In 2014, twelve teams raised money for a friend or family member in need.
Here are those friends...
Charlotte Grace Radcliffe - Team Charley's Angels Recipient
Affectionately nicknamed "Charley", was born on October 17, 2013. When Charley was only two months old, she
was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Gorlin's Syndrome. People afflicted with Gorlin's suffer a number of different medical ailments. Unfortunately, a very rare side effect is medulloblastoma which is an aggressive form
of brain tumor cancer.
On January 21, 2014, Charley was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma at only three months of age by her doctors at CHOP. Treatment for medulloblastoma calls for tumor resection followed by intense forms of chemotherapy aided by stem cell transplants.
Charley's brain surgery was performed on February 10, 2014. Her wonderful doctor was able to remove the whole tumor and she was to start her first of six chemotherapy treatments a mere two weeks later.
Although she had numerous side effects and setbacks as a result of the chemotherapy, she managed to complete her first three rounds of chemo with the grace and strength that only a true warrior could. She finished her treatments on time and displayed a courage that has inspired many.
Her midpoint MRI showed no recurrence of tumor growth and showed that her treatment is working as planned. She is currently living in CHOP
for her next three months of treatment aided by stem cell transplant. Upon completion she will go into remission and her journey will continue.
Charley is an inspiration to all that meet her and a complete and utter joy to be around. Her laugh and infectious smile will absolutely melt your heart.
Her family and friends have huddled around her and showered her with the love and support that she needs to battle this disease.
We are truly honored and humbled to have been chosen to be one of the families that Face-off Against Cancer wants to support.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This act on your part truly epitomizes Team Charley's motto that "No one fights alone!"
-The Radcliffe Family
Affectionately nicknamed "Charley", was born on October 17, 2013. When Charley was only two months old, she
was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Gorlin's Syndrome. People afflicted with Gorlin's suffer a number of different medical ailments. Unfortunately, a very rare side effect is medulloblastoma which is an aggressive form
of brain tumor cancer.
On January 21, 2014, Charley was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma at only three months of age by her doctors at CHOP. Treatment for medulloblastoma calls for tumor resection followed by intense forms of chemotherapy aided by stem cell transplants.
Charley's brain surgery was performed on February 10, 2014. Her wonderful doctor was able to remove the whole tumor and she was to start her first of six chemotherapy treatments a mere two weeks later.
Although she had numerous side effects and setbacks as a result of the chemotherapy, she managed to complete her first three rounds of chemo with the grace and strength that only a true warrior could. She finished her treatments on time and displayed a courage that has inspired many.
Her midpoint MRI showed no recurrence of tumor growth and showed that her treatment is working as planned. She is currently living in CHOP
for her next three months of treatment aided by stem cell transplant. Upon completion she will go into remission and her journey will continue.
Charley is an inspiration to all that meet her and a complete and utter joy to be around. Her laugh and infectious smile will absolutely melt your heart.
Her family and friends have huddled around her and showered her with the love and support that she needs to battle this disease.
We are truly honored and humbled to have been chosen to be one of the families that Face-off Against Cancer wants to support.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This act on your part truly epitomizes Team Charley's motto that "No one fights alone!"
-The Radcliffe Family
Steve Edgerly – Team Weaels Recipient
Steve is 54 years old and married with two children. He has a grown son who loves hockey and is a huge Flyers fan.
His daughter is four and thinks she’s a princess and wants to marry daddy when she grows up.
In June of 2013, after suffering shortness of breath while mowing his lawn, he went for a series of tests where it was discovered that he had a very rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin. A large sarcoma had formed on his inferior vena cava.
After life-threatening surgery to remove it, he went through radiation treatment. Within a few months of completing the radiation, another tumor was found in his liver which necessitated chemotherapy and another surgery. He could not perform his duties at work, and, therefore, lost his job late last summer.
He was the only family member providing income. Because they had to pick up the cobra payments, his house will foreclose shortly.
Steve is still battling cancer.
Steve is 54 years old and married with two children. He has a grown son who loves hockey and is a huge Flyers fan.
His daughter is four and thinks she’s a princess and wants to marry daddy when she grows up.
In June of 2013, after suffering shortness of breath while mowing his lawn, he went for a series of tests where it was discovered that he had a very rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma of vascular origin. A large sarcoma had formed on his inferior vena cava.
After life-threatening surgery to remove it, he went through radiation treatment. Within a few months of completing the radiation, another tumor was found in his liver which necessitated chemotherapy and another surgery. He could not perform his duties at work, and, therefore, lost his job late last summer.
He was the only family member providing income. Because they had to pick up the cobra payments, his house will foreclose shortly.
Steve is still battling cancer.
Robin Twaddell - Team Aston Ice Works Recipient
"You Have Cancer" 3 words no human ever wants to hear. You hear that and your whole world is in front of your eyes. You go numb, you go deaf and my first thought was to my 2 year old little girl Alexandra, Alex for short.
Hi my name is Robin Twaddell and I'm a 3 times breast cancer survivor. I was first diagnosis at 36 with stage 3 breast cancer.
Had a one breast mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemo and 33 rounds of radiation. No signs of any cancer until 3 1/2 years later. Found in my peck muscle, another surgery, 8 more rounds of chemo and 66 rounds of radiation. Radiation was twice a day for 33 days with only weekends off. Once in the morning before work, then again after work. And the third time was found in my good breast. A lumpectomy and 12 rounds of chemo. No Radiation. Enough about Cancer.
I'm a Mom, a wife, sister, aunt, best friend and one of the biggest Flyers fan EVER!!!. I have been married 15 years to my husband Michael, our anniversary is New Year's Eve. We were married by Mayor Rendell for the Millennium Celebrations in Philadelphia.
I'm from South Philly and now live in Ridley Park. I work at the University of Pennsylvania, the school side.
I have a younger sister and 2 wonderful nephews. Julian and Santino. And I am a proud Mommy of Alexandra. Alex is my world, she is the reason I fight so hard to stay in this world. IceWorks is my second home because of Alex. She is a figure skater, and it all started at a skating party. She competes for IceWorks in their skating program.
"You Have Cancer" 3 words no human ever wants to hear. You hear that and your whole world is in front of your eyes. You go numb, you go deaf and my first thought was to my 2 year old little girl Alexandra, Alex for short.
Hi my name is Robin Twaddell and I'm a 3 times breast cancer survivor. I was first diagnosis at 36 with stage 3 breast cancer.
Had a one breast mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemo and 33 rounds of radiation. No signs of any cancer until 3 1/2 years later. Found in my peck muscle, another surgery, 8 more rounds of chemo and 66 rounds of radiation. Radiation was twice a day for 33 days with only weekends off. Once in the morning before work, then again after work. And the third time was found in my good breast. A lumpectomy and 12 rounds of chemo. No Radiation. Enough about Cancer.
I'm a Mom, a wife, sister, aunt, best friend and one of the biggest Flyers fan EVER!!!. I have been married 15 years to my husband Michael, our anniversary is New Year's Eve. We were married by Mayor Rendell for the Millennium Celebrations in Philadelphia.
I'm from South Philly and now live in Ridley Park. I work at the University of Pennsylvania, the school side.
I have a younger sister and 2 wonderful nephews. Julian and Santino. And I am a proud Mommy of Alexandra. Alex is my world, she is the reason I fight so hard to stay in this world. IceWorks is my second home because of Alex. She is a figure skater, and it all started at a skating party. She competes for IceWorks in their skating program.
Robert Holmes - Team Foot Soldiers Recipient
He is a husband, a father, a Pop-Pop. He is a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a veteran. He has CNS Lymphoma, but that does not define who he is. His family and hard work through life define him.
Bob Holmes was born and raised in Philadelphia. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Mastbaum High School in 1967. He entered the US Army when he was just 19 years old and served from September 1968 until May 1970. He spent a year and a half in Vietnam in the Artillery Unit. His time in the military has been an important part of his life as he was very proud to serve his country.
When he was 22 years old, he married his wife, Marie. They just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Bob has three grown children and five grandchildren. Bob has worked his whole life as a burglar and fire alarm technician. He always prided himself in being a hard worker who provided for his family, and had no plans to retire in the near future. Over the past few years, Bob has loved nothing more than spending time with his family at the campground where he has a seasonal site. That time was cut short in January of this year when he became sick.
Bob worked up until the day he was diagnosed with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. His cancer has aggressively attacked his brain, which has taken away his ability to walk and work. Due to his immobility, he has been in and out of the hospital and rehabs and has not been home since February. This was devastating to him, as he prided himself in being a “working man” who always took care of his wife and his family. Over the past six months, he has made improvements, but has also suffered many setbacks. Every time the doctors think his time is up, he proves them wrong and fights back. He continues to fight his battle, with his family by his side, at Thomas JeffersonHospital where he is being treated with Chemotherapy and Radiation.
Bob left an impression on everyone he met. The kind of person people wanted to be around. Everyone’s favorite uncle and friend. A proud father and loving
grandfather. A devoted husband. A hard worker. A proud veteran. A good man. Bob never asked anyone for anything, but was the first to offer a helping hand. Even in his time of need, his disease is still secondary and we remember these amazing traits about him.
He is a husband, a father, a Pop-Pop. He is a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a veteran. He has CNS Lymphoma, but that does not define who he is. His family and hard work through life define him.
Bob Holmes was born and raised in Philadelphia. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Mastbaum High School in 1967. He entered the US Army when he was just 19 years old and served from September 1968 until May 1970. He spent a year and a half in Vietnam in the Artillery Unit. His time in the military has been an important part of his life as he was very proud to serve his country.
When he was 22 years old, he married his wife, Marie. They just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Bob has three grown children and five grandchildren. Bob has worked his whole life as a burglar and fire alarm technician. He always prided himself in being a hard worker who provided for his family, and had no plans to retire in the near future. Over the past few years, Bob has loved nothing more than spending time with his family at the campground where he has a seasonal site. That time was cut short in January of this year when he became sick.
Bob worked up until the day he was diagnosed with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. His cancer has aggressively attacked his brain, which has taken away his ability to walk and work. Due to his immobility, he has been in and out of the hospital and rehabs and has not been home since February. This was devastating to him, as he prided himself in being a “working man” who always took care of his wife and his family. Over the past six months, he has made improvements, but has also suffered many setbacks. Every time the doctors think his time is up, he proves them wrong and fights back. He continues to fight his battle, with his family by his side, at Thomas JeffersonHospital where he is being treated with Chemotherapy and Radiation.
Bob left an impression on everyone he met. The kind of person people wanted to be around. Everyone’s favorite uncle and friend. A proud father and loving
grandfather. A devoted husband. A hard worker. A proud veteran. A good man. Bob never asked anyone for anything, but was the first to offer a helping hand. Even in his time of need, his disease is still secondary and we remember these amazing traits about him.
Cathy Ciccone - Team Krackem Recipient
My journey started on January 7th 2014 with a mammogram.I heard the words that no one ever wants to hear, "You have breast cancer". Let me back up, I had mammograms over the past five years that were always considered questionable in the right breast. I would go for further testing and was always told it's nothing. This time when the test was questionable, I thought it was going to be the same result. But to my utter shock, it was not. A phone call changed my life completely.
It was not the right side, but the left. I was given the choice of a single mastectomy, but chose to do the double so I would never have to hear those horrible words again and that way I did not have to fill my body with the poison of chemo and radiation.
The detection was early on April 7th, I went in and had my mastectomy. Not only did it change my body, but it touches emotions you can't ever imagine. The surgery itself left scars on my body, but I still have a long journey ahead with reconstruction. Another surgery, more pain, more disruption to my work and I am still dealing with those emotions of loss, anger, sadness, and on top of all that, medical bills like I have never imagined.
My journey started on January 7th 2014 with a mammogram.I heard the words that no one ever wants to hear, "You have breast cancer". Let me back up, I had mammograms over the past five years that were always considered questionable in the right breast. I would go for further testing and was always told it's nothing. This time when the test was questionable, I thought it was going to be the same result. But to my utter shock, it was not. A phone call changed my life completely.
It was not the right side, but the left. I was given the choice of a single mastectomy, but chose to do the double so I would never have to hear those horrible words again and that way I did not have to fill my body with the poison of chemo and radiation.
The detection was early on April 7th, I went in and had my mastectomy. Not only did it change my body, but it touches emotions you can't ever imagine. The surgery itself left scars on my body, but I still have a long journey ahead with reconstruction. Another surgery, more pain, more disruption to my work and I am still dealing with those emotions of loss, anger, sadness, and on top of all that, medical bills like I have never imagined.
Donna Goodman - Team Mustangs Recipient
In May 2013, I was having stomach issues. I had an endoscopy and the GI doctor said is was jus my irritable bowel syndrome acting up. He gave me medication for heartburn. In Decembe 2013 I went again complaining of pain. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and said everything looked fine. In February 2014 I was out with friends and having severe pain in my right groin area.
They said I should go to the ER. It could be an appendicitis. The next day I made sure had coverage for my ten year old daughter.
My husband Marc took me to St. Mary's Medical Center. The ER doctor ordered tests. After the Catscan he said he wanted to admit me for further testing. The lymph nodes in my abdomen looked necrotic. I was worried and decided to stay. They kept me for three days. I had two Catscans, a Petscan and the oncologist ordered a fine needle biopsy to test the lymph node in my groin. The results of the biopsy showed follicular lymphoma.
When I found out I had cancer I was shocked. I got a second opinion but decided to get treatment from the doctor who saw me in the hospital. He said the treatment would work even if the lymphoma was a little more advanced. After two chemotherapy treatments I knew I wasn't feeling well. I had another Catscan and it was recommended that I have stomach surgery to test the nodes in the abdomen. I decided to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center for the surgery. This time it showed aggressive B Cell lymphoma. I am having aggressive chemotherapy treatments. I am hopeful that the treatments will alleviate some of the
pain that I am in and that they will shrink the nodes.
This has been really tough on my family. I do have a lot of support and that helps. My twenty one year old daughter and my eighteen year old son have been extremely helpful with my ten year old. They are worried about me but have been doing what they can to pitch in. I took a leave of absence from my teaching position. My husband has been keeping up with work while taking me to treatments and procedures. In August my two older children will be in college.
This experience has been emotionally as well as financially difficult on our family.
In May 2013, I was having stomach issues. I had an endoscopy and the GI doctor said is was jus my irritable bowel syndrome acting up. He gave me medication for heartburn. In Decembe 2013 I went again complaining of pain. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and said everything looked fine. In February 2014 I was out with friends and having severe pain in my right groin area.
They said I should go to the ER. It could be an appendicitis. The next day I made sure had coverage for my ten year old daughter.
My husband Marc took me to St. Mary's Medical Center. The ER doctor ordered tests. After the Catscan he said he wanted to admit me for further testing. The lymph nodes in my abdomen looked necrotic. I was worried and decided to stay. They kept me for three days. I had two Catscans, a Petscan and the oncologist ordered a fine needle biopsy to test the lymph node in my groin. The results of the biopsy showed follicular lymphoma.
When I found out I had cancer I was shocked. I got a second opinion but decided to get treatment from the doctor who saw me in the hospital. He said the treatment would work even if the lymphoma was a little more advanced. After two chemotherapy treatments I knew I wasn't feeling well. I had another Catscan and it was recommended that I have stomach surgery to test the nodes in the abdomen. I decided to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center for the surgery. This time it showed aggressive B Cell lymphoma. I am having aggressive chemotherapy treatments. I am hopeful that the treatments will alleviate some of the
pain that I am in and that they will shrink the nodes.
This has been really tough on my family. I do have a lot of support and that helps. My twenty one year old daughter and my eighteen year old son have been extremely helpful with my ten year old. They are worried about me but have been doing what they can to pitch in. I took a leave of absence from my teaching position. My husband has been keeping up with work while taking me to treatments and procedures. In August my two older children will be in college.
This experience has been emotionally as well as financially difficult on our family.
Lou Lumi - Team 'Stick Gloves Shirt' Recipient
In June of 2010, while consoling him about the loss of a close friend, Lou's wife Kathy found a lump behind his left ear. After visiting with several physicians, Lou was diagnosed with sqaumous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tonsil. After one course of chemo/radiation the tumor recurred so Lou had surgery to remove the tumor. Another year later malignant cells were found
in a node in Lou's chest. This left Lou with a lifetime diagnosis of metastatic disease. The oncologist told him he would probably live with this cancer the rest of his life. And thats what Lou has been doing, LIVING.
Lou started playing hockey at 50. Now at 59, he plays regularly and did so throughout most of his treatment, his first question at each doctors visit
being, "When can I skate?" In 2013 Lou and his hockey buddies played in a fundraising tournament for American Cancer Society. The same year their team Stick Glove Shirt played in a tournament and raised money for the Phoenixville Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund. Lou was constantly thinking of raising funds for others while he was undergoing his own fight. Just this June team SGS (short for Stick Gloves Shirt) playing in another tournament for the Patient Assistance Fund.
Now Lou is participating in a clinical trial to attempt to stop his malignant cell growth, which has remained stable. His thoughts being, "If this doesn't
help me, maybe it will help other patients down the road."
Lou enjoys playing hockey (of course), boating, fishing, spending time with his wife Kathy, two kids Taralynn and Nicholas,
and his three grandsons.
In June of 2010, while consoling him about the loss of a close friend, Lou's wife Kathy found a lump behind his left ear. After visiting with several physicians, Lou was diagnosed with sqaumous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tonsil. After one course of chemo/radiation the tumor recurred so Lou had surgery to remove the tumor. Another year later malignant cells were found
in a node in Lou's chest. This left Lou with a lifetime diagnosis of metastatic disease. The oncologist told him he would probably live with this cancer the rest of his life. And thats what Lou has been doing, LIVING.
Lou started playing hockey at 50. Now at 59, he plays regularly and did so throughout most of his treatment, his first question at each doctors visit
being, "When can I skate?" In 2013 Lou and his hockey buddies played in a fundraising tournament for American Cancer Society. The same year their team Stick Glove Shirt played in a tournament and raised money for the Phoenixville Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund. Lou was constantly thinking of raising funds for others while he was undergoing his own fight. Just this June team SGS (short for Stick Gloves Shirt) playing in another tournament for the Patient Assistance Fund.
Now Lou is participating in a clinical trial to attempt to stop his malignant cell growth, which has remained stable. His thoughts being, "If this doesn't
help me, maybe it will help other patients down the road."
Lou enjoys playing hockey (of course), boating, fishing, spending time with his wife Kathy, two kids Taralynn and Nicholas,
and his three grandsons.
Mary Gebler - Team Bunch of Marys Recipient
It all started on day on a cold, snowy winter day in the back woods of Philadelphia. On February 5, 2013 I developed a strange rash and after two annoying days called the family doctor. Due to the amount of itching I noticed a lump in my breast
and talked to the doctor about it as well. The family doctor set up an immediate mammogram and x-ray. During the testing I was told that there was a large mass and that I needed a biopsy. After a quick phone interview with a surgeon I set up an appointment on Valentine's Day, February 14. Joe was with me and after the doctor felt the lump stated I needed the biopsy at once and since she had the time we had it done that day. (Not the most romantic memory of Valentine or my birthday. (Yes it was also my birthday). The test came back a few days later as “Invasive Ductal Cancer”, grade three, Clinical Stage two. On April 2, 2013, I had a lumpectomy as well as a number of lymph nodes removed. On May 6th I had a medical port placed in my body and started Chemotherapy on May 16th.
Due to the nature of the cancer I agreed to be placed in a medical study where I received chemotherapy every three weeks from May 16th until September 2.
Complications arose the final week in August and I was in the hospital for a few days the end of August and again for a week in the beginning of September. They removed the port in an emergency procedure the end of that month. I started Radiation on October 2 and went every day until November 26, 2013. Since
December I am on Femara for the next five years, with doctor visits every three months.
I have been married to my best friend, Joe, for thirty-five years this month. We were married less than a year after we first met and it has been a great ride,
so far. Together we have had four children: Kelleen, our oldest is 35 years old and is a single working mother of Jacob, our ten year old grandson. Meghan is
thirty and has been married to Keith Feusner for the past eight years. They have blessed us with our grandson Alex, who is five and our first granddaughter, Ella who is three. Our son Owen is 26 and has a bio-chemistry degree from Juniata College. Since graduating he has worked full time for Joe. Owen is engaged to Ellen, who is a teacher and they are planning a summer 2015 wedding. Our youngest is Molly, at age 23 she is beginning her final year in her Masters of
Social Work (MSW) degree at Arizona State University. She is studying there on a full scholarship.
I have my BA in Political Science and Sociology with master credits towards my own MSW. I have worked for almost the past 40 years in child welfare, mainly working in the non-profit sector in foster care. (In September of 2013 I was fired from my non-profit agency as a Family Program Specialist, while I was in the hospital due to complications from the Chemotherapy. The agency stated that I had abandon my job while I was in the hospital. I had not missed a day of work thought out the summer while undergoing Chemotherapy, it was only toward the end of August that I had a medical set back).
Joe and I moved from Philadelphia to Upper Bucks County in 1990. We first lived in Bedminster and later moved to Hilltown in 2001. Since moving to the Pennridge area I have been a ten year board member at Deep Run Valley Sports Association. I ran the concession stand and coached softball and soccer.
I was a recipient of the David Nyman Award. I volunteered at Bedminster Elementary School for four years in their Jump Start Program, where I worked one-on-one with a first grade student who needed extra attention in their reading skills. I was also a CCD teacher for eight years at my church, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, teaching the Confirmation class for most of that time. Since losing my position in foster care in September I have become a volunteer hospice worker at Grandview Hospital, visiting with hospice patients once a week as work part time at Geerlings Nursery while I continue to look for a position in my field.
I try to work out twice a week to help with building back my physical strength, I work in my vegetable garden and enjoy reading and playing with the grandchildren. I wake up every single day happy and thankful.
The kids state that they think the cancer has given a greater sense of humor – I think I’m just no longer afraid to be a smart aleck.
It all started on day on a cold, snowy winter day in the back woods of Philadelphia. On February 5, 2013 I developed a strange rash and after two annoying days called the family doctor. Due to the amount of itching I noticed a lump in my breast
and talked to the doctor about it as well. The family doctor set up an immediate mammogram and x-ray. During the testing I was told that there was a large mass and that I needed a biopsy. After a quick phone interview with a surgeon I set up an appointment on Valentine's Day, February 14. Joe was with me and after the doctor felt the lump stated I needed the biopsy at once and since she had the time we had it done that day. (Not the most romantic memory of Valentine or my birthday. (Yes it was also my birthday). The test came back a few days later as “Invasive Ductal Cancer”, grade three, Clinical Stage two. On April 2, 2013, I had a lumpectomy as well as a number of lymph nodes removed. On May 6th I had a medical port placed in my body and started Chemotherapy on May 16th.
Due to the nature of the cancer I agreed to be placed in a medical study where I received chemotherapy every three weeks from May 16th until September 2.
Complications arose the final week in August and I was in the hospital for a few days the end of August and again for a week in the beginning of September. They removed the port in an emergency procedure the end of that month. I started Radiation on October 2 and went every day until November 26, 2013. Since
December I am on Femara for the next five years, with doctor visits every three months.
I have been married to my best friend, Joe, for thirty-five years this month. We were married less than a year after we first met and it has been a great ride,
so far. Together we have had four children: Kelleen, our oldest is 35 years old and is a single working mother of Jacob, our ten year old grandson. Meghan is
thirty and has been married to Keith Feusner for the past eight years. They have blessed us with our grandson Alex, who is five and our first granddaughter, Ella who is three. Our son Owen is 26 and has a bio-chemistry degree from Juniata College. Since graduating he has worked full time for Joe. Owen is engaged to Ellen, who is a teacher and they are planning a summer 2015 wedding. Our youngest is Molly, at age 23 she is beginning her final year in her Masters of
Social Work (MSW) degree at Arizona State University. She is studying there on a full scholarship.
I have my BA in Political Science and Sociology with master credits towards my own MSW. I have worked for almost the past 40 years in child welfare, mainly working in the non-profit sector in foster care. (In September of 2013 I was fired from my non-profit agency as a Family Program Specialist, while I was in the hospital due to complications from the Chemotherapy. The agency stated that I had abandon my job while I was in the hospital. I had not missed a day of work thought out the summer while undergoing Chemotherapy, it was only toward the end of August that I had a medical set back).
Joe and I moved from Philadelphia to Upper Bucks County in 1990. We first lived in Bedminster and later moved to Hilltown in 2001. Since moving to the Pennridge area I have been a ten year board member at Deep Run Valley Sports Association. I ran the concession stand and coached softball and soccer.
I was a recipient of the David Nyman Award. I volunteered at Bedminster Elementary School for four years in their Jump Start Program, where I worked one-on-one with a first grade student who needed extra attention in their reading skills. I was also a CCD teacher for eight years at my church, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, teaching the Confirmation class for most of that time. Since losing my position in foster care in September I have become a volunteer hospice worker at Grandview Hospital, visiting with hospice patients once a week as work part time at Geerlings Nursery while I continue to look for a position in my field.
I try to work out twice a week to help with building back my physical strength, I work in my vegetable garden and enjoy reading and playing with the grandchildren. I wake up every single day happy and thankful.
The kids state that they think the cancer has given a greater sense of humor – I think I’m just no longer afraid to be a smart aleck.
Tina Jackson - Team Reapers Recipient
Last August was supposed to be a happy time for Christina (Tina) Jackson and her family. She was just days from hopping on a plane to celebrate her mother’s marriage when her excitement and joy turned to sadness and fear. On August 23, 2013, Tina was diagnosed with Stage III Colon Cancer and needed emergency surgery. Now, instead of celebrating with her family she was fighting for her life. Seventeen days and a second emergency surgery later (this one to resection her bowels and treat her for sepsis), Tina was sent home from the hospital. With an IV drip of antibiotics and a home nurse in tow, she would begin her recovery.
On October 23, 2013 she began a grueling 6-month, bi-weekly course of FulFox chemotherapy at Fox Chase Cancer Center. With mounting medical expenses and feeling a need for a sense of normalcy in her life Tina decided to return to work even though the chemotherapy prevented her from being her normal, energetic self. Times were tough. Always a fighter, Tina dug in and battled on.
Throughout this battle and all of its hardships Tina had the support of her family and friends. Last September her brother Freddie and his team participated in the inaugural Face Off Against Cancer event to raise money to help families pay out-of-pocket medical expenses as they were battling cancer. This year,
Freddie’s efforts will take on a more personal meaning as he and his team will be raising money to help Tina manage her expenses as she continues her
Face Off Against Cancer.
Tina’s last chemotherapy treatment was March 29, 2014 and her third and hopefully final surgery (to reverse the bowel resection) took place on May 2, 2014. While she still makes occasional trips to Fox Chase Cancer Center for blood work and scans, and is still suffering some of the side effects of the chemotherapy, Tina is happy to report that currently her scans are all showing clear.
Last August was supposed to be a happy time for Christina (Tina) Jackson and her family. She was just days from hopping on a plane to celebrate her mother’s marriage when her excitement and joy turned to sadness and fear. On August 23, 2013, Tina was diagnosed with Stage III Colon Cancer and needed emergency surgery. Now, instead of celebrating with her family she was fighting for her life. Seventeen days and a second emergency surgery later (this one to resection her bowels and treat her for sepsis), Tina was sent home from the hospital. With an IV drip of antibiotics and a home nurse in tow, she would begin her recovery.
On October 23, 2013 she began a grueling 6-month, bi-weekly course of FulFox chemotherapy at Fox Chase Cancer Center. With mounting medical expenses and feeling a need for a sense of normalcy in her life Tina decided to return to work even though the chemotherapy prevented her from being her normal, energetic self. Times were tough. Always a fighter, Tina dug in and battled on.
Throughout this battle and all of its hardships Tina had the support of her family and friends. Last September her brother Freddie and his team participated in the inaugural Face Off Against Cancer event to raise money to help families pay out-of-pocket medical expenses as they were battling cancer. This year,
Freddie’s efforts will take on a more personal meaning as he and his team will be raising money to help Tina manage her expenses as she continues her
Face Off Against Cancer.
Tina’s last chemotherapy treatment was March 29, 2014 and her third and hopefully final surgery (to reverse the bowel resection) took place on May 2, 2014. While she still makes occasional trips to Fox Chase Cancer Center for blood work and scans, and is still suffering some of the side effects of the chemotherapy, Tina is happy to report that currently her scans are all showing clear.
Steve Saffren - Sponsered by the Squirrels Hockey Club
In June of 2011, as my family was awaiting my arrival to our youngest daughter’s graduation from CB East, I was rushing to
leave Easton Hospital, after having a cat scan of my abdomen to confirm what previous tests were indicating. Earlier that day,
my wife was told to make an appointment with an oncologic surgeon. It all began with severe itchiness. In one month,
I went from thinking that I had bad allergies to being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a deadly tumor in the bile duct. After a successful surgery, I looked like a giant cat toy with 4 drainage tubes with bags dangling from my chest. I was told that there were still microscopic cancer cells in my liver and this was their only chance to cure me, so they gave me the “works.”
After healing from my surgery, I received external radiation with chemo, internal radiation seeds, and then chemo infusion. My life has changed
drastically since then. I have to get tests every 3 months to make sure that the cancer has not returned. Currently, I have a drainage tube emerging from my
abdomen that I have to flush every night to keep the stent in my bile duct from clogging. At this point in time, I’m not permitted to swim due to risk of
infection. Also, I have to go to the hospital every 2 months to get my tube replaced. I no longer am able to live the way I used to.
I'm a huge Philadelphia sports fan and big Eagles fan. I saw the Squirrels play at the "Father Of Time" Tournament and the boys looked great. I love the idea of
putting my name on the back of their Jersey. I appreciate groups like you that help us through times like this. Your help improves the quality of life for people who have had life-changing health problems.
In June of 2011, as my family was awaiting my arrival to our youngest daughter’s graduation from CB East, I was rushing to
leave Easton Hospital, after having a cat scan of my abdomen to confirm what previous tests were indicating. Earlier that day,
my wife was told to make an appointment with an oncologic surgeon. It all began with severe itchiness. In one month,
I went from thinking that I had bad allergies to being diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a deadly tumor in the bile duct. After a successful surgery, I looked like a giant cat toy with 4 drainage tubes with bags dangling from my chest. I was told that there were still microscopic cancer cells in my liver and this was their only chance to cure me, so they gave me the “works.”
After healing from my surgery, I received external radiation with chemo, internal radiation seeds, and then chemo infusion. My life has changed
drastically since then. I have to get tests every 3 months to make sure that the cancer has not returned. Currently, I have a drainage tube emerging from my
abdomen that I have to flush every night to keep the stent in my bile duct from clogging. At this point in time, I’m not permitted to swim due to risk of
infection. Also, I have to go to the hospital every 2 months to get my tube replaced. I no longer am able to live the way I used to.
I'm a huge Philadelphia sports fan and big Eagles fan. I saw the Squirrels play at the "Father Of Time" Tournament and the boys looked great. I love the idea of
putting my name on the back of their Jersey. I appreciate groups like you that help us through times like this. Your help improves the quality of life for people who have had life-changing health problems.
Barry Burgoyne - Team Burgoyne Recipient
In April 2012 at only 28 years of age, this husband and new father of one year old twins, was forced to start the biggest fight of his life....the fight to live. It was on Easter Sunday when his cancer work up began. Finally after months of severe pain and fatigue from an unknown etiology, it was confirmed that there was a football size mass on Barry's spine. The mass is Ewing's Sarcoma; a rare pediatric cancer of the bone/soft tissue. Due to the rareness of the disease, Barry found his best treatment facility was at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. This facility has an exceptional sarcoma team that treats 10% of the entire Ewing Sarcoma population in the country.
The last two and a half years has been filled with repetitive chemotherapy infusions, a total of 55 radiation treatments, endless days of nausea, vomiting and fatigue, recovering from multiple surgeries and procedures, weekly lab draws, multiple tests, frequent travel and countless doctor appointments. Not to mention a total of 4 re occurrences. Barry has always been extremely thankful for all of the support given by family, friends, and
organizations like Face off Against Cancer.
The balancing act of maintaining survival while working to provide for his family, play his role as a husband and father, as well as, as a friend and team player,
has been very challenging. Throughout his journey, Barry has touched so many lives. His strength, courage and optimism is an inspiration to so many. His determination to give back and support others is admirable. One of the most important ways Barry lives his life is by helping others.
If anyone knows Barry, the first thing that would come to one’s mind is the fact that he is one of the Flyers biggest fans. He has been supporting and
following the flyers his whole life. He enjoys watching hockey, as well as playing himself. His love and passion for hockey has never faded. He pushed
himself to play on his adult team even while undergoing his many courses of cancer treatment. This organization is without a doubt the most meaningful way
Barry can give back to a family in need.
While Barry continues to fight his own battle, he has remained committed to this sponsorship. It has been a pleasure and a honor for him to have been given
the opportunity to raise money and support another family that has undergone some of the similar and unfortunate hardships. Barry cannot thank the Face Off Against Cancer family and their supporters enough for lightening the load for his family. He also would like to show gratitude for giving him the
wonderful opportunity to participate and give back to another struggling family on the receiving end of the organization. God Bless.
In April 2012 at only 28 years of age, this husband and new father of one year old twins, was forced to start the biggest fight of his life....the fight to live. It was on Easter Sunday when his cancer work up began. Finally after months of severe pain and fatigue from an unknown etiology, it was confirmed that there was a football size mass on Barry's spine. The mass is Ewing's Sarcoma; a rare pediatric cancer of the bone/soft tissue. Due to the rareness of the disease, Barry found his best treatment facility was at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. This facility has an exceptional sarcoma team that treats 10% of the entire Ewing Sarcoma population in the country.
The last two and a half years has been filled with repetitive chemotherapy infusions, a total of 55 radiation treatments, endless days of nausea, vomiting and fatigue, recovering from multiple surgeries and procedures, weekly lab draws, multiple tests, frequent travel and countless doctor appointments. Not to mention a total of 4 re occurrences. Barry has always been extremely thankful for all of the support given by family, friends, and
organizations like Face off Against Cancer.
The balancing act of maintaining survival while working to provide for his family, play his role as a husband and father, as well as, as a friend and team player,
has been very challenging. Throughout his journey, Barry has touched so many lives. His strength, courage and optimism is an inspiration to so many. His determination to give back and support others is admirable. One of the most important ways Barry lives his life is by helping others.
If anyone knows Barry, the first thing that would come to one’s mind is the fact that he is one of the Flyers biggest fans. He has been supporting and
following the flyers his whole life. He enjoys watching hockey, as well as playing himself. His love and passion for hockey has never faded. He pushed
himself to play on his adult team even while undergoing his many courses of cancer treatment. This organization is without a doubt the most meaningful way
Barry can give back to a family in need.
While Barry continues to fight his own battle, he has remained committed to this sponsorship. It has been a pleasure and a honor for him to have been given
the opportunity to raise money and support another family that has undergone some of the similar and unfortunate hardships. Barry cannot thank the Face Off Against Cancer family and their supporters enough for lightening the load for his family. He also would like to show gratitude for giving him the
wonderful opportunity to participate and give back to another struggling family on the receiving end of the organization. God Bless.