Spring 2008
The Global Eye.
Jeff Healey Concert
Bowling for Africa
San Francisco Family Gathering
Welcome
Eye Contact
Jeff Healey Concert
Bowling for Africa
San Francisco Meeting
Research Matters
Mosaicism.
Eyes on the World
China
Rati’s Challenge
In the Spotlight
Abby
Linda
Focused Care Q&A
Pain
The Art of Child Life
Pain Management
Snap Shot
India
World Rb Citizen
Maria Pezzente
Kids Corner
Bugs.and Butterflies
Points of View
Have Your Say
Diary Dates
Upcoming Events
Special Agent Joe Brett
Toronto, Canada.
I hadn't heard of retinoblastoma until fellow musician Jeff Healey passed away in March 2008.
Despite being blinded as an infant by retinoblastoma, Jeff rose to
success as on of Canada's (and the
After Jeff passed, I researched a little about this dreadful form of cancer and decided to see if there was something I could do to help. With the aid of Toronto's media, my band put on a benefit at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse on Saturday, March 15, 2008. The funds we raised were donated to Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund.
Unfortunately, it does take money to help battle retinoblastoma, and to help assist the families whose children are afflicted by it. Some of the funds we donated will be used for education, to help the public become more aware about early detection.
I think it is very important for people to know that every 'little bit' counts, and I am proud to have been able to celebrate Jeff's life and contribute my 'little bit' towards the fight against retinoblastoma in the process.
Editor's note
On Saturday May 3rd, and Sunday May 4th, two jazz and blues concerts were held in Toronto in Jeff's memory. Proceeds from both concerts were donated to Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund. We sincerely thank Jeff's wife Christie, his fellow members of the Jazz Wizards and Healey's House Band, and all the wonderful musicians who participated in these three special events for the outpouring of support in memory of the talented and visionary man, Jeff Healey.
Teresa Beyer
Millington, New Jersey.
On April 27, 2008, Starbucks of Gillette New Jersey, held a Make Your Mark Fund raiser for Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund at the East Hanover Bowling Lanes.
Make Your Mark is a year-round Starbucks Corporate Social Responsibility program that supports and encourages volunteerism and community fundraising among the company’s partners (employees) across the US and Canada, their friends, family, and customers. Starbucks grants cash donations to non-profit organizations based on partner and customer volunteer hours, or generated through Make Your Mark fundraiser events.
I wish to personally thank Kiana, the Gillette store manager, who worked so hard donating her time and effort to make this charity event happen. Starbucks coffee from Africa was featured, and gratefully enjoyed by all of the bowlers.
The event personally touched my heart, to see the partners who came to this Bowling event and made it the success that it was. I was really touched to see the young folks come out to such an event, bringing their family and friends and giving up their Sunday afternoon to help the children in Kenya. While there were some very serious bowlers to watch, many of us were there to support this cause and have fun while doing so.
The Make Your Mark Fundraiser raised over $800.00 for the Rati’s Challenge program within Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund. The funds will be used to assist development of child life programs that can improve the medical experience for children undergoing treatment for retinoblastoma in Kenya, and introduce family support that can help increase acceptance of treatment while a child is still curable.
Again, I wish to thank Kiana, and Starbucks friends from Gillette, Warren, Basking Ridge, and Bedminister, for your generosity of time and effort given to this fundraiser. Giving up your Sunday afternoon to Bowl in New Jersey translates into a valuable contribution that will help save the lives of little children affected by eye cancer in Kenya, and improve their quality of life during treatment. Your enthusiasm and willingness of spirit was an inspiration to me. Thank you again for your kindness towards these children, and May God Bless each of you.
Linda Kelly-Lynch - Teacher of the Visually Impaired,
San Mateo County, California
On May 5th, five families with young Rb children currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area attended a parent networking meeting. I coordinated this gathering, and it was hosted by the McCarthy Center for Families of Special Needs Children, in Burlingame, California. This initial meeting was planned at the request of several families currently involved in various stages of treatment. These families indicated that they would like the opportunity to meet other families that were also involved in active treatment, for the purpose of establishing an informal support network.
After introductions, each family shared their child’s story and as much information as they wanted. One parent indicated that he was also an Rb survivor. The parents discussed the possibility of regularly scheduled meetings as well as potential topics for future meetings. The group was unanimous in their desire for continued meetings and it was decided to try meeting quarterly. Possible topics put forward for future discussion included genetics, medical insurance, and nutrition.
The parents also indicated that they had a strong desire to meet families who are several years removed from treatment, so I will attempt to locate some of these families for a future meeting. Contact information and email addresses were exchanged for further networking and communications.
I was a little nervous about facilitating a meeting without a formal agenda. I wondered what I would talk about if the parents were reluctant to share information or discuss their children. I was in for quite a surprise! After two hours of non-stop talking, I had to bring the meeting to a close. Everyone had participated and those in attendance enthusiastically agreed that our first get-together had been a success.
The next meeting will be held in September. For further information please contact llynch@smcoe.k12.ca.us
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