Free concert, prayer vigil for childhood cancer Saturday

Community invited to kick-off National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

(Allen) August 28, 2012 – TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation will kick-off National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Saturday, September 1 with a prayer vigil and concert in conjunction with Concerts by the Creek at Watters Creek in Allen, located at US 75 and Bethany.

The popular country band Rhythm-n-Roses will kick off the evening at 7 p.m. Then, at 8:30 p.m, special guests will pay tribute to children battling childhood cancer and those lost to childhood cancer followed by a moment of silence.

TeamConnor will offer green light sabers to illuminate the park during the prayer vigil. Rhythm-n-Rose will continue playing until 10 pm.

“Every year thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer,” said Joy Cruse, founder of TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation. “Sadly, there has only been one drug in the last 20 years developed to fight childhood cancer. We need more awareness regarding the devastating impact that cancer has on children. The drugs used to treat children were developed for adults. With more awareness and funds, we can encourage researchers to find new treatments specifically for children battling cancer.”

Participants are invited to spread a blanket on the lawn or dine on the patio of one of the restaurants that surround the park and listen to Rhythm-n-Roses. Savour Tasting Room and Bonnie Ruth’s at Watters Creek will donate proceeds from the evening to TeamConnor.

Last September, TeamConnor launched a new childhood cancer icon to represent the cause with a kid friendly caterpillar. The little green icon, known as Connor the Caterpillar, gives hope that children with cancer will one day grow into beautiful butterflies. The signature green of the caterpillar reflects healing. Free TeamConnor caterpillar tattoos will be available for kids and adults alike to proudly showcase their support.

Every year, more than 12,400 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children, yet the budget of the National Cancer Institute allocates only 3% of its funds to pediatric cancer research. The TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation is dedicated toraising awareness and funding research and treatment programs to find a cure for all childhood cancers.

For more information, visit teamconnor.org or find TeamConnor Cancer Foundation on Facebook.

Story and photo by David Alvey.

To submit your news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.

  childhood cancer, Connor Cruse, national childhood cancer awareness month, TeamConnor, tribute, vigil, watters creek