hour. >>> eve tannery: 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.>> jaciel cordoba: In Life Lessons, WFMZs Nancy Werteen tells us how one local woman found her passion. >>Nancy: 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. >>Nancy: 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. Executive Director The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley: 1:08 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. 1:22 Michelle is now executive director of the the Foundation and works with kids like Xavier and their families. 7:41 i took him to lvh and within an hour they gave me the diagnosis that he had leukemia. 7:48 >>Nancy: her team stepped in. They create fun activities to keep kids busy and to give families a break. They even bring levity into treatment centers with activities like the so called Chemo Circus. 5:17 We really want to make sure there are times when there's also some fun and some laughter and some smiles 5:24 Mom: 8:41 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. 8:52team of volunteers work to help kids forget about the pain of cancer with parties and activities. 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. 5:53>>Mariana Negron/ Mom 7:52 Right now he's in remission thankfully. I'm very happy to say. It's a long road it's a long road and it's not just the treatment now it's the possible aftereffects. 8:03 is working on a major fundraiser called Run to Live and looking for more volunteers. >>Nancy: This years 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 at www.pcflv.orgNancy Werteen 69
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