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January 27, 2008
When we started the Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation (JTHF) three short
years ago we vowed to make a difference in the fight against pediatric
brain tumors. We also made a promise to honor the memory of our son
Jeffrey and make him proud of our efforts. I am happy to report another
successful year of fundraising efforts.
The year saw some big changes in our organization with the naming of Dr.
Thomas I. Hayden as our new Executive Director in July. He has assumed
control over the day to day operations of the foundation and is in the
process of assembling a Board of Directors to oversee and guide JTHF in
a positive direction. He can be reached at 513-314-5702 or via email
using the JTHF website.
Our focus in 2008 will be on getting the building blocks in place to
grow the foundation. Creating awareness and building a team of
volunteers are just a few of the goals he has set for the group.
In 2007 we gave out over $82,000 in grants for research and awareness
programs to various organizations, with the Ohio State University
Foundation being the largest recipient. The money donated to OSU went to
fund the “Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation Postdoctoral Endowed
Fellowship Fund in Pediatric Brain Tumor Research at The Ohio State
University Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and the Richard L. Solove
Research Institute”. This was part of our $250,000 commitment and we are
proud and honored to be working with such a fine institution.
Other organizations receiving money, sponsorship, assistance, gifts
or support from JTHF include; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center, Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Ohio, The Rosemary Hockney
Memorial Foundation, Fernside, Freedom Elementary PTO and the DPG
Conference co-sponsored by JTHF and the Cameron Brooks Foundation.
Over the past year we held three major fundraising events. Jeff’s 5K
Family Fun Walk in May, the Robert Jackson Fall Golf Classic in October,
and the Play Ball Dinner & Auction in November. We also held a garage
sale, a book drive and set out piggy banks all in an effort to raise
funds. These events, along with private donations resulted in over
$100,000 in contributions being collected for a third straight year. We
are thankful for the support that we receive and we appreciate
everyone’s generosity.
Special thanks go out to our event chairpersons; Kate Miller (Walk),
Robert Jackson Golf), Denise Siegel (Dinner), Chelsea Pitonyak (Book
Drive), Emma Siegel (Garage Sale) and Jeanne Hayden (Piggy Banks). They,
along with our army of volunteers did a wonderful job and we are blessed
to have them helping our foundation.
In October, at the annual Lakota Ridge Jr. High Fall Sports Banquet,
Jason DeFevers and Rachel Huxhold were named as co-winners of the
Jeffrey T. Hayden Memorial Award. This past May at Freedom Elementary,
Elle Nguyen and Brian Smudski were named the recipients of the Jeff
Hayden Character Award. Congratulations to all the winners and for
carrying on the proud tradition at these fine schools.
Unfortunately, since Jeffrey’s death in September of 2004, over 500
children have died of the same type of tumor he had (Diffuse Pontine
Glioma) and another 5,000 children died from other types of brain
tumors. Each week another 3-4 children in North America are diagnosed
with a diffuse pontine glioma and there is still no cure. Life
expectancy is less than 12 months in over 95% of these cases. And, an
additional 40 children are diagnosed with various forms of brain tumors
with outcomes ranging from 12 months to live to being completely cured.
Surviving a brain tumor depends largely on the type and location of the
tumor. Scientists are working on the answers, but research requires
money and commitment.
In addition to our mission to fund research to find a cure, we want
to provide factual information to parents so they can make educated
decisions regarding treatment options for their children. We do that
thru an interactive website and partnerships with research and
educational institutions. To help promote awareness we work with various
sports teams, such as the Detroit Red Wings, and other organizations
that focus on curing various types of childhood cancers. Please consider
making a donation of time, money or services to help us defeat this
monster.
Losing a child to this dreaded disease is tough for any parent to
handle, but what helps you get through each day is knowing that people
truly care and want to Make a Difference in the fight against pediatric
brain tumors. We are blessed to have so many family members and friends
dedicating time to help us in our fight. We thank you for your support
and understanding, and look forward to great things in 2008.
Two major events are already
scheduled for 2008. The 5K Family Fun Walk will be held on May 10th at
the Ronald Reagan VOA Park and the Robert Jackson Fall Golf Classic will
tee off on September 29th at the Beckett Ridge Country Club. Both
locations are in West Chester Ohio. Detailed information will follow.
The Jeffrey Thomas Hayden Foundation is a registered 501c(3) non profit organization that was created to Make a Difference in
the fight against pediatric brain tumors. For more information visit our
web site at
www.jthf.org
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