LTF Meets With Rep. Tom Petri

Despite the freezing weather, we ventured out to North Fond du Lac, Wis. and had the pleasure to have an audience with Rep. Tom Petri of Wisconsin District 6, where most of his constituents reside. After a warm greeting, we discussed the possibility of him signing the letter this year. At the audience, Rep. Petri listened intently on how of the Department of Defense's (DOD) NF research program impacts people throughout the United States and the letter would circulate again in 2013 for all to vote on it. We also told him Rep. Reid Ribble had signed the petition. At the end of the audience, Rep. Petri agreed that he would also sign.
We would cordially like to thank, Rep. Petri for signing and for the audience! We appreciate your time spent with us because"You + Me = a Cure!"

Little's Big Thank You and Big Farewell

As I look back at this year’s Kids-on-Chemo Drive, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. The Fox Valley community rallied behind us in a big way! Littlest Tumor Foundation found themselves supported by a complete mix of community members including: fire fighters, neighbors, college students, schools, family, friends, and the list goes on... 

This particular Kids-on-Chemo Drive was a stand-alone event for the first time ever! It was a big task but the LTF crew pulled through with A LOT of help from volunteers, community members and participants.

The stars of the night, the headshavers, did an incredible job collecting pledges. No matter how big or small the amount collected, the donations we received will go to a great cause! I think a little recognition is in order:

Our Sami Cup recipient, raising $2900, was Linda Elliot. This was the second year she shaved her head for this event and we are so happy Linda uses her incredible drive to further our cause.

Other headshavers include Paul Williams, Kevin Martinson, Adam Mohr, Justin Dull, KC Stadler, Ryan Lee, Nick Davidson, Boyd Van Landghen, Zack Akin, and Brent Debenedet. We even had a few people sneak in without giving us their names! That is how eager the community was to help! In addition to headshavers, three lovely ladies donated their hair for Locks of Love: Kali Thompson, Sara Burns, and Megan Mau. 

Another key part of our event was our volunteers. We recruited the most amazing volunteers we could find! We wanted to give a BIG thank you to all those who donated their time and efforts to making this event the great success it was. 

This event also marks the end of my internship with the Littlest Tumor Foundation. What an experience! If I had to pick the most important thing that I am taking away from this experience, it would be this: Everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves, even if it’s in a little way.

I am very thankful that I could be a part of the beginning stages of a foundation surely destined for greatness.

A Little NF Talking Circle

On March 11, 2012, the Littlest Tumor Foundation held its first quarterly “NF Talking Circle” at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wis. Present were adults, kids and families that are impacted by NF.

In the circle, people discussed their NF journeys with each other. It is powerful to talk with others who understand your situation. Meanwhile the children did activities such as painting, thank you card writing and game playing. Healthy snacks such as apples, blackberries, pita chips and hummus were provided. Beverages such as coconut water, along with pineapple and orange juice was served. At the conclusion, many of the attendees enjoyed the circle and it was decided by LTF leadership the “ NF Talking Circle” was a success and will be held again in early summer 2012.