After an exciting holiday and before I left Denver I received a phone call from Donavan inviting me to a Denver Nuggets game in the Make-A-Wish suite. Donavan (on the left in the photo above) is my good friend who has battled childhood cancer for the past several years and is now doing exceptionally well. I met Donavan through Amanda Peebles as they were boyfriend and girlfriend when Amanda was going through the worst time of her treatment. Donavan has inspired me and has become one of my closest friends. The smile in his eyes is one that you will always remember and appreciate. He is looking great and starting to feel better. This past year was his first year back in school. I am so proud of him and his family for their ability to thrive through this crisis.

A special thank you to Make-A-Wish Colorado who provides this kind of entertainment often for kids and their families, they truly are an incredible organization.

I consider myself so lucky to know these heroes. I can’t help but share with you all. Below are a few pictures from the game – Donavan, thanks man. Can’t thank you enough for the friendship and the time.

[Show as slideshow]

After literally almost a year in silence as to what I am working on in the Childhood Cancer space, I am finally ready to make it public – and I’m excited!

When thousands of children every year are diagnosed with childhood cancer across the United States they are thrown into a battle for survival.  Their families are faced with a whirlwind of decisions to make for treatment, financial logistics, and emotional support.  All too often they find a lack of information.

For years the major players within childhood cancer non-profits have attempted to form coalitions and alliances to unite the childhood cancer community – both on message and on initiatives.  Many of these efforts have failed, but a few are finally starting to gain momentum.

I happen to believe that a national united effort can be empowered when it’s supported by statewide or regional coalitions; and it turns out I wasn’t alone.  I have joined efforts with a team of people who are helping to unite the childhood cancer community by helping build statewide coalitions.  This project, entitled Gold Force is focused on helping locate resources and recruiting people to create statewide coalitions.

Gold Force is an independent project (separate from any 501c3) that offers structure, advisors, and support for volunteers in each state who are dedicated to building collaborations in their area.

This is a huge undertaking – especially for states like California or Texas (the size of the state and number of resources) but I believe that by following Colorado and Tennessee (who have already setup coalitions similar to this successfully) that it can be done and the results are most impressive.  The best thing we can offer the children and families facing childhood cancer is a coordinated hub of information and established relationships that can provide this vital information.

Although this project might separate me from the connection with the kids and families (because literally I will be hiding behind a mountain of paperwork, conference calls, and online logistics) a bit more than I’d like, I know it will serve a greater purpose and the largest amount of kiddos!

If you can help or get involved, please contact me! We need the help.

I keep forgetting to upload this so you can all hear. It’s a very touching piece with Stacy Moriarty (Founder of the Miracle Party), Kennedy (Stacy’s Daughter and Osteosarcoma Survivor), Julie Weber (Miracle Party), Allison Holmes (Childhood Cancer Surivor), Krystal (HOT 107.1 Host) and Me. This was aired prior to the Miracle Party 2010. Enjoy!

Miracle Party Foundation on HOT 107.1 by miracleparty