Picture Courtesy of Shannon Kuhlmann Captured Moments Photography
Front Row: Jayden Lieser, Dominic Lieser, Childhood Cancer survivor of Neuroblastoma Gavin Klocker (Cold Spring), Chelsy Hendershot, Childhood Cancer Surivivor of Ewing’s Sarcoma Ryan Prow (Sauk Rapids). Middle Row: Tracy Scherping, Sandy Niehoff, Presdient Chrystal Sand, Founder/Executive Director Linda Nathe-Lieser, Josh Lieser, Secretary Mary Hemmesch, Treasurer Jessica Wenker. Back Row: Deb Essler, Amanda Goerdt & Joni Prow. Not present: Vice-President Kim Buntjer, and many, many other volunteers.
Childhood Cancer to date remains the #1 Disease Killer of America’s Children and yet remains underfunded. Every donation truly does make a difference in the life of a child that has been affected by Childhood Cancer.
While some of our funds are immediately dispersed for current and on going research a portion of our funds is contributed toIsaac’s HOPE Fund for Curing Childhood Cancer, an Endowment Chair.It is our goal and hope of establishing an endowment chair to ensure that researchers have continued funding to keep studies going and keep disseminating what they’re learning –far beyond the University.
At the end of each year we gather our Team together to give a gift of monetary support to the U of M.ALL of our funds raised are committed to the advancement and Cure of Childhood Cancer Research.
Since Isaac’s Foundation began in January of 2008 over $145,000 has been donated to the University of Minnesota. Isaac’s Foundation has reached a level of support with the U of M where our research dollars have been distributed upon much needed programs overseen by our Medical Advisory Committee, Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist Drs. Joseph Neglia and Brenda Weigel.
Raising Money For Childhood Cancer
2013 HOPE Run, July 20th
6th Annual Isaac's Journey... "where HOPE begins" Foundation.
Bike,Walk or Rollerblade HOPE Run.
Evolution of Rock & Wrestling, June 15th
An all ages family show. Come be a part of the TV taping. Portion of the proceeds go to the Isaac Foundation.
Upcoming 2013 Events
Welcome to Isaac's Journey...where HOPE begins Foundation. We're here to educate and raise awareness of Childhood Cancer and help fund research projects. We HOPE to change cure rates for our future generation as every advancement in curing childhood cancer has come through research.
Issac's Foundation
The Isaac's Journey... "where HOPE begins" foundation was launched in January, 2008. Isaac's Foundation developed from the passing of cancer patient Isaac Matthew Lieser (June 22, 2005 - January 23, 2008).
Isaac's Favorite Song - "Upside Down" By: Jack Johnson
This was one of Isaac's favorite songs. Whenever he heard it he would always say, "George". The day after he died we made his funeral arrangements and then went and bought a suit for Josh for the funeral. That Thursday night when we got home to set the alarm clock for our next busy day, this song was on the radio. I have the CD, but I've never heard it on the radio before. How ironic, Isaac spoke to us that night through this song. I think the words of the song speak loud and clear. Listen to "Upside Down" on Youtube
About Isaac Lieser
Isaac, it is of Hebrew origin, and it's meaning is laughter.
Isaac Matthew Lieser was born June 22, 2005. Since the day Isaac was born he was an instant joy to everyone he touched. Isaac was always a happy boy, so perfect and always smiling. On May 6, 2007 he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, cancer. After a 9 month courageous battle Isaac passed away Wednesday January 23, 2008 at the age of 2 years, 7 months and 1 day.
The Beginning
We had just given birth to our fourth son, Keegan on April 16th, 2007. We have three other boys, Dominic - age 6, Jayden - age 4 and Isaac - age 22 months. I felt like my family was now whole.I now had every-thing I ever wanted, we had four beautiful healthy boys. Life was great!
On May 2nd (Wednesday) our son Isaac of 22 months awoke with a very distended tummy in pain. I brought him to the clinic where they took an x-ray. It looked like he was constipated. We were sent home with a laxative and suppositories. May 4th (Friday) our newborn Keegan had his 1st check-up. I brought Isaac with to be re-examined. It was decided to wait over the weekend and to do an ultrasound on Monday as the radiology report from Wednesday's x-ray came back as needing further evaluation. Saturday Josh's sister was getting married. Our almost four year old was the ring bearer so I needed to be there for him. Isaac wasn't feeling better so he stayed home with my sister. I called before mass started and there was no change, Isaac was still sleepy and irritable. I called right after mass and my sister said, meet me at the hospital, we found a lump the size of my fist and another one on the right side of his belly button protruding from his tummy. I was in complete denial. I drove about 85-90 mph all the way to the hospital. We were at the ER, they did an ultrasound and the pictures were sent to Children's Hospital. The Doctor came back with the devastating news that it looks like a tumor. I'll never forget that moment when the Doctor said the word tumor. I was speechless, I fell to my knees screaming and crying. We then were taken by ambulance right away to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.
In July of 2006 Isaac had 2 febrile seizures and than 1 more again in February of 2007. We seen a neurologist for this and it was determined after testing that it was just febrile seizures, which were common in children and that he was likely to never have another. The summer of 2006 Isaac seen a pediatric bone specialist for his legs as he seemed to walk inward with his feet, but that was determined by the specialist that he would grow out of that as that was also common in children and in his case didn't seem to be be serious. How could this be that Isaac had cancer. Isaac never showed any signs of illness. He was a very healthy child with a couple ear infections, but that's all.
Isaac's Journey
May of 2007. Isaac was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma. Stage IV means that the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor to distant parts of the body. In Isaac's case several tumors were found in his lungs, chest, neck and the largest was in his abdomen encasing his left kidney. Cancer was also spread through out his body in his femur, lumbar and his bone marrow. High Risk means that the disease often responds to standard treatment at first, but there is a high risk that the cancer will come back. The tumor biopsy showed to have unfavorable histology and was amplified. Isaac was given a 20-40% survival rate.
This is the same exact cancer that Josh's sister (Isaac's aunt) had in 1983. She won the battle with this cancer as she was at a disease stand point of being NED, No Evidence of Disease.The chemotherapy and radiation suppressed her immune system so that she got pneumonia, had a heart attack and lost her life on January 25, 1984. This was exactly 24 years and two days before Isaac passed away. Kim was given the same statistics 24 years ago that Isaac was given 24 years later. Red flag-in 24 years things haven't changed and what's more mind boggling is no one was asking or testing our other children.
Isaac was on Protocol A-3973. Isaac's roadmap (plan of treatment) was expected to take 12-14 months. Isaac had 2 rounds of chemotherapy which consisted of Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Vincristine (CDV). He then had a stem cell harvest which was later to be used to rescue him out of a consolidation round of chemotherapy (high dose). This is kind of like a Bone Marrow Transplant except Isaacwas to be his own donor. He then had a 3rd round of chemotherapy which included Cisplatin and Etoposide, CiE. He then had a 4th round of chemotherapy, CDV and the 5th round was CiE. Scans were performed through out, but after the 5th round they did all the major scans to decide if Isaac was ready for surgery to resect the primarytumor. The cancer was all gone through out his body except for the tumor encasing his left kidney which was much smaller, but still encasing major vessels and arteries, too dangerous to take out yet. It was decided to do a 6th round of chemo and check scans after that. We then checked scans after the 6th round and were given terrible news.Isaac had relapsed, refractory disease. Which means his cancer came back and was not responding to treatment. We then tried 2 different rounds of chemotherapy after that. It still wasn't working. We tried 11 rounds of radiation and it appeared to work as labs, specifically his bilirubin came down, but scan wise it appeared to have spread.We then did a 9th round of chemotherapy hoping to keep the cancer at bay while trying to get him to Vermont to be part of the Nifurtimox study.After the pre-study workup and scans and Isaac's health rapidly deteriorating it was decided on January 20th that we transfer him closer to home to our hospital in Melrose. Isaac was now on hospice through Centra-Care out of St. Cloud. Three short days later Isaac joined the Lord and his aunt Kim in heaven. We never gave up HOPE, not once, we still to do this day believe in Isaac.
During Isaac's 9 month battle he endured more than most adults in a lifetime. Isaac always seemed to take the scenic route during treatment always being different from what medical science tells us. In between treatments Isaac became very ill with low counts making him susceptible to infections. Tummy sicks (vomit), nausea, exhaustion and fever were our normal life during treatment.
Isaac's Journey included:
- 141 days in the hospital
- 3 bone marrow biopsies/aspirates
- 9 rounds of chemo = 51 days total
- 2 Hickman placements & 2 Hickman removals
- 17 clinic visits & 20 short stay visits
- 10 ER visits & 5 ambulance rides
- Loss of Hair
- Double door isolation 4x
- Started Morphine 4x, with a PCA 2x, dopamine 1x, TPN 3x
- 7 needle pokes
- 11 rounds of radiation
- 2 bone scans, 1 fluoroscopy, 1 PET scan, 1 skin biopsy
- 3 GFR test, 3 audiology test, 1 DMSA test,
- 14 CT scans, 2 MIBG's, 32 x-rays, 6 ultrasounds and 1 EKG
- 36 blood transfusions & 48 platelet transfusions
- 10 tube insertions=1 NJ tube, 1NG tube, 1 G tube, 3 Mic-Key caps
- 1 chest tube and 2 catheters
- 49 sterile dressing changes
- 2 surgeries
- 16+ physical therapies
- 4 stays in PICU
When Isaac was diagnosed, all the questions of why's and the feelings of guilt and blame rushed upon me. We had so many questions of how this happened, but no one had any answers for us. I was asked once to describe my kids. What do they mean to me? I thought well, that is the easiest question in the world. Oxygen. My kids are my oxygen because with out it I can't survive. Isaac, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever!
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer found in infants, almost double that of leukemia and the most common extra-cranial solid tumor found in children. There is very little known about why neuroblastoma occurs, or about what factors increase the risk for occurrence. It is an aggressive cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, a nerve network throughout the body which carries messages from the brain. Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that manifests as a lump or mass in the abdomen, around the spinal cord, or in the chest, neck, or pelvis. Diagnosis can be complicated. It has been called the great masquerader because its symptoms mimic so many other diseases.
Every 16 hours a child with neuroblastoma dies.
There is no known cure.
- The average age at diagnosis is two years old.
- Nearly 70% of those children first diagnosed, have disease that has already metastasized or spread to other parts of the body.
- It accounts for 8% of all childhood cancer, but 15% of all the childhood cancer deaths.
- Nearly 70% of those children first diagnosed, have disease that has already metastasized or spread to other parts of the body.
- Neuroblastoma is an aggressive solid tumor cancer that strikes mainly young children and has less than a 30% chance of survival when evidence at diagnosis shows that the disease has spread.1
- Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer found in infants, almost double that of leukemia, and the most common solid tumor cancer in children, second only to brain tumors. Neuroblastoma is the third most prevalent pediatric cancer and has less than a 30% chance of survival when evidence at diagnoses shows that the disease has spread.
May 6, 2007 CT-scan (Isaac's Primary Tumor)
OUR BOARD MEMBERS:
Founder/Executive Director - Linda Nathe - Lieser Mother to Isaac, married to Joshua Lieser, Isaac's Daddy. Linda is a Domestic Engineer raising 4 children and a child care provider for her nephews. She lives on the family farm while home-schooling their children and enjoys Soo Bahk Do (Karate), biking, hunting, fishing, cooking/baking and bible studies with her family. My most valuable time is spent with my children as I know just how valuable "time" really is. One day I HOPE to see Gold Ribbons on several products. Our ultimate goal is a big one: We want to be able to Cure Childhood Cancer. Losing our son Isaac is the most devastating time in our life.
isaacsfoundation.linda@ymail.com
President - Chrystal Sand, Married to Mike Sand. They have three children; Mackenzie, Ethan and Aiden. Chrystal does daycare part-time while home schooling her children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, stamping, baking, being a Girl Scout Leader and being part of Isaac's Foundation. Chrystal has followed Isaac's story from the very beginning and is very honored to be a part of Isaac's Foundation.
chrystal.isaacsfoundation@yahoo.com
Vice President/Director of "Samantha's Hands"- Kim Buntjer and husband Mark live in Long Prairie with their children Jadon, Katrina, Maria & John Paul. Their daughter Samantha died of neuroblastoma cancer in 2001. Kim is a full time mother, busy volunteer at St. Mary?s Church and School, and continues to touch people through their ministry: Samantha?s Hands. She is excited to partner with Isaac?s Foundation to fight against childhood cancer and reach out in prayer to those in need of support:
--to be the hands that help others carry the cross of cancer.
--to be the heart that helps others find peace in the midst of an unknown future.
--to bring faith and trust in Christ to those experiencing fear and doubt.
mksjkm@wisper-wireless.com
Treasurer - Jessica Wenker married to Greg Wenker have 2 children, Journey and Mack. While busy raising her family Jessica keeps busy enjoying her children's activities with them while employed with CentraCare. Jessica enjoys accounting and looks forward to being a part of such a great team! isaacsfoundation.jessica@ymail.com
Secretary - Mary Hemmesch married to Jarett Hemmesch, has two daughters and three Grandchildren, Mary is the Grandmother to Gavin Klocker. Gavin was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when he was just 6 months old. Gavin is CANCER FREE at 12 years of age. Gavin and Kim Lieser are 4th cousins, which makes Gavin and Isaac 4th cousins, once removed. Mary began following Isaac's story and began supporting this wonderful Foundation! She is honored to be a part of Isaac's Foundation in finding a cure for childhood cancer. jmliehem@q.com
Board Member - Kayla Dickhoff married to Joe Dickhoff. They have one daughter, Jocelyn Irene, and two growing boys, Reid and Liam. In July 2007, Jocelyn was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Please keep Jocelyn in your prayers as she continues her fight with Childhood Cancer: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jocelyndickhoff
kayla@isaacsfoundation.org
Board Member - Jodi Zeimetz lives in Albany. She has 2 children, Hailey and Dominick. Jodi works for North Central Bus Sales in Saint Cloud. She enjoys spending time with her family, scrapbooking, cross stitching, reading, and being a part of Isaac's Foundation. She first learned about Isaac Lieser while searching the Caring Bridge site for someone else named Isaac. She continued to follow his story, and shortly after the Foundation was started, she joined the team and has been a huge supporter ever since. She says she is part of Isaac's Journey because she has HOPE that someday, Isaac's Foundation will be able to say "WE HAVE A CURE" for Childhood Cancer, so no more children will die!
jodi@isaacsfoundation.org
Board Member - Joni Prow married to Jarred Prow. They have 4 children. Ryan, their oldest child is a survivor of Ewing's Sarcoma. They are blest to have Ryan as they too unfortunately know the dreadful journey Childhood Cancer brings to a family. Follow Isaac's Foundation as Joni along with her husband Jarred keep us up to date with social media through Twitter and Facebook.
jprow04@gmail.com
Foundation's Graphic & Web Designer - Jen Fuchs married to Jason Fuchs. They have 3 children. She works FT as a graphic designer for a newspaper and does freelance graphic and web design on the side in her home. She enjoys familly time, staying active, gardening and drawing. She feels grateful to be a part of our foundation's journey in finding a cure for Childhood Cancer.
jen@northlanddesignservices.com
OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Pedatric Hematologist Oncologist
Dr. Joseph Neglia, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor and Interim Head, Department of Pediatrics, Section Chief, Hematology and Oncology, Albert D. and Eva J. Corniea Chair, University of Minnesota School of Medicine. See more.
Pedatric Hematologist Oncologist
Dr. Brenda Weigel, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota and Assistant Professor, Cancer Center, University of Minnesota See more.
We always welcome new faces to our group so if you are interested in volunteering or being a part of our group, please send an email to anyone of our Board Members and we'll be happy to have you join our Team!
OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Pedatric Hematologist Oncologist
Dr. Joseph Neglia, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor and Interim Head, Department of Pediatrics, Section Chief, Hematology and Oncology, Albert D. and Eva J. Corniea Chair, University of Minnesota School of Medicine. See more.
Pedatric Hematologist Oncologist
Dr. Brenda Weigel, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota and Assistant Professor, Cancer Center, University of Minnesota See more.
GOLD RIBBON CHAPTERS:
Chief Director of New Jersey - Dorean Shaw is married and the mother of three teenage children. She went back to school as an adult to pursue a degree in Political Science and Public Policy. This year, she wrote her undergraduate thesis on the politics of pediatric cancer funding.
During her research, she was fortunate enough to learn about Isaac and his story, which inspired her to get involved in raising awareness for pediatric cancer. Passionate about this issue, she will continue to do what she can in order to help children who are afflicted with cancer.
Please contact Dorean from New Jersey's Gold Ribbon Chapter in helping with volunteer/fundraising efforts in New Jersey. To join"Team Isaac" or to add a child of cancer from New Jersey to our "Gold Ribbon Kids" for Isaac's Foundation send Dorean an email.
Chief Director of New York - Eleni Vroulos married to one of the best husbands and dad's around, George Vroulos. I have two beautiful children, twins Evan & Sofia. Evan & Sofia were born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation. They have developmental delays but continue to strive. They are my motivation and driving force to do whatever I can to raise awareness to childhood diseases, especially pediatric cancer.
Please contact Eleni from New York's Gold Ribbon Chapter in helping with volunteer/fundraising efforts in New York, to Join "Team Isaac" or to add a child of cancer from New York to our "Gold Ribbon Kids" for Isaac's Foundation send Eleni an email at eleni.newyork@isaacsfoundation.org.
We always welcome new faces to our group so if you are interested in volunteering or being a part of our group-please send an email to linda@isaacsfoundation.org.
Read his story >
Troy Bailey
Leukemia (ALL)
12/14/1968 - 2/8/1975
Read his story >
Michael Wensel
Malignant Brain Tumor
3/13/1979 - 7/3/1993
Molly Williams
Myleodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)/Monosomy 7
In Treatment
Bailey Anne Arnhalt
Early T-Cell Acute Lymphblastic Leukemia (ALL)
NED
Read these touching stories of kids that have been affected by childhood cancer by clicking on the link to their story.
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Sallie Evelyn Gilmer
Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
NED
Sterling Beauchamp
Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkin's Lymphona
Active Treatment
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Samantha Marie Buntjer
Stage IV Neuroblastoma
12/2/95 - 4/21/01
Danny Hansen
High Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia FLT3
8/28/03 - 6/30/10
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Christopher Ramsey
Stage IV High Risk Nesuroblastoma
8/29/02 - 8/08/07
Marissa Jean Monroe
Stage IV, High Risk Neuroblastoma
7/10/05-06/13/08
Samuel Anderson
Stage IV Neuroblastoma
Relapsed, Active Treatment
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Tyler Jon Peters
Myxopapillary Ependymoma
NED
jenm24@msn.com
Jordyn Kate Olsen
Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma -
Active Treatment
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Christopher Gist
T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
5/29/85 - 2/25/05
MEET OUR GOLD RIBBON KIDS:
Check out our BILLBOARD on I-94 near Avon, MN
Isaac's Foundation would like to thank Lamar Advertising for supporting Isaac's Foundation in finding a Cure for Childhood Cancer,THANK YOU!
CONTACT US:
Founder/Executive Director, Linda Nathe-Lieser
isaacsfoundation.linda@ymail.com
President - Chrystal Sand
chrystal.isaacsfoundation@yahoo.com
Vice President/Director of "Samantha's Hands"- Kim Buntjer
mksjkm@wisper-wireless.com
Treasurer - Jessica Wenker
isaacsfoundation.jessica@ymail.com
Secretary - Mary Hemmesch
jmliehem@q.com
Board Member - Kayla Dickhoff
kayla@isaacsfoundation.org
Board Member - Jodi Zeimetz
jodi@isaacsfoundation.org
Board Member - Joni Prow
jprow04@gmail.com
prayers
your
We need
If you'd like to make a donation in honor of someone special, please
Dedications to someone special...
There are four easy ways to contribute to Isaac's Journey "where HOPE begins" Foundation.
1. Donate to the U of MN online directly to the"Isaac's HOPE Fund for Curing Childhood Cancer".
Join us in supporting cutting-edge research in children's cancer as we work to change cure rates for future generations!
Isaac's courageous spirit lives on each day in the millions of children diagnosed with cancer. You can help ensure brighter tomorrows for children and their families affected with this serious disease. Isaac's Journey where HOPE begins Foundation is pleased to join forces with the Minnesota Medical Foundation at the University of Minnesota, where physician-scientists have helped to increase the survival rate for pediatric cancer patients from 10 percent in 1959 to 85 percent today. However there is certainly more work to be done. Many pediatric cancers still have survival rates of less than 10%. For nearly a century, the University of Minnesota has led the world in pediatric cancer advances.
Through our partnership, you can make a difference in the lives of children with cancer by contributing to the Isaac's Hope Fund for Curing Childhood Cancer at the Minnesota Medical Foundation. Simply log on to: http://www.mmf.umn.edu/give/index.cfm.
HOPE begins with each of us. Together, we can educate and raise awareness of Childhood Cancer and help support innovative, life-saving research.
2. Donate online to Isaac's Foundation using Paypal.
3. Donate by check and make check payable to Isaac's Journey "where HOPE
begins" Foundation and mail to:
Isaac's Journey "where HOPE begins" Foundation
15412 110th Street
Sauk Centre, MN 56378
4. Purchase merchandise IN OUR ONLINE STORE.
All sales are final. Prices do not include shipping costs.
Apparel is 100% cotton and may shrink.
Other Childhood Cancer Websites
curechildhoodcancer.ning.com Join PAC2!
www.goldribboncampaign.blogspot.com
Other Links of Interest
Pen
$1.00
Car Decal Ribbon
$5.00
Recyclable Tote
$2.00
or 4/$5.00
Bracelet
$2.00
Lapel Pin
$3.00 + $2 Shipping
2013 Calendar
$20.00
Ribbon Cookie Cutter $10.00
Cookbook
$10.00 + $5 Shipping
Adult Green Hoodie
$30.00
Adult Green T-Shirt
$15.00
Adult Visor
$15.00
Adult Ball Caps $10.00
Welcome to our ONLINE STORE
All sales are final. Prices do not include shipping costs. Apparel is 100% cotton and may shrink.
The Minnesota Women of Today are proud to have selected Isaac's Journey Foundation for their 3 year Priority Project. We look forward to pairing with this organization to raise awareness and funds for children's cancer research.
The Minnesota Women of Today focuses on community service, personal growth, and building friendships.
Whether you want to give back to your community; develop your individual talents in speaking,writing and other areas; or make great new friends, Women of Today has something for you -- and you'll bring something unique to the organization! New voices and new ideas are always welcome.
Find out more about our organization through this site, and join us at one
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Childhood Cancer to date remains the #1 Disease Killer of America’s Children and yet remains underfunded.Every donation truly does make a difference in the life of a child that has been affected by Childhood Cancer.
At the end of each year we gather our Team together to give a gift of monetary support to the U of M.ALL of our funds raised are committed to the advancement and Cure of Childhood Cancer Research.
Since Isaac’s Foundation began in January of 2008 over $145,000 has been donated to the University of Minnesota. Isaac’s Foundation has reached a level of support with the U of M where our research dollars have been distributed upon much needed programs overseen by our Medical Advisory Committee, Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist Drs. Joseph Neglia and Brenda Weigel.
While some of our funds are immediately dispersed for current and on going research a portion of our funds is contributed toIsaac’s HOPE Fund for Curing Childhood Cancer, an Endowment Chair.It is our goal and hope of establishing an endowment chair to ensure that researchers have continued funding to keep studies going and keep disseminating what they’re learning –far beyond the University.It is important to us that we not only support the Research of today, but insure that we have funds to support those advancements for tomorrow, giving every child the bright future they deserve.
In 2012 the research priorities that Isaac’s Foundation has contributed to the University of Minnesota Amplatz has helped fund:
- Developing new therapies for patients with brain tumors, optimizing the development of tumor targeting vaccines and expanding clinical trials to test in pediatric patients with brain tumors.
- Developing and expanding the pediatric leukemia program to develop new drug and drug combinations for patients with difficult to treat leukemias.
- Expanding new therapies for Neuroblastoma with the opening of MIBG therapy and other targeted agents.
- Studies to enhance the quality of life of survivors of childhood cancer.
Running a non-profit Foundation is exhausting.It takes a lot of time and effort from an entire team of dedicated individuals. I have thought to myself often, especially with the still yet raw emotions of losing my own son Isaac nearly six years ago that I just want to quit.Not because I’m lazy, but because it’s too hard emotionally as we all put everything we have into it. When Isaac was diagnosed that same year Jocelyn Dickhoff of Belgrade was diagnosed as well.Through our children’s journey Jocelyn’s mom, Kayla and I became close.We have a bond only mothers with children having cancer can understand.Sadly Isaac didn’t survive his battle with cancer and passed in January of 2008.Jocelyn earned her status of NED (No Evidence of Disease), but relapsed again in April of 2010.Jocelyn’s family was given the not so good news that she had run out of options if her treatment didn't work and had less then a 5% chance of surviving long term.However, Jocelyn once again beat her cancer and again gained NED status.Two years ago she had exhausted all options known to treat her type of cancer, but with her recent relapsed in October (3rd relapse) because of the advancements we’ve made in Research she now has 3 more options to try.Tears of sadness engulfed me over the phone call that Jocelyn relapsed, but I had even more tears fall when I realized that she had options where 2 years ago she didn’t.It made me realize that in my long days of my own grief that we can’t quit because Isaac’s Foundation really does make a difference.
Joceyln was unable to take part in this year’s picture due to scheduled chemo treatments.Even though she has options she is still given a less then 5% chance of long term survival due to her multiple relapses, but as a parent that knows the loss of a child, I’d give anything for just one more day with my child and that is worth it, and who knows because of the efforts Isaac’s Foundation makes maybe the next time she’ll have a cure!
Our 6th Annual Chili Feed will be held in Sauk Centre at Gerard’s on March 23, 2013 where we will continue to raise money to support Childhood Cancer Research, all are welcome!For more details visit www.isaacsfoundation.org
Our ultimate goal is a big one: We want to be able to Cure Childhood Cancer and with the support of our community we are one day closer to making that happen.
Picture Courtesy of Shannon Kuhlmann/
Captured Moments Photography
Front Row: Jayden Lieser, Dominic Lieser, Childhood Cancer survivor of Neuroblastoma Gavin Klocker (Cold Spring), Chelsy Hendershot, Childhood Cancer Surivivor of Ewing’s Sarcoma Ryan Prow (Sauk Rapids). Middle Row: Tracy Scherping, Sandy Niehoff, Presdient Chrystal Sand, Founder/Executive Director Linda Nathe-Lieser, Josh Lieser, Secretary Mary Hemmesch, Treasurer Jessica Wenker. Back Row: Deb Essler, Amanda Goerdt & Joni Prow. Not present: Vice-President Kim Buntjer, and many, many other volunteers.
Raising Money ForChildhood Cancer
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MN Woman of Today
Our Mission
The mission of the Isaac's Journey... where HOPE begins Foundation is to educate and raise awareness of Childhood Cancer and help fund research projects. We HOPE to change cure rates for our future generation as every advancement in curing childhood cancer has come through research.
Our Vision
The vision of our foundation is to find a corporate sponsor(s) that will display on their products the Gold ribbon symbol giving the visability to childhood cancer that it deserves in HOPES to educate all people across the world.
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