Live Strong Isabella – Fundraiser Scheduled to Assist with Little Girl’s Care

It is with great difficulty and emotion that I write this post.  It’s not the typical sort of post you will find on our blog but, nonetheless, I feel strongly it is information worth sharing.

Each of us has someone in our lives, or knows of someone in our immediate circle of family and friends with a loved one who has been touched by cancer.  In March my family said goodbye to an uncle and tomorrow we will mourn the loss of my aunt who, just four short days ago, lost her battle with this terrible, non-discriminating disease.  My aunt and uncle were middle-aged and lived what many would consider to be full, rich lives – each married to their one true love and they lived to see their children become parents themselves.  So yes, my family takes comfort in the fact that they are no longer in pain, no longer suffering and have moved on to a better place.  But what can you say about a child, an adorable three year old little girl, battling cancer? 

Is there a more heartbreaking sound than that of a child’s cry?  Imagine the anguish her parents feel with every “bad” day they experience as this little girl endures numerous and, oftentimes, painful treatments in her battle to fight this disease.

An industry associate, Stuart Santos, Citysearch.com VP of National Sales, is one such parent living this nightmare.  His little girl Isabella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer last Oct.  Through the CaringBridge website (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/isabellasantos) and journal entries made by her mother we are able to get updates on little Isabella and her progress.

A fundraiser golf tournament is being held in Charlotte, NC on June 6^th with the proceeds to be donated to help with Isabella’s long-term care.  Requests for information about the tournament may be directed to Clark Alexander, Chair of the tournament, at clarka@onboardllc.com.  Clark is available to field any questions you may have about the golf tournament.  Interested parties may also sign up through the following Evite link:  http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=CSKNRLUYABCBFPJABIYE .

Those unable to attend the event but interested in helping Isabella and her family can still make a donation (and read little Isabella’s story) by visiting http://www.livestrongisabella.com/Site/Home.html.

Our prayers and best wishes go out to the Santos family during this extremely difficult time. We hold on to the hope that through research and additional treatments Isabella will be cured and will go on to enjoy the happy, carefree childhood to which every little girl (and boy) is entitled.

 

About the Isabella Santos Foundation:

The Isabella Joanne Santos Foundation has been created to assist Isabella and her family in her fight against neuroblastoma cancer. The funds raised through the foundation’s efforts will be used to help cover medical expenses associated with her medical treatment that are NOT PAID by traditional medical insurance, as well as her long-term care.   In addition to immediate medical costs Isabella faces long-term side effects associated with her treatment, such as hearing loss, heart-related issues, and an increased risk of second cancers.  All of which could potentially be a part of her life for years to come.

The Isabella Santos Foundation also hopes to increase awareness of the disease and of the lack of funding available to pediatric cancer research.