Bringing Excitement and Smiles to Kids Fighting Cancer
Posted by George Sherman
on Nov 16, 2014
BRINGING EXCITEMENT AND SMILES TO KIDS FIGHTING CANCER
Our featured speaker this week was member-in-waiting, Lester Kempner who enthusiastically described the work of Caps for Kids, a 501c3 non-profit started by a New Orleans doctor in 1993 as a way to lift the spirits of young cancer patients. Over the years, the group has expanded to 122 chapters nation-wide. Four months ago, Lester became the charity’s Regional Coordinator for New York and New Jersey.
.jpg)
Each year 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. For a child, the loss of their hair as a result of chemotherapy can be as devastating as the medical diagnosis. To provide these children with a cap autographed by a hero of their choice has become the mission of the organization. Affected children are encouraged to make a wish list of 3 personal heroes. Volunteers then work to contact agents of public figures to get the donated caps autographed. National board president Ellen Kempner, Lester’s daughter, reports that not one celebrity has ever turned down a request. “The cap symbolizes strength and allows the child to feel that their cap hero is with them during their treatment.”
.jpg)
As a fund-raising effort, schools and businesses are being encouraged to schedule a Cap Day in which students or employees donate between $1 and $5 to the non-profit for the privilege of wearing their favorite hat for the day. Money raised will help Caps for Kids achieve their goal of distributing between 3500 and 4000 caps to young cancer patients each year.
To learn more about this inspiring organization that has brought encouragement, hope and happiness to thousands of cancer-stricken children over the past 20 years, visit their website at www.capsforkids.org