Hello everyone!
First, I want to say how humbled I am and how much I appreciate all of your support over the past 2 1/2 years. Your love and prayers are helping us through our battle and Noah is doing much better – Praise God!
Many of you have asked “what can we do” and “how can I help?”
Well, here’s my request - Help me change the world for all of the children who are battling cancer, including Noah. This is what we can all do – and it is time.
We have lots of exciting news about Noah’s Light Foundation!
As many of you know, I started a foundation called Noah’s Light when Noah was first diagnosed with his brain tumor. The goal of Noah’s Light is to find a cure for pediatric brain cancer by supporting visionary doctors in pediatric oncology, funding new research in the field, raising awareness of our cause and enriching the lives of the brave children struggling with this disease. I’m excited to share with you that have made some strategic changes to Noah’s Light Foundation.
After 2 1/2 years of researching and experiencing various approaches to fighting this pandemic Noah’s Light Foundation has finally been defined and has a clear direction.
Where Noah’s Light Foundation’s Support Will Go:
Visionary scientific research to a cure for today’s patients.
- Personalized Therapy
- Cell Therapy
- Biotherapy/Immune Therapy
Tumor Growth and Preservation
- Presently, most tumors are throw away. They need to be maintained and preserved to find a cure.
Hope in Action – Goals of Noah’s Light
First… Real Research!
Dr. Cooper of MD Anderson Houston specializes in T-Cell and NK (Natural Killer) cells therapies to kill cancer. NK cells are naturally occurring cells that we all have in our bodies. These cells are what fight infections. In laymen terms, Dr. Cooper and his team have created a way to “train” the NK Cells to hunt the tumor. They have named it the “Noah Protocol.” The remarkable thing about NK cell therapy is that it can be trained to hunt any cancer, or even fight other disease. The “Noah Protocol” will not be limited to pediatrics. This protocol is highly promising and just needs funding.
Secondary goals include legislative efforts to create a law that preserves initial tumors for future study and potential therapies. This is critical for personalized therapy.
Third, to building “top of mind” awareness for our children – Create a “Movement” against Pediatric Brain Cancer.
Why?
Every day in the United States, nearly a dozen children are diagnosed with brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors. To me, that is a pandemic – can you imagine if our children were being abducted at a rate of 12 a day? The country would be on a manhunt! Of the approximately 4,200 children diagnosed with these lethal tumors (of which approximately 2,000 are brain cancers) each year, fewer than 20 percent will survive. Even those who do survive often face recurrence as well as serious long-term effects that can include cognitive deficits, neuropathy, hearing loss and other conditions stemming from both their disease and the impact of treatment on developing brains. Thus, for many, survivorship can mean physical impairment, learning challenges and emotional trials.
Clearly, there is a need for developing more effective, less toxic therapies that will increase the survival of children with brain cancer while also assuring them a higher quality of life.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are now actively fundraising and we need your help! By supporting our fundraisers and creating your own, we can make the mission of Noah’s Light a reality!
RAISE FUNDS -
NOAH’S LIGHT FOUNDATION WANTS YOU TO BE A PART OF ITS LIGHT!
SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS -
We will have various “Fun” Raisers this year and would appreciate your support and attendance at these events. Our first one this year is our “Laughter Heals” event coming up on Wednesday, May 9th, at the Improv Comedy Club in Point Orlando, starring the award winning comedian, Maryellen Hooper or go to our website for more info:
http://www.noahslightfoundation.org/upcoming-events/laughter-heals-2012/
FORM A FUNDRAISING TEAM
Gather your family, friends and co-workers to create a fundraising project as a team. Soon you will be able to see your progress on the website!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!! 
I will be sending you a separate email
We know that Noah’s Light Foundation has many amazing, talented, some even famous, artist friends. We need your help and talent! We are asking for donations of original artwork, signed posters, movie memorabilia, props, anything that, if auctioned for charity, would help support us. We appreciate anything you are willing to donate and we also have some large white lanterns (the “Light”) that we have purchased that you can paint or decorate to sell at our event.
FOR CHILDREN BY CHILDREN
Introduce your child to philanthropy by helping other children. Not only will you be making a difference for children with pediatric brain cancer, but you will be molding your child’s character and giving them memories for a lifetime. Get their classroom involved. Let them come up with their own idea!
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
See how much of an impact one person can make – you will be surprised!!
We have recently re-designed our website to share all that is going on with Noah’s Light, please check it out:
http://www.noahslightfoundation.org
I am also excited to announce that Tracey Prever began working for Noah’s Light in March as our Director of Community Relations and Events. Some of you know Tracey in her previous foundation role as a board member. Please join me in welcoming Tracey!
If you have questions or ideas or would like to volunteer to help us, please feel free to reach out to Tracey at tracey@noahslightfoundation.org or 407 797-8898.
Sincerely and with deepest thanks,
Amber
