Why focus on Art? Why not Research?
Research will someday find more effective ways to treat cancer. But until that day arrives, according to National Cancer Institute, “Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 14".
"Each year around 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the US, that’s more than a classroom of kids a day".
Every child and family have to go through chemotherapy and other extended treatment protocols that are physically and mentally debilitating.
We at Kids & Art are here for every single one of these children and families while they are braving through cancer.
Our Goal is to focus on the NOW and create memorable experiences through their journey because Cancer Sucks. Art Heals!
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Why Kids & Art?
Only 4% of money goes towards childhood cancer research and substantially less than that goes towards any Art, Music and Wellness programs for childhood cancer patients and families.
Whether we like it or not, kids do get cancer. We might not be able to take their cancer away but we can definitely be there for them through their journey, through art as an outlet and an escape. This is what we at Kids & Art offer these children, their families and their care circle.
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Our hope is that Kids & Art will create healing, peace, and lasting memories for every family touched by cancer. Cancer Sucks. Art Heals!
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The Founders Journey
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Why is my story important or different from anyone else. My voice matters because I am a mom whose child was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 3. My voice matters because I'm a mom who has lost a beautiful child to cancer after 6 years of on again and off again treatment and a chemo induced relapse.
Once the family gets the diagnosis their life is turned upside down. They do not have time to focus on themselves or let alone think about supplementing and balancing their child's already strained life.
When I saw that my son Amaey, felt relief and peace from doing art in his hospital room, whether it was during short or long stays for chemo, and when playing on his keyboard and creating music, it was then that I realized the power of art. I realized what art was doing for him. It was giving him a chance to escape and create a life he liked.
For him cancer was an inconvenience but art was an escape, into a world he controlled and created.
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(left) Amaey creating art in 2009 at our very first art workshop in Pixar's big art room. (right) With Artist Alex Puvilland of DreamWorks in 2010.
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Help us give 1000 hours of empowerment and create memories!
- All we ask for is $25. From 500 people, we can make our goal! It takes a village to raise a child, so let's gather the village and continue to empower through art!
- For the price of a mani-pedi or a nice business lunch, these kids would be able to get hours of creativity and a chance to be a child and forget about their cancer
- Free workshops for the families. We will bring in amazing artists, musicians, wellness practitioners, and all art supplies and utilities
What is the value for these kids who are trapped in the continuous cycle of treatment to escape for an afternoon?
Just $25 for one hour!
What is the cost for 1 day of hospital stay for pediatric cancer patient?
$40,400
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Why do we need your support?
We have been invited to expand our program to Family House!
Family House in San Francisco, serves as a home away from home for families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by providing physical comfort and emotional support, free from financial concerns.
Family House has invited us to bring our Art Workshops, Music Therapy, Breathing and Mindfulness Workshops for their 40 room facility.
This program is on top of our already existing workshops.
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Our stories:
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Read more testimonials from our artists, families, and volunteers.
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75% of our families are referred to us by their hospital social workers
Our primary target population are children touched by cancer from 3-18 years of age.
We create with children who are in-treatment, survivors, siblings, best friends, as well as children of parents who are undergoing cancer treatment.
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We also support families who are in hospice, as well as bereaved families through special art workshops. Cancer Sucks. Art Heals!
85% of our families come from Bay Area Hospitals like Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. 15 % of families are from Kaiser, CPMC, and UCSF. (this ratio will change in the coming years)![]()
We've created workshops at Google, Dreamworks and Pixar Studios. As well as local schools, local Artists’ studios, Redwood City Art Center, Peninsula Museum, and Los Gatos Museum, to name a few.
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Our 2014-15 Focus
Along with our new program at Family House, we will continue offering wonderful creative opportunities to our families through our monthly art workshops. We will grow from 8 workshops from last art season to 14 workshops for this art season.
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Cancer Sucks. Art Heals, Music Rocks and Mindfulness is not just for the sick child!
If you support this statement then Give the Gift of Presence, healing the family as a whole through treatment, remission and even bereavement. Help us Empower our kids and families.
What can you do beyond donating money?
Help steer the focus away from only curing the cancer and start working towards curing the child at #cancersucksartheals.
If you believe that Cancer Sucks. Art Heals! Then create a video of your own and share it on social media.
Online Shoppers: Do your shopping from Goodshop.com at more than 2,800 participating stores (from Amazon to Zazzle) and a percentage of what you spend will be donated to your cause at no cost to you.
Stay connected and Follow Kids & Art on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to follow our journey towards EMPOWERMENT!
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Facts about Pediatric Cancer Incidence and Mortality:
- Each year around 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the US, that’s more than a classroom of kids a day.
- 35,000 children are currently in treatment for cancer.
- On average a treatment for childhood cancer diagnosis is two years.
- The average age of death for a child with cancer is 8, causing a child to lose 69 years of expected life.
- Cancer kills more children than AIDs, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined.
- Cancer treatment can cause serious side effects that may last a lifetime
- Research on the emotional impact of childhood cancer finds that parents and siblings report even greater long term emotional impacts than the diagnosed child.
- The death of a child is one of the most traumatic events a family might face.
- Families who have lost children are often financially and emotionally depleted.
Facts about Pediatric Cancer Survivors:
- 74% of childhood cancer survivors have chronic illnesses, and some 40% of childhood cancer survivors have severe illnesses or die from such illnesses.
- Radiation to a child’s brain can significantly damage cognitive function, or if radiation is given at a very young age, limiting the ability to read, do basic math, tell time or even talk.
- Physical and neurocognitive disabilities resulting from treatment may prevent childhood cancer survivors from fully participating in school, social activities and eventually work, which can cause depression and feelings of isolation.
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Kids & Art Perks:
We have received many inquiries about making straight donations without perks. YES, you have the option of donating without getting a perk.
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Is this campaign international?
Yes!
Can I donate from outside the USA?
Absolutely! Indiegogo only accepts international credit cards, and bank or debit cards which have the visa/mastercard logo.
Large Contributions - How can I make a contribution over $10,000?
If you would like to donate $10,000 or more then please become our matching partner to help us create more momentum. Let us know and w e will connect you with a specialist at Indiegogo who will assist you with the contribution transfer process.
Is shipping included?
Yes. (additional international shipping costs may apply)
Does international shipping cost extra?
Indiegogo does not include shipping in the contribution process for the time being, But you can add an extra amount for shipping within the US or outside of the US when you make your contribution. This will help us tremendously!
Can we leave special instructions?
Contributors will not be able to leave a note with their contribution but can definitely leave a comment on our campaign's comment tab or send us a direct message.
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Campaign Update: Dec 14: The Self Portrait & #choosemust with Elle Luna
Elle Luna opened up her amazing studio for our families. Our art workshop was an out of this world experience. This video captures some snippets of our time with Elle.