How you can help Alexandra's Butterflies of Hope

A Fund raiser held
October 2, 2005
Woodland Zoo,
Farmington PA.

First, please allow me to share with you the story of Alexandra Schaney.

She was the typical four year old; playing with her dolls and her dog “Puddles“. Alexandra then developed
symptoms of an unknown illness. She was taken to numerous doctors to determine her illness.

On April 26, 2004, we received the diagnosis that would change our lives forever. What we thought were
growing pains were developing tumors. Alexandra had Neuroblastoma – Stage IV. Our first question was
“What is Neuroblastoma?” Neuroblastoma is a leading childhood form of cancer that arises in the adrenal
gland or in tissue in the nervous system that is related to the adrenal gland. Neuroblastoma is the most
common solid tumor outside the brain in infants and children. Neuroblastoma is one of the few cancer types
known to secrete hormones. It occurs most often in children, and it is the third most common cancer that
occurs in children. Stage IV means the primary tumor has spread to lymph nodes, bone, bone marrow, liver,
skin, and/or other organs. We soon realized the prognosis was scarier than the diagnosis. Alexandra’s
condition was considered high risk.

For two years, Alexandra’s little body was tortured daily. She received radiation therapy, chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, stem cell treatments, and blood transfusions. During her battle, Alexandra appeared on the
“Today Show” to inspire other children with this disease. She held a fundraiser where she sold her own toys
to assist in purchasing new toys for the Children’s Cancer Center in Charlotte. She attended Cancer Camp.
She wrote a letter and was the spokesperson within an ad for Ronald McDonald House. Throughout her
battle, she touched everyone with her kindness and determination.

In April of 2006, we finally received the news we were hoping for. Alexandra’s tests revealed “no evidence of
disease”. You see with this disease, you do not utter the word “remission”. But, no matter what they called it,
we were ecstatic! Finally, her body would be able to rest from the endless treatments she endured and she
would have her beautiful curls back. Her last treatment was in August of 2006.

So, for the last seven months, Alexandra and her Mom have been making monthly to bi-monthly trips from
Charlotte, NC to Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York. After what she had endured during treatment, to
Alexandra, being pierced with several needles and receiving x-rays every few weeks was a welcomed relief.
Her last four visits have been encouraging. Each test showed “no evidence of disease”.

Our lives again changed on March 2, 2007. It was a typical Friday evening. I had spoken to Alexandra last
evening. She was in New York for her check-up. There were no signs that this check-up would be any
different from her last four, until I got the call. It was the call I never wanted to receive. It was my sister-in-law,
Kelly. It was the call she never wanted to make. It was the call to tell me that Alexandra’s cancer had
returned.

It had been over seven months since her last treatment. She has remained “no evidence of disease”
throughout. In my mind, this was not supposed to happen.

I spoke to Alexandra after she found out. She said “Don’t worry Aunt Chris; we are going to have this figured
out by Monday.” She knows the battle ahead and can still tell me “It’s okay.” It really takes a child’s hope and
determination to make you realize what is important.

Alexandra will begin her battle all over again. She is scheduled to begin treatment the week of March 12th.

It is with a heavy heart that I ask you and/or your organization to help make a difference in the life of a child.
Every dollar you donate will go toward assisting with Alexandra’s treatment and the treatment of other
children with this horrific disease and other cancers.

Please send your donation to the address listed below. Thank you in advance for you kind support!

With Grateful Appreciation,

Christine Schaney
CEO & Alexandra’s “Aunt Chris”

All donations should be made payable to:

Alexandra’s Butterflies of Hope
One Millenium Drive
Uniontown, PA 15401

Alexandra’s Butterflies of Hope is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to
the full extent of the law in accordance with IRS regulations. ID #31307

Other ways you can help

		Fly a child to treatment - info coming soon
		Become a corporate sponsor - email us
		Hold a Fundraiser - e mail us if you or your organization are interested in holding a fundraiser