TFG Charity of the Month

ART FOR LIFE
THE CHILDREN'S ART PROJECT HELPS PEDIATRIC PATIENTS PAINT A HAPPIER PICTURE

In 1973, a volunteer at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had an idea to take the
artwork of its young patients and turn it into Christmas cards. 34 years later, this idea has evolved into a year-round business showcasing the unique talents of the hospital's pediatric patients, with the proceeds going to fund patient-focused programs.

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“Pediatric patients in the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M.D. Anderson attend weekly art classes as a part of the in-hospital education curriculum. Using the artwork of these young patients on seasonal cards and gift items, the project has returned proceeds totaling more than $23 million to nov_cm_2

fund patient-focused programs,” says Shannan Murray, Executive Director, Children's Art Project (CAP) at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The project, which relies upon volunteers to accomplish its goals, has returned $1.5 million a year since 1999 to support the in-hospital education programs, child life program, summer camps, college scholarships for current and former patients and other recreational activities activities. CAP is currently in the process of raising funds for a dedicated pediatric ICU.

Murray explains that CAP's goal is to “see that the year-round programs the project funds are specially designed to support the educational, emotional and recreational needs of children with cancer. Quite simply, the Children’s Art Project works to help make life more normal for children during their treatment at M.D. Anderson.”

CAP prides itself on the integral role it plays in the care and treatment of its pediatric cancer patients. “If you could see how Megan's eyes light up when she goes canoing at Camp Star Trails, how Jamie blossoms in the M.D. Anderson classroom and how Roy shines when he participates in art classes, then you would know what the Children's Art Project is all about,” Murray adds.

What can you do to help?
Shop with a conscience	Simply put, the proceeds from any CAP purchase improves the lives of children with cancer at M.D. Anderson. So the next time you need something like a cute bib, a fun apron, a cool board book, an adorable baby's first year calendar, a funky thank you card or a useful-in-more-ways-than-one notepad, go to www.childrensartproject.org or call 800.231.1580 to request a free catalog.
Volunteer	If you live in the greater Houston, Texas, area, CAP can use your help.
Donate	You can make a donation directly to the project, sponsor a specific design by underwriting the costs of the paper, printing, etc. or sponsor an CAP-related event.
Spread the word	Tell your friends, family and co-workers to shop smarter by stocking up on these gifts that keep on giving.

THE FAMILY GROOVE donates a percentage of its revenue to its featured Charity of the Month.

For more information, to make a donation or to get involved, please go to www.childrensartproject.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON SHELBY
HERE MURRAY SHARES A STORY OF ONE SPECIAL PATIENT WHO PARLAYED HER EXPERIENCES INTO A WAY OF EMPOWERING OTHERS

It is difficult to select just one child’s story to tell — there are many — but one special young woman named Shelby is certainly worthy of the spotlight. Diagnosed at age 12 with Ewing’s sarcoma, which is a rare form of bone cancer, Shelby has almost grown up at M. D. Anderson. Shortly after her treatment began, it was determined that an amputation of her left leg at the knee was necessary.

Shelby was determined to make the best of her situation. The amputation did not stop her from participating in the activities she loved. She embraced life and continued to be an active teenager. She resumed cheerleading and began modeling. Shelby also played a lead part in the short film, Four Feet, which focused on the spirit, relationship and resolve of two young girls who meet in a hospital and forge a friendship.

Since she completed her treatment, Shelby has participated in many activities offered by the Children’s Art Project. She has attended Camp A.O.K. every summer with her older brother and has gone on every CAP-sponsored ski trip since her amputation. Shelby often acts as a spokesperson for the Children's Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, appearing in programs and brochures, giving frequent interviews and even starring in a public service announcement for the project. Recently, she and her family were interviewed to be part of two CAP-funded educational videos for the Children’s Cancer Hospital, one that has kids talking to other kids about their cancer experiences and one where parents speak to other parents about their experiences.

Shelby and her family are frequent visitors to M. D. Anderson, and often act as mentors and speak to young patients and their parents about amputation and what they can expect. Shelby was also the first National SpokesKid for Sunshine Kids (www.sunshinekids.org), an international nonprofit organization focused on creating positive and exciting experiences for children with cancer.

Shelby has an incredible spirit and her smile is contagious. She is strong and mature and handles the circumstances of life with a positive attitude. She is a courageous leader for her peers and continues to inspire others with her upbeat outlook on life. We are proud that the Children’s Art Project has been a vehicle that Shelby has used to grow into the beautiful and self-confident young woman that she is today.

Note Cards and Gift Items Available from The Children's Art Project

Animal Parade Board Book, $8	Apple Heart Note Cube, $10	Baby's First Year Calendar, $18	Beach Frog Thank You Card Set, $6	Cookies Apron, $20	Diva Princess Bib Set, $8