John Alfano (third from left) with daughter and son-in-law Kim & Kenneth McPartland. They are with neurosurgeon Dr. Saadi Ghatan,

On November 1st, Hope & Heroes hosted family and friends of the Alfano Family, our Board of Directors and donors at our annual fundraising dinner to support programs at the Herbert Irving Child & Adolescent Oncology Center. Held at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park, it was a moving tribute to the Alfano Family for their ongoing generosity to the Neuro-Oncology program led by James Garvin, MD.

Left to Right: Dr. Adolfo Ferrando, Pam Liebman, Paul & Marcy Goodman and Eric Bigelsen with WOLF plaque.

The Wipe Out Leukemia Forever (WOLF) Foundation plaque dedication took place on December 5, 2007 at the Irving Cancer Research Center. The plaque commemorated the foundation’s $1 million dollar gift in support of pediatric leukemia research led by Adolfo Ferrando, MD. In attendance were WOLF board members Paul & Marcy Goodman, Pamela Liebman, Eric Bigelsen, Neil Sroka, Bruce Jaeger, Maria Manuche and Cathy Tabak. Dr. Adolfo Ferrando, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics, was on hand for the ceremony with his wife Dr. Teresa Palomero, Dr. Maria Luisa Sulis and their staff. Dr. Ferrando gave a tour of the laboratory and discussed current research with WOLF board members, friends, family, and supporters. Dr. Ferrando has recently received two prestigious and competitive awards from the National Institute of Health and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. His research findings were one of six chosen out of 25,000 that were submitted for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2007.

With over fifty corporations as participants and sponsors, including ABC, CNN, Dow Jones and other leading media groups, the FCS Race for Kids is a fun-filled weekend spotlighting exciting ski team competition and fundraising for charity. 2008 marks the 9th year that Race for Kids raised money for Hope & Heroes and two other charities – the Downey Side and Make-a-Wish Foundation of Vermont. The race has raised over $860,000 since 2000. This year, on the recommendation of Dr. Linda Granowetter, Sienna Cavallo and her family attended. Last year, while the race was going on in Vermont, Sienna had her lower leg amputated at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian as part of her treatment for osteosarcoma. Dr. Granowetter suggested to Sienna that in 2008 she could come to the race and that she could ski. The photo is proof that miracles never cease - Sienna on her skis (and on the snow) in 2008.

Dr. Michael Weiner and Dr. Jennifer Levine with Noel Wax of WCBS

On November 29th, Hope & Heroes hosted a cocktail reception highlighting the Center for Survivor Wellness, a program celebrating its first anniversary. Jennifer Levine, MD, the medical director, spoke to the program’s achievements and introduced a special guest: Noel Wax, General Manager, CBS Radio Sports. Noel, in collaboration with Dr. Levine, created the “Future Media Stars” internship program for pediatric cancer survivors with CBS News Radio, BET, 1010 WINS, CBSNews.com, JACK-FM, CBS Channel 2, Fresh FM, CBS Evening News, WFAN Sports Radio and FREE-FM. Thanks to Alicia Glenn, Daniel Rayner and family for hosting the event.

In November, the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Young Adult Alliance invited the Cancer Dancers to perform at their annual meeting in Austin, Texas. The Cancer Dancers is a dance/exercise group of survivors and their siblings who come together to mentor and support their peers currently in treatment. They use the joy of dance and movement to infuse courage and strength needed to fight and ultimately survive cancer. It was an inspiring and moving experience for the both the dancers and the attendees.

Robinson Cano with a young patient

Robinson Cano, New York Yankees second baseman, made a special visit to the outpatient floor of the Herbert Irving Child & Adolescent Oncology Center. Robinson graciously met with each of our young patients leaving behind wide smiles and special memories.

Julia Glade Bender, MD, Assistant Professor Clinical Pediatrics, will be a featured speaker at the 10th International Symposium on Anti-Angiogenic Agents: Recent Advances and Future Directions in Basic and Clinical Cancer Research in San Diego, CA this February. Her lecture on Anti-Angiogenic Therapy for Pediatric Solid Tumors will address the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, as well the diagnosis and treatment nonmalignant vascular diseases such as arthritis and retinal neovascularization.

In early 2008, Dr. Bender will be published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology with an article entitled "Phase I trial and pharmacokinetic study of bevacizumab in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors: A Children’s Oncology Group Study.”

The Gym’s Spin-a-thon

Join The Gym (Englewood and Montvale locations) in a fun way to exercise and help children in need. The proceeds will be split among three children’s charities, including Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund. To reserve your spot, please see a Customer Service Representative or contact Michelle Theos, director of Public Relations and Promotions, at mtheos@gettothegym.com. The event is open to both members and non-members and the cost for each class is $30 per person. In Montvale on Saturday, January 26, 2008 and Englewood on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

Silver Lining Society - Second Winter Gala

Join our dynamic group of young professionals at what we're calling "the first great party of 2008." Winter Gala 2008 will be at LQ New York (511 Lexington, between 47th & 48th streets) on Saturday, January 26 at 7:00pm. Four hour premium open bar, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and more - all for $100! Tickets available at http://newyork.going.com/silvergala08.

Burger King in the Spring

Our partners at the Burger King stores around the tri-state area will once again be offering coupon booklets for free French Fries in April to raise funds for Hope & Heroes.

Family Fun Day

Join the Jay and Corbett families for their second annual Family Fun Day at Nansen Park in Staten Island. Sunday, July 27, 2008.

Attention Golfers!

Continuing its tradition of prestigious golf, the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund will be hosting its annual tournament at WINGED FOOT on Monday, August 4, 2008. It’s a great opportunity to play at an exceptional course, to host your friends, family and clients and to support a worthy cause. We expect a sell out event. To reserve your spot, please contact Jeremy Shatan at 212.305.1419 or js2807@columbia.edu.