For over 80 years, the remarkable generosity of our donors has led to incredible accomplishments in specialized pediatric care and tremendous strides in children's health research. Thanks to our donors we have been able to purchase leading edge equipment, provide resources and tools to improve care and facilitate staff education and have been able to recruit the best and brightest research scientists.  We are pleased to share the experiences that have motivated some of our donors.

Jazzerthon Celebrates 20 Years

For 20 years Gaby Copeland, Jazzercise instructors and participants have dedicated their time and resources to raise money for Children’s.
In 1989, Gaby’s son, Sean, was born with Down’s Syndrome and when he was just 18 months old, he required high-risk surgery at Children’s for a  congenital heart defect. Six months later he also contracted a serious respiratory virus and Children’s was there for Sean and his family.

Today Sean is an active young man and participates in each year’s Jazzerthon.

"Children’s Hospital is near and dear to our hearts. 20 years ago, Children’s saved Sean’s life, not once but twice. Jazzerthon is our way of thanking Children’s medical staff for the important role they played in our lives as well as the role they play for each and every family who are touched by these angels.”

This year’s event attracted 105 participants, raising $17,544 for Children’s!

Since 1991, Gaby and her Jazzerthon participants have raised an incredible $291,142 during the annual two-hour event, that is packed with jazz moves, dance routines, resistance training, Pilates, yoga and kickboxing.

Thank you, Gaby!

Legacy of Love

Carol McHugh had a special hero in her life, her granddaughter, Shelby Gagne. At just 21 months of age, Shelby was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer. The cancer was very advanced, with an extremely poor prognosis. Following an 18 month courageous battle against this cancer, Shelby’s family chose to be placed in palliative care at Children’s Hospital, where doctors, nurses, and family worked tirelessly to keep Shelby comfortable and as pain free as possible. Sadly, in July 2006, Shelby graciously succumbed to this disease at 3 years and 3 months of age.

In honor and memory of her granddaughter, Carol holds her annual Shelby Gagne Memorial Golf Tournament in support of Children’s Health Foundation. Her unwavering advocacy and personal investment to help others is a powerful driving force against the ravages of childhood cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

"We were provided with so much support and compassionate care during Shelby’s journey. I just simply want to ‘pay it forward’ in an attempt to give back,” says Carol. “Shelby reached out and touched the hearts and souls of people worldwide, and her bright light continues to shine forth, radiating hope and inspiration from the heavens.”

Over the past three years, Carol has raised an amazing $58,000 to fund special projects related to childhood cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Thanks to Carol, and the generous community that joined her in celebrating the life of Shelby, many children and their families have been supported during the most challenging, powerful and painful times in their lives.

Thank you Carol for being our hero!