What we do… We are a fully volunteer run 501c3 organization that does three things:
- Build awareness about pediatric illness
- Build awareness around the importance of self-care and support for families of children who have life-altering illnesses
- Deliver Swag Bags to children undergoing chemotherapy treatments at CHOP
What are Swag Bags? They consist of eight comfort items…
Chapstick • Blankets • Body Lotions • Nail Polish • Soft tissue packs • Earphones/earbuds • Blank Journal • Colorful pens
All Swag Bags are delivered directly to CHOP Salon Services once assembled. They are delivered often during salon treatments for patients undergoing Chemotherapy by CHOP Salon Services. Many kids and teens receiving chemo experience:
Discomfort and Pain • Skin Damage or Changes • Hair Loss and Scalp Sensitivity • Mouth, Gum, and Throat Sores • Gastrointestinal Problems • Urinary System Problems • Central Nervous System Problems • Decreased Blood Counts • Increased Risk of Infection
The contents of the swag bag help patients and their families cope with the early stages of treatment and the side effects.
Diseases treated with Chemotherapy
Cancer Related Disease: • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia • Retinoblastoma • Leukemia • Rhabdomyosarcoma • Soft Tissue Sarcoma • Melanoma • Neuroblastoma • Brain Tumors • Germ Cell Tumors • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma • Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Non-Cancer Related Diseases • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Lupus • Multiple Sclerosis • Non-Cancerous Tumors • Neurofibromatosis
Why CHOP? There is a more personal aspect to the story for many in our circle but simply put, it is an amazing institution that helps a lot of families in our community.
- Over 19-thousand Pennsylvania children receive in-patient care at CHOP each year
- Over 7-thousand children from New Jersey receive in-patient care at CHOP each year
- Locally, just under 400 children from the Pocono area (where we are based) and just under 600 in the Lehigh Valley receive in-patient care at CHOP each year.
- They are an amazing institution! They handle the most complex cases that are referred by our local hospitals and the care they give is second to none.
If you would like to learn more about us check out our website at http://www.thelivfoundation.org or look for us on Facebook!
If you are interested in learning about how you can have a great time and help us serve our mission, check out the our recent post that outlines how you can host a Helpy Hour with your friends, your team or your family!
LIV Foundation Blog 