Car show for Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign

The Midtown Optimist Club in Independence, Missouri supported the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign today by hosting a car show. Better yet, the proceeds from the annual event will benefit one particular three-year-old resident of their community: Gabriel Huffman.  Watch to learn more.



The Childhood Cancer Campaign was started to help eradicate childhood cancers through research at Johns Hopkins University. Over the years, meeting the needs of individuals has become equally important to members in local Optimist Clubs. To that end, specific fundraisers are held in communities across the US that stay right at home to help families as they care for loved ones stricken with cancer.

Pennies for kids

The Optimist Club of Oro Valley, Arizona has made another donation to the UMC Pediatric Oncology Department from their progressive Pennies for Kids Cancer Fund Drive. Each year, the eighteen members of the Oro Valley Optimist Club donate approximately $15,000 to the cause.

The latest check, $5,621, will be used to purchase MP3 players for the children undergoing treatment. The idea is to make the child's stay in the hospital more enjoyable, explained Don Cox, club president. This amount represented $4,600 raised in the community and a $1,000 Cure Childhood Cancer grant from the Optimist International Foundation.

Thanks to the Oro Valley Optimist Club for the picture and story.

The puck drops to eradicate childhood cancer

We often read about Johns Hopkins Research Hospital and the Optimist International Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign on this blog, but what we usually don't say is that our Canadian Optimist Clubs do not donate to that effort.

Instead, the clubs in Canada support a campaign that keeps the money raised in Canada. Donations received pass through the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation and on to the hospitals, research universities or families as designated by the contributing club.

This photo, provided by the Vanier Optimist Club in the Eastern Ontario District - Optimist International was an opportunity to explain that small difference with the junior hockey team, the Cumberland Bandits, giving their support to the cause.

In the special fundraising event on February 25, all proceeds from the door were donated to the Eastern Ontario fund to help build awareness of the disease and provide support to: children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer; families and care partners of children with cancer; healthcare and service providers; and research for cancer.

Unfortunately the Bandits lost the game, 5-6 to the Vankleek Hill Cougars, but everyone who participated left a winner knowing they had contributed to an important cause.

Thank you to the Vanier Optimist Club for the picture and story. 

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

It's hats-on for kids undergoing chemo

A hat tree, for when it is really needed.

A favorite Optimist Club cause is to help support children who are diagnosed with cancer and their families. On a national level, the Optimist International Foundation collects donations for childhood cancer research at Johns Hopkins University, but at the local level the projects vary, often driven by a need expressed by a child, family or local hospital or support group.

Some Optimist Clubs raise money for travel so that a parent can accompany their child to long-term treatment, others give parties or gifts to raise spirits. The ideas and needs are great and Optimist Clubs love to fill in where they can.

I was quite touched by the simplicity of the project that I came across today on Twitter when Lee Memorial Health System shared this photo: a hat tree.  The accompanying update from @Lee_Memorial was "Originally donated by the Optimist Club of San Carlos Park, here's our hat tree for kids undergoing chemo." 

Giving the hat tree is just the beginning of this practical project. Replenishing it is just as important.  What a wonderful idea for a club that wants to get involved with the Optimist International Childhood Campaign right at home.

Lee Memorial Health System is in Lee County, Florida. The San Carlos Park Optimist Club has been serving the Lee County community since 1987 by supporting community festivals and sports programs, scholarship programs, oratorical and essay contests and other programs that help children live up to their full potential. 

Photo credit: Lee Memorial Thanks for sharing the story.

Supporting our cancer kids

Optimist International encourages Optimist Clubs to conduct and support programs that impact childhood cancer through research to eradicate childhood cancer and local efforts that touch the lives of kids suffering from cancer and its treatment and their families.

A lot of the projects are fundraising efforts like the Wine and Cheese Gala held in April by the Optimist Club of Vacaville, California. It was a lovely evening with a silent auction, raffle, and entertainment.

The club recently got together to distribute the proceeds of the evening to the beneficiary - SOCK - Supporting Our Cancer Kids. 

Optimist International's efforts are known as the Childhood Cancer Campaign. The international program began as a fundraising effort a little over 7 years ago to perform research at Johns Hopkins Research Hospital and endow a fellowship at the university so studies can continue.

Many clubs wanted to do more at home and now it's not unusual to see clubs making pillowcases and blankets for cancer kids,  hosting picnics and play days for children with cancer and their families or providing support for travel and sometimes living expenses for families going through treatment with their children.

I think this picture from SOCK displays the spirit of all Optimist Club members who make sure that children have the opportunity to smile even during this most awful time in their young lives. Yes, that spirit is optimism.

Thanks to the Vacaville Optimist Club for sharing their positive story. 

Optimist Club inspiration found in France

If you are familiar with the two most popular programs offered by Optimist International, you can probably translate the captions that go with the pictures that I found at the Optimist Club of Maubeuge, France. For those not familiar, I've used Google Translate to do that for you.

Lutte Contre le Cancer Infantile
3 chèques de 3350 euros ont été remis le 14 décembre aux associations: Choisir l'espoir, Les clowns de l'espoir et les Blouses roses.

Fight against childhood cancer
Three checks of 3,350 Euros were awarded on December 14 to Associations - Choose Hope, Clowns of Hope and Pink Gowns

Concours D'Art Oratoire Des Collegiens
Finale del'édition 2011 en mai O'Cine Maubeuge
Pour qualifier les participants, les auditions des candidats se déroulent du 13 mars au 17 avril dans leur collège

Speaking Competition for College
The 2011 final edition of the Optimist Oratorical Contest will take place in May at O'Cine Maubeuge.  Hearings are being held from March 13 to April 17 at the participants schools

Cancer knows no geographical boundaries. Helping children live up to their potential should know no boundary.

Wherever you live, I hope that you consider providing inspiration to others through an Optimist Club. Find one near you and volunteer today.

Frozen Goose Walk-Run leads the way

Hurry, hurry, hurry! There is still time to participate in the Frozen Goose Run in Rochester, Minnesota, but you have to act now because the race takes place tomorrow, Saturday, February 5, 2011. Your next opportunity to freeze your tail feathers will come in February 2012 when the Frozen Goose Run will celebrate its tenth consecutive year as part of the Rochester Winterfest.

The Rochester Winterfest is a community event organized by the City of Rochester to raise awareness for nonprofit organizations that serve the community. It is taking place February 3-13 in different indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city.

The Frozen Goose Run is a project of the Optimist Club of Rochester. Proceeds of the benefit will go to Mayo Clinic Childhood Cancer Research and Brighter Tomorrows.

The Optimist Club of Rochester is leading the way in cause related activities for Optimist International's Childhood Cancer Campaign.  For nine years, Optimist International has encouraged Optimist Clubs to donate to research to eradicate childhood cancers. Last year, the organization completed a pledge to John Hopkins Research University and stepped up their effort to encourage clubs to donate to local causes. In fact, this year, Optimist International is encouraging clubs to organize a walk to benefit the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign as part of an organization-wide campaign.

No doubt the efforts of clubs like the the Optimist Club of Rochester have served as a inspiration to creating greater awareness for a cause that most Optimist Club members hold dear. Thank you for your leadership.

Letters to the editor are testimony of an Optimist Club's service

Testimonials are an effective promotion for Optimist Clubs and often they come in the form of letters to the editor written and published in local newspapers. Following is a thank you letter for the Optimist Club of Barrie, Ontario from the president of the Candlelighters of Simcoe, Ontario.

Thanks to Optimists for Candlelighters Simcoe party

BARRIE - Optimist Club of Barrie volunteers have touched the lives of families of children with cancer for the last eight years by providing a spectacular Christmas party for the Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer organization.

Despite a winter storm, 130 parents, children and volunteers participated in an amazing afternoon of activities including crafts, music, balloon creations, food and gifts from Santa who made the trek through snow and ice. We would like to make special mention and thanks to all the Optimist Club volunteers, Adrian Wood the balloon man, Peggy and Ted from Running Shoes musical entertainment and to some very special Candlelighters Simcoe volunteers who did an amazing job on the Christmas crafts. 

It is always heartwarming to see new families arrive somewhat uncertain about the event but by the end of the afternoon be smiling, making new friends and enjoying themselves immensely. We appreciate these caring and compassionate volunteers who have brought a shining light to families of children with cancer at a difficult time in their lives. 

Barbara Johnson, President, Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer    

Candlelighters, now known as The American Childhood Cancer Foundation, were formed forty years ago by parents of children affected by cancer. Their goal is to "light the way" and provide support, information, advocacy and childhood cancer research. Optimist Clubs often choose to partner with the local Candlelighters group as their Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign recipient. 

Help fight childhood cancer with a bike ride

The ninth annual Sugar River Bike Tour to help fight childhood cancer will be held on Saturday, September 25 in Brodhead, Wisconsin. The event is sponsored by the Brodhead Optimist Club and for a $30 donation, bicyclists  can choose to ride East 50 miles, West 50 miles. Following the tour, a hot lunch and goodies are provided.

The Sugar River Bike Tour is part of the the Brodhead community's Autumnfest. Participants can also enjoy a Family Farm Bike Tour, Farmers/Craft Market, Pumpkin Carving and Scarecrow Building, Chili Contest, Bake-off, Hayrides and Trick or Treating for those in costume.  There is also music entertainment an the Poopapalooza Cow Pie Bingo. Now who doesn't want to attend this fall festival?

Photo credit: www.badger-trail.com.

Optimist International - Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology

Attendees at the Optimist International Convention in Denver, Colorado were moved by this video describing how the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign made a difference in this young lady's life.

Optimist International has fulfilled a commitment to Johns Hopkins Research Hospital to raise $5 million to fund research to find a cure to eradicate childhood cancers. Optimist International has also fully funded an endowed chair.

They have now turned their attention to local communities where clubs will be able to make a similar impact on local children and their families as the young lady in the video.

We believe that sharing optimism is the way to better health.

June is Optimist International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

I received two email messages from the Optimist International office this morning.  One was the weekly update, explaining what had happened last week and inspiring leaders to action for the coming week.  The other was the Leadership Hotline, an informative newsletter with coming attractions, recent events, and its upbeat message of inspiration that is implied in its bright colors and snappy writing style.

The first message from the Executive Office told me that June was Optimist International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and offered me the opportunity to download a proclamation for my city officials to sign.

The Hotline told about Childhood Cancer Campaign activities that would take place in Denver at the International Convention and explained the Club Grants that are available for clubs to perform childhood cancer projects at home.  It also explained that June was designated as Optimist International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month:

"During the month of June, Clubs, Zones and Districts are asked to conduct projects designed to raise the public perception of children’s cancer and gain public support for our efforts to serve these children. This is a great time to schedule an event and apply for a matching grant through Optimist International."

Both are important messages about what has turned out to be one of our most loved Optimist International programs.  One suggestion was more traditional, sent via email, offering a formal way to be involved in an awareness campaign.

The second message was more interactive.  I had to click and read to find it.  I had to engage; and it encouraged me to engage with my club and my community to carry out an awareness project.  These subtle differences appeal to different personalities.  Well done, my friends at Optimist International.

Did you know that it is believed that the average person needs to hear about a topic five to seven times before they will take action?  It's up to you to get talking!  It's up to you to engage in an appropriate manner with your club and your community.  We need to spread the word far and wide that we can make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families and then we need to take action.  What are you waiting for?  Do it. Now.

Spread the love with a Magic Hug Square

The Optimist Club of Birmingham, Michigan is honoring the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign in a unique way. They are making Magic Hug Squares that promise the energy will transfer from the hands that made it into the child that needs it.

Every hand-made quilt comes with this message:

“Magic Hugs Square. This magic blanket was made especially for you. It is made out of hugs. When you are sad or mad or scared or bored, hold this square close to you and it will give you the comfort of a million hugs. It will love you no matter what!”

The Childhood Cancer Campaign began in 2001 with a commitment to raise $5 million to Johns Hopkins University Hospital to fund research to eradicate childhood cancer.  Since fulfilling the pledge, Optimist International encourages Optimist Clubs to do something special in their community to touch the lives of children and their families who are suffering from childhood cancer.  A Magic Hug Square is a charming way to spread love and caring at home.

The Saturday morning knitting circle at St. James Episcopal Church assists with the project. Extra squares are donated to the Michigan District - Optimist International for other Optimist Clubs with needs in their communities.

Cook-off for the CCC

I grew up in the St. Louis area and I can tell you that pork steaks are a Midwestern delicacy.  When I saw that the Optimist Club of North County - St. Louis, Missouri was the sponsor of the Third Annual BBQ Kick-off Classic, I wasn't surprised.

Coordinated by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the BBQ Kick-off provided good eats to the visitors and $4,000 in prize money to the chefs in four categories:  pork steak, chicken, ribs and brisket.

What was in it for the Optimist Club?  Proceeds from the event were designated to the Childhood Cancer Campaign. 

Hopecam puts homebound children in school

The Great Falls Optimist Club of Great Falls, Virginia found a new way to help homebound children experience life. The project is called Hopecam.  Hopecam provides the equipment, technology and training to connect homebound children with their friends, teachers and classrooms at no cost to the child's family or school. 

According to Hopecam.com, "after medical treatment, social interaction is the best medicine a homebound child battling long-term illness can receive." 

The Great Falls Optimist Club donated $10,000 to the cause.  Ten students will benefit from their generosity.  I'm hoping even more will benefit from other Optimist Clubs learning about this great cause. 

Optimist Clubs make a difference through the Childhood Cancer Campaign

Christmas is over.  That means back to other business for our 3,000 Optimist Clubs around the world.  One of the projects that many will be involved in is the Childhood Cancer Campaign. Through the campaign, $1M has been donated to research at John Hopkins University to eliminate childhood cancers; and throughout the country, other sums have been donated to local programs, hospitals and families. 

Like all Optimist Club programs, the Childhood Cancer Campaign is directed by the club. Club members decide how money will be raised, where it will be designated in their community, and how they will interact with the families.

In January, Makenna Sivumaki of Great Falls, Montana will celebrate two years of being cancer-free.  The Uptown Optimist Club of Great Falls was there to help her and her family through treatment.  Optimist Clubs are making a difference every day through small gifts to real people and big contributions to large causes.  You can help Optimist Clubs make a difference too by joining an Optimist Club today.

Santa to help raise money for Childhood Cancer Campaign

The Optimist Club of Bismarck, North Dakota is offering Breakfast with Santa on December 5 at the Bismarck Civic Center.  Co-sponsored by the Bank of America, the event is a fundraiser for the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.

Children and adults can enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  The donations are $5 for children and $8 for adults.  All children will receive a gift from Santa.  Tickets can be purchased at the Bank of America Center. 

Walk for Growing Hope benefits childhood cancer research and support

Since 2006, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Virginia has held the "Walk for Growing Hope" as part of Optimist International's Childhood Cancer Campaign.  The event takes place annually on the first Saturday in October.  More than $140,000 has been raised since its inception.

Twenty-five percent of the funds have been forwarded to the Johns Hopkins Research Hospital and 75% has remained in the community to help local children diagnosed with cancer and their families through Growing Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps educate families, entertain the patients and provide support to the entire family affected by the cancer diagnosis of a child or sibling. 

Find out more about the Walk for Growing Hope here.

Beads of Optimism in Boise

Optimist International made a commitment to fund research at Johns Hopkins Research Hospital to eradicate childhood cancer in 2001.  To date Optimist Clubs in the United States have given more than $1 million to that cause.  But the really exciting part of that commitment was the ongoing efforts that Optimist Clubs are conducting in their communities, on a local level.

In Boise, Idaho, the Noon Optimist Club has an ongoing commitment with St. Luke's Hospital and the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) to fund a program called "Beads of Optimism."  The beads are like a charm bracelet or necklace.  Children are given beads to symbolize different stages in their disease and recovery.  They are even given beads for the moods they are feeling.  According to a hospital spokesperson, this program makes a difference because it helps children talk about their experiences with others.  By showing the beads, they can tell the story of why they received it. 

Thanks to the  Boise Noon Optimist Club and all other Optimist Clubs for making a difference through the inspiration of the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.

This Optimist Club R.O.C.K.s

The Optimist Club of Marco Island, Florida, and the American Cancer Society of Marco Island recently held a 50-50 raffle to raise funds for R.O.C.K - Reaching Out to Cancer Kids Camp.  The event was held during the youth football games at Winterberry Park on October 31 with the lucky winner receiving their prize that day.

But the real winners are the children who will be able to go to R.O.C.K where they get to feel like normal kids again.  At camp, there are counselors, health care providers and volunteers who make sure that every one fits in.  Many are cancer survivors themselves.  Some of the activities that the children enjoy include swimming, fishing, horseback riding and arts and crafts.  They also learn about independence and coping skills. 

Optimist Clubs are involved in the Childhood Cancer Campaign where they help raise awareness for pediatric cancer research. They also provide services as needed in their local communities.  We believe th Optimist Club is making a difference on Marco Island for young cancer patients and survivors.