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The Bear Facts
Gazette
Published by the Children’s Cancer Fund ~ Spring-Summer 2006
CCF’s 14th Annual Dinner Dance - Sailing
the C’s to Cure Cancer
Jeffrey Doynow & Richard Friedman – Honorees
April 29, 2006 - Rye Brook, NY – tacular and many thanks go to
Lory Pasqua, who again Chaired
T his year’s early spring, coupled
with the theme of a sailing
journey to cure children’s cancer,
the event aided by dinner dance
committee members: Trish
Zimmerman, Robin Langdon,
set the deck for a very successful
Ginny Escobedo and Arlene
14th Annual Dinner Dance at the
Rosenthal and many other volun-
Rye Town Hilton. The ballroom,
teers who take on responsibilities
decked out in white & blue table
ware and deck chairs, was spec- Continued on page 7
New Research Aims at Critical Pathways
JAK/STAT signaling pathway. JAK blocks ALL cell growth by induc-
and STAT proteins are involved in ing programmed cell death, sug-
signal transduction induced by var- gesting a role for JAK/STAT signal-
ious growth factors and cytokines ing in leukemogenesis. However,
that play pivotal roles in the regu- detailed molecular mechanisms of
lation of many important biologi- how JAK/STAT signaling triggers
cal responses, including the specific outcomes in response to
immune response and tumor for- different extracellular cues, and
mation. thus participates in leukemogene-
sis, remain to be addressed.
Childhood cancer is still the num-
Furthermore, only 70% of children
ber one cause of death by disease
Dr. Gyeong Hun Baeg writes: “ I suffering from ALL and about 40%
in US children ages 1-15. In
recently joined the Children’s Continued on page 7
humans, constitutive activation of
Cancer Research Laboratory at JAK and/or STAT is correlated with
New York Medical College as an
Assistant Director. I obtained my
blood malignancies through their SAVE THE DATE:
intimate connection to growth fac-
Ph.D. degree in physiology at tor signaling and programmed cell 9th Annual Run/Walk
Osaka University School of death. For instance, cells from Saturday, October 14,
Medicine, Japan, under the super- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 2006
vision of Dr. Tetsu Akiyama. As a (ALL) patients in relapse have con-
postdoctoral research fellow at stitutively- activated JAK2 and FDR State Park
Harvard Medical School in the lab- STAT5, and inhibition of JAK2 Yorktown Heights, NY
oratory of Dr. Norbert Perrimon, I activity by the specific tyrosine Registration 9:00AM
studied cell signaling pathways, kinase inhibitor AG490 selectively Event Starts 10:00AM
and focused primarily on the
www.childrenscancerfund.org
In Memoriam
The Board of Directors of the
Children’s Cancer Fund honors the
memory of a great man, who stim-
ulated so many in his professional,
P.O. Box 658 personal and spiritual life, John
Millwood, NY 10546 Matthew Vlissides.
800-426-5413 • Fax: 503-961-0964
www.childrenscancerfund.org “John Vlissides, an outstanding sci-
entist at IBM, and a member of the
Officers IBM Academy of Technology
Andy Brenner, Chairman passed away on November 24,
Kelli Muller-Gonzalez, 2005, at the young age of 44. He
Vice Chairwoman is survived by his loving wife of 13 Dru Ann & John Vlissides at CCF's 2004
Robert Fried, CPA, Treasurer Dinner Dance
years, Dru Ann, their three sons,
Harriette Weingast, Secretary Matthew 12, Mark 7, and Robert work with. He was a friend, a
S. Jayabose, MD, Founder, 5, all of Mohegan Lake, NY. Other
Medical Director Chief, Pediatric
teacher and a colleague to us all.
Hematology/Oncology
surviving family members are: his In the end, John faced death much
parents, Matthew Vlissides, Sr. and the way he faced life: with strength,
Past Chairmen Sophia Vlissides of McLean, VA; a dignity, and courage.’
William Pasqua
Arnold Marden, CPA
sister, Irene Vlissides Levy of Falls
Church, VA; and two brothers, Dr. Jayabose writes: “John had a
Dan Poulin
Nicholas Vlissides of Fairfax City, keen sense for problem solving,
Board of Directors and for the genius he was, he was
Linda Brenner VA and Matthew Vlissides Jr. of
Arlington, VA. An infant daughter, always so genuinely humble. Even
John Casso
Maria Costino Helen Vlissides, died in 1997. while dealing with life threatening
Theresa Devins illnesses of his children and his
Danny Gonzalez John Matthew Vlissides was born in own, John was always incredibly
Theresa Gonzalez Washington, DC and grew up in calm. I knew him for more than
Nimmy Jayabose McLean, VA, where he graduated seven years, and I never saw him
Jennifer Pompilio with honors from Langley High
Mia Shevit complain once about any of the
Michele Shure School in 1979. He received a bach- unfortunate events in his life. But
elor's degree from the University of he always exhibited a great deal of
Medical Advisory Committee Virginia in 1983, a master's degree empathy for the suffering of others.
Tauseef Ahmed, MD, Sharon Pine, from Stanford University in 1985
Ph.D, Abraham Mittleman, MD, His great faith in God kept him
Chitty Moorthy, MD and a doctorate from Stanford in peaceful throughout his life. John
Fevzi Ozkaynak, MD, Claudio 1990. All of his degrees were in and his family have been ardent
Sandoval, MD, Oya Tugal, MD electrical engineering. supporters of the Children’s Cancer
Patient/Family Services John was best known to the com- Fund for several years. He and his
Barbara McLain puter science world for his part in wife Dru Ann attended our annual
Rose Bartone creating the field of software pat- Continued on page 7
The Bear Facts Gazette is published by terns. His first book, Design
the Children’s Cancer Fund, a non-profit Patterns, co-authored with Gamma, This newsletter is
501 (c) 3 organization, dedicated to Helm and Johnson, is recognized
funding research programs in childhood
cancers and providing support services
as the seminal work on the topic, published in
that improve the quality of life for chil- and has been translated in at least proud memory of:
dren with cancer and their families. seven languages. It has served as
the basis for innumerable courses
Carson H. Powers
Executive Director in most major undergraduate com- Danielle H. age: 14 years
puter science curricula. ‘The
The Bear Facts Gazette encourages read- essence of John's greatness was not
ers to contribute articles and news on Grace H. age: 7 years
how the Children’s Cancer Fund’s sup-
in his technical accomplishments –
port services have made a difference in a it was in his humanity,’ said Steve Maria T. age: 5 years
child’s life. Please forward your contribu- Abrams, John’s manager and the
tion to above address or email to: manager of business application Jada G. age: 4 month
modeling. ‘John was a pleasure to
2 The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 www.childrenscancerfund.org
The 2006 14th Annual
Dinner Dance Fundraiser
“How Great It Was”
It was a super night at the Rye For those readers who could not Actually, the best way to reminisce
Town Hilton with close to 400 attend, the key notes were the about the evening is to visit our
attendees and many more who Victory Speaker, Jeremy Slotnick web site, which has a link to Lynda
could not attend that sent dona- and the honorees, Jeffrey Doynow Peckham’s Gallery of Photography
tions to make their absent “pres- and Richard Friedman, pictured for the event. Just go to:
ence felt.” We thank all for your below along with the Pasqua family. www.childrenscancerfund.org and
support. you order photos if you wish!
Dr. Jayabose, Jeffrey Doynow, Dr. Jayabose, Nimmy Jayabose,
Richard Friedman, Andy Brenner Howard Slotnick, Geetha Jayabose,
Susan Slotnick, Jeremy Slotnick
Billy Pasqua, Michele Pasqua,
Christie Pasqua, Lory Pasqua
“The Times They Are A-Changing”
A message from Lory Pasqua, the 2006 Dinner Dance Chair
“Fourteen years ago a lot of things trying to create an atmosphere that I would also like to take this oppor-
happened in my life: my daughter was filled with love and warmth, tunity to introduce board members
Christie was diagnosed with yet at the same time keeping the John Casso and Theresa Devins as
leukemia; I met Dr. Jayabose; and focus on raising funds as the major CCF’s new dinner dance co-chairs.
CCF held its first dinner dance. It objective. It has been a challenge, John and Theresa are sure to bring
was one of those emotional and but always rewarding. I will never lots of energy and creativity to this
feel-good nights. I remember I was regret a day of it. However, all wonderful evening. So please get
asked to make a speech. Initially, I things must come to an end and so involved, the more you help the
said yes, but as we got closer to the must my leadership of the dinner more money we can raise and the
date I got shaky – a case of stage dance. This past year ending April closer we get to what really mat-
fright, so I asked my husband Billy 29, 2006 has now become my last ters; finding a cure for childhood
to speak. By the close of the year of chairing this gala. I will cancer. You can send an e-mail to:
evening, I knew I was committed always support and attend this support@childrenscancerfund.org .”
to making this event more and amazing event and I encourage all (In the fall, we will post on the
more successful; and ever since, past attendees to support all the website the Save the Date for the
that has been my passion. It has new people involved. Please con- 2007 Dinner Dance event.)
been a whirlwind of meetings, sider becoming part of the dinner
working with different people and dance by joining a committee.
www.childrenscancerfund.org The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 3
Creators and Implementers
W e wish to thank all those that
have created mini-events to
fundraise for CCF – it’s sometimes
sum of $4,693.66 for CCF. Nini
Xing is a patient of Dr. Jay’s. Many
thanks to the Huaxia team!!!
her Harrison High School class-
mates. It was great to have a new
type of fundraiser venue and the
scary to do a start-up from scratch, enthusiasm of a professional artist
but once the entrepreneurial spirit in our midst.
is coupled with strong convictions The Inaugural Manhattan
that success is possible, you can Children’s Cancer Fund Benefit
climb any mountain. Here are Networking Social, New York,
some recent “creators and imple- NY – April 8, 2006 - The idea for
menters:” the Inaugural Manhattan
Holy Name Children’s Cancer Fund Benefit
of Jesus – Networking Social event came
Valhalla, NY – about at a Starbucks one
December December evening in 2005
2005 – More Samantha Morgan & Mid-Area amongst three friends, Karan Johar,
than 80 Youth Leaders, Circleville & Adam Scher, and Pavan Bah.
donors from Middletown, NY – January 30, Karan and Adam are both present-
families of the 2006 to February 26, 2006 – ly completing their third year in
religious edu- Following through on an October medical school at Ross University,
cation depart- 2005 e-mail inquiry to CCF, and Pavan currently works in
ment raised Samantha Morgan and Chantel Taxable Fixed Income at Merrill-
Crooks, her youth advisor, started Lynch in NYC. Karan is studying to
to organize their Youth Group become an oncologist; Adam is in
bowling group of 275 bowlers plus the field of pediatrics; and Pavan
25 youth members (ages12-18) works with children in sports and
and 15 adult coaches to do an all- mentors adolescents interested in
day Saturday, Bowl-A-Thon to raise business. On a Saturday evening
fund for CCF on February 26, at Katwalk, a restaurant in
2006. It is a fantastic credit to their NYC’s Fashion District, the doors
ingenuity and persistence that in opened to a new CCF event.
less than 26 days they were able Guests were given bright red
pull off an event that had net rev- rubber bracelets embossed with
over $2,000 for CCF as part of enues of $4,400+. It is also a great “www.ChildrensCancerFund.org” -
their Christmas giving campaign feat of salesmanship to persuade the fashion-trend accessory of the
honoring Danielle Gerbosi. Thanks so many to give so much in such a night. Plenty of music, lively cho-
to the team and Janan Lane for short period of time. We thank all reographed dancing, exotic cock-
organizing. involved, as well as Genevieve tails and silent auctions with sports
Cerasoli and her sister, Camille memorabilia and restaurant dinner
Fortune Home Builders, LLC, Meola, for helping to coach the dates all stimulated attendees to be
Mt. Kisco, NY – December 2005 – group and being able to attend the donors. With over 200 attendees,
Thanks to Jeffrey Doynow, final presentation dinner. net proceeds for CCF were $3,000.
President of Fortune Home The M.C.C.F. B.N.S. event expects
Builders and all their many friends DanceWorks, Harrison NY – to be a traditional annual event - a
and associates for supporting their April 2, 2006 – Wendy Barletta,
Win-Win for all!
Annual Holiday Party with gener- supported by Linda Brenner from
ous donations to CCF; and then CCF’s Board, created a dance
months later, renewing their sup- recital held in the Harrison High
port at the 14th Annual Dinner School auditorium on a Sunday
Dance. afternoon with ticket sales and a
raffle that benefited CCF. About
Huaxia Chinese School, New 200 attended and the funds raised
Taryn Kraimer
York, Inc., Scarsdale, NY – resulted in a net donation over
December 2005 – Katy Wang, $10,000. Well Done Girls!!! To
mobilized her community group, increase the attendance and
the Huaxia School, to do a spread more awareness for CCF,
fundraiser on behalf of her daugh- Wendy put on a mini-reunion for [Left to Right] Pavan Bahl, Adam
ter, Nini Xing, and raised the grand Scher and Karan Johar
4 The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 www.childrenscancerfund.org
The 2nd Annual Car Wash by Claire McGuire – May 21,
2006 – Claire McGuire, age 13, brother of patient Jack, organ-
ized a carwash to honor Jack and support CCF. With the help of
an endless list of friends, including classmates and neighbors,
Claire raised more than $2,000.The event was held at the
Montrose Fire House and, despite some showers, it was great day
with hundreds turning out. “Team Jack” bracelets were provided
by family friends and the Lustyik family prior to and during the
carwash. Thank you Claire, “Team” Jack”, fireman Peter Kolesar
of the Montrose Fire Dept. and friends for everything you gave.
The 2nd Annual Red Knights Motor Cycle Club,
Chapter 17, drive to benefit CCF was held in May as we
went to press. Thanks to President Andrew Pelham and all his
fellow firemen and firewomen for their super generosity.
More details in our next newsletter.
Thank You s to:
We list here some constant donors, The Zahner Family of Bellerose Sweeney, an employee, requested
some new ones and others that Village, NY had a Halloween party that the company donate to CCF in
have sent us notes. We don’t list for Katie and Mrs. DiMasso’s lieu of a 20th anniversary gift from
everyone here on long name lists daughter, Christina, where over 50 the company. Thank you Charles
but we try to get our thank you phonecards were collected and for your thoughtful giving.
notes mailed to you on a timely donated to the Children’s Cancer
CCF expresses its sympathies to
basis throughout the year. Do send Fund in memory of Katie’s cousin,
William and Diane Ruggles of
us photos and write-ups! Justin Armenio. The Cards were
Middletown, NY and thanks all
given in lieu of birthday presents –
The Sweet Family of Cornwall, NY those that have sent donations in
Katie turned 4 and Christina cele-
writes that Matthew is now 14 memory of Lawrence Ruggles,
brated her 10th. Christina is Katie’s
years old, is in 8th grade, planning William’s father. CCF continues to
Pre-K teacher’s daughter.
a Boy Scout hike in Philmont, New honor the memory of Jonathan
Mexico and possibly attending a Nicholas & Marguerite Sette of Ruggles, a son so special to
summer program at John Hopkins. Rochelle Park, NJ - Another wed- William and Diane that monthly
We wish Matt much success and ding couple who opted to have “In Memory” remembrances
thanks for keeping us up-to-date. checks sent to CCF versus wedding remind us all how important it is
gifts. Thanks so much for your gen- to continue to win the battle to
New foundations supporting CCF
erosity and those of your friends. defeat this disease.
include the The Boucher
Charitable Foundation, The Janis & Brian Reid of Danbury, CT Henry Carmichael of Pound Ridge,
Glickenhaus Foundation, and the write “Michele NY in honor of his 11th birthday
Steven A. & Alexandra M. Cohen saw the article invited his friends to an Ultimate
Foundation. about Skylar Bowling Birthday Party on Dec
Honse’s “Cans for 17th with this hand-written mes-
Katie & Billy McMahon of NYC
a Cure” and sage: “Instead of bringing presents,
decided that in lieu of flowers they
began collecting and joy and love for me, why not
would each choose a charity foun-
soda can tabs at bring something, for a concerned
dation that touched the lives of
her dad’s job family. Bring up to $20.00 for
individuals in need; CCF became
place with Children’s Cancer Fund, why it
one recipient.
Laidlaw Bus Co.. One year later would be nice to do this for some-
Brenda Brown of the Bronx , NY she had 2,437 can tops and one. By HRC.” Henry raised
sends us “grateful thanks for the enclosed is a check for $121.85. $210.00 for CCF.
successful treatment of my grand- Michele is now in the 5th Grade.”
Zachery Pollack of Yorktown
son, Dylan Matthew Brown by Dr. We thank you Michele and your
Heights donated $600.00, provid-
Jayabose at the age of 2 months in family and we hope you have a
ed by his Bar Mitzvah, for the pur-
1999. We have been donating great summer vacation.
pose of creating a special CCF
though United Way but now plan
Normandeau Associates in fund for the Pediatric Infusion cen-
on donating directly on a quarterly
Bedford, NH, write that Charles ter at Westchester Medical Center.
basis.”
www.childrenscancerfund.org The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 5
Thank You s (continued from page 5)
This special donation fund is Donna & Virginia. Fay’s husband expressed
labeled “Rock-For-A-Cure” per Kathryn the wish for CCF to receive dona-
Zachery’s request. Byrnes & tions because CCF “was her
Family con- favorite charity.”
The Anchor & Palette Gallery in
tributed
Bay Head, NJ once again had 25 Cheryl Lynch of Cherylyn Salon
$950.00
artists select a charity for proceeds and Spa who created a Morning
collected at
of a silent auction of the artist’s Tea (for ladies only) to benefit CCF
their annual 2005 Christmas party.
work during the holiday season. on June 5, 2006 at The Castle-on-
CCF thanks you and all your
CCF received a check for the the-Hudson, Tarrytown, NY.
guests.
artist’s work created by Beth Alyse
College of Wooster, Science and
Kantor of West Orange, NJ. The Butler Family who honored
Humanities of Wooster, Ohio held
the memory of Fay Butler with
Club Fit of Jefferson Valley, NY for a Charity Craft Fair in April 2006
memorial donations from Fay’s col-
your donation in honor of member and sold $130.00. of CCF bracelets.
leagues at the central office of the
Mia Shevit. Thank you for your support.
Alexandria Public Schools in
CCF’s 9th Annual Run/Walk
W e welcome last year’s teams to continue their traditions of growing in size and fun – bring more members –
we encourage others to form teams! And thanks for past teams to the following:
Corrin’s Angels, Amanda’s Amigos, Barber Family, Blast Busters (Michael’s Mini-Walk), Blatz Family, Briarcliff
Schools, Brownie Troop #2861, Children’s Center – WMC, Chowanec Family, Friends of DiGeorgios, Horace
Greeley Girls Swim Team, Hendrick Hudson School Cheerleading, Hope for Jack, In Memory of Carl, John
Sassano, Jogging for Justin, Marcus Angels, Nick of Time, Peter’s Posse, Piccone Family, Taylor’s Angels, Team
Christopher, Team Jack, Team Krissy, Team Luigi, Team Poulin, Team Priscilla, The Harrietta’s & Yorktown Schools.
We encourage all our readers to seriously consider starting your own team or contacting a leader in school activ-
ities and getting them to form a team – do it now!!
For more info: visit our web site www.childrenscancerfund.org; e-mail us at support@childrenscancerfund.org or
leave a telephone message at 800-426-5413
A Sampling of the Run/Walk Venue in 2005
6 The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 www.childrenscancerfund.org
We always LIFESAVERS
WISH LIST welcome help, so ALWAYS ARE
Please call Barbara McLain to
donate at 914-594-3402
• USB Flash Drives (with
just contact us: IN DEMAND:
128MB or greater storage) with • Donating Blood – A valuable
neck cord To become a volunteer or to start way to assist is by donating
• Entertainment Software for your own fundraiser, please blood or platelets. Call your
kids 5 years + e-mail us: local blood bank or Hudson
• Phone Cards support@childrencancerfund.org Valley Blood Center at: 1-800-
• Gas Cards 843-BLOOD
• Supermarket Cards • Donating Bone Marrow – For
• Snack foods more information about bone-
• Bottled water marrow matching and donation,
• Lysol wipes please call 1-800-MARROW2
New Research In Memoriam Dinner Dance
continued from page 1 continued from page 2 continued from page 1
of children with Acute Myeloid dinner dance and our Walkathon for sight-unseen tasks and details.
Leukemia (AML) can be cured. In every year with all their family and But the success of our Annual
particular, although conventional friends. Fundraiser is directly related to the
chemotherapy can cure about 40% Co-Honorees, Jeffrey Doynow,
John’s demise is a great loss to
of AML patients, most will either President of Fortune Home
everyone - his family, the scientific
die of relapse or from the compli- Builders, and Richard Friedman,
community around the world and
cations associated with treatment, Executive President of BioScrip,
to all of us who work towards the
suggesting that more specific and Inc., who brought new attendees
well being of children with can-
less toxic treatments for AML and supporters to a greater aware-
cer.” S. Jayabose, MD
patients are needed. ness of CCF’s mission to cure
childhood cancer diseases (more
My future research will encompass
two broad areas. First, identifica-
In Memoriam on page 3).
tion and characterization of novel The Board of Directors also
components of JAK/STAT signaling extends its sympathies to the fami-
for a better understanding of the ly of Arnold J. Cerasoli, M.D., who
molecular mechanisms by which died January 4, 2006. Born July
CCF Awareness
this pathway is involved in leuke- 18, 1919 in New York City, he was
mogenesis. Second, identification a veteran of World War II, serving
and characterization of novel drug proudly as a Captain in the U.S.
Bracelets (red) are
inhibitors of JAK/STAT signaling. Army Medical Corps. He is sur-
This research will make important vived by his beloved wife of 60
contributions to efforts to reduce years, Tina of Middletown, NY;
available for sale in
the burden of blood malignancies, three daughters; four grandchil-
and ultimately serve to identify tar- dren; and one great granddaughter.
gets for therapeutic drug interven- His three daughters, Cecilia
quantities of 20
tions in the prevention and treat- Cerasoli of Charleston, SC, Camille
ment of blood malignancies Meola and her husband Alfred, of
caused by aberrant JAK/STAT sig- Port Chester, NY, and Genevieve
or more.
naling.” Cerasoli and her husband, John E-mail us at:
Maraldo have been active fundrais- support@childrenscancer
ers for the Children’s Cancer Fund.
Contributions, in Arnold’s memory,
fund.org
were made to CCF. Michael
Maraldo, his grandson, has been a
“poster boy” for the Annual Mini-
Walk for Michael which again will
be held in the Spring of 2007.
www.childrenscancerfund.org The Bear Facts Spring-Summer 2006 7
Please join us for the 3rd Annual
Travis Day
A barbeque to benefit the Children’s Cancer Fund
Saturday, July 15, 2006 from 12:00-5:00pm
Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, Route 376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Rain or shine
A day filled with great food, new music and fun for the entire family!
There will be activities for everyone. We look forward to seeing you for
our best year ever!
Adults $25/ Children $10 (under 3 free)
Make checks payable to CCF and mail to:
Kelli Muller-Gonzalez
32 Hillcrest Court
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
FLASH Check our website in July for details of our new
CCF Golf Outing in September 2006
www.childrenscancerfund.org
White Plains NY
Permit 7033
PAID Millwood, NY 10546
US POSTAGE P.O. Box 658
ORG Children’s Cancer Fund
NON PROFIT
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