Happy Holidays! As we look back at the past year, at the past seven years in fact, we have a lot to be proud of. Since we started The Super Jake Foundation in Jake’s honor in mid-2005 , we have raised more than $1.7 million for pediatric cancer research and have awarded numerous patient grants to children and families throughout Illinois and Wisconsin who are struggling to make ends meet while they fight for their child’s life. We have done this with the love, help and support of an amazing Board of Directors and volunteers — many of whom have been with the Foundation since the very beginning. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to each and every volunteer, sponsor, and donor who has helped build and shape this foundation.
As we look forward to 2013 there are many exciting things to report. First, the foundation would like to formally announce that we have added two new board members – Alysa Spittle and Erika Palmer. Both of these ladies bring big hearts, high energy, and we look forward to their contributions. Welcome Alysa and Erika! We also continue to work with various hospitals to identify and support families who are battling neuroblastoma. We are looking forward to issuing more Super Jake Hero Grants in the coming year and serving as a helpful resource for families. In addition, the foundation continues to support and fund promising medical research and clinical studies for neuroblastoma. For example, we are funding a cutting edge research project with Dr. Susan Cohn at Comer Children’s Hospital where her team is developing the first of its kind international database that will have an impact on the way neuroblastoma will be treated globally in the future. We have come very far as a foundation building upon the promise we made to Jake – find a cure for neuroblastoma. As we look forward we will continue our mission to help children fighting this horrible disease.
During 2013, the board has decided to take a bit of a breather from event planning, and focus our attention during the year on how we can further grow the foundation. With this in mind we have decided to postpone our Red Cape Gala for 2013 to allow our board proper time for strategic planning and implementation of growth initiatives. This event will be back and better than ever on February 22, 2014 – mark your calendars and start looking for your red outfit. In addition, if you would like to be part of the 2014 Red Cape planning committee please contact Matt at matthew.widman@abbott.com. Rest assure, we will continue to have other signature Super Jake events throughout 2013. We are absolutely thrilled to once again be part of the Eric & Kathy Golf Outing in 2013 which will be held on June 14th. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the event chair, Dawn Ludden, at dawntludden@hotmail.com. In addition, we look forward to The Super Jake Heroes Dash which will take place at Independence Grove in Libertyville, IL in November 2013 so please stay tuned for more exciting details.
We have made great strides and we look forward to continued success. Thank you all so very much for your continued support!
Matt & Ann Widman
Jake’s Parents
The Super Jake Foundation
