“We’re not content with just raising awareness about pediatric cancer,” said Jennifer Bolton, TeamConnor’s new executive director. “We won’t rest until we’ve found cures for these insidious diseases that are robbing our kids of their childhood and denying them their future.”
TeamConnor was founded in 2008 while Connor Cruse was in the midst of his four-year battle with neuroblastoma. Connor died July 10, 2009, but TeamConnor continues to fight for all the children who are battling cancer.
“We refused to accept the dire prognosis from the start,” stated Joy Cruse of Frisco, Connor’s mother. “Connor was only four when he was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma and we were told he might only have six months to live. We sought out the best care from across the country. Connor even underwent experimental treatments in Guatemala. Cancer kills more children every year than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined. We were stunned to learn that the National Cancer Institute allocates only three-percent of its funds to pediatric cancer.”
Connor endured over 220 nights in the hospital, more than 40 blood transfusions, 25 rounds of chemo, 14 surgeries, two bone marrow transplants and countless procedures with visits to specialists in Dallas, Boston, New York, Houston, and Guatemala.
“Too many people have closed ears when you discuss what these kids go through,” said Bolton. “It’s hard to hear what the treatments do to their little bodies. In the case of Connor, the radiation to battle his neuroblastoma caused other tumors, which was a new form of cancer that ultimately killed him. Even children who beat their cancer are often afflicted with long-term health issues from the brutal treatments. We have to find better treatment options.”
In 2008, TeamConnor paid out more than $170,000 in grants to fund research. Last year, the organization distributed more than $144,000. Currently, they’ve raised more than $300,000 this year. Fundraisers ranged from an annual golf tournament to a one-mile run in Connecticut and a special Dallas Stars hockey game.
“Cancer affects all of us,” said Joy Cruse. “It's someone's child, grandchild, niece, cousin, classmate and friend. It robs us all of precious memories. And we’ve got to fight back.”
TeamConnor is planning a “We Are Kids” concert at Oak Point Amphitheater in Plano October 2. The date would have been Connor’s 10th birthday. More information is available at www.teamconnor.org.
