DANI’S FOUNDATION LAUNCHES
“KISS MY LUMP”
A PEDIATRIC SARCOMA COMMUNITY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
WITH THE GOAL OF SAVING CHILDREN’S LIVES IN 2011
Dani’s Foundation, the Colorado nonprofit organization who is committed to finding the cause and the cure for pediatric sarcomas; those cancers that affect and take the lives of children and young adults, will be launching its KISS MY LUMP pediatric sarcoma community education campaign with the release of its KISS MY LUMP silicon bracelets beginning February 1. These trendy bracelets are designed not only to raise funding for Dani’s Foundation but will help the Foundation in its effort to raise awareness on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma.
Did You Know: Cancer is the #1 killer of children in the United States?
Sarcomas account for 20% of cancers in children under age 20. Education is the key! Dani’s Foundation is committed to getting information out on the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas with the intent of educating the public and seeking earlier detection and ultimate survival.
WHY KISS MY LUMP?
Many of the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas initially present as lumps and bumps on the bodies of children. Dani (the namesake of Dani’s Foundation) Stell’s Ewing’s Sarcoma presented as an egg-sized lump on her rib cage. Although Dani and her family were pro-active in checking out the lump, her family physician was not up to speed on the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas and chalked the lump up to a minor ailment. Unfortunately Dani’s lump went un-diagnosed for six months. By the time of her diagnosis with Ewing’s Sarcoma, Dani was in critical condition and hospitalized immediately. She began aggressive treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a bone marrow transplant.
Dani did not win in her battle against pediatric sarcoma! And so, in memory to Dani and the thousands of other children and young adults who have lost their battles and/or who are currently waging battle against pediatric sarcomas, Dani’s Foundation has developed the KISS MY LUMP bracelet as a trendy way in which to remind everyone to check out their lumps and bumps.
KISS MY LUMP bracelets are now available from Dani’s Foundation for the nominal donation. Each bracelet is accompanied with an informational brochure that outlines the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas. To order your KISS MY LUMP bracelet, go to the Dani’s Foundation website (www.danisfoundation.org) and click on the KISS MY LUMP icon on the right hand side of the homepage.
“We hope that everyone will catch this new silicon bracelet trend and purchase a KISS MY LUMP bracelet during the month of February,” states Dani’s Foundation Youth Ambassador Maressa McClintock. “Besides raising funding for Dani’s Foundation and their efforts to End Pediatric Sarcoma, these bracelets can start the chatter on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma and encourage early testing should a lump or bump occur and persist on a child’s body.” McClintock, a Cherry Creek High School senior, was diagnosed with a pediatric sarcoma when she was 10 years old. Thanks to immediate attention by her family and physicians, McClintock’s cancer was treated immediately and she is 7 years cancer free!
Dani Urman, another Cherry Creek High School student and current pediatric sarcoma patient, is joining McClintock as a Youth Ambassador in the KISS MY LUMP campaign. Urman has undergone many months of treatment and is just now resuming her school and hopefully sport activities. “I am lucky! I’m still learning to walk on my new orthotic but I will be able to walk and golf soon. Hundreds of kids my age aren’t this lucky. They won’t ever be back.”
Both McClintock and Urman are committed to the cause and are helping Dani’s Foundation by working to get other area students involved in the KISS MY LUMP campaign. They will be asking their family and friends to purchase a KISS MY LUMP bracelet and each will be helping to educate the public on the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma.
Dani’s Foundation is committed to educating those who are charged with the care of children to become acutely aware of the symptoms of pediatric sarcomas. Similar to Dani Stell’s case, many symptoms go overlooked since the symptoms of pediatric sarcoma tend to mimic those aches and pains attributed to childhood growth pains and/or those pains associated with physical activity. Pediatric sarcoma patients present with lumps on their ankles, knees, and other parts of their bodies. Dani’s Foundation wants all parents to become proactive in their child’s health and seek out medical attention should their child develop lumps and/or complain of pain for an extended period of time.
“Statistics show that the earlier a cancer diagnosis, the better the chance of survival,” explains Dani’s Foundation Founder and President Michele Ashby. “We thought that we were proactive when Dani’s lump was detected but we did not encourage further testing as the lump progressed for several months. Had we know then what we know now… Dani may still be alive today.”
For more information on Dani’s Foundation and the KISS MY LUMP bracelets and pediatric sarcoma community education campaign, call 303.601.1881 or email visit the Foundation’s website at www.danisfoundation.org.
BY WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE!
