Incredible Creativity

April 23, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

When a kid is fascinated by something, he may amaze you with his creativity. One of our kids invented a remarkable way of building airplanes out of paper. He captures all the salient details, draws the whole plane on paper, cuts it out and shapes it into a 3-D airplane!

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Medical condition or no, this guy is an amazing spatial thinker—and he chooses to display his creations in the art room at his hospital where airplane aficionados of all ages (other kids and doctors too!) can appreciate his talent.

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The 2014 “And the Winner Is” Event

March 19, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

First of all, we would like to say

THANK YOU

to everyone who came out to support Tracy’s Kids on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. It was an amazing night spent celebrating Tracy’s Kids on the red carpet and at the movies.

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To everyone who came to the event and donated to support Tracy’s Kids, we hope thank you. It is only with your continued support that we are able to continue to do this important work.

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We would also like to thank the following individuals and organizations for helping make our ninth annual event such a great success:

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At the event we presented Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) with the Courage Award for the perseverance and bravery she has shown during her personal battle with cancer. She spoke briefly about her own experiences, and we were honored with all that she shared. You can watch her speech by clicking here.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp at the 2014 And the Winner Is Event

Senator Heidi Heitkamp at the 2014 And the Winner Is Event.

David Cohen, Marcelle Leahy and Matt Gerson present the Courage Award

David Cohen, Marcelle Leahy and Matt Gerson present the Courage Award

We were honored to have the company of many Members of Congress again this year. Our guests included Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA), the 2013 Courage Award Winner Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Congressman Tom Marino (R-PA), Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR), Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly was also in attendance.

Tracy's Kids participants and supporters Devan Tatlow and his mother joined us on the red carpet again this year!

Tracy’s Kids participants and supporters Devan Tatlow and his mother joined us on the red carpet again this year!

Here’s a quick roundup of the event, for those of you who were unable to join us.  After Matt Gerson welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about his own fight with cancer and his continued dedication to the Tracy’s Kids cause, Tracy Councill introduced Dr. Aziza Shad of Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center. Dr. Shad spoke of the positive impact that Tracy’s Kids has had at the clinic and personally thanked Tracy’s Kids supporters for enabling us to do this important work. Marcelle Leahy introduced David Cohen from Comcast/NBCUniversal to present Senator Heidi Heitkamp with the Courage Award. Melissa Maxfield of Comcast/NBCUniversal then drew the raffle winner for tickets to see Katy Perry at the Verizon Center, and announced the movie theaters where each of the six movies would be screened. Our guests then made their way upstairs to the theaters to enjoy popcorn and the movie of their choice.

As a reminder, the 2014 movies that our guests chose from were:

  •  Gravity – Winner of the DGA’s Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film [Courtesy of Time Warner]
  • 12 Years a Slave – Winner of the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Picture [Courtesy of 21st Century Fox]
  • American Hustle – Winner of three Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture [Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]
  • Dallas Buyers Club – Winner of two SAG awards recognizing both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto [Courtesy of Comcast/NBCUniversal]
  • Nebraska – Winner of Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, and from the National Board of Review and LA Film Critics — all recognizing Bruce Dern [Courtesy of Viacom]
  • Philomena – nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress recognizing Dame Judi Dench [Courtesy of The Weinstein Company]

This year we auctioned artwork done by Tracy’s Kids as well as a piece by Tracy’s Kids Program Director, Tracy Councill. Tracy’s Kids friends and fellow artists, Kari Kant and Sabra Rogers, were also generous enough to donate pieces to our event. The artwork was extremely popular, and gave our guests a chance to see some of the pieces done at each of our program locations.

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It was another great year of “And the Winner Is” – we look forward to seeing you all next year for our 10th Annual “And the Winner Is” and celebrating with you then!

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And the Movies Are…

February 18, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
Thanks to our friends at the studios, we have once again lined up a fantastic slate of movies for this year’s “And the Winner Is….”
On Tuesday evening, February 25, 2014, please join us in walking the red carpet before eating, drinking and then watching one of the six nominated and award-winning films that Tracy’s Kids is showing right in the heart of Hollywood’s award season.  David Cohen and Matt Gerson wanted to let you know that our guests will be able to choose to see either:
  •  Gravity — Winner of the DGA’s Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film [Courtesy of Time Warner]
  • 12 Years a Slave — Winner of the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Picture [Courtesy of 21st Century Fox]
  • American Hustle — Winner of three Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture [Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]
  • Dallas Buyers Club — Winner of two SAG awards recognizing both Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto [Courtesy of Comcast NBCU]
  • Nebraska — Winner of Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, and from the National Board of Review and LA Film Critics — all recognizing Bruce Dern [Courtesy of Viacom]
  • Philomena — nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress recognizing Dame Judi Dench [Courtesy of The Weinstein Company]

That night we will recognize North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp with our Courage Award. Her determined advocacy for breast cancer detection and prevention made her an easy choice. Each year we present a Courage Award to a public person who exemplifies the strength, dignity and perseverance necessary to face the daily challenges imposed by cancer and its treatment. Past recipients of the award are the late Arlen Specter, Marcelle Leahy, Barbara and Tim Johnson, John McCain, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sue Myrick, Barbara Grassley and Dave Camp.

If you would like to purchase tickets to the event you may do so online or by contacting Susan O’Neill and Associates at tracyskids@oneillevent.com.

We hope to see you there!

 

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Wrapping up 2013

January 10, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

“The funds provided by Tracy’s Kids have made a significant difference in the lives of so many of the families who have a child or teen with cancer and within the cancer community as a whole.”

-James Zabora, Director, Life with Cancer

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Wrapping up 2013

January 9, 2014 by · Leave a Comment

“The funds provided by Tracy’s Kids have made a significant difference in the lives of so many of the families who have a child or teen with cancer and within the cancer community as a whole.”

-James Zabora, Director, Life with Cancer

TK-DC MONUMENTS 2014 ART SHOW

2013 was another successful year for Tracy’s Kids and we celebrated with our annual art show at the Carroll Square Gallery in downtown Washington, DC, which runs through January 24.

Below are some examples of the art being showcased, as well as information about the gallery. If you have the opportunity to stop by, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

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This year we were inspired by our friend and fellow artist Kari Kant and her use of the American Flag in her pieces. We took this idea and created our own American flags earlier in the year that were showcased at her June art opening. The kids continued this idea and expanded to creating more art based around the Washington, DC landscape, and created a number of pieces with this theme. These will also be shown at our ninth annual And the Winner Is fundraiser on February 25, 2014.

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The DC artwork is not the only feature of our 2013 Carroll Square show. Below you will find some additional examples of the amazing artwork done by Tracy’s Kids artists over the last year. Remember, this is just a small taste of all that is on display, so be sure to stop by the gallery. You don’t want to miss it!

 

 

Carroll Square Gallery

975 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

202.347.7978

Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-6:00PM

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The Ninth Annual “And the Winner Is…” Event!

November 19, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

The ninth annual “And the Winner Is…” event will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2014!

The format for the event this February will remain unchanged from previous years – as we are proud to host one of Washington’s most unique and anticipated fundraisers with no dinner or lengthy speechifying – just a reception and then the chance to watch one of the six nominated and award-winning films that we screen that night.

That evening we will also present our annual Courage Award to a public person who exemplifies the strength, dignity and perseverance necessary to face the daily challenges imposed by cancer and its treatment.  The recipient this year will be Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota.  The Senator is a determined advocate for breast cancer detection and prevention.  She unabashedly tells her own story — from discovery to mastectomy to remission – with characteristic candor and good humor.
 The past recipients of the award are Arlen Specter, Marcelle Leahy, Barbara and Tim Johnson, John McCain, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sue Myrick, Barbara Grassley and Dave Camp.

If you would like to purchase tickets, have any questions, or are interested in learning more, please contact Susan O’Neill & Associates at 301-229-0124 or TracysKids@ONeillEvent.com.

To purchase tickets with a  credit card, please visit our Click and Pledge website!

We are looking forward to another great year and hope to see everyone on Tuesday, February 25, 2014!

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TK14EVENT-STD 2All proceeds from the evening support the Tracy’s Kids pediatric art therapy programs that help young cancer patients cope with the emotional stress and trauma surrounding cancer and its treatment — all provided free of charge to the patients and families we serve.  Thanks to your help over the years, we have an unequaled presence throughout the DC metropolitan area as well at Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

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Dr. Aziza Shad on Tracy’s Kids

November 19, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

“It is not unusual to walk into our clinic at Georgetown and see children with infusions in their arms, crayons in their hands, and smiles on their faces.  That uncanny juxtaposition is inspiring and contagious — and it is all thanks to the art therapy provided by Tracy’s Kids.”

Aziza Shad, MD
Director, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Lombardi Cancer Center

Medstar Georgetown University Hospital

Earlier this month MedStar Georgetown University Hospital gave Tracy and Matt an award for our work on behalf of the children treated at its Lombardi Cancer Center. In making the presentation, Dr. Aziza Shad described Tracy’s Kids as the heart and soul of the clinic. She explained that when she interviewed at Lombardi, the very first thing she saw were children sitting at an art table receiving their infusions “with smiles on their faces and crayons in their hands.”  She thanked us for the over $1million that we have given to the pediatric clinic over the past fifteen years — but that thanks should be extended to our donors and supporters. It is because of all the generous donations that Tracy’s Kids is able to help address the emotional toll that cancer and its treatment impose on the children and families that we serve. On behalf of Tracy, Matt and the entire Tracy’s Kids team, we would like to thank our supporters for all that they have given and continue to give to this wonderful program.

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Tracy’s Kids San Antonio News!

August 21, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

A San Antonio TV station recently ran a segment about our work at Methodist Children’s.

In two minutes and thirty seconds, it captures the essence of what we do for children with cancer.

Kathleen, the featured art therapist, explains, “the children we work with don’t have choices about getting medicine, they don’t get choices about when they go to get treatment.  But when they come to the playroom, everything is up to them.  They get to make what they want, they get to use what they want, they get to decide whether they even want to do it or not…”  “[Tracy’s Kids] gives them a way to express themselves without having to talk and a lot of times these kids don’t want to talk about [their feelings.] They are either not ready, or it is just too hard to find the words — especially for younger kids.  But they can put all their feelings into the art work.” One little girl in the clinic confides that the art projects “make her not want to think about everything she is going through” — and one day she wants to be an Art Therapist so she can help other kids like her. [Her ambition is not really far fetched — as a handful of our former patients have done just that.]  One of the experienced nurses enthusiastically relates how Tracy’s Kids “decreases fear through color and drawing and gluing.  We love it.  Literally it has changed our lives.”

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Tracy’s Kids 2012 Annual Report

June 17, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

The 2012 Annual Report is now available!

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Tracy’s Kids participant at Life With Cancer

Included in the 2012 Annual Report are updates and photos from each of our five programs as well as financial information for the 2012 fiscal year.

The Art Room at CNMC

The Art Room at CNMCYou can access the

 You can access the report in the lower left hand corner of the homepage of our website or by clicking here.

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Kathleen Sutter and one of the Tracy’s Kids participants in the art room at MCH-San Antonio

 We are proud of the work done in 2012 and excited about all the new things happening this year for Tracy’s Kids!

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The entrance to Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Hospital features Tracy’s Kids artwork all year long.

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The 2013 “And The Winner Is” Event

February 21, 2013 by · 1 Comment

 

First of all, we would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support Tracy’s Kids last Wednesday night, February 13, 2013. It was an amazing night spent celebrating Tracy’s Kids on the red carpet and at the movies.

 

To everyone who came to the event and who donated to support Tracy’s Kids for another year: thank you. We would be nothing without you.

Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida, Tracy's Kids participant Devon Tatlow, Tracy's Kids Founder and Chairman Matt Gerson, Tracy's Kids Board Member Melissa Maxfield and David Cohen of Comcast/NBCUniversal

Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida, Tracy’s Kids participant Devan Tatlow, Tracy’s Kids Founder and Chairman Matt Gerson, Tracy’s Kids Board Member Melissa Maxfield and David Cohen of Comcast/NBCUniversal

We would like to specifically thank the following people and organizations for their help in making this year’s event such a success:

  • Carly Glazier Photography  – this year we were lucky enough to have the talented Carly Glazier behind the camera.  Carly donated her time and talent to Tracy’s Kids and she captured the moments in the photographs that you will see on this site as well as on our Facebook page. Thank you, Carly.
  • The Studios – every year we are lucky enough to screen award winning films donated by the studios, which make our Hollywood experience complete.
  • Comcast/NBCUniversal – thank you for your generous support of Tracy’s Kids every year. We were lucky enough to have Comcast/NBCUniversal underwriting the event, which guarantees that all donations we received will go directly to supporting our programs.
  • Susan O’Neill and Associates – for the wonderful work you all do for us every year that helps make our movie event so unforgettable. We couldn’t do it without you.
  • And most importantly, to all of our contributors – THANK YOU! Without your support, none of this would be possible. Thank you, thank you.
David Cohen and Melissa Maxfield of Comcast/NBCUniversal

David Cohen and Melissa Maxfield of Comcast/NBCUniversal

At the event we premiered the “Keep Your Head Up” music video produced by and starring some of the participants of Tracy’s Kids! Two of the film’s stars, Devan and Sophie, were at the event and were able to share the excitement of the music video’s premiere.

Devon and his dolphin Big Head

Devan and his dolphin Big Head

Sophie

Sophie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The crowd loved the video—and we know you will too. Check it out on our YouTube Channel–and while you’re there, Subscribe to us!

 

 

Matt Gerson and Devon watch the video on stage at the 2013 "And the Winner Is" event

Matt Gerson and Devan watch the video on stage at the 2013 “And the Winner Is” event

We were lucky enough to be joined by many Members of Congress. Our guests included Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI), Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), Congressman Bill Johnson (R-OH), Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL), Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS), Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR), past Courage Award Recipient Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Congressman Mel Watt (D-NC), Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and the 2013 Courage Award Winner Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI).

Congressman Mike Pompeo and his wife Susan at the 2013 Tracy's Kids Fundraiser

Congressman Mike Pompeo and his wife Susan at the 2013 Tracy’s Kids Fundraiser

Senator Patrick Leahy, Matt Gerson and Marcelle Leahy

Senator Patrick Leahy, Matt Gerson and Marcelle Leahy

Congressman Ted Deutch, Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Sean Duffy, Congressman Dave Camp, and Congressman Mac Thornberry

Congressman Ted Deutch, Congressman Bob Latta, Congressman Sean Duffy, Congressman Dave Camp, and Congressman Mac Thornberry

During the event we presented Congressman Dave Camp with the Courage Award for the perseverance and bravery he has shown in his personal fight against cancer. We also learned that Congressman Camp is in remission—and we were thrilled to celebrate with him.

Congressman Dave Camp accepts the Tracy's Kids Courage Award

Congressman Dave Camp accepts the Tracy’s Kids Courage Award

Past Courage Award recipients were present at the event including our 2010 honoree, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Marcelle Leahy, our Courage Award winner in 2007 and current member of the Tracy’s Kids Board.

David Cohen of Comcast/NBCUniversal, Marcelle Leahy, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman Dave Camp and Matt Gerson

David Cohen of Comcast/NBCUniversal, Marcelle Leahy, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman Dave Camp and Matt Gerson

Here’s a quick roundup of the event, for those of you who were unable to join us.  After Matt Gerson welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about his own fight with cancer and his continued dedication to the Tracy’s Kids cause, Tracy Councill introduced the music video. Marcelle Leahy then spoke about the importance of the Tracy’s Kids program and introduced David Cohen from Comcast/NBCUniversal. David then presented Congressman Dave Camp with the Courage Award and announced the great news that Congressman Camp is in remission. After Congressman Camp gave an acceptance speech, Melissa Maxfield of Comcast/NBCUniversal—with the help of Devan and Sophie—drew the raffle winner and announced the movie theaters where each of the seven movies would be screened. Our guests then made their way upstairs to the theaters to enjoy popcorn and the movie of their choice.

Comcast/NBCUniversal's Melissa Maxfield announces the raffle winner as Sophie and Devon help with the drawing

Comcast/NBCUniversal’s Melissa Maxfield announces the raffle winner as Sophie and Devan help with the drawing

As a reminder, the movies we showed were:

  •  Argo — Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.  Courtesy of Time Warner.
  • Silver Linings Playbook — National Board of Review awards for Best Actor and Best Screenplay.  Courtesy of The Weinstein Company.
  • Les Misérables — Golden Globe Awards for Best Picture (musical or comedy), Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.  Courtesy of Comcast NBC Universal.
  • Zero Dark Thirty — Awarded Best Picture by the Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago and Boston Film Critics’ Associations.  Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
  • Beasts of the Southern Wild — Winner of Camera d’Or at Cannes Film Festival.  Courtesy of News Corp.
  • Flight — Writers’ Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay.   Courtesy of Viacom.
  • Lincoln — Nominated for twelve Academy Award including best director, best actor, and best picture.  Courtesy of Dreamworks Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
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Tracy’s Kids Art Therapists Jean McCaw, Catherine Rubin, Elizabeth Burks, and Tracy Councill stand with Tracy’s Kids Board Member and past Courage Award Recipient Marcelle Leahy and Senator Patrick Leahy during the 2013 Program

 It was another great year of “And the Winner Is” – we look forward to seeing you all next year!

Until then, keep up with Tracy’s Kids by liking us on Facebook, following us on Pinterest, and keeping up with us here on our website!

Don’t forget, it’s easy to donate to Tracy’s Kids! 

Matt Gerson, Congressman Greg Walden, Andrea Mitchell of NBC News, and Congressman Fred Upton

Matt Gerson, Congressman Greg Walden, Andrea Mitchell of NBC News, and Congressman Fred Upton

Head over to the Gallery or our Facebook where you can see all of the photos from the event!

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