MEET OUR KIDS

Stephen Schayer

November 2002

Dear Friends,

The Christmas season has always been my favorite time of the year. Families unite, children delight, and happiness abounds. Five years ago, though, my family’s celebration at Christmas-time was markedly different than usual. While baking holiday cookies, my mom noticed a small lump on my shoulder. The next day I heard a word that I, being only fifteen years old, never imagined: cancer.

My first reaction was one of fear and disbelief. I quickly and irrationally decided that I should tell none of my friends. I ignored the lump. Perhaps it would go away.

Within just a few days, I was introduced to the Tomorrow Fund and its Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. When my family and I first set foot into the Clinic, we were greeted by a smiling and cheerful receptionist. I soon realized that the doctors, nurses, social workers, and all other staff and volunteers displayed the same level of optimism and support as the receptionist. Over the course of the next seven months, as I was medically treated both as an inpatient and a clinic outpatient, I learned that the optimism, support, and compassion of the staff was not just a display—it was heartfelt, all forming the very backbone of the Tomorrow Fund organization.

The Tomorrow Fund staff truly came to know and understand me. My own doctor often asked about and offered me help with my homework, while the social worker always stopped by to make sure that I was feeling well or just to see if I wanted to talk. The Tomorrow Fund provided parking passes to my family, while its Parent Consultant visited me in the hospital and offered financial assistance so my parents could purchase meals while they were with me. I actually enjoyed going to the hospital. The environment and people of the Tomorrow Fund became a second home and family to me in which I felt very comfortable despite my cancer.

This past July marked my fifth year post-chemotherapy. During the course of these five years, as a “big kid” returning to the Clinic for follow-up visits, I have always been welcomed with the same energy that existed when I was a patient. The pleasantness is amazing, and I must admit that I still enjoy the Godzilla bandages following blood work!

More than a patient, though, I have come to better understand the Tomorrow Fund as a counselor in its annual week-long Camp Dotty program for young children with cancer and their siblings. The children are full of energy each day—they absolutely love the activities, ranging from puppet shows to karaoke to field trips—that the Tomorrow Fund lines up for them. Their constant smiles and energy truly inspires me, for it reminds me that children who are so sick can still have fun.

This incredible role that the Tomorrow Fund has played and continues to play in my life and those of others has inspired me to pursue a medically-oriented career following my graduation from college in the Spring. I want to become a part of an atmosphere that is so outgoing and so moving that, like the Tomorrow Fund, strives to make a happy experience out of the unfortunate and devastating effects of illnesses such as cancer.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to offer thanks to all those who have donated their time or money to the Tomorrow Fund. I hope that, if you are able, you might consider making a gift to this wonderful organization. In my opinion, everyday is Christmas at the Tomorrow Fund Clinic, for the true magic, happiness, and unity never ceases to exist. Thank you again.

Most Sincerely,
Stephen Schayer

We’ve been helping children with cancer for 20 years!

There is a child with cancer in every city and town in RI and nearby MA who is being helped by The Tomorrow Fund.

Last year, children with cancer spent more than 2,500 nights in Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Meet a Tomorrow Fund Kid - This Month - Meet Stephen