Robert C. Danon / M2M - The Kira Arney Fund
September 04, 2007
Dear Friends:
Kira Arney was thirteen years old. Her eyes were bright, and her smile was winning and her heart, well her heart, was as big as they come. She cared so much for those around her, wanting them to be strong, to carry on... On July 31, 2006, after a two-year battle, Kira died of a malignant brain tumor, at home with her family around her. She was the eldest daughter of a Wilmette family I have come to know and admire and, at times, cry for.
Kira Arney was the toughest kid I ever met. Yes, I'm quite sure there were terrible moments behind closed doors... Moments of discomfort and pain when all seemed lost, but Kira, on the outside, made us all feel better. She gave us courage, she gave us hope, she, gave us that great smile. She did her best to ensure a normalcy in her life that was more than admirable; it was most heroic. She carried on in her day-to-day life with courage and perseverance until the end.
There are many wonderful causes we can support. There are, certainly numerous and worthy cancer research funding causes. But today I am asking you to support this one because it is about children; it's about their future, it's about our future. Pediatric cancer research needs your help.
At the Falk Brain Tumor Center at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, they see more children with brain tumors than any other hospital in the Midwest. There, they are committed to participating innovative investigations and treatment protocols for children suffering from brain tumors. Nationally, less than 3% of all government-funded cancer research dollars goes to pediatrics, and unfortunately only a small percentage of that funding is used for brain tumor research.
Children are not supposed to die before their parents, but Kira Arney did. Other children have, and other children will. Kira, like many other children, came to understand that it would take a miracle for her to survive yet she never gave up hope. My hope is that you will think of Kira or others you have known, or others you have heard of, and make a donation to the future.
As some of you know, I am in Europe, kayaking (the kayak will be christened The Kira II) around the island of Crete off the southern coast of Greece, in an attempt to bring more attention to this fundraising effort, which is so near, and dear to my heart. I am hoping that if I can do this, and at the same time, bring attention to a cause that keeps hope alive for children around the world; then you too can join in the fund raising for pediatric cancer research, by making a donation. I'm hoping my small effort, along with this letter, will awaken a sleeping giant in you and those you know, to make a contribution to this important cause. If you can find it in your heart to send something, anything, please do. The future of our children is the future of the world. I appeal to you in the very strongest sense, please help support pediatric cancer research. It can only bring good.
Most thankfully,
Bob Danon
P.S. Please feel free to forward this appeal on to your friends.
Donations may be sent directly to Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 4, Chicago, IL 60614.
Please make your checkpayable to Children's Memorial Hospital and include the code KA-M2M onthe Memo line to ensure the money is credited to this fundraiser.
Donations may also be made online at www.childrensmemorial.org/friends/foundation/M2M.asp
Tara Noronha
Circle of Friends
Children's Memorial Foundation
2300 Children's Plaza, Box 4
Chicago, Il 60614