Compassionate Capitalism - February 2007

The Keaton Raphael Memorial

A Beacon of Hope for Children with Cancer

The Keaton Raphael Memorial for Childhood Cancer (KRM) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to form partnerships with businesses, organizations and the medical profession to assist Northern Nevada children and their families in their fight against pediatric cancer. KRM provides valuable financial assistance to families, raises awareness, and educates communities about the devastating effects of this horrific disease. KRM also provides patient-care project funding, local and national advocacy and local-research project funding.

KRM was founded in March 1998 by Kyle and Robyn Raphael after losing their 5-year-old son, Keaton, to a deadly childhood cancer known as neuroblastoma (cancer of the nervous system). Over the last nine years the organization has grown into a regional voice for children with cancer and their families. “As a family who has experienced ‘the childhood cancer journey,’ we recognize that families need several types of support and we are committed to guiding them through their journey with hope,” said Robyn Raphael, executive director of KRM.

Since inception in March 2004, the Reno Chapter of KRM has made a positive impact throughout Northern Nevada for children diagnosed with cancer and their families in through several of the following patient care programs.

In February of 2006, Lizzie Dalton was hired as the KRM family navigator and assists pediatric oncology families residing in Northern Nevada by providing several types of resources specific to the community where the child is being treated. Dalton helps families prioritize the issues they are facing and together, she helps each family develop a plan of action to improve their individual situation. She deals with critical issues facing families, such as answering support questions, providing resource guidance, relocating a family to a new residence, and even finding a foster parent for pets while the family is away in treatment. In 2006, Dalton provided family grant financial assistance that has served 30 families. Dalton also works closely with other community organizations to coordinate additional funds.

KRM has initiated community outreach services for families in the Reno area:

• KRM partnered with Dream Dinners in which community members and businesses can donate meals to families. Since most of these families are away from home months at a time or travel into California for extensive treatment, a freezer stocked with homemade meals means one less worry.

• The KRM Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program served 30 families by coordinating sponsorships with classrooms, law enforcement, local businesses, families and Girl Scout troops. Dedicated KRM board members and staff delivered the holiday items.

• KRM initiated and sponsored the Beads of Courage Program at Renown for pediatric oncology patients. The Beads of Courage Program is a nationally recognized program that gives the children a chance to document their cancer journey with beads that serve as tangible, visible symbols of the many procedures and treatments they experience.

KRM is committed to establishing long-term pediatric oncology services in Reno. KRM is working closely with Renown in a partnership of support to achieve this goal.

“Through the support of the Reno community we were able to provide these services, which are directly impacting the lives of our children with cancer and their families in Northern Nevada. We remain grateful and committed,” said Brad Woodring, board of directors, chairperson for KRM.

For more information visit:

www.ChildCancer.org

or contact:

Lizzie Dalton

Family Navigator

The Keaton Raphael Memorial

775-327-6275

Lizzie@ChildCancer.org