Please consider joining The Work-Family Connection as we help in the fight against pediatric cancer by making a donation and/or walking with us in Central Park, NYC on May 4th 2019 from 9:30 to 1:00pm. Every single dollar raised goes to the doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to help them make life-changing discoveries.
Unfortunately, many families like my own have personal stories and experiences with cancer. I would like to take a moment and share my experience with my brother who is also a former WFC employee and his fight against cancer.
In early May 2015, my brother Dylan Kane was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) at the age of 23, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. The tumor is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma. It is considered a childhood cancer that predominantly strikes boys and young adults. Although the prognosis for DSRCT remains poor, research has allowed Dylan to take part in a “clinical trial” at Sloan Kettering in NYC where patients have successfully achieved remission. The aggressiveness of DSRCT does dictate it could show up again; Doctors and researchers continue to work on new treatments with the hopes of being able to maintain longer treatments and a healthier and longer life span for their patients.
Dylan is now 27 year old and has been fighting DSRCT for 4 years now. Dylan is a son, brother, uncle, best friend, coach and mentor to many and everyone lucky enough to meet him seems to be touched and moved by his strength and positivity. We were blessed with wonderful parents and have 4 other siblings. Dylan has been attending college on and off for the past four years having to take breaks due to the disease and his treatments. He is currently pursuing a degree in Recreational Therapy. Dylan worked with WFC last year, while the cancer was in remission. He was a Site Director at our Lamonte/Annex School in Bound Brook. Half way through the school year Dylan received the news that the cancer had returned and he needed to leave his position with us to start treatment again in NYC.
This was disheartening news for Dylan and our whole family. Although finding it very difficult to stand by and watch as Dylan receives treatment, we all seem to find shelter and serenity through simply supporting him and his fight. Dylan believes and has quoted “I know the odds don’t seem the best however this is not the end but the beginning of a testimony that will change lives.” Dylan is that rare person who inspires others including myself (the big brother) to be a better person. He is an inspiration to me daily and gently reminds me to maintain a positive attitude towards life. Dylan is an amazing brother and I am grateful to be a part of his life. He has helped me to recognize and appreciate his perseverance through whatever he has to face in this battle as well as whatever else comes his way.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I realize this is just one story of many. Families are facing these challenges every day and if we can make even a small differences for one family in the fight against pediatric cancer then I think it is worth trying. I hope you agree.
Together, we CAN make a difference. Thank YOU!
Sincerely,
John Kane
How to Donate
- Go to https://www.kidswalkmsk.org/donate
- Enter The Work Family Connection under “team name”
- Then select our team and click “Donate”
- Then follow the direction on the next page and submit your donation
How to Donate and Register to Walk
- Go to https://www.kidswalkmsk.org/register
- Click on Join a team
- Enter The Work Family Connection under “team name” and click search
- Then select our team and click “join this team”
- Then follow the directions to go through the next pages
How to Get Others to Sponsor Your Walk
- Go to https://www.kidswalkmsk.org/donate
- Have them enter “your name” under “Search for a Participant”
- Then have them select our name and click “Donate”
- Then follow the direction on the next page and submit.