BECKSTRAND CANCER FOUNDATION LAUNCHES JUNIOR PEARLS BRANCH WITH TEEN MEMBERSHIP EVENT
Nearly 100 Newport Beach Teens Converge at Event Sponsored by Neiman Marcus Fashion Island
Los Angeles, Calif. (November 5, 2008) – Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, which aims to improve and enhance the quality of life of children, teens and families struggling with cancer, recently hosted its newly formed “Junior Pearls” teen branch at a membership launch event sponsored by Neiman Marcus Fashion Island. Held in honor of 2-year-old cancer patient, Jalyssa Nieves, the event took place at Newport Coast Community Center and drew nearly 100 local teens, who together raised funds and registered 27 new members.
“The mission of Junior Pearls is to create awareness for the unique needs of children afflicted with cancer, and to provide them with hope though the distribution of care packages that are designed specifically for them,” said 15-year-old Alexandra Spitzer, president of the Junior Pearls auxiliary. “Our membership launch event represents an inspiring reminder of what teens everywhere can do to assist other children in need.”
A sizeable raffle with prizes from local restaurants, retailers, spas and Starwood hotel properties generated more than $1,400 in funds earmarked for Junior Pearls care packages, set to be delivered to local children’s hospitals. The custom care packages include an iPod; $25 iTunes gift card; plush robe featuring the Pearls logo; a book titled, “Why Me,” which explores the journey of a pediatric cancer patient; a disposable camera, cuddly teddy bear; and a daily journal designed by a physician familiar with the therapeutic needs of children with life-threatening illnesses – all presented in a soft but durable canvas bag. A check in the amount of $1,355 was also presented to Junior Pearls’ chair Alexandra Spitzer by Chapman University’s Panhellenic Council Vice President, Riley Donovan, and 7-year-old “Mini Pearl,” Jillian Ray, who together worked to raise funds on behalf of the Foundation.
Neiman Marcus Fashion Island sponsored the occasion with donated gift bags including symbolic butterfly emblem journals, Neiman Marcus pens and signature nail polish.
The event also featured music, delicious food from Chronic Tacos, and a creative scrapbook activity to be delivered to honoree Jalyssa Nieves during her ongoing treatment. To join Junior Pearls of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation or to learn more, please visit www.Beckstrand.org.
About Junior Pearls of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation
Junior Pearls is a youth auxiliary of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a group of doctors specializing in the treatment and care of cancer patients. For more than 30 years, the Foundation’s goal has been to “improve and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.” This mission is achieved through an Individual Patient Assistance program, in which the Foundation is unique in providing financial assistance, patient advocacy, supportive counseling and practical help to patients in the midst of their cancer treatment and struggling to cope with critical survival needs. While research is imperative to finding a cure, approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008, and little support is available to assist these victims with day-to-day living and basic needs. This is where Beckstrand Cancer Foundation serves as the missing link. For more information about Junior Pearls of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, visit www.Beckstrand.org.
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