Uncategorized

November 1, 2019. October: Ernesto Figueroa, Whitehall, PA

Ernesto is a spunky, funny and energetic 5 year old boy who loves to be active. He loves to talk and tease, which he does with a smile. Ernesto is the second of three boys! They love to play transformers and card games together. He also has a dog and a cat at home.

In June of 2018, Ernesto was experiencing sore legs. Black and blue marks started to appear on his legs. After many tests, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He is being treated at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children with chemotherapy. Ernesto is currently awaiting Car-T cell therapy. He tells us he wants to be Dr. Halligan when he grows up and he loves to visit Robin’s office (only when she has toys). Ernesto will continue to fight with the love and support of his family and friends.

Information provided by his parents, Doreen & Christian.

June 1, 2018. June: Linh Vuong, Blue Bell, PA

This little dancer has just turned 5 years old and looking forward to Kindergarten next year! Linh loves to spend time with her three older sisters. They like to sing, play games and stay active. Linh always has a smile on her face even when she has to celebrate her birthday in the hospital.

In February, Linh suffered from a nose bleed that would not stop. Her parents rushed her to St. Christopher’s where they ordered some lab work. Linh has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Her treatment plan has consisted of bone marrow tests, chemotherapy, blood transfusions and platelet transfusions. Linh is a fighter and never gives up. Her family hopes for a cure so she can get back to summer with her sisters.

Information provided by her mother, Stephanie.

May 2, 2018. May: Giovanna DeMarco, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Giovanna is an honor student at William Penn Charter School where she was inducted into the Cum Laude Society.  She is currently wrapping up her senior year and counting down the days till graduation. Giovanna has accepted an athletic scholarship to Wake Forest University where she will continue her soccer career. When she is not on the field, she likes to spend time with her family and friends.

William Penn Charter requires Seniors to complete a Comprehensive Project as a way to engage in service and address some of the most pressing issues in their community. Giovanna has chosen to work with Michael’s Way and run a food drive to support the Oncology families at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children located in Philadelphia. The drive will help to alleviate stress for these families who have to devote most of their time to care for their sick child.

If you are interested in contributing, here is the list of acceptable items:

Non-perishables
– Soups – Beans – Veggies – Pasta – Sauce – Mac & Cheese – Rice – Canned Tuna & Chicken – Peanut Butter – Jelly – Crackers – Cookies

Others
 – Laundry detergent pods, dish detergent pods, Lysol wipes, Body Wash, Shampoo & Conditioner, Hand Soap, Size 6 Diapers

Dropbox location:
Michael’s Way Office
175 Commerce Dr, Suite 400
Fort Washington, PA 19034

If you are unable to get to the office, consider shipping to the Michael’s Way office from Amazon:
www.smile.amazon.com

Penn Charter Community:
There are drop-boxes located in the lobbies of the Upper, Middle and Lower Schools.

The food will be delivered to St. Christopher’s Hospital on Wednesday, May 23rd. Thank you for your consideration!

March 30, 2018. April: Shannon Hartey, Childhood Cancer Survivor, Mays Landing, NJ

At age 29, Shannon is a 22-year childhood cancer survivor where she was treated at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Eight years after Shannon was cleared of her cancer she started a non-profit organization while in her junior year of high school; Shannon’s Dream, later rebranded into Room for Hope.

In the 10 years Shannon ran the organization she was faced with the diagnosis of skin cancer, a benign brain tumor and ovarian cysts caused by Endometriosis. Shannon recently graduated with a Master’s Degree from Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in Organizational Development & Leadership which was an especially meaningful achievement since her pediatric doctors didn’t see her surpassing high school.

Although she does not actively run Room for Hope, she does many other pediatric cancer outreach work and plans to start something similar in the future to continue her true passion of bettering lives of children with childhood cancer.

“Strength comes from struggle. When you learn to see your struggles as opportunities to become stronger, better, wiser, then your thinking shifts from “I can’t do this” to “I must do this”. – Toni Sorenson

March 2, 2018. March: Aslyne Pierce, 2 years old, Philadelphia, PA

This little beauty is Aslyne. She is a funny, happy and amazing girl who loves to sing, dance and paint. Aslyne is the youngest of four girls and enjoys playing dress up with her sisters. Her favorite game is playing doctor with her ducky. Since Aslyne was diagnosed with cancer, she has had a lot of experience watching doctors.

Last June, just after Aslyne’s 2^nd birthday, she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her face was swollen and was seen at her pediatrician and dentist. The dentist sent her to St. Christopher’s where she is being treated with chemotherapy. Aslyne likes to help with her treatments by taking her medicine with ease. She enjoys being in the clinic with her friends and waves “hey girlfriend” to the nurses.

Her family is hoping she lives a long, healthy and happy life!

Information provided by her parents, Mark & Cheryl.

January 31, 2018. February: Brynlee Lawlar, Kindergarten Academy, Prospect Park, PA

Brynlee is a funny, loving and caring 5 year old. She is very artistic, loves to cook and enjoys watching The Food Network. Once Brynlee comes out of her “shy shell” she keeps her whole family laughing. They say laughter is the best medicine.

In October of 2016, Brynlee was experiencing upper left leg pain as well as a very high fever. Her pediatrician recommended taking her to DuPont for bloodwork. At the young age of 4, Brynlee was diagnosed with Philadelphia Positive Pre B cell ALL. She immediately started an intense chemotherapy treatment. Brynlee is nearing the end of her intensive treatment and will continue with a less intense treatment through the end of 2018. Her mother wants her daughter to grow up to be a young woman who lives her life to the fullest and does everything she wants because she deserves it all.

You can follow her journey here: www.facebook.com/brynleesbattlebuddies

Information provided by her mother, Lisa.

January 3, 2018. January: Madelyn O’Malley, Kindergartener at St. Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia, PA

Madelyn is a 5, almost 6 year old, sister to her two younger brothers who she adores. She is enthusiastic and enjoys everything she tries, from soccer to dance to gymnastics. Madelyn loves school and treats her classmates with kindness and compassion.

On Christmas Eve 2014, Madelyn had an ear infection and fever that would not go away. She was admitted to St. Christopher’s in January 2015. She received multiple transfusions and underwent a bone marrow biopsy to test for leukemia. The test came back negative. A couple months pass and Maddy’s ear infection would not go away. The O’Malley’s take her back to the hospital for another biopsy which this time tested positive for leukemia. Madelyn has completed 2 years of chemotherapy and currently has no evidence of leukemia in her system.

Her family wishes for continued health and for Madelyn to accomplish all that she hopes and dreams.

Information provided by her parents, Tara & Shaun O’Malley.

December 1, 2017. December: Minnah Chatha, 3 years old, Philadelphia, PA

Minnah is a playful but shy little girl who loves playing pretend with her sister. They like to color, put puzzles together and get the playdough out! During her time at the hospital, she is very cooperative. Minnah has been a patient at St. Christopher’s for 7 months.

In April, Minnah had episodes of nausea for three weeks which led to several visits to the ER. Her doctors discovered a mass in the back of her head and two days later Minnah was diagnosed with ATRT, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. After a successful surgery, she is currently receiving chemotherapy. Minnah will then receive a stem cell transplant followed by 6 weeks of radiation. Her mother says that she wants Minnah to be happy, enjoy life and to help others. Minnah loves dancing to the theme song from the movie Zootopia, “Try Everything”.

Information provided by her mother, Asraa Chaudhri.

November 1, 2017. November: Nasir Blakey, 11th grader at Mastery Charter Pickett, Philadelphia, PA

This teenage boy loves to play sports, especially basketball, football and baseball. He also loves to cut hair! Nasir always has a smile on his face even when he is not feeling well. His mom describes him as an optimist. Nasir tries to do everything he is supposed to, appreciates everyone and is so polite. He is surrounded by a wonderful team of people that care for him and rally around him, including two brothers, one sister and his whole school! Nasir was spotlighted on the CBS segment, Brotherly Love titled “Cancer Who”.

Nasir’s cancer was discovered through an ultrasound of his stomach. He was diagnosed on February 17, 2016 with a desmoid tumor. His treatment plan has consisted of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and more. There have been too many days and nights spent in the hospital so Nasir is looking forward to spending time with family and dreams of being a football player. Nasir lives by the golden rule treat people the way you want to be treated.

Information provided by his mother, Lakisha Blakey.

October 2, 2017. October: Kathleen McElwee, President, MW Young Professionals

Kathy is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, niece, and doctor! She was born in Philadelphia, but currently lives in Paoli with her husband and (almost) 3-year-old daughter, Victoria. They love spending time together outdoors, swimming, and traveling. Kathy has combined her love of problem solving, penchant for detail, and interest in travel, to build her career. For the past 6 years, Kathy has worked as an Infectious Disease Physician in the Reading Health System. Her interests include infections of the immunocompromised and population health.

Some of these interests may have been sparked by childhood memories of her father, Michael, who passed away from Leukemia and is also the namesake of Michael’s Way. Her father found joy in his family, serving his country as a Marine, and was known for his love of dancing. Kathy is proud to help further this mission in his honor and represent her family as the President of the Young Professionals Board.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” –Aristotle