Each year, Children’s Cancer Research Fund presents the Butterfly Awards to individuals, teams and organizations that have contributed significant time, service and resources to ending childhood cancer. We are truly thankful for the passion and commitment shared by these award recipients.
(Pictured from left to right)
Juanita: Volunteer
Juanita has been a dedicated office volunteer for five years, working at Children’s Cancer Research Fund regularly to help with mailings, assemble butterfly pin cards and complete additional tasks as needed. Her expert assistance is appreciated by everyone on the staff. Juanita is a delight to have in the office. In addition to Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Juanita also volunteers for several other local nonprofits.
Marcia Niedorf: Care Partners
A Care Partners volunteer since 2010, Marcia has made a tremendous difference in the lives of her assigned families with her steadfast care and attention to their needs. As a family volunteer, Marcia provides everyday support to families whose children are being treated for cancer or are undergoing a blood or marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Because many of these families are far from home or have other children, Marcia’s help is invaluable. Marcia was first introduced to the program by Debbie Dworsky, former board chair of Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
Joggers for Julian: Community
John Golden and Emily Eaton lost their 3-year-old son, Julian, to acute lymphoblastic leukemia just two weeks after he was diagnosed and his treatment began. To honor Julian and to support research that would spare parents and children from the same devastating experience, they started a Time to Fly team called Joggers for Julian. Since 2011, the team has raised $70,000 for childhood cancer research, and they represent one of the largest teams at each year’s run/walk event. John also serves on Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s Board of Directors.
Mark Osborn, PhD: Medical
Dr. Osborn, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, at the University of Minnesota, is focused on developing gene and cellular therapies that will increase the efficacy of transplants and decrease the harmful side effects. His cutting edge research on gene editing holds tremendous potential for changing the practice of medicine. In addition, Dr. Osborn is an active member of the American and European Societies for Gene and Cellular Therapy.
Kaskaid Hospitality (CRAVE Restaurants): Corporate
Accepted by Zach Sussman
For five years, Kaskaid Hospitality has provided valuable support and awareness opportunities. CRAVE Restaurants cater the monthly Care Partners Dinner Program at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, giving patients and families a break from their routines and access to free meals. In addition, with the CRAVE Cares program, the organization has donated a portion of its restaurant sales during the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Thanks to Kaskaid’s committed partnership, more than 9,000 meals have been served, and nearly $16,000 has been raised for childhood cancer research. For more information on becoming our partner, visit our partnership page.
