When Nathalie Shtern was expecting her fourth child, her five-year-old son, Jake, came down with what doctors first thought was a virus. In fact, Jake had leukemia. That was the spring of 2003. Jake immediately started his gruelling 130-week treatment at Montreal Children's Hospital. Some of his medication was delivered through a port under his left shoulder blade - he still blocks his ears when his mom discusses it - while others required a needle in his thigh, which Jake hated the most. He looked forward to the lumbar puncture ("It's the best!" he says) because they put him to sleep with a mask flavoured like bubble gum. Nathalie and her husband, Yona, would take turns being with Jake every hour of every day. They would read books and watch DVDs, and sometimes Nathalie would bake cookies, and Jake would ride on his IV pole as he delivered them to everyone on the floor. Early on, Jake noticed some other kids weren't so lucky. "He would say, 'Why isn't so-and-so's mommy here?'" So Jake had an idea: He wanted to throw a huge party and raise money to make the hospital a more fun place for other kids with cancer. Nathalie recruited about 10 volunteers - including Jake's sisters, Sarah and Isabelle - and The Comfy Cozy Fund (named by Jake) was born. In August 2004, they raised an astounding $48,000 at their first annual Family Night at Hampstead Park. Jake was pleased, but he had one complaint. "I wanted cotton candy, but it didn't happen." The money went to purchase GameBoys and portable DVD players to entertain kids while they receive chemo or transfusions. The fund is also buying new TVs for the hematology ward and welcome kits for new patients. "Our fund doesn't buy life-saving machines," says Nathalie, "but this is what keeps the kids' spirits intact. It's the stuff that makes them forget for an hour, or even 10 minutes, that they have cancer." Jake was scheduled to finish his chemo this September and says he wants to be a fashion designer and actor when he grows up. "He even designed a beautiful outfit for his hematologist's wife," says Nathalie. On August 21, Jake attended The Comfy Cozy Fund's second bash and was much more impressed. This year they added a petting zoo, amusement park rides - and cotton candy. Chosen charity: Kids with a Cause Corp. (Canada) |
