Dear Supporters, Friends, and Families,
We have concluded a very successful year which was marred only by the receiving of 16 new families with recently diagnosed children and regrettably the lose of 2 children who had been a part of our "family for a period of time.
We have reaffirmed our decision to retain our present primary mission of continuing to support local families and not to become a part of the American Childhood Cancer Organization. We remain hopeful that a name change will not be necessary.
We have been able, as a result of a very generous community and a very devoted and loyal group of volunteers, to meet the needs of our families by providing emotional and financial support to more than 200 people on an ongoing monthly basis.
Our "Have-A-Heart" Valentines Extravaganza this year was one of the best yet! The Eau Gallie Yacht Club proved to be an excellent venue and it was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mr. Don Russell won the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe which was, for the 9th year donated by Brevard Hyundai Dealers.
Statistics released by St. Jude Medical Center gives us great cause for hope for our children. In 1962, a child stricken by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia had a 4% chance of survival. Today the survival rate for that disease is 94%!!! Similar dramatic improvement is being experienced by other types of childhood cancer as well.
A statistic developed by our own office revealed that our families drove a total of over 182,000 miles last year seeking treatment for their children. Basing that figure on $3.00 (2010) per gallon of gas results in over $27,300 our families had to spend! We are proud to be able to offer the financial support to assist with gas, tolls and car repairs.
On our website you can learn how you may contribute to or obtain the services that we provide and learn our schedule of planned activities which I hope you will all find time to attend. I promise that you, our children and our families will be uplifted by the experience.
Sincere thanks to all whose generous support made it possible for us to continue our vital role in the lives of our childhood cancer families.
Sincerely,
Paul Phelps, Chairman Board of Directors of Candlelighters of Brevard, Inc.