Local preschool to host Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sale
Mission: Be a Good Cookie!
Each month, Huntersville Presbyterian Church (HPC) Preschool embraces a mission project. Each project teaches the children to be aware of those in need and to be cheerful, loving givers. Since Spring 2011, HPC Preschool has hosted a Cookies For Kids' Cancer Bake Sale as one of these projects. This year's sale is near to the school's heart, as they will be honoring one of their own students, Madison Graham, who is battling pediatric cancer. The bake sale will take place on Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1 from 9am-10am & Noon-2pm each day.
Four year old Madison began her fight against pediatric cancer when she was only 5 months old after being diagnosed with a Wilms' tumor on her kidney. It was surgically removed, and she showed no evidence of disease until a scan last October, showed a spot on her lung. She endured another surgery and began months of chemotherapy treatments. She is now counting down to her last scheduled treatment on May 4! Her parents, Barry & Jennifer Graham, who serve the community as a Huntersville Police Officer and area social worker, are grateful for the community's support during this time. "It was a no-brainer for our school to honor Madison and her family with this year's bake sale," says fellow pre-school mom and bake sale co-organizer, Mariel Klauer. "When you have a family that gives so much to our community, it's only natural for you to give back. Plus, Madison brings nothing but smiles and joy to our preschool. We want to spread that joy to all the kids that battle pediatric cancer by supporting Cookies For Kids' Cancer and their mission."
Cookies For Kids' Cancer was founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt in 2008 when their son Liam was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma cancer. Liam lost his courageous battle on January 24, 2011 at the age of 6. Now the Witts are more committed than ever to raising funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer. Here are some little known facts about pediatric cancer:
- Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease of children in the U.S.
- Less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget goes to all childhood cancers combined.
- Two-thirds of pediatric cancer patients will develop long-term side effects, many life-threatening -- a result of the treatments that "cured" them.
- Only four of the 12 most common types of childhood cancers have average survival rates over 80%.
- 13,500 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Funding for research to discover new, improved therapies is the ONE THING that can truly change the facts of childhood cancers forever. And that is why fundraising through bake sales and other innovative methods is so crucial. So please join HPC Preschool and the Graham family on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1.
Location: 201 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville
Day/Times: Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1 9-10am & Noon-2pm
How: Cash donations will be accepted for baked goods
You can help by providing yummy treats for the bake sale or stopping by to pick up some goodies in exchange for a donation. Donors will also be entered in a Cookies For Kids' Cancer cookbook giveaway! If you're unable to come out but want to contribute, donations can be made on Madison's donation page HERE!
For more information on this non-profit, please visit us HERE!
