy Dockser Marcus, Wall Street Journal, 2/7/2007

Each year, the National Cancer Institute spends millions of dollars on breast cancer research alone, yet only a fraction of that total is set aside for research of all childhood cancer. Only a small portion of that funding is put toward finding cures for the many sarcomas that exist.
The government plans to make even more funding cuts for childhood cancers, especially sarcomas.
Dani's Foundation is working toward the day when Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of tumors are no longer threatening our children. You can help to beat these statistics by joining our Team - DANI'S TEAM - that is working to Take On Ewing's - One Lump At A Time!
THANKS TO MACY'S
Dani's Foundation would like to thank the management and staff of Macy's for allowing our Foundation the opportunity to be a part of their community shopping day on November 22.
Involvement with Macy's and other community businesses and organizations is the foundation of our organization's ultimate success against Ewing's Sarcoma and we thank Macy's and each of you who participated by purchasing VIP shopping passes to support Dani's Foundation!

FIND HAPPINESS
Dr. Marina Papirova is a licensed psychotherapist, certified soul coach, certified Six-Sensory, and experienced teacher and workshop facilitator. Through her Allow Unfolding School of Happiness and Peace of Mind, Dr. Papirova provides holistic psychotherapy, past life regressions and psychic reading at her private practice in Denver. Dr. Papirova is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of
Denver, where she is a clinical supervisor at the Counseling and Educational Services Clinic.
Realizing that her workshops and individual sessions are expensive, Dr. Papirova offers FREE monthly classes on human nature and
the riddles of human existence. A nominal fee is required to reserve space within one of these FREE classes and Dr. Papirova is
donating that space fee to Dani's Foundation with the goal of helping to fight Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.
If you are interested in taking advantage of one of Dr. Papirova's FREE classes on December 20, January 10 or January 24, read
below for details.
The December 20th class is entitled How to Win Your Body's Friendship and Obtain Its Cooperation. This is a class on the nature of the
human body: body versus mind, versus spirit. The class will demonstrate to what extent people can affect the health and longevity of their
physical body.
The January 10th class is entitled Are We Really What We Think. This class is designed to explore the nature of the human mind:
the conscious mind versus the subconscious mind, versus the super-conscious mind. This class will demonstrate to what extent people
can create their lives with the power of their minds.
Information on the January 24th class can be obtained by visiting the Allow Unfolding website.
To learn more about Allow Unfolding, a school of Happiness and Peace of Mind that is dedicated to serving people who are interested in understanding the roots of their physical, emotional or mental suffering and who are willing to learn and practice happiness - an optimum
way of living - visit their website at www.allowunfolding.com.

Foundation Update - November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T21:54:00-06:00

Welcome to Dani's Foundation!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Dani's Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding the cause and the cure for Ewing's Sarcoma and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.

Ewing's Sarcoma (EWS) is a rare form of cancer that strikes children and young adults. Dani's Foundation was organized in memory of Danielle Stell, a 19 year old student who corageously battled and eventually succumbed to EWS nine years ago. Since her death from EWS, Dani's family and friends have banded together to raise awareness and funding for research of this dreadful disease that is taking the lives of too many children and young adults.

In August 2008, I was employed as their first full-time employee for Dani's Foundation. I have come on board with the goal of assisting Michele Ashby, the Board of Directors and our amazing volunteers in their efforts to take Dani's Foundation to the next level of success; with the goal of raising greater awareness and funding for the battle against EWS. Your support of our efforts will be the key to our ultimate success!  I am hopeful that you will become involved in the days ahead with the goal of helping Dani's Foundation to succeed in its mission to beat EWS!

Since August, I have been working with the Board of Directors on planning for the future of the organization. We have made great strides in the past few months and, following a strategic planning meeting held last month - many milestones will be accomplished in the days ahead. I am excited to share some of our advancements with you today with the goal of garnering greater participation for our Foundation and those that we serve.

New Website - As of two weeks ago, a redesigned website is now posted on the world wide web. We have been blessed to work with Ty Ricker, of Giving Technology, on the development of this new site. We are hopeful that you will visit www.danisfoundation.org and give your input on how we can better serve the Ewing's population (patients, family members, caregivers, medical professionals and researchers), our sponsors, donors and others with the goal of making our site the Number One site for Ewing's information.

Please Note: this is a work in progress and many changes are being made weekly with the goal of keeping our information current and applicable to the Ewing's population.  We are hopeful that you will bookmark our site and check back to it on a regular basis; to stay informed as to the work that we are conducting and keep abreast of our coming programs and events.

Ewing's Quarterly - In addition to the website, we have also developed a formal Foundation newsletter that will be distributed quartely to Friends of Dani's Foundation. If you would like to preview our most recent newsletter, go to our website and touch the Ewing's Quarterly advertisement on the right column of the homepage to subscribe and/or download the latest edition of this publicaiton.

Year-End Campaign - At this time, I would like to ask for your personal support of Dani's Foundation via a year-end tax-deductible gift to our organization. We realize that finances are extremely tight for all of us this year but try to imagine how tough times are for those patients who are diagnosed with EWS and those scinetists who are trying to obtain funding for future EWS research. Your donation to Dani's Foundation today could make an immeasurable difference tomorrow in the life of a Ewing's patient or in the work a scientific researcher who is looking to find funding for his/her study that could find the cause and the cure for this dreadful disease. Your donation now could make a tremendous difference in the outcome of EWS!

Your support of our year-end campaign will support the expansion of information to the Ewing's population. It is our goal to become the Number ONE resource for EWS patients, family members, caregivers and those medical professionals that serve them.  With your help we can expand the scope of the resources provided and lend valuable support to those in need of accurate information.

Your support of Dani's Foundation will support the development of a structured educational program that is being developed to assist in the earlier detection of EWS. Too many EWS patients report that they had the symptoms of EWS many months prior to their diagnosis but due to their age and their activity level, these symptoms were "chalked up" to childhood pains or activity injuries. We need to develop a campaign that will take the EWS symptoms to the masses with the goal of getting EWS patients diagnosed earlier and working toward more positive outcomes.

Your tax-deductible donation will support funding for research that will find the cause and the cure for EWS. Dani's Foundation is working to continue its funding to Dr. Jeffrey Toretsky's EWS research at Georgetown University. (To read about Dr. Toretsky's research, visit our website and preview his latest advancements.) In additon to supporting Dr. Toretsky; Dani's Foundation is committed to organizing new research opportunities that will provide funding for annual research grant awards to up and coming scientific investigators who are studying EWS.   Your support of Dani's Foundation now will help us to take greater strides in research in the days ahead.

In closing, I thank you for your past support of Dani's Foundation and the efforts to TAKE ON EWING'S - ONE LUMP AT A TIME! I will look forward to the opportunity of keeping you updated, via this electronic newsletter, in the days ahead with the goal of advancing support for the battle against EWS.

On behalf of each of us involved with Dani's Foundation, our best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful season of Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
Martha Simmons
Executive Director

NEW CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DANI'S FOUNDATION
Please note our new contact information
Dani's Foundation
1600 Broadway, Suite 2400
Denver, CO 80202
303/601-1881

GREETINGS FROM DANI'S FOUNDATION

2008-11-02T10:09:00-06:00

www.danisfoundation.org
GREETINGS, ALL!
I am sending this email to each of you with the goal of updating you on news from Dani's Foundation. Much has been happening with this organization and I would like to take this opportunity to personally update you on our news!
Since coming on board as the first full-time Executive Director of the Foundation, I have been working with Michele Ashby and the Board of Directors to expand the scope of this amazing organization with the ultimate goal of achieving success in the campaign against Ewing's Sarcoma (EWS) and the Ewing's Family of Tumors.
Prior to my arrival in August, Michele and the BOD hosted the first annual Ewing's Medical Forum in Denver. A group of nationally recognized medical and professional leaders joined together for a weekend in Denver to assist the Foundation in strategizing for the future. The weekend was a truly amazing effort of great minds coming together for one specific cause. Our thanks to everyone who participated in this strategy effort and we will look forward to seeing each of you and many others at the 2nd Annual EWS Medical Forum in Denver in October 2009.
In addition to the EWS Medical Forum, the Foundation has just completed a Strategic Planning Meeting that was designed to assist in defining and advancing plans for the future of the Foundation. I would like to thank those 20 individuals who spent last Saturday with us in this meeting that proved to reach for the stars when considering where the Foundation will go in the days ahead. A formal report from this meeting will be posted on the Foundation's website by December 1, 2008.
One of the major goals of the organization has been to develop a better website that will be Foundation and user-friendly for the Ewing's community. We have been working on this new site since August and thanks to the support of Ty Ricker and Giving Technology, our new and improved website is now live and ready for viewing. You can visit our new website by logging on to www.danisfoundation.org.
This website is a work in progress for the Foundation and over the next few months we will be working to make this site the Number One resource for Ewing's patients, family members, caregivers, medical professionals and others who are in need of Ewing's information, resources and support.In addition to providing a wealth of information on EWS, this site will be working toward the mass distribution of education and awareness for EWS.
Due to this lack of education, Dani and other EWS patients are neglected when they present their initial symptoms to medical professionals. Sometimes the communality of these symptoms mirror other typical life symptoms and we hear more and more that patients are turned away until more pronounced symptoms appear. Although we do not know for a fact that earlier detection will be a key to survival, one cannot think that this would be the case for many of our patients if their initial symptoms were screened properly with the goal of earlier treatment.
Dani's Foundation is committed to working toward the development of a universal education campaign that will be distributed to the masses with the goal of obtaining greater education for one and all!
With education comes an organized advocacy campaign for EWS and all "boutique" cancers. All too often the rare cancers do not receive recognition and research funding due the minute number of cases presented each year. Dani's Foundation is committed to making a change in this philosophy and will be working to develop and implement a "one voice" campaign that will work to enlist all rare cancer organizations with the goal of working together for the common goals of better education and increased research funding for "boutique" cancers.
We are in need of support from those of you who want to assist us in the development of this grass root advocacy campaign. Your help in the development of the program, the distribution of the program to other organizations and then assistance in launching this campaign to local and national legislators will be of vital assistance in the days and months ahead!
Research has been the hallmark that has driven Dani's Foundation since its inception 9 years ago. Dani's Foundation is committed to continuing its efforts to assist in raising funds that will find better treatment options for EWS and all cancer patients and to be a leader in raising the dollars needed to find the cause and the cure for EWS.
To date, Dani's Foundation has designated over $150,000 to EWS programs and research but the time has come for us to take this effort to the next level of success with the goal of making a measurable difference in the days ahead.
In the next few weeks, you should be receiving your copy of Ewing's Quarterly, our Foundation newsletter. Copies of this publication will be available in hard copy and on-line via our website. Within the publications of this publication, we will be re-introducing our Foundation to the masses and sharing vital information on the disease and the organization. In addition we will be asking for support of our efforts to beat EWS.
At this time, we are calling on all EWS patients, family members, caregivers, medical professionals, scientific investigators, business associates, family and friends to assist us in the campaign to raise greater awareness and funding for programs, education and research. We will welcome not only your financial support but your ideas for advancement of the Foundation. Whatever you can lend, we gladly welcome your offers of support to Dani's Foundation and the campaign to Take On Ewings - One Lump At A Time.
Here's hoping to hear from you in the days ahead. Your support is the key to our ultimate success.
Sincerely,
Martha Simmons, Executive Director
Dani's Foundation
1600 Broadway, Suite 2400
Denver, CO 80202
303/601-1881
martha@danisfoundation.org

Forbes Magazine Article Highlights Osteosarcoma

2008-09-16T01:45:00-06:00

Childhood Cancer: Where's The Money?

Commentary by Helen Jonsen

Forbes Magazine September 12, 2008

Helen Jonsen is a Forbes.com senior editor whose daughter recently underwent treatment for osteosarcoma at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of
New York Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical College.

First it began as little night pains in the leg, the kind most parents associate with growing pains. We told our little girl, "Don't worry, it will go away," and the next morning it seemed fine. She ran and played and enjoyed the days of summer, like her friends did.

But our 9-year-old's nights became more painful. A swelling in her knee got worse. A slip in the wet grass became an excruciating accident. There was little sign of anything more serious, but the pain grew in intensity and frequency. A couple of weeks went by, and a new school year was about to begin.

Finally, one tearful night, when Dad was massaging her leg to help it feel better, he felt a lump in addition to the swelling. He took her to the pediatrician, hoping against hope. The doctor later admitted his "blood ran cold" when he felt her leg.

Within hours, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that often first appears near the knee or elbow joint, and can spread to the lungs and become fatal. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Osteosarcoma is found in only 400 children each year in America.

In this case, less than a month after the onset of symptoms, the tumor had grown to the size of a wine bottle, forcing an oncology surgeon to remove 80% of her femur and her knee joint and rebuild her leg internally with a space-age prosthetic.

She underwent debilitating chemotherapy for 10 months, her entire fifth-grade school year, and continues physical therapy and rehabilitation so that her bionic leg, with half its healthy muscle intact, can learn to walk again. We now believe our daughter is one of the survivors.

No matter how good the treatment, not every child survives. One child in five whose parents hear the terrifying words "your child has cancer" will die. Sometimes the advancing cancer cannot be stopped with all the weapons in the oncologists' current arsenal. Sometimes it is the "cure" protocol that kills them. And every time, a parent wonders why, and cries.

Our daughter's battle with pediatric cancer is one of 12,500 in America each year, the most common kinds being leukemias and lymphomas. In July, Congress acknowledged that research into children's cancers is underfunded. Why would that be the case?

For one thing, children with life-threatening diseases exhaust their families emotionally and often financially; even after recovery, neither the children nor their parents find it easy to advocate for themselves. The children are too young, and for the whole family there is always that fear of recurrence. Parents want some respite before the horror might begin again. Unlike other health care lobbies, they do not have the energy to march in the streets and call for action.

According to Kate Shafer, Director of Advocacy for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, most federal funding for childhood cancer research comes from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), with a small amount coming through appropriations. Schafer says, "It's a bit difficult to determine how much in any given year is spent on childhood cancer research. It is around $170 million per year."

Most of that goes toward laboratory research. The funding for pediatric cancer clinical trials has gone down every year since 2003, and is currently $26.4 million. By comparison, NCI funding for AIDS research was $254 million in 2006; funding for breast cancer topped $584 million the same year.

It often takes one person's passion, born of pain, to raise awareness and start a movement. The sad truth is that it has taken a Congresswoman's loss to move her colleagues, but federal funding for research into the treatment and cures for pediatric cancer is being penned into law.

In June, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1553, which authorizes $30 million annually over five years to fund clinical trial research, create the first population-based national childhood cancer database and further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatments and research. That's a tall order for $30 million. It costs more than that to make one relatively small Hollywood movie.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Ohio, is called the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in memory of the lawmaker's nine-year-old daughter, who lost her life to neuroblastoma in 1999. The Senate followed suit, and President Bush signed the funding act July 29.

But as Shafer, the childhood-cancer cure advocate, notes, "the money still has to be appropriated. The next step in the process is to get Congress to include some, or--less likely--all of this money authorized in the appropriations bills that have to pass every year."

Cancer is the No. 1 disease killer of children in the U.S. and the second overall killer of children, behind car accidents. We tend to talk about it in hushed tones instead of screaming for help. But scream we should.

Research groups need collective philanthropy to fund research sufficient to eventually lead to a breakthrough--one in the form of newer, less invasive treatments, cures and maybe even early-detection screening and prevention in our lifetime.

On Sept. 5, the three major television networks, ABC, NBC and CBS, simultaneously broadcast a one-hour telethon, "Stand Up 2 Cancer," which, combined with related efforts, raised $100 million. (The organizers at the Entertainment Industry Foundation have not said what portion of that will go directly to research into pediatric cancers.) During the telecast, they aired the famous radio broadcast that launched the March of Dimes to end polio, during which singer Eddie Cantor asked all Americans to send in a dime.

Today, polio has been eradicated in the U.S. and in more than 200 countries, according to the World Health Organization. That should be a lesson as to how far a little philanthropy can go. May it be an inspiration in the fight against childhood cancer. Wish big.

Dani's Foundation Selects Executive Director

2008-09-01T14:19:00-06:00

Dani’s Foundation, a national not-for-profit organization, has announced the selection of Martha Simmons as the Foundation’s first full-time Executive Director. Simmons began her role with the Foundation on August 15 and will be overseeing the administration, programs, education, research and development for the Denver-based Foundation.

Dani’s Foundation was incorporated as a non profit organization in 2000 by Michele Ashby whose 19 year old daughter, Dani Stell, succumbed to Ewing’s Sarcoma in 1999. The mission of the organization is to raise awareness, advance treatment and work toward funding research that will find the cause and the cure for the Ewing’s Sarcoma Family of Tumors, a rare form of cancers that strike adolescent teens and young adults. Since its inception, Dani’s Foundation has supported Ewing’s Sarcoma programs and research throughout the nation. Most notably, Dani’s Foundation has lent financial support to The Children’s Hospital in Denver and the research efforts of Dr. Jeffrey Toretsky, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgetown, MD, by providing pilot funding to extend research on Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Simmons comes to Dani’s Foundation from The Limb Preservation Foundation where she served as the Executive Director of that non-profit organization for the past four and a half years. Prior to that time, Simmons was the Executive Director of The ALS Association. “We are so pleased to have Martha at the helm of Dani’s Foundation,” explained Foundation Founder and President Michele Ashby. “We look forward to the many successes that our Foundation will experience with Martha’s proven leadership.

Simmons will be overseeing the development of funding initiatives that will assist in the development of better resources for the Ewing’s population, advocacy and funding for improved treatment programs and the development for a Ewing’s Sarcoma research endowment that will insure the continuation of scientific investigations for perpetuity.

For more information on Dani’s Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website at www.danisfoundation.org.