Carol Vattimo Carol has been a key contributor to the CURE Childhood Cancer Association's peer-to-peer support network at the Gallisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY, for nearly two decades. After her son Brian was diagnosed in 1983, Carol and other parents began an informal peer network to help one another cope with various stages of illness, treatment options, and general emotional support in the face of their shared crises.
The unofficial program became so successful that the hospital decided to implement it on a full-time basis, and Carol joined the hospital as a member of the staff dedicated to providing others with the invaluable support of someone who had "been there." Over the years, she has shared moments of joy and sadness with many families. "I think for me," Carol says, "meeting with the families has always seemed like a privilege. Some of those experiences are very tough, and sometimes there are much happier times, but it's all very rewarding."
Jill Andrews Jill Andrews, whose daughter Stephanie lost a heart-breaking battle with a bone marrow disorder called myelodysplasia in June 2004, knows first-hand how important peer support can be for parents in similar positions. Jill was fortunate enough to have Carol Vattimo by her side at the Gallisano Children's Hospital to lend support and advice beginning shortly after Stephanie's diagnosis. Carol encouraged Jill to explore the options and resources available through the hospital and other organizations.
"Carol would answer any questions we had, and if she didn't have an answer, she would go and find one for us," Jill remembers. She still remains close with Carol, and they meet frequently for lunch. "Parent advocacy is definitely needed," Jill says. "You need to have someone you can trust, who will give you honest answers and not just tell you what you want to hear. It's wonderful to know that I have someone to talk to, someone who understands."
Spencer Rockman As the director of Rover's International Soccer in Edison, NJ, Spencer Rockman has shared his love of soccer with thousands of children for nearly three decades, using his love of sports to promote personal values and character development. He is also one of the architects of the Lainie's Angels annual Kicks for Kids with Cancer and Blood Disorders event, driven by his conviction that "every step we take in life, on or off the field, is an opportunity to do good."
"When I was introduced to Lainie's Angels," Spencer recalls, "it was just a natural connection. I approached them and suggested we work together." As planning progressed, support was secured from local and national businesses, as well as from the MetroStars, the New York/New Jersey professional soccer team. "We worked really hard to get the word out, to galvanize the community, both locally and beyond," Spencer says. His hard work paid off, with the initial 2004 Kicks for Kids event drawing over 1000 participants, and the continued growth of both participants and donations for the second annual event in 2005. He plans to keep the ball rolling for Lainie's for many years to come.
Carol has been a key contributor to the CURE Childhood Cancer Association's peer-to-peer support network at the Gallisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY, for nearly two decades. After her son Brian was diagnosed in 1983, Carol and other parents began an informal peer network to help one another cope with various stages of illness, treatment options, and general emotional support in the face of their shared crises.
Jill Andrews, whose daughter Stephanie lost a heart-breaking battle with a bone marrow disorder called myelodysplasia in June 2004, knows first-hand how important peer support can be for parents in similar positions. Jill was fortunate enough to have Carol Vattimo by her side at the Gallisano Children's Hospital to lend support and advice beginning shortly after Stephanie's diagnosis. Carol encouraged Jill to explore the options and resources available through the hospital and other organizations.
As the director of Rover's International Soccer in Edison, NJ, Spencer Rockman has shared his love of soccer with thousands of children for nearly three decades, using his love of sports to promote personal values and character development. He is also one of the architects of the Lainie's Angels annual Kicks for Kids with Cancer and Blood Disorders event, driven by his conviction that "every step we take in life, on or off the field, is an opportunity to do good."