The Road Ahead & Happy Birthday CIC Mom!!

February 13, 2015, Jillian's Army, Uncategorized, , 12

by Paula Woolman

Thank you all for your continued love and support. We are once again overwhelmed at the messages and comments we’ve received after the announcement that Jillian’s latest scans confirmed that she is still in NED (No Evidence of Disease) status. The Moore Family has felt so blessed by both the emotional and financial support that they have received since July 2013, when Jillian was first diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. Although the battle is never really over, the Moores feel that it is time to shift the financial focus of Jillian’s Army over to serve the greater good. We will still provide updates on Jillian and her family, but any funds raised will no longer be used by the family for Jillian’s medical costs. They have decided to bear the burden on their own, with the hopes of Jillian remaining forever cancer free.

The unfortunate reality of neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers is that they do not receive the funding they deserve. Not only is research underfunded, but the general public is unaware of the extent and the reach of childhood cancer. It is generally thought that these diseases are rare and very unlikely to impact someone’s own life. If in any small way Jillian’s Army can help change these perceptions, then that is what we intend to do. For each of the four quarters of the calendar year, we will feature a charitable organization related to childhood cancer. If anyone donates through the Jillian’s Army site or purchases merchandise, the proceeds will go to the featured organization. The only charges we will take out are any actual shipping costs and eBay/credit card transaction fees.

Our first featured organization is St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This is an amazing charity that has raised significant amounts of money for Childhood Cancer research and support. One of the current recipients of a St. Baldrick’s grant is none other that Jillian’s own oncologist Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, M.D. better known as “Dr. B”. That grant will specifically be used to provide necessary resources for the Long Term Follow-up Program at his office, which enhances research while providing childhood cancer survivors the support, treatment and education they need to prevent and address side effects from their treatment. In addition to the grant, Dr. B is also a “shavee” in a yearly St. Baldrick’s event where he sacrifices his own hair to raise money for the organization. This year’s shave takes place on February 22^nd, you can donate directly through the link on the Jillian’s Army website.

In 2014, St. Baldrick’s raised 38.9 million dollars, and this year’s total is currently at 3.3 million at the time of this writing. They use 79.5 percent of the money they raise for Childhood Cancer Research, 17.5 percent goes to fundraising efforts, and the remaining 2.8 percent is for management and general expenses. They are committed to “filling the gap” in funding for childhood cancers as only 4 percent of federal cancer research funds are used for all the types of childhood cancer combined. Adults get cancer more often than children do, so that is where the majority funding goes.

Jillian’s Army is proud to support St. Baldrick’s and we hope that you will consider either donating directly to them, or purchasing some of the Jillian’s Army merchandise that we have available in the online store. Thank you again for your love and support of both Jillian and all the kids who have been diagnosed with cancer or will be diagnosed in the future. SALUTE!

** I would also like to send wishes for a very Happy Birthday to our very own Commander In Chief Momma, Amber Moore.  Jillian’s Army knows that they wouldn’t be sitting here reading about “The Road Ahead” if CIC Momma didn’t fight along side our warrior during this entire battle.  On behalf of Jillian’s Army, I wish Amber a year of happiness, love, and health for all those who are important to her.  Jillian’s Army means alot to her so that wish is going right back out to all of you.  SALUTE! **

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