In the new year, many people think about giving back to society in some way but with so many needy organizations out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.
What sparks people to open their hearts and give their time to others?
Sometimes it has to do with their own struggles and their hopes for other people.
Right above Michelle Zenie's desk is a picture of her 16-year-old son Cole.
He is a cancer survivor, diagnosed when he was just three years old.
The experience spurred Michelle to volunteer for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, which is based in Bethlehem.
"It sort of took me by surprise how meaningful it was for me to see the kids again who were in treatment and to connect with the parents who were going through that experience that I had gone through, " explains Michelle.
She is now executive director of the the foundation and works with kids like 7-year-old Xavier Garcia and their families.
Xavier's mom, Mariana Negron says her son became very sick in April of 2013.
" I took him to LVH and within an hour they gave me the diagnosis that he had leukemia," says Mariana.
So, Michelle and her team stepped in. They create fun activities for kids to do and families to get a break. They even bring levity into treatment centers with activities like the so called Chemo Circus.
"We really want to make sure there are times when there's also some fun and some laughter and some smiles," says Michelle.
Mariana is very appreciative of the help she has received from the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.
She says arrangements were even made to help her buy Christmas gifts.
"They also give emotional support. I can't even count the amount of times they've been there for me, not only for Xavier but also for my other children and for myself," says Mariana.
Michelle and her team of volunteers work to help kids forget about the pain of cancer with parties and activities.
"The kids do great. They want to be there. They want to have fun and it's important for their parents to see them having fun and not always having to do the hard stuff," says MIchelle.
As for Xavier, he's doing much better but his mom still has worries.
"Right now he's in remission, thankfully, I'm very happy to say. It's a long road and it's not just the treatment now, it's the possible after effects." says his mom.
Right now Michelle is working on a major fundraiser called Run to Live and looking for more volunteers.
This year’s Run to Live will take place on March 28th at the Ironton Rail Trail in Coplay.
For information, go to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley website.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1DA6ATl
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