LIGHT UP THE LAB WITH US
As 2021 comes to a close, we’re asking all of our supporters to remember those children who inspired them to support this cause, and to help us light up the lab by paying tribute to them with a year-end, tax-deductible contribution.
Our 2021 honored kids are featured below along with our honorees from previous years. We want our donors to get to know the children for whom we work so hard, and we invite you to visit this site throughout December as new stories are posted each week. All donors who make a year-end contribution will be provided with acknowledgement cards that can be given to friends and loved ones in lieu of, or in addition to, gifts. We thank you for honoring our children and supporting our progress.
WE’RE LIGHTING UP THE LAB FOR…
WILLIAM
At the time of his brain tumor diagnosis, Liam was an athletic sophomore in high school who kept very busy playing lacrosse, basketball, and football. After the skilled removed of a 13-centimeter ependymoma from his spine, he endured six weeks in the hospital for rehabilitation. He had to relearn how to walk, use his arms and legs, and regain his balance, coordination, and strength. Liam returned to school in January where he took up playing volleyball to stay fit, and by the time he was a senior he was a captain of the team. He enrolled at the University of Miami in 2021 and he recorded this video from his room in Rome, Italy, where he is spending his first semester at the American University of Rome and playing basketball for the school team. Liam is grateful to the team at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project for helping him get to where he is today, and we are grateful to him for sharing his incredible story of inspiration!
BRAIDEN
Braiden first met Dr. Mark Souweidane when he was a patient in 2016. Over the past two years, Braiden has been fundraising in support of Dr. Souweidane’s research by coordinating a Christmas inflatables fundraiser in his hometown. The Children’s Brain Tumor Project is so proud of Braiden and all that he has accomplished, and we are so grateful for his support and the support of his community.
JESSICA
In this video, Jessica Schwartz tells the story of her incredible recovery from surgery after the removal of a benign brain tumor. She reminds us all to celebrate the baby steps on the road to recovery. An excerpt from her inspiring speech, which she bravely delivered to donors at the recent Hip Hop for Hope event, is pasted below.
“There is one moment in my recovery that really stands out to me. One night I was finally able to put my shirt on by myself. My Dad was with me and for a second, we celebrated. However, that excitement quickly turned into sadness. I couldn’t stand the idea that I was celebrating something that was once so routine. My Dad reminded me that I should be celebrating my accomplishments, no matter how small. He also told me that it’s okay to feel sad, because that provides the fight in me to continue working hard. From that moment on, celebrating the baby steps became my anthem. And that is what I have done. I’ve continued to celebrate each step of progress and look at me now! I’ve returned to George Washington University where I’m studying to become a speech language pathologist. I may have to adjust the way I do some things, but I am back to living a pretty typical college student’s life.”
“Through hard work and small wins, I am back and better than ever.”
CHARLIE
A patient of Dr. Mark Souweidane, Charlie was diagnosed with a brain tumor, PNET, when he was eleven years old. He will soon be sixteen and he is thriving! We invite you to watch his inspiring story, and to read about his journey in his own words here.
JOEY
Joey’s mom shares her son with us, and talks about how important it is to her that she is able to fundraise for research in his memory. The Claytons are one of the families who support the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation, 100% of funds from which support the research of Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield at the Weill Cornell Medicine Children’s Brain Tumor Project. Read her inspiring blog about running the marathon in support of the CBTFF here.
MAX
In May 2016, Max’s story was featured in an incredible campaign published by Humans of New York (HONY) that focused on pediatric cancer. Max’s mom, Julie, shared the experience of his terminal diagnosis, and his story helped HONY author Brandon Stanton raise more than $1,000,000 to benefit the research of Dr. Mark Souweidane. Watch this beautiful tribute to Max and read the powerful series on HONY here.
ENZO
Enzo was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was only 5 1/2 months old. Today, he is seven. Enzo is an inspiration to all families facing a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, and we hope you will read this incredible blog written by his mother here.
ELLIE
Sweet baby Ellie was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma brain tumor at 11 months old. Although she has been in treatment after several intense surgeries, she maintains a contagious smile through it all. We encourage you to watch her beautiful video, and to visit her website to follow her journey.