Allison Van Cott McEntee's Fundraiser:

In Honor and Support of the Kids and their Families at the Pediatric Oncology Program of Stony Brook University Cancer Center,The Sunrise Fund and Stony Brook Children's Hospital.

My daughter Alexandra and I are teaming up together to support Hoda Kotb's fundraiser "Project Truly Brave"! (Please read below :) We are doing this to Honor and Support the kids and their families at Stony Brook Hospital's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit where we both have volunteered. She is currently volunteering at the pediatric unit at Stony Brook and this is also for them, we both want you all to be "Truly Brave"!!

I was so truly touched by this video. In so many ways. While trying to deal with an illness that has tested my own bravery and strength, it was the wonderful excitement and humble enthusiasm these kids displayed that had the biggest affect on me. Not only did this beautiful collaboration of music lift their spirits, it truly lifted mine!!!

This inspired me to remember what I have always known. Music Heals!!  I have been a music teacher for over 34 years and have seen the amazing effects a music education has on a child, but it really is so much more than that. For all the trials and tribulations I have had in my own life, there was always a song that marked one of those times. I have inevitably ended up creating my own personal playlist that I still put on to this day. I listen whenever I need a reminder of strength, encouragement, validation, peace and comfort. I have taught all of my students this simple philosophy of the power of music and the healing effects it has on the many aspects of your life.

This is why I feel so passionate about passing this meaningful message along. Please support our campaign for this important cause that Hoda Kotb has put together. 

Alex and I pray and wish for strength, healing, encouragement and love for all of you! Please keep music in your life!!

Thank You Hoda Kotb, Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles!!!

With Love,

Allison and Alexandra

xoxo

Hoda Kotb wrote -

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

You know how your life is perfect on Monday and then on Tuesday it all falls a part?  That's what happened to me seven years ago when a doctor called me and told me I had breast cancer. I needed a mastectomy --and reconstruction. An excruciating time. I thank God that I have wonderful doctors, family, friends and faith that helped me through, but I also had something else -- music. Sounds funny but those notes and lyrics soothed me and helped heal me.  I am not sure what I would have done without it.

Cancer is difficult to endure as an adult. I can only imagine how tough it would be for a child – it’s such a grown-up disease.  It just so happens that several years ago the TODAY Show sent me to a children’s cancer hospital for a series of stories.  I was frozen at the door… did not want to walk inside. I guess I was just afraid to see so much pain. But with one glimpse of the first child I saw there, another feeling washed over me. I was feeling hopeful, almost joyful.

An estimated 10,450 new cases and 1,350 cancer deaths are expected to occur among children (ages 0-14) in 2014. I want to do everything I can to prevent cancer from taking these young lives.  I'm not a doctor.  I'm not a nurse, but I want to do what I can. To lift their spirits and help these kids heal, I’m joining forces with Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper to create a song and concert just for them.  Please hear our song and donate to the American Cancer Society by clicking on the “Donate” or “Fundraise” buttons.  You can also make a donation by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.  When calling, please specify that you’d like to donate to the Shine A Light campaign.  All proceeds will go to grants for pediatric cancer research.  Together, we can help prevent this disease from taking more young lives.