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3550 Barron Way #9a • Reno, Nevada 89511
On this #WarriorWednesday we’re celebrating Jayme! Jayme was diagnosed in November 2023 with a brain tumor and underwent a 13-hour debulking surgery on February 13, 2024, where she was sedated until the afternoon of the 14th. She is the first documented case of this type of growth in this location from what the team of doctors told her and her family. The unknowns of how this will continue to affect her life are daunting, but this warrior is fighting with everything she has.
Tell us about your warrior and their journey:
Jayme was diagnosed with a substantial giant cell tumor of the clival in November 2023. She underwent a 13 hour debulking surgery on February 13, 2024 and was sedated until the afternoon of the 14th. They were able to remove 75% of the tumor. The remaining 25% has various crucial nerves that control breathing, swallowing, eye sight and tongue movements encased in it. Jayme is still having issues with her back from the compression at the stop of her spine and still has extreme headaches and dizziness at times. We are also dealing with anxiety and depression. Part of the area in the brain that controls emotion was extremely compressed given the size of Bob the blob. We are working with her team both at UCSF and here in Reno/Carson City to get the right medications to help with this. We also found her right vocal cord in paralyzed and will more than likely never function correctly.
Jayme is the first documented case of this type of growth in this location from what the team of doctors told us just before her surgery. The unknowns of how this will continue to affect her, probably for the rest of her life is daunting, but this warrior is fighting with everything she has. Because she is the first case, no one knows what to except, but we did get some good news this passed weekend. Her MRI on September 8th showed a slight decrease in size. BOB THE BLOB is getting smaller!!!! This doesn’t mean it will continue to shrink and it’s still possible for it to grow. Waiting to find out how often scans will take place to track its movement. Hoping the copper coil they placed to stop the blood flow to the growth will help it continue to shrink or at least remain the same.
How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?
The continued support has helped us at every turn. Whether it be a family event or just cheering her on through emails brings a smile to her face.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you to our family, friends, and teachers who have been there for us and work with us. I never truly understood “It takes a village” until we were faced with this. Thank you to our village. You guys ROCK!!!!
Meet Benjamin, a strong little boy who was diagnosed with ALL in June of 2023. Prior to his diagnosis, Benjamin enjoyed playing baseball and lots of outdoor activities, but has since developed a passion for video gaming and Lego sets. He is proud of how far he has come through his cancer journey — one of the things he looks forward to after treatment is over, is bringing his port to school for show and tell, once it’s removed. Read our interview with Benjamin’s mom below:
Tell us about your warrior and their journey:
Ben was diagnosed in June of 2023 with b-cell ALL. This came of course as quite a shock. Prior to his diagnosis, Ben enjoyed playing baseball and lots of outdoor activities. Since being diagnosed and having to be more cautious of injury, he has developed a passion for video gaming and building Lego sets. Occasionally we look back at pictures we’ve taken so far on this journey, to show him how much progress he has made and you can see that he is proud of himself. He tells us how strong he is and how much he has been through and how he can’t wait for all of this to be over.
How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?
NNCCF has helped our family immensely with holidays and eased the stress of regular life. As a family we love that we are always welcomed there with a warm smile and a friendly atmosphere.
Is there anything you would like to add?
One of the things Ben looks forward to after treatment is over, is bringing his port to school for show and tell, once it’s removed (since he’s now grown comfortable with his battle scar).
In 2007, two dedicated community members, Andy and Sally, established the “Ambush Haunted House.” They devote four months each year to constructing this haunted house and cover all associated costs. Although entry to the haunted house is free, visitors are encouraged to make donations to Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation to assist toward our mission to meet the needs of local young cancer warriors and their families.
On this #WarriorWednesday we’re celebrating Rosemarie! This fierce little girl was diagnosed when she was just two and a half years old where she was taken to UCSF in Oakland via helicopter. Rosemarie stayed in the hospital for roughly a month to begin her treatment journey. Through the ups and downs of treatment, she has been a strong fighter with her baby doll right by her side. Read our interview with Rosemarie’s mom below:
Tell us about your warrior and their journey:
Rosemarie was diagnosed when she was just two and a half years old where we were taken to UCSF in Oakland via helicopter. We stayed in the hospital for roughly a month to begin her treatment journey. Through ups and downs as well multiple hospital visits she has always had a baby doll near her and been our strong, fierce little girl!
How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?
We have been able to feel like we are part of a community as well as be able to experience events we didn’t think would be possible during a tough situation, such as movies! We have been able to be less stressed, and ALWAYS feel cared for anytime we are around a member of NNCCF.
Is there anything you would like to add?
She loves Disney princesses! She has always been fierce.
Are you ready for some football and philanthropy? Join Ken, Alex, and The 395 crew at 395 Craft Beer & Spirits in Lemmon Valley every Monday night! Ken will serve up different dishes each week, and you can dig in while helping local families! Donate here to help NNCCF and enjoy the season!
Please help us congratulate our September Community Member of the Month, Jared. Jared was introduced to NNCCF through “The Big Dig,” which eventually became “Dozers & Dirt,” and has since become one of our strongest advocates. Jared has served as the Committee Chair for Dozers & Dirt since 2021 and is proud to be a partner in Help. Hope. and Courage. Read Jared’s interview below:
How did you first get connected with NNCCF?
Mike Soukup from Granite Construction invited me to “The Big Dig” 10 year ago and I had so much fun operating the machines with the kids. Then I met Jeff from the Sheriff’s department who introduced me to NNCCF and we moved “The Big Dig” to “Dozers and Dirt” which I now serve on the committee as chair.
What is your NNCCF “why”? What makes you want to continue supporting NNCCF?
Because it’s one of the best organizations in Reno! They truly care about local families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and I will do whatever it takes to support them!
What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?
Helping to grow Dozers & Dirt to be the best event in Reno, Nevada!
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?
Craig Kelly – because he was the best snowboarder in the world!
Please help us congratulate our September Community Member of the Month, Jared! Jared came to learn about NNCCF through “The Big Dig,” now known as “Dozers & Dirt,” and has become one of our strongest advocates in the community. He has served as the Committee Chair for Dozers & Dirt since 2021 and is proud to be a partner in Help. Hope. and Courage. Read his interview below:
How did you first get connected with NNCCF?
Mike Soukup from Granite Construction invited me to “The Big Dig” 10 years ago, and I had so much fun operating the machines with the kids. Then I met Jeff from the Sheriff’s department, who introduced me to NNCCF. We moved “The Big Dig” to “Dozers and Dirt,” of which I now serve on the committee as chair.
What is your NNCCF “why”?
Because it’s one of the best organizations in Reno! They truly care about local families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, and I will do whatever it takes to support them!
What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?
Helping to grow Dozers & Dirt to be the best event in Reno, Nevada!
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?
Craig Kelly – because he was the best snowboarder in the world!
Come join us at Cinemark Century Park Lane 16 for another Golden Ticket Event… Grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy a movie while supporting a great cause. where we’ll be screening the new Beetlejuice 2 and to help enhance the quality of life for children and their families through donations to Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. Please donate to contribute with direct financial assistance or shop their Amazon Wish List for needed items.
Don’t forget about having fun with amazing door prizes and a costume contest for the best Beetlejuice outfit!
Who is Lucas?
Lucas is a sweet 5 year old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2022 at 3 years old. Overall, he has responded well to treatment and will continue to receive chemotherapy until January 2025 when he will finally ring the bell!
Why “The Lucas Carnival?”
The Lucas Carnival is 100% Lucas’ idea! He came up with the idea in Summer of 2023. In September of 2023, Fernley High School honored Lucas as their Homecoming Hero and threw him a carnival. It was everything he hoped for! Everyone had so much fun at the first Lucas Carnival in that we decided to do it again! This time, we are taking the opportunity to fundraise for the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation as they have provided a tremendous amount of support to Lucas and his family during his battle with leukemia.
How can you help?
In order to make this carnival a success we need your help! Some ways to help are:
If you would like to help in a way other than what is listed above please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!
Please join us in congratulating our August Community Member of the Month, Victoria! For many years, Victoria has been a dedicated advocate for northern Nevada’s young cancer warriors. Her contributions include supporting NNCCF’s annual family Holiday party, helping implement the “Caesar’s Makes Change” program at THE ROW to benefit NNCCF, and serving on our Dozers & Dirt committee. Furthermore, Victoria is always willing to lend a hand when we need it! Thank you, Victoria, for all you do for NNCCF! Read our interview with Victoria below:
How did you first get connected with NNCCF?
THE ROW began supporting NNCCF with their annual Children’s Christmas Party event several years ago. Upon that introduction, I was impressed with their continued work in our community over the following years. In 2019, I was invited to join the Dozers & Dirt Committee, and since then, I have enjoyed working closely with the NNCCF team and marveling at their tireless fundraising efforts.
What is your NNCCF “why”? What makes you want to continue supporting NNCCF?
My daily work is focused on philanthropy and community relations. Seeing the NNCCF team’s dedication to children and families in need continuously inspires me and renews my commitment toward giving back and to ensuring our company continues to find and support those efforts; not only in conjunction with NNCCF, but with so many other deserving non-profits also doing great things in northern Nevada.
What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?
I’m so happy to have worked on implementing the pilot “Caesars Makes Change” program at THE ROW, naming NNCCF as one of the only two chosen beneficiaries in Reno. This change round-up donation program is now offered to all our patrons on every casino cash-out machine across our properties. The program has since been applied at Caesars properties across the country, benefitting local area non-profits in each region.
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?
I would be so honored to meet and converse with Jane Goodall. Just to be in her presence would be inspiring. Her work encourages young people around the world to be agents of change by participating in projects that protect the environment, wildlife, and their communities. We all need a little more of that.
