Mason's Super Stars

This morning I had the opportunity to go with the Leach Family to the Children's National Medical Center in celebration of Mason's Super Stars. After Mason passed away last fall, his family remained committed to the hospital and has been raising money to purchase televisions and video game consoles for the children to play with as they undergo chemo in the new Pediatric Oncology wing!Already, the fund has raised over $10,000, but still needs your support...

Edy's Ice Cream kindly donated to Mason's Super Stars so Mateo, Mason's older brother, and I went around the hospital both on the floor and in the clinic offering Scooby Doo push pops, ice cream sandwiches and a bunch of other treats to the patients. When undergoing chemo, it is typical to get mouth sores, so the ice cream really brings a smile to the children's faces and soothes their pain. We also handed out workbooks donated by the Redskins, a variety of prizes like pencils, player's cards, notebooks, and more donated by DC United, and bracelets with inspirational messages on them to the patients. The strength and courage of these little guys really is empowering. Additionally, every month Mason's Super Stars awards Target gift cards to those patients who are celebrating a milestone or are in need of a pick-me-up. (Mason loved going to Target to pick out toys and things!)

I know I post a variety of charity events and causes, and while this one won't get you an open bar, I really urge you to donate to the fund so we can continue celebrating life in the memory of Mason. Cancer is serious. Childhood shouldn't be.

Donations can be made to:

Mason Leach’s Super Star Fund c/o Children’s National Medical Center

attn: Volunteer and Consumer Support Services

111 Michigan Avenue NW Washington, DC 20010.

Mason Leach Super Star Fund to benefit Children’s National Medical Center Hematology-Oncology Department

Mission: To encourage and empower patients to recognize their inner strength and feel like a “superstar”.

Goal 1: To honor Mason’s life through “superstar” activities that will promote strength and hope for each child

Goal 2: To provide opportunities for children to have choices and control

Goal 3: To promote family activities both at the hospital and at home

Goal 4: To supply funds to provide extras for the Hematology Oncology Department patients that may arise throughout the year.

Goal 5: To show appreciation to the staff that took excellent care of Mason and encourage excellence in family centered patient care

Goal 6: To encourage staff development and training about listening to the voice of children, especially younger children, and ways to empower them and increase their role in their own care.

These funds go directly to benefit patients and no operational costs will be allocated to this fund. Every penny affects a child’s life.