A Surprise For Lilyanna
By Everyone at GPS was excited to meet Lilyanna, Janice’s great niece who has inspired us with her courage.
We think that Lilyanna is a super hero!
Back in May of 2013, Lilyanna was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, so rare that she is the first case that the doctors have ever seen at her age (3 years old). She has since undergone two brain surgeries to remove the malignant brain tumor and is currently (at age 4) undergoing radiation and oral chemo treatment.
Lilyanna is helping to raise funds for children’s cancer research via the 2014 CureSearch Walk and her team, Lilyanna’s Hope. Her goal is to raise $1,500 by September, when the Walk is being held. We’ve started promoting her event, here at GPS, and we have already raised over $500 in cash and online donations. The plan was that she’d stop by the office to thank us for our on-going fund-raising efforts, but we had a surprise waiting for her…
“What!” Lilyanna exclaimed when GPS President Tyler Burgess presented her with a giant Easter basket. It was filled with Hello Kitty themed toys (Lilyanna’s favorite) as well as plenty of traditional Easter treats like Peeps and Robin’s Eggs.
Lilyanna was absolutely adorable. She soon emptied her basket and played with all her new toys. She bounced her Hello Kitty ball and counted all her candy, which she then offered to share. Lilyanna was full of energy and enthusiasm. She’s a small girl with a big personality!
Lilyanna stood still long enough for a quick photo with
Great-Aunt Janice (left) and her friend & coworker Penny,
a top collector for Team Lilyanna’s Hope.
Lilyanna says, “Thank you.”
There is not much research focused on children’s cancer and most of the treatment protocols are based upon those that are meant for adults. In order for children to have a chance at life, more knowledge is needed.
Please help us to extend a helping hand not only for Lilyanna, but for every child and parent going through the difficulties and the uncertainties in making decisions due to the lack of knowledge regarding children’s cancer. Lilyanna doesn’t want sympathy, she wants to make a positive change!
Join us for the 2014 CureSearch Walk on September 6th, 2014 at Soldier Field’s Stadium Green, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. To donate directly to the CureSearch Walk please visit: The Team Page for Lilyanna’s Hope.
