Newsletter

Dear JJCCF Friends,

The Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation has received a challenge grant from The Salah Foundation which will match up to $25,000 raised through 12/31/12! Double the impact of your donation!

We hope you will never discover a parent’s worst nightmare, “your child has cancer”. No parent ever prepares emotionally or financially for such devastating news. All of us have the power to do “something”. Just $1 dollar will make a difference for Beau, Hiram, Dominic & Jaiya during this dreadful time. Please consider contributing to these families trying to focus on their child’s survival while struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Your contributions will add up to make a significant impact in the lives of these 4 children & their family members. Your support will make a difference! 

The needs for these families fighting childhood cancer exceed the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation’s (JJCCF) limited resources to assist them. JJCCF has already provided each family with emergency financial assistance to help with their basic human needs, but it is just not enough. As an advocate for these children, I am reaching out for your support so these families can survive a temporary crisis. 

Giving gift cards for food / gas or tax-deductible donations would be greatly appreciated.  If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact us at (954)712-6322 or email [email protected]. For more information about JJCCF’s impactful mission visit  www.JJCCF.org.

Thank you for your consideration and your ongoing support, Sandra Muvdi, President/ Founder

*Online DonationJJCCF’s secure donation page requires just a couple of clicks & you can choose your donation In Honor of “4 children battling cancer” or an individual child’s name. Visit www.JJCCF.org or just click on the “Donate” button above.

*Mail check add to memo  “4 children battling cancer” or an individual child’s name payable to “JJCCF” and mail to: Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation, Broward Health,1600 South Andrews Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33316

1) Beau, 2 Y/O, Miami Children’s Hospital

Beau is now a toddler that has been struggling with Neuroblastoma (nerve tissue cancer) for over 17 months (diagnosed February 2011). After intense chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and a bone marrow transplant, in November of 2011 Beau’s parents were informed that their nightmare had come to an end and that Beau was free of tumors. Four months later in April 2012, Beau began having seizers and remains hospitalized to continue his therapy. The family has been devastated with their child’s relapse.

-Quote from mother:  “…on February 6, I noticed his eye started bulging I took him to the doctor and she told me it is because he is not sleeping and constantly crying. First the doctor was saying it was his thyroid but the test came back negative. So the doctor got on his phone and he called Miami Children’s Hospital oncology department. They told him to do a CT scan and that revealed Beau had tumors that were pushing the eyes forward and also in his liver. Beau spent 10 months in Miami receiving 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 12 days of radiation and a bone marrow transplant. Beau went home in November clean, but had seizures on April 13, 2012 and was airlifted again. This put our life in deeper debt.” Click on this link to read more.

2) Hiram “Diggy”, 4 Y/O, Broward Health Medical Center

Hiram is a 4 Y/O cancer champion that although struggling with his second major battle with brain cancer, maintains a fun and happy disposition. Hiram was originally diagnosed with Ependymoma brain cancer in June of 2009 and made progress through 2011. In May of 2012, Monica (Hiram’s mother) was surprised with shocking news that the brain tumor had grown back and that Hiram would have to return to battle for extensive treatment involving frequent hospitalizations. In caring for Hiram since May, Monica was laid off from her job and is struggling to provide basic needs for her family of 4 and to obtain gas money to take Hiram to the multiple South Florida medical facilities required as part of his critical treatment.

-Quote from mother:  “…Now that I have no income I desperately need help with gas traveling 1 hour to Miami Children’s Hospital for Neurosurgery which we have to go often for follow ups and hospital admission. So far in 3 weeks, he has been back 4 times. I have to travel back and forth to Chris Everett for oncology follow up appointments, treatments and physical / occupational therapy, (which may be increased to 5 days). Then take him to Davie for his neurologist monthly visit. With the two older kids being out of school for the summer and “Diggy” meds that keeps him hungry, its hard keeping food in the home. I’m a single mother trying to take care of Diggy’s needs physically and health wise while trying to maintain a home and keep my other 2 kids stable.” Click on this link to read more.

3) Dominic, 4 Y/O, Broward Health Medical Center

Dominic is the sweetest little 4 Y/O boy with a smile that lights up a room. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in December 2011 when his mother was 6 months pregnant with their second child, a baby girl. Mom at the time was working part-time and had to leave her job to care for Dominic. Due to Dominic’s delicate medical condition which required constant hospitalizations, his Dad missed many days of work which caused him to lose his job. To make matters worse, the family car has broken down several times leaving Dominic and Mom stranded in the middle of the street while trying to receive treatment. They no longer have a family vehicle.

-Quote from mother: “Dominic was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL). My husband and I were so heartbroken, we didn’t know how to take the bad news. I was 6 months pregnant when my son was diagnosed with leukemia I had to leave my part time job to take care of him. My husband lost his job for missing so many days. Our life had change in a second. Things weren’t the same every week in and out of the hospital. We had been through a lot these past months with my husband being unemployed, a 2 month old baby girl and taking Dominic to the hospital to stay for treatment.” Click on this link to read more.

4) Jaiya, 11 Y/O, Palms West Children’s Hospital

Jaiya was diagnosed with Leukemia in June of 2011. Jaiya is a child athlete with a warm and friendly smile that is struggling with the rigors of intense chemotherapy that has hospitalized her on several occasions in the past year since being diagnosed. In addition, Jaiya’s mother (Yulanda) has struggled with her own health to the point that she can no longer continue her position after 17 years. With no family income, together this mother and child are now faced with the darker reality of juggling their combined medical treatment while finding ways to pay for food and rent.

-Quote from Mother: “Jaiya was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) on 6/21/11. That day my life was turned upside down. I cried and I was at a loss of words, angry, and asking “Why?!” The medical bills, trying to work, and taking care of an ill child is very stressful and overwhelming. I had to go on medical leave myself. Due to my own health issues, I’m no longer able to work. I have many worries about medical bills and living expenses.” Click on this link to read more.