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December 23, 2011

Boise Optimists among many who support children with cancer

The Boise Noon Optimist Club recently welcomed guests from the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) at St. Luke's Regional Hospital, Boise, Idaho. Attending were Jessica Harding and Kelsey Breeding to discuss the child-life activities of which the Boise Noon Optimists are involved.

Jessica and Kelsey from MSTI

As part of their commitment to Optimist International's Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign, the Boise Noon Optimists helped start the Beads of Optimism program at the hospital. The beads are given to the children as a way to mark milestones in their treatment that helps cheer them at difficult times; and later, the kids and their parents use the beads as a way to tell their story. According the Kelsey, about thirty children are in active treatment for cancer at MSTI. Most are in and out of hospital care so the hospital reserves fifty beds just for them.

While many Optimist Clubs care for kids with cancer and their families on a local level, earlier this month Optimist International President Jack Creswell pledged an additional $500,000 to be raised for John Hopkins University Research Hospital in order to continue research into the eradication of childhood cancer.

Please click on the the link to find out more:
Optimist International and John Hopkins Partner in Cancer Research Initiative