The Heart Connection's Spotlights
There are many amazing people and organizations that give to The Heart Connection, which gives our organization the ability carry out our mission: helping children and families affected by childhood cancer. Each month we'd like to recognize an outstanding and unique volunteer, business, board member and family to thank them for their continued support. If you'd like to nominate someone, please contact Emily at Emily@ChildrensCancerPrograms.com explaining why you think they'd be a great candiate.
January's Spotlights
Spotlight Family: The Torkzadeh Family |
 The Heart Connection is proud to introduce the Torkzadeh family as this week’s spotlight family. The Torkzadehs first encountered The Heart Connection when their daughter, Nadia, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 16. Nadia has a special relationship with The Heart Connection through the program that she founded called CANcer Kids CAN Help! Several months into treatment Nadia felt compelled to reach out to the newly-diagnosed kids that she saw so often during her clinic visits. She remembered well the scary, lonely feeling when first hearing the words, “You have cancer.” She came up with a program to comfort these kids with a toy and a note, written by pediatric cancer patients and survivors. The Heart Connection continued this program when Nadia went away for college. The Torkzadehs have also been involved in Sibling Camp and Club HOPE. Nadia’s mother, Suzi, says she finds it cathartic to spend time with other families that have battled cancer. “The bond we share is like no other; we come alongside and pick each other up during the tough times and celebrate the milestones.” |
Family Spotlight: The Hoeger's |
 The Heart Connection is proud to introduce the Hoeger family as this week’s spotlight. Their family consists of parents Jen and Marty, Jack (10), Ben (7) and Ella (6). In May of 2005, Jack was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. During that summer, their family watched the Tour de France and found such inspiration in Lance Armstrong’s story that they quit worrying about Jack's prognosis and focused on his spirit and treatment. They vowed to be advocates to honor Jack's fight and started to volunteer for the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s (LAF) Livestrong events and fundraisers. Marty rode for Team Livestrong the past three years on Ragbrai to raise money, and Jen lobbied in Washington, D.C. for more cancer funding for the LAF. The Hoeger's heard about Camp Heart Connection while attending an American Cancer Society Gala in 2007 and knew that Jack would love to go and connect with kids like him. When Jack was stable enough, he attended summer camp and had such a great experience that he inspired his brother and sister to go to sibling camp. “Camp Heart Connection has provided the connection our kids needed and a source of support we could not provide,” said Jen. “We will never stop praising Camp Heart Connection for the amazing things they do for our special families!” |
Spotlight Board Member: Mike Whitmer |
 The Heart Connection is proud to announce Mike Whitmer as this week’s spotlight board member. Mike is Secretary of the Board and has served for 18 months. He was inspired to join The Heart Connection after seeing the courage and character exhibited by his friend’s son as he battled cancer. Last spring, Mike had the opportunity to reach out to young adult survivors of childhood cancer by helping plan the first Survivorship Conference. His favorite part of being on the Board is going to camp. “The oncology camp guest night is a great opportunity to see the impact this organization has on the children,” Whitmer said. “It is one of the most fun things I do all year!” |
