August marks one year since we lost Kasey Vivian Zachmann. She was 10 years old. Over the course of four years, Kasey endured 10 surgeries, 45 proton radiation treatments, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and two clinical trials, and through all of it, she never lost her smile. To mark this anniversary, we are honored to share a reflection written by Jay Spitulnik, Kasey's maternal grandfather. Jay's words carry the kind of love and clarity that only comes from someone who was there, someone who watched Kasey light up every room she entered, and who has spent the past year learning to carry both grief and pride in equal measure. The Kasey Zachmann Fund for Medulloblastoma Research was established in her honor to ensure her fight advances the science for every child who comes after her. We hope Jay's reflection touches your heart as it has ours.
Thirteen years ago, my dad passed away from cancer. Long before that, he'd spent years at Herson's Honda teaching sales after starting his second career. When I was old enough to drive, my very first car was a Honda Civic from that same lot.
Recently, members of the Lilabean Foundation team had the opportunity to visit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and spend time with researchers and leaders from the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN).