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*Laurel Dortch's journey with Cancer: Laurel was a normal, happy, healthy, curious, fearless, and beautiful 5-year-old girl. On December 13th, 2004 her life and her loved ones' lives changed forever. She was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called PNET (Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor). This cancer is in the Ewing Sarcoma family. Over the next nine months she spent the majority of her time at Kosair Children's Hospital. She endured three surgeries, 14 chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments. Words cannot explain how physically, emotionally and mentally tough this was on her little body and everyone around her. She was very brave and her faith never wavered. She completed her final chemotherapy treatment on august 6th 2005. Because PNET cancer is very aggressive she must do quarterly scans for 5 years, then yearly, to see if her cancer has come back. On August 22, 2006, Laurel got great news of clean scans and that continues today. Laurel, her family and close friends have developed a passion to make a difference in the lives of the children and families that are dealing with this horrific disease. That is why she has created "The Laurel Foundation".
"The Laurel Foundation" Mission Statement: The mission of "The Laurel Foundation" is to promote awareness for childhood cancer. We strive to support the necessary research to find a cure for this devastating disease so that every child that is diagnosed with cancer survives and leads a long, healthy and productive life. "The Laurel Foundation" will do this by hosting fundraisers and donating the proceeds to institutions both locally and nationally who support this cause.
The Laurel Foundation began in 2006. We have hosted fundraisers in Louisville & Paducah, Ky. and accepted donations.
Laurel's Foundation is a registered 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charitable foundation, (tax ID # 20-5178914). Your support is tax deductible. The Board of Directors are: Jay Dortch, Cheryl Dortch, Terri Clark, and Jeff Cooper. Laurel and her brother Logan are ad hoc members.
To date over $160,000+ has been raised with donations to the following:
a) CureSearch, an organization that unites the world's largest pediatric cancer research organization Children's Oncology Group and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation: $36,000
This donation was restricted to research. CureSearch and the Children's Oncology Group develop and coordinate childhood cancer clinical trials. Through the work of these organizations, children with cancer, regardless of where they live, can access state-of-the art therapies and the collective expertise of world-renowned pediatric specialists. Virtually all the pediatric oncology units and staffs in North America and many abroad are members and share research, diagnoses and therapies. Their work enabled Laurel to stay in Louisville during her fight against cancer and get the same quality expertise as if she were at St. Jude's, Sloan Kettering or any child oncology unit.
b) Children's Hospital Foundation at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, Ky $40,320
This donation was directed to the Cancer Care for Children Fund on 7West. This is the floor on which Laurel spent much of her time during her treatment. The staff supported our entire family during her many days there. Kosair is a member of the Children's Oncology Group and CureSearch. It is a not-for-profit hospital that cares for all children regardless of whether a family can pay or not.. It is the primary pediatric hospital for the University of Louisville and is a part of Norton Healthcare.
c) Camp Quality of Kentucky: $9,000
This enabled four children to spend six days and five nights at summer camp with fellow survivors of cancer and those children still battling their cancer. Camp Quality is located in Bloomfield, Kentucky. The camp is run totally on donations and gives a wonderful, loving, normal experience to the deserving campers.
d) The Ronald McDonald House: $3,400
This is a temporary home at or near the hospital for families that have to travel away from their home in order to get their child the best cancer treatment possible. They can stay at little or no cost at all.
e) Jarrett’s Joy Cart: $1,000
This is an organization that delivers toys weekly to children going through cancer treatments in the hospital.
f) Gilda’s Club: $250
g) Brook’s Finding a Cure Foundation: $2,805
This is an organization that is raising money to try to find a cure for pediatric cancer. The main focus is on research and supporting Kosair Children’s Hospital Foundation
This organization delivers free support for anyone going through cancer treatments or is done with cancer treatments. They have an innovative program that is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.
*We currently have $48,431.21 (as of 7/23/10) in cash. We will be making some donations later this year.
*We have had approximately $19,000 in expenses since starting the foundation in 2006.
For information: Jay and Cheryl Dortch 108 Cherry Hills Lane Louisville, KY 40245 cheryld@fsgweb.com ,jayd@fsgweb.com , Terri and Jeffrey Clark 202 cardinal lane Paducah, Ky 42001 terriclark@bellsouth.net, Jo ann and Nat Dortch 4205 buckner lane Paducah, Ky 42001 natanjod@bellsouth.net.
Links:
- http://www.caringbridge.org/ky/laureldortch/index.htm
- http://www.curesearch.org/
- http://www.campqualityky.com/