Happy birthday to the best father there ever was. I miss you so much everyday and there is not a day I do not think about you. I never thought that September 22nd would ever be a sad day but today it is because I can’t spend my dad’s 54th birthday with him.

 

After my mom became a survivor, I never thought I would have to go through cancer with a parent again. Never did I think that my dad, my best friend, would be taken from me because of cancer.

 

In honor of my dad’s birthday and my first without him, I am hoping you can support me and donate to support the group I am starting. I appreciate any small amount or even 22 dollars (my dad’s birthday and favorite number) from all of our friends or anyone who understands.

 

 Here is a link to DONATE.  

 

I had the idea to start a group for kids who had parents on a cancer journey over a year ago. I was in the car with both of my parents driving back from one of my basketball games.  It was one of my only games my dad could go to that year because he was too sick.  

 

Now, we changed the idea and are starting Teens Joining Forces After Loss ( JF are my dad's initials) with my mom’s company, My Cancer Family and Cancer Support Community.  Cancer Support Community is going to run the group for kids like me, living with the loss of a parent and in honor of my dad’s birthday,  I would like to ask for your support to make sure the group is able to run for years to come.  It’s being led by our family friend, former teacher and Teen Life Coach, Olivia Edelman, a former teacher and now Teen Coach, who lost both of her parents to Cancer. 

 

What my dad went through and what my family is going through is not fair to anyone. My dad had the best soul with the biggest heart.  There is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do to have him back. With all of this being said, the thing my dad did the most was inspire me.  After fighting for 2 years he passed away in March.  But because of his strength I was able to go through school and with my family and friends lifting me everyday I was able to complete the year. My family and friends have been great, everyday helping me keep my head up.  At the same time, they thankfully haven’t been through something that horrific so they just don’t understand. 

 

So in honor of my dad and because of all of the strength he has given me I hope you can support this group for kids who have lost a parent to cancer.  I don’t want any kid who has lost a parent to feel like they don’t have people to talk to who are in the same situation.  You need people around you to support and lift you up, my friends were able to do that for me so I want to be able to do that for others. 

 

Please donate here.  The money will go directly to the Cancer Support Community to pay for this program so that it is FREE for anyone who needs it.

 

 

 

In collaboration with My Cancer Family, CSCNYCT will be hosting a virtual group for teens who are living with the loss of a loved one to cancer.

 

This social group for teens, ages 14-18, will meet twice monthly on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, beginning on Oct. 1 and will be facilitated by Olivia Edelman, Teen Life Coach, who also lost her parents to Cancer.

 

"Hi, my name is Olivia Edelman. I am a former teacher, a Teen Life Coach, and Teen Guru, dedicated to mentoring/helping teens through all obstacles and challenges that life brings. I lost both my parents from cancer so I know firsthand how difficult it is. I only wish I had a community like this group to join for support, and guidance, and to be surrounded by other teens who went through similar situations and "understand how I am feeling." This group will be a safe space for teens to come together to feel like they are not alone, to have hope, and to see firsthand that they will be okay. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and building a community."