Cal’s Angels: Granting Better Outcomes to Children with Cancer

Thanks to a recent $525,000 gift from Cal’s Angels in support of Lurie Children’s Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, more children facing a cancer diagnosis will have access to less toxic and more individualized therapies – bringing families new hope for the future. The funding will allow Lurie Children’s research team to bring promising new treatment plans from the lab to patients.

“The research Cal’s Angels is supporting [at Lurie Children’s] will enable us to investigate cancer drugs approved for adults and test them for effectiveness in pediatric tumors,” says Stewart Goldman, MD, Division Head, Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation. “This holds the potential to create new scientific discoveries which will have a profound impact on the lives of our patients.”

After losing Cal to leukemia at the age of 13, Cal’s Angels President Stacey Sutter and Co-founder Tom Sutter have devoted themselves to carrying on his legacy by funding research, raising awareness and offering moments of relief and happiness to children undergoing cancer treatment.

“It is an honor and privilege for Cal’s Angels to further our partnership with Lurie Children’s in the form of this research gift,” says Stacey. “We were very selective in our decision and strongly feel this was the best fit. Just as all cancers are individualized, all treatments should be as well. The hope is that this gift will allow the amazing team at Lurie Children’s to individualize treatment plans with less toxicity to the children, thus bringing hope to all those involved.”

Throughout the organization’s ten-year history with the hospital, Cal’s Angels has touched thousands through their various programs – providing joy during times when it was needed the most. Both their generous gift and acts of kindness will continue to make a life-long difference in the lives of our patients and families.

Delivering Joy and Hope

From in-hospital pizza parties to comfort kits, Lurie Children’s families know they can always count on Cal’s Angels to watch over them. Here are a few other ways the organization lends their support throughout the year.

Wish Granting
Cal’s Angels understands the power of a meaningful gesture for a child with cancer. Whether it’s a backyard play set, a weekend getaway or a laptop, the Wish Granting program is dedicated to bringing dreams to life for our kids.

 

Hospital Parties
Throughout the year, the sounds of laughter fill the halls of the 17^th and 18^th floors thanks to the more than 14 hospital parties hosted by Cal’s Angels. Patients and families are invited to an afternoon of pizza, treats, crafts and gifts supplied by the Cal’s Angels Annual Toy Drive. It is a welcomed opportunity for patients and families to take a moment away from treatment and hospital stays and enjoy a fun-filled morning together.

 

 

Comfort Kits
For families enduring cancer treatment, Lurie Children’s often becomes a home away from home. To make their stay as comfortable as possible, Cal’s Angels distributes Comfort Kits filled with a Chemo Duck, gas station gift card, Dunkin Donuts gift card, blanket, neck pillow, shower kit, puzzles and more.

 

12 Days of Christmas
While pediatric cancer treatment is difficult at any time of the year, it can be particularly challenging during the holidays. To brighten the season for families that have a child fighting cancer with special circumstances, Cal’s Angels takes care of the entire holiday including gifts for each child of the family, a gift card for a holiday dinner, a gingerbread house kit and baked goods.

Thank you to Cal’s Angels for their ongoing dedication to Lurie Children’s patients and families. Learn more about the organization here.

 

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