The holidays are a time for family, friends and reflection
and sometimes you can wrap all three together in a lovely bow. Saturday, December 9th, was the
Second Annual Ugly-Sweater Holiday fundraising event for the Never Had a Bad
Day Foundation. Inspired by Erik Baylis and his personal fight with cancer, the
charity seeks to support pediatric cancer patients and their families as they
navigate the costly and often lengthy process associated with cancer treatment.
Here are some rather startling statistics about childhood
cancer from Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation for childhood cancer.
Behind every case of pediatric cancer are mothers and
fathers, brothers and sisters, extended family and friends who help to bear the
load of the child in need. The cost for
travel, hotels, meals and even something as forgettable as parking add up
quickly, sapping finances and increasing worries.
Imagine a nine-year-old child undergoing treatment for
leukemia here in Chicago. Her parents, both of whom work, want to spend as much
time with her as possible. As treatment drags on for weeks or months, the
parents’ vacation and family days are quickly consumed. Soon the parents are forced into the decision
of taking unpaid leave to be with their child.
In the meantime the cost for gas, meals and lodging to
travel back and forth to the hospital pile up.
No family budgets for an extended illness of their child, and within a
few months their savings dwindle. The mental and emotional stress from travel,
tight finances and uncertainly begin to wear on the husband and wife, making it
increasingly difficult for them to stay positive and upbeat in front of their
little girl fighting for her life.
This story is retold hundreds of times in pediatric cancer
centers here in Chicago and it’s the mission of Never Had a Bad Day to help
reduce the stresses these families endure, allowing them to focus their time
and positive energy on healing the child.
Through events like the ugly-sweater holiday party we’re
able to generate funds to help families with gas cards, groceries, lodging and
more. While reducing the financial burden of the family is always welcomed, the
Never Had a Bad Day foundation strives to make a personal, lasting connection
with the entire family, forging a bond that helps to keep their attitude
positive, and spirits high.
As we come close to celebrating our first year, the foundation has begun helping families and their children undergoing cancer treatment at the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Your generous financial donations lessens the family’s financial worries, and your love and time provide a source of continuing support that money alone cannot provide.
We look forward to sharing the stories of the families whom
have let us into their lives.
