To fulfill its mission, the Luke Neuhedel Foundation provides events for children with cancer as a group through our Qaulity of Life events, and to individual children with cancer who are recommended by their social worker or oncologist. Since April 2002 we have been able to helps hundreds of children...
Every September LNF sponsers a New Toy Drive. The thousands of toys collected are distributed to hospitals that care for pediatric oncology patients. Hospitals receiving toys through LNF include: Babies & Children's of NY-Presbyterian (New York, NY), Children's Hospital of Los Angelas (CA), Children's Hospital (Indianapolis, IN), Memorial Sloan-Kettering (New York, NY), Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital (Paterson, NJ), Schneiders Children's Hospital (New Hyde Park, NY), Stony Brook Univ Hospital (Stony Brook, NY), Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX), Winthrop Univ Hospital (Mineola, NY).
LNF sponsors children with cancer to sports events, such as NY Islander hockey games, NY Dragons arena football games, LI Ducks baseball games, NY Knicks basketball games, and NY Mets baseball games. LNF works with teams to receive donations of tickets, receives donations from its supporters, and purchases tickets to send children to games.
LNF sponsored its first movie event May 2004 taking over 30 families facing children's cancer to see "Shrek 2" at the Loews Theater in Levittown, NY. Some of the children had never been to a movie, and for some it was their first outing since they had joined LNF at last year's Birthday Bash. LNF chose "Shrek 2" because "Shrek" was Luke's favorite movie. It was quite a success, made possible by generous donations. This was followed by a trip to see "The Incredibles" in the fall of 2004.
LNF organized its first Adopt-a-Child for the Holidays Program in 2003. Children and their families were recommended by hospital social workers. LNF and its supporters purchased gifts for every memeber of the family (some were specific wishes, some were not), and included gift cards for supermarkets and Target. This program included sending a Toys R Us gift card to every child that had attended an LNF event or received support from LNF. LNF plans to make this an annual event. This program increased in 2004, helping 25 children and their families, and in 2005 helping 28 children.
In October LNF sponsors Luke's Birthday Bash, a birthday party for children with cancer, in honor of Luke's birthday on October 9. Every child, including siblings, receives a birthday present, and families enjoy food, cake, and entertainment. The first Bash in 2003 hosted 27 families (over 125 guests).
The biggest event of the year is LUKEFEST, a summer fundraiser and party for children with cancer. These children are our special guests, receive special gifts, and enjoy all the festivities gratis.
AID TO FAMILIES
LNF is pleased to assist families who are recommended by their social workers and oncologists. LNF has helped families with the many extra expenses of living at a hospital and treating a child with cancer, including:
Ronald McDoanld House rent
Child care expenses for siblings
Food expenses, especially for children with special dietary needs
Home care not covered by insurance
Medications not covered by insurance
Medical tests for the patient not covered by insurance,
especially in relation to experiemental therapy/treatment
Phone bills, for the hospital and at home
Television rental in the hospital
Transportation to hospital/doctor's appointments
Unfortunately, one-third of LNF grants are for funeral expenses, which is in keeping with current statitics. Every day 46 children are diagnosed with cancer --- and every day 15 children will die from their cancer.
LNF spreads awareness of children's cancer through many programs, including the Bookzilla Read-a-Thon and New Toy Drive. LNF members speak with youth groups, scout groups, church groups about children's cancer and help organize small drives, such as for kids band-aids or candy, by distributing the items collected at local hospitals. Paul & Rebecca Neuhedel have also been interviewed regarding children's cancer and research on drugs for children. (click here for interview transcript)
LNF has received several achievement awards for their work for children with cancer.
LNF was honored by the NY Daily News/USA Today magazine for their work on
Make a Difference Day 2003.
LNF President, Rebecca Neuhedel, received the Town of Oyster Bay Humanitarian Woman of Distinction Award for 2003, for her work for children with cancer.
LNF received a citation from the Town of Oyster Bay for their continued accomplishments for children with cancer in 2005.
