Friends of Allie is proud to have the likes of Desiree Nichols in our presence. The fundraising and work she does to raise awareness is an inspiration to our Light The Night team.

Her daughter, Sammy, is one of the very special reasons why Friends of Allie has adopted the tagline “Putting a Face on Childhood Cancer.” Her cute mug can be seen in our collage featuring the 2005 Honored Heroes.

During our August team conference call, listeners had the privilege of hearing Desiree, a busy mom of three, share her family’s journey while dealing with Sammy’s blood cancer.

Here is an excerpt of Sammy’s story and ways to raise awareness and funds:

On March 8th, 2004 my then 2 yr old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. At that moment my world came crashing down.

Over the past two years, Sammy has endured countless procedures, tons of medication, and actually doing wonderfully! We should be off of treatment this winter if all goes well!

I dedicated my life to being a “better” mother. Spending as much quality time as possible with my children. Taking in each moment, and each conversation, even when it drives me nuts bcause they are talking about something off the wall. LOL And to raise awareness and funds till the day I die.

To date I have raised over $13,000 for LLS. Have had two blood drives, and even had countless people get on the bone marrow registry. And most of it I have done by myself. Coming from a family that has been directly effected by cancer…. you would think I would have family members ready and willing to assist in each fundraiser, blood drive, etc. But no……..

I thank each and every member from FOA, and your family and friends you recruit to walk on your LLS LTN teams from the bottom of my heart. Each member here should be proud of themselves for stepping up to the plate, and giving back even when this awful disease has not effected your child personally. Each dollar you raise, each pamphlet you hand out, each person you tell Allie’s story to, as well as all the other childhood cancer victims stories too get’s us one step closer to a cure. Raising as little as $10, or high as $20,000+, each amount matters. It shows you care, and you’re making a difference.

I am honored to be apart of such dedicated, caring women. Who take charge, and have a goal in life! Together we will…. make our million dollar mark this year.

Just tell everyone you come in contact with. Have packets in hand to pass out. Chat with the parent’s at T-ball, ballet, or any other sport your child attends. Make cupcakes, or cookies and send to work with your hubby (selling them for a donation to LLS). Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask about upcoming events. Set tables up everywhere. You would be surprised at how many people are willing to give you a spot for free. Get the stroller out and walk around town. When you put a company on the spot face to face, it is harder for them to say NO. You will come to find out a lot of people are affected by some form of leukemia or lymphoma. And I can not stress the fact of getting your letters out. Last year, I pulled in a good $10,000 from just letters. I got out my phone book and sent one to each company. Not everyone will respond. But a lot will.

If anyone needs help with fundraising, ideas, or just encouragement, please do not hesitate to email me. I am here for you.

Hugs, Desiree

To support Desiree and Sammy in their fundraising, please visit
http://www.active.com/donate/ltnRichmo/SammyNichols

And, don’t forget to leave a guestbook message for the sweet princess herself!
www.caringbridge.org/va/princesssammy