Friday, December 19, 2003
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Friday, December 19, 2003 |
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Art for a CURE Senoia girl featured in calendar By MICHAEL BOYLAN In less than two weeks you will need a new calendar and the 2004 CURE Childhood Cancer calendar is an inexpensive option that features the artwork of three-year-old Senoia resident Rachel Rypkema. CURE Childhood Cancer is Georgia’s oldest and most successful children’s cancer society. The group has published a calendar for the past 16 years and proceeds from the sale of the calendar support scientific research into the causes of and cures for pediatric cancer as well as special programs designed to help Georgia’s cancer-stricken children and their families. Rypkema, who was treated for a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor and has been off-therapy for over a year, and her family received help from some of the CURE programs. “CURE provided food for us, at least one night a week, while Rachel was in the hospital,” said Katie Rypkema. “They also provided us with a bag of necessties, like toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as sweats and things you’d need for overnight stays.” When Rypkema heard about the CURE Calendar seeking submissions, she entered a watercolor painting that Rachel did in her 3-year kindergarten class at the New Hope South Campus. The picture was chosen to be the picture for January in the calendar. Since the announcement, friends and family members have purchased 120 copies of the calendar. Rypkema is excited about the clendar, not only because it features her daughter’s artwork but also because it spreads the word of CURE and lets people know what they do to help people out. “Cancer kills more children than any other disease. The calendar helps educate people about pediatric cancer and informs them about CURE by showcasing artwork by children who are battling this killer,” said Jill George, executive director of CURE Childhood Cancer. “From the very first calendar, it became clear how much the children enjoyed producing the artwork and vying for the opportunity to have their work included in the calendar. It gives sick kids such a boost to have their names and pictures displayed throughout the year.” As for Rachel, she is a healthy, active girl approaching her fourth birthday this February. “She doesn’t look like the same child,” said Rypkema, who is looking forward to a great Christmas. CURE calendars are available for a $5 donation. For more information on ordering a calendar, call CURE at 770-986-0035 or 800-443-2873 or visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.
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