(Press release) Bottega Veneta at NorthPark Center recently hosted a champagne reception on September 23 for TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation in recognition of NorthPark50: Fifty Years of Giving. TeamConnor is the legacy of eight-year-old Connor Cruse of Frisco who lost his four-year battle with neuroblastoma in 2009. TeamConnor has awarded $1.7 Million in funding for childhood cancer research and patient programs across the country since 2008. “Bottega Veneta has been a wonderful partner,” said Jamie Singer, TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation executive director. “In addition to a generous donation to fight childhood cancer, even brought in special butterfly-themed items in honor of our organization’s logo. And we can’t say enough about the support we’ve received from NorthPark Center.” NorthPark Center is helping with the underwriting of art boxes that TeamConnor donates for Stem Cell Transplant patients at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) at Children’s Health in Dallas. Each art box contains carefully selected art and music materials that reflect the individual interests of the Patient. When a child undergoes a stem cell transplant, they have to be in isolation for 30 – 90 days. The art boxes are individually prepared with the child’s interests and hobbies in mind. An art box might include several games and art projects and books to engage the child and take his or her mind off their treatment for even a short time.
“We made a promise to our son Connor that we would do everything we could so no child would have to go through all he did during his four years of cancer treatments,” explained Joy Cruse, TeamConnor founder. “The art boxes are just one of the programs we support. Our primary focus is on funding research to find a cure for childhood cancers.” Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes. In the United States, cancer kills more children every year than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined. Yet, the National Cancer Institute allocates less than four percent of its funds to pediatric cancer research. TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation is dedicated to serving families, building awareness, and raising funds for research to help cure childhood cancer. For more information on how to join the fight against childhood cancer, please visit teamconnor.org.
Photo features TeamConnor Board of Directors (Left to right) Chris Vogeli, Kris Hasson, Joy Cruse, Carolyn Alvey, Leanna Marchand and Ray Jordan with TeamConnor executive director Jamie Singer (2nd from right) Rhi Lee photographer.
