Top

Summer 2016 : Got Hope?

Got Hope?

Bringing joy to others was teenage AML patient's priority

BY Leslie Friedman

Aimee Carew, pictured in front of a plaque at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital which was given in loving memory of Kaylee Carew by Energy Transfer Partners. Photo by Diana Shekter.

From an early age, Kaylee Carew wanted to help others. At 10, she made and sold anklets to raise money for the San Antonio Humane Society.

At 13, Kaylee was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood cells. She was treated for seven months in her hometown of San Antonio, continuing to do well in all advanced classes at Reagan High School and making the National Junior Honor Society.

"Kaylee's determination to end cancer never waivered," says her mom, Aimee. "In true Kaylee spirit, she started the Got Hope Club. She was concerned for others, especially young patients like herself. She wanted to bring joy to those suffering with cancer."

In January 2015, Kaylee relapsed. Doctors suggested a bone marrow transplant at MD Anderson. In April, she had the procedure, using bone marrow from her father, Lance.

Though Kaylee fought fearlessly through the transplant, she passed away in December of that year. Her legacy and never-give-up spirit live on, not only through the Got Hope Club, but also at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, with a plaque in her name donated by Energy Transfer Partners, Lance's employer.

"Employees at Energy Transfer want to contribute in a significant way in the fight against cancer," says Chris Curia, executive vice president and chief human resources officer. "We believe our efforts are most effective by aligning with MD Anderson and supporting its research and treatment programs."

Energy Transfer, majority owner of Sunoco, LP, the parent company of Stripes, Sunoco and APlus, raised nearly $2.8 million last year for MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital.

The Got Hope Club in San Antonio continues to reach out to children with cancer, coordinating activities designed to support and bring joy, as Kaylee would have wanted.

More Stories From Promise

Cosmetics entrepreneur focuses on cancer's genetic makeup

$1 million gift supports Lung Cancer Moon Shot

Saks Fifth Avenue reopening

The grand reopening of Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston's Galleria III, featuring special guest Erdem Moralioglu, founder and creative director of London-based brand ERDEM, drew some 900 guests and raised more than $140,000 for MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program.

About the HPV-related Cancers Moon Shot

Certain forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause common skin warts (papillomas). Others can lead to cancer, including cervical (90%), oropharyngeal (70%), vulvar (70%), vaginal (70%), penile (more than 60%) and anal (90%).

Moon Shots Program

Results-oriented, patient-driven

My Moon Shot

Kara Million, of Houston, is a mother of two and a two-time cancer survivor. A volunteer for myCancerConnection and an advocate for raising awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV), Kara says the Moon Shots Program will be key to ending cancer for good.

Vatican Meeting

A win-win-win situation

Corporate matching gift programs help your money work smarter

Getting to know: Kelli Kickerillo

Native Houstonian Kelli Kickerillo knows a thing or two about a successful event. As chair of the 2015 Houston A Conversation With a Living Legend®, Kelli and her husband, Todd Forester, raised more than $1 million for MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program. Kelli serves as events chair for MD Anderson's Advance Team, a volunteer board of "next generation" community and business leaders. No matter what the event, Kelli and her family remain focused on Making Cancer History® for cancer patients and survivors around the world.

Survivors Say

Lauren Erdmann, of Midland, is a three-time cancer survivor. She enjoys spending time with her family, including the newest addition: a sister-in-law. She also enjoys working at her parents' business, Advance Kwik Lube. Erdmann has traveled to Cancun and Hawaii with her family, and they plan a cruise to Alaska and Canada later this year.

Prom party palooza

Teenage cancer patients enjoy an unforgettable evening

Tradition triumphs in West Texas

Polo on the Prairie marks 30 years

Cyclers eye the finish line

Friends create 'Wheel to Survive' to reach the end of ovarian cancer

'The secret sauce'

Golfers Against Cancer credits volunteers in fundraising success

Taking a swing at curing brain cancer

Patient raises money through golf tournament in Mississippi hometown

iPromise

Jan Bres' husband, Tom, died at 54 from glioblastoma. During his 15-month fight, Tom and Jan learned of The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, founded in 2011 by James and Jamie Broach after James was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. James, who died in 2013, and Jamie made it their mission to promote funding and education so effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, might be found. The nonprofit has raised $4 million to support brain cancer research under the leadership of Frederick Lang, M.D., director of Clinical Research, Neurosurgery.