The Becca's LEGacy Toy Drive is in full force!
Thanks for all of the wonderful new toy donations! Please keep them coming to help children through cancer treatment all year long. Childhood cancer is not seasonal. Please contact us if you would like to sponsor a toy drive or toy collection. Thanks!!
Thanks to Kay Jewelers of Geneva Commons for their wonderful donation of plush bears!
Kay Jewelers of Geneva Commons and Spring hill mall have made a very generous donation of plush bears for the Becca's LEGacy 4th Annual Toy Drive. Thanks, Kay Jewelers, for making many children with cancer happy!
The 4th Annual Becca's LEGacy Toy Drive has begun! We want to thank the following businesses for their donations in support of our toy drive:
A heartfelt thanks to:
*Kwik Kopy of St. Charles for printing our flyers and posters for us
*Learning Express Toys for wrapping paper
*Mr. Giftwrap.com for wrapping paper
*The UPS Store in west St. Charles for boxes and tape
*The UPS Store in east St. Charles for boxes and tape
*123 Print for labels
*Elgin Corrogated Box for boxes
*Proven Partners Group (PPG) for hosting an internal toy drive for Becca's LEGacy
Please support these wonderful businesses.
Thank you to all of our collection sites! We couldn't do it without you.
And, thanks to our AMAZING volunteers! You are helping put smiles on the faces of many children with cancer.
*Kwik Kopy of St. Charles for printing our flyers and posters for us
*Learning Express Toys for wrapping paper
*Mr. Giftwrap.com for wrapping paper
*The UPS Store in west St. Charles for boxes and tape
*The UPS Store in east St. Charles for boxes and tape
*123 Print for labels
*Elgin Corrogated Box for boxes
*Proven Partners Group (PPG) for hosting an internal toy drive for Becca's LEGacy
Please support these wonderful businesses.
Thank you to all of our collection sites! We couldn't do it without you.
And, thanks to our AMAZING volunteers! You are helping put smiles on the faces of many children with cancer.
Becca's First Toy Drive Flyer
This is the flyer from our very first toy drive, initiated by Becca. Today, we are following in her footsteps. Becca always wanted to help other children with cancer. Sometimes, when she could choose a gift or prize at the hospital, she would choose one for another child. Having her own organization was her dream.
Today, we continue on, making Becca's dreams come true. Cancer is not seasonal. We are collecting toys year round for children with cancer. Toys can make a huge difference to a child facing tests, procedures, chemo, radiation, surgeries, transplants, transfusions, and days in the hospital. These gifts help restore a bit of childhood for these special children. Please join Becca's LEGacy and host a toy drive for us any time throughout the year.
Today, we continue on, making Becca's dreams come true. Cancer is not seasonal. We are collecting toys year round for children with cancer. Toys can make a huge difference to a child facing tests, procedures, chemo, radiation, surgeries, transplants, transfusions, and days in the hospital. These gifts help restore a bit of childhood for these special children. Please join Becca's LEGacy and host a toy drive for us any time throughout the year.
Becca's Rainbow is featured in A Book of Miracles by Bernie Siegel
To learn more of Becca's story, her amazing courage, and her beautiful spirit, read Becca's Rainbow, a short story found in Bernie Siegel's A Book of Miracles. Becca's Rainbow was written by Francine Brottman, Becca's mom. The story describes some beautiful moments during Becca's final days and the miracles Becca brought to each day. A Book Of Miracles is now available in bookstores and online.
The 2011 CureSearch Walk - Becca's LEGacy raised over $6000!
2011 Nick's Pizza and Pub Fundraiser for CureSearch:
Good Food for a Good Cause!
Goodbye, Dr. Nachman (1948-2011)
Dr. Nachman and Becca
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. James Nachman. Dr. Nachman was a pediatric oncologist and researcher at the University of Chicago. More importantly, he was a man with great passion for what he did and great love for the children he cared for.
We were fortunate to have known Dr. Nachman. Becca was his patient. His support and caring throughout her treatment were unparalleled. During her hospitalizations, he would check on her 1-2 times per day, unless he was traveling and sharing his expertise with doctors around the world. He would walk in the room with a warm, "Hi, Sweet Stuff!" Becca would smile big. He brought comfort, confidence and hope to all of his patients and their families like no other. He paid attention to siblings, too. He would warmly play with our son when he came in the room.
Dr. Nachman valued childhood, and wanted his patients to live their lives as children rather than as cancer patients. He would keep hospital stays as short as possible, and send us home as early as was feasible, with a ,"Go home and enjoy her." When he said this, it was clear that he meant it. Dr. Nachman was dedicated both to trying to cure children with cancer and enhancing the quality of life of these children. He was a truly unique individual. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Dr. Nachman, for all that you did and all that you were.
We were fortunate to have known Dr. Nachman. Becca was his patient. His support and caring throughout her treatment were unparalleled. During her hospitalizations, he would check on her 1-2 times per day, unless he was traveling and sharing his expertise with doctors around the world. He would walk in the room with a warm, "Hi, Sweet Stuff!" Becca would smile big. He brought comfort, confidence and hope to all of his patients and their families like no other. He paid attention to siblings, too. He would warmly play with our son when he came in the room.
Dr. Nachman valued childhood, and wanted his patients to live their lives as children rather than as cancer patients. He would keep hospital stays as short as possible, and send us home as early as was feasible, with a ,"Go home and enjoy her." When he said this, it was clear that he meant it. Dr. Nachman was dedicated both to trying to cure children with cancer and enhancing the quality of life of these children. He was a truly unique individual. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Dr. Nachman, for all that you did and all that you were.
The 3rd Annual Becca's LEGacy Toy Drive: From Toy Collection to Delivery
A Special Thanks!
Toys are coming in from near and far! We thank everyone who is contributing to our toy drive! We will be collecting toys through the end of the year. I also want to extend a special thanks to Sew Able Dolls for their contribution of 2 beautiful "chemo" dolls - dolls to help children going through chemo have a special friend that is just like them. Sew Able dolls meant a lot to Becca (you can see the link on our "Favorites" page). We are certain that these dolls will brighten the days for some very special children. Thank you, Sew Able!
Chicago CureSearch Walk 2010 - Some Thoughts and Pictures
I sit here in front of a blank screen, at a loss for the right thing to say about the CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer. It’s not that there is nothing to say about the walk; it’s that there is everything to say. The walk was so many things to me and Becca’s LEGacy. It was a culmination of many weeks of fundraising, sharing Becca’s story, and working toward her dreams. But it was not an ending, but rather a beginning. The walk marks the beginning of our journey to improve the lives of children with cancer.
The walk symbolized the hope that one day we will cure all childhood cancers, and all children with cancer will have the chance to grow up. As I looked around at the rain drenched crowd, I saw hope. We were all there for a unified purpose, and the rain didn’t keep us away. We wore bandanas representing the child for whom we walked: current fighter, survivor, or, in our case, a precious one lost to this horrible disease. We donned t-shirts and buttons representing our loved ones. We all walked along the lake together, hopeful, that one day, there will be a cure. As it rained and rained and rained, I looked into the sea of umbrellas, and I couldn’t help but think of Becca’s words, “…I won’t let anything slow me down.” That is hope.
The walk was about solidarity. Team Becca’s LEGacy brought together people from different walks of life, all in honor of Becca and in support of our family. We were comprised of people who knew and loved Becca, as well as those who never met her but have been touched by her story. We were family and we were friends. We have known each other for all of Becca’s life and more, and we have just met. We were Becca’s LEGacy team members last year, and we joined Becca’s LEGacy for the first time this year. We were children, parents and grandparents. We came from near and we came from far. There we were, together, sharing a common purpose, all in Becca’s honor.
The walk was about support. We thank everyone who supported Becca’s LEGacy for the walk, both through contributions and by walking with us. You helped make us the #1 fundraisers! We raised over $10,000 for childhood cancer research. That’s an amazing accomplishment! We also felt the incredible support of being surrounded by a tremendous amount of love and friendship. That kind of support is priceless.
The walk was about laughter and tears. We danced together, sloshed through puddles, ate Becca’s favorite cookies, and celebrated life together. We honored the children at the walk who are survivors, including those still fighting. We exchanged heartfelt hugs and memories. Finally, we shared in a somber balloon ceremony, to remember Becca and all of the children lost to cancer each year. Others released their balloons and watched them float away. I proudly carried my balloon on the walk as Becca would want me to, representing that I will never let go of my love for her.
The walk was about Becca and Becca’s LEGacy. We remembered Becca, honored her, wore our team shirts with her words and artwork, and cried together in sadness that she wasn’t there to lead the way. In Becca’s name and in her honor, we made a difference. Every time we help a child with cancer, we become more a part of Becca’s LEGacy. Becca’s LEGacy was the name of our walk team, is the name of our organization, and is who we are every day that we reach out to others.
With great appreciation,
Francine
The walk symbolized the hope that one day we will cure all childhood cancers, and all children with cancer will have the chance to grow up. As I looked around at the rain drenched crowd, I saw hope. We were all there for a unified purpose, and the rain didn’t keep us away. We wore bandanas representing the child for whom we walked: current fighter, survivor, or, in our case, a precious one lost to this horrible disease. We donned t-shirts and buttons representing our loved ones. We all walked along the lake together, hopeful, that one day, there will be a cure. As it rained and rained and rained, I looked into the sea of umbrellas, and I couldn’t help but think of Becca’s words, “…I won’t let anything slow me down.” That is hope.
The walk was about solidarity. Team Becca’s LEGacy brought together people from different walks of life, all in honor of Becca and in support of our family. We were comprised of people who knew and loved Becca, as well as those who never met her but have been touched by her story. We were family and we were friends. We have known each other for all of Becca’s life and more, and we have just met. We were Becca’s LEGacy team members last year, and we joined Becca’s LEGacy for the first time this year. We were children, parents and grandparents. We came from near and we came from far. There we were, together, sharing a common purpose, all in Becca’s honor.
The walk was about support. We thank everyone who supported Becca’s LEGacy for the walk, both through contributions and by walking with us. You helped make us the #1 fundraisers! We raised over $10,000 for childhood cancer research. That’s an amazing accomplishment! We also felt the incredible support of being surrounded by a tremendous amount of love and friendship. That kind of support is priceless.
The walk was about laughter and tears. We danced together, sloshed through puddles, ate Becca’s favorite cookies, and celebrated life together. We honored the children at the walk who are survivors, including those still fighting. We exchanged heartfelt hugs and memories. Finally, we shared in a somber balloon ceremony, to remember Becca and all of the children lost to cancer each year. Others released their balloons and watched them float away. I proudly carried my balloon on the walk as Becca would want me to, representing that I will never let go of my love for her.
The walk was about Becca and Becca’s LEGacy. We remembered Becca, honored her, wore our team shirts with her words and artwork, and cried together in sadness that she wasn’t there to lead the way. In Becca’s name and in her honor, we made a difference. Every time we help a child with cancer, we become more a part of Becca’s LEGacy. Becca’s LEGacy was the name of our walk team, is the name of our organization, and is who we are every day that we reach out to others.
With great appreciation,
Francine
Thanks for all of your support for the 2010 Chicago CureSearch Walk. Becca's LEGacy was the #1 fundraiser! With your help, we raised $11, 214.74 for childhood cancer research! We couldn't have done it without you!
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
I have some bad news. There is no sugarcoating it. It’s really bad, and it’s ugly. Childhood cancer is real! It can hit anyone, anywhere, anytime.
When my precious daughter said that her leg hurt, never did we imagine that she would be diagnosed with cancer. CANCER. Such an ugly word. CHILDHOOD CANCER – an oxymoron. The mere thought of it evokes all of our worst fears. Suffering and death. It can and does happen. It happened to my little girl. Becca faced cancer with grace. She faced chemo with courage. She faced the amputation of her leg with strength. She faced her stem cell transplants with fortitude. Finally, she faced death with honor and dignity.
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH starts now. What can you do? Try to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Wear a gold ribbon. Talk about childhood cancer. Donate to research for a cure. Fundraise. Volunteer. Give blood. Or platelets. Or toys to hospitalized kids. Celebrate the heroes. Share the stories of those heroes who aren’t here to share their own stories. Don’t run away from it. Embrace the reality and do something to make a difference!
Even as my Becca faced her own cancer, she wanted to help other kids with cancer. After she had her central line put in, at 5 years old, she wanted to tell other kids that it wasn’t so bad so they wouldn’t be so scared. Her smile cheered up other kids in the hospital and encouraged them to play. Sometimes when she could choose a prize for herself, she instead chose one for her special little friend, also going through treatment. Between rounds of illness, she held a toy drive so she could help other kids feel better, the way getting the toys made her feel better. Her final wish, at 7 years old, was that we start the foundation she dreamed of, to continue helping other children with cancer.
We can all make a difference if we try. Let’s remember Becca and follow in her footsteps. I want to step into my daughter’s shoes and make her proud. Please join us in the giving children with cancer their childhoods. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please, spread the word!
-Francine
When my precious daughter said that her leg hurt, never did we imagine that she would be diagnosed with cancer. CANCER. Such an ugly word. CHILDHOOD CANCER – an oxymoron. The mere thought of it evokes all of our worst fears. Suffering and death. It can and does happen. It happened to my little girl. Becca faced cancer with grace. She faced chemo with courage. She faced the amputation of her leg with strength. She faced her stem cell transplants with fortitude. Finally, she faced death with honor and dignity.
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH starts now. What can you do? Try to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Wear a gold ribbon. Talk about childhood cancer. Donate to research for a cure. Fundraise. Volunteer. Give blood. Or platelets. Or toys to hospitalized kids. Celebrate the heroes. Share the stories of those heroes who aren’t here to share their own stories. Don’t run away from it. Embrace the reality and do something to make a difference!
Even as my Becca faced her own cancer, she wanted to help other kids with cancer. After she had her central line put in, at 5 years old, she wanted to tell other kids that it wasn’t so bad so they wouldn’t be so scared. Her smile cheered up other kids in the hospital and encouraged them to play. Sometimes when she could choose a prize for herself, she instead chose one for her special little friend, also going through treatment. Between rounds of illness, she held a toy drive so she could help other kids feel better, the way getting the toys made her feel better. Her final wish, at 7 years old, was that we start the foundation she dreamed of, to continue helping other children with cancer.
We can all make a difference if we try. Let’s remember Becca and follow in her footsteps. I want to step into my daughter’s shoes and make her proud. Please join us in the giving children with cancer their childhoods. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Please, spread the word!
-Francine
Becca's LEGacy Nick's Pizza and Pub Fundraiser
Thanks to all who came out and helped make the Nick's fundraiser an incredible success! It was great to see everyone. We raised $311.13 for CureSearch! Thank you to Nick's Pizza and Pub and to all of our Becca's LEGacy supporters!
