Tell me how you originally got involved with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

In 2004, my 14-year-old son Daniel was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Basically, our family's world was turned upside down. No one is prepared for it, and it shocks you. We were very fortunate in that we were led immediately to excellent medical care at Columbia — one of the five hospitals PCF supports. We were referred and got expert medical care, but at the time I wasn't even aware that the Pediatric Cancer Foundation existed. The president in 2004 happened to be someone whose name I knew, but not personally. Friends referred me, and it was the PCF that became a tremendous emotional support. They really reached out to my family and me. 

How would you describe your experience with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation?

It was very personal and hands on, and they really cared about us as a family.

What did the Pediatric Cancer Foundation do during that time?

They called constantly to check in to see if we needed anything. We were invited to their activities. Daniel was in 8th grade at the time, and he had a huge group of friends who were interested in helping him. The PCF integrated the kids into their Bikeathon. They reached out in a lot of ways.

When did you start your volunteer work with the PCF?

Daniel started treatment in April 2004, and his treatment finished in November 2004. He had six cycles of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. We were overwhelmingly happy that he went into remission, especially at Stage 4, and we wanted to give back in gratitude [by volunteering].

How did you go from volunteering to a more active role in the organization?

Initially, we were volunteering for local activities like the Bikeathon. I was also invited to a board meeting as a guest, and eventually that led to my first big job, which was chairing the Bikeathon. I was also asked to serve on the board of directors, then after that to be a vice-president, and following up, I became the new president.

As a president, what have you been able to bring to the role, having been through what you experienced with your son?

For me, I bring personal experience and perspective that comes from the heart.

What does your job position entail?

It's really running all the day-to-day activities, as well as supervising the executive committee and the board of directors and all the enterprises they take on. Also, the president will be the spokesperson and a liaison to the hospitals. We have a medical liaison as well. I am the liaison to communities who reach out and have fundraisers with proceeds going to PCF.  Nancy Joselson is the executive director and helps people get their planning together.

I will also attend events and speak about my experiences and what we do at the PCF. People walk away with a better understanding of where their money is going and what it helps.

What does your day consist of?

I work out of my home office. I have a daily conversation with Executive Director Nancy Joselson about projects, things that need to get done and calls that need to be made. I have monthly meetings with the executive committee, and we discuss financial issues, the medical donations, our events, etc.

What are the five premier research hospitals PCF supports?

Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYU Langone Medical Center, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York (previously NSLIJ), Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center.

Tell me about some of the events PCF sponsors.

Our annual luncheon brought in 400 women from the community. This year, it was held at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains. We had guest speakers, including a cancer survivor and a premier oncologist from Columbia, and a fashion show.

We also have a huge walkathon in April, the Westchester Bikeathon in May and we just completed our annual fundraising boutique. Lots of vendors donated, and a significant amount of the proceeds donated went to PCF. It was an extremely well-attended event.

Next up is our annual journal. This year marks the 40th anniversary of PCF, and our journal is honoring the 13 past presidents of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. We will be sending out solicitations soon.

How much of the money goes towards the projects?

We are very proud of the fact that 90 cents from every dollar earned goes towards our projects. There is very little administrative cost.

What is PCF's mission?

Overall, the mission is to eradicate childhood cancer. What we do is provide funding for cancer research, cancer treatment and we fund specific projects at five local research hospitals. The money we raise goes to research treatment, medical equipment and patient/parent care.

We are a local organization trying to get to the next level and reach out to a broader audience, a further-reaching audience and get more exposure and increase the amount we can make for pediatric cancer.

If you would like to donate to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, or if you would like more information about the organization and upcoming events, you can visit http://www.pcfweb.org