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Emily's Intro...
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Sophie, Christmas Eve, 2005.
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It's the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say!
For 40 newsletters I've written an introduction, and this makes 41! Sometimes I struggled to find the right words to share; other times the words came easily. Often the task of sitting down and writing an introduction took me back to the early days of Sophie's diagnosis when I would write almost daily on the blog. I spent a lot of time detailing Sophie's battle, and after Sophie left for heaven, the blog became a way to inform and update our supporters in the early years of The Foundation. The blog eventually gave way to the newsletter which has definitely served its purpose these last ten years.
My goal was always to thank, inspire, and educate you, our loyal SFSF supporters. After ten years of e-newsletters, I want you to know this will be my last intro in the Constant Contact format. After reviewing the costs, the time spent publishing versus the number of readers, it makes the most sense for us to change our form of communication. Moving forward we are going to make Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram our new way of communication. I may even end up posting little blurbs on my old Google blog which will allow you to be notified when new news is shared. If you've never read Sophie's story from the beginning, all my old posts can still be found on the blog. While there, subscribe to receive notifications for future updates!
It's amazing to reflect on all we have accomplished these last 10 years. As we close out 2018, we are excited to share all that we've been able to do because of your support. Over 631 families helped ($794,253), $107,000 worth of research funded, and $173,047 given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - all because YOU chose to honor Sophie's life. We've been able to share with you the ins and outs of The Foundation through this newsletter. We've been blessed to have an avenue for thanking our supporters as we featured fundraisers of all shapes and sizes. We've expressed joy and sadness in the newsletter, honoring those fighting and those who have passed on.
I have to thank those who have poured their heart and souls into the production of the newsletter. Stacey Green, former board member and newsletter brainchild, began the newsletter with the help of my mom (and board member), Susie Miklaski, in 2008. After several issues, my sister (and board member) Sarah Smith, took over for Stacey, and joined my mom to take over the reins until now. They have spent SO many hours researching through emails, phone calls, and texts to find the details and write the "perfect" article which made the newsletter so thorough. I know it has been a true "work of heart," and I'm very proud of all the newsletters that have gone out since November, 2008. This newsletter would not have existed without these gracious volunteers who dedicated their time and talent to further our mission. They waited patiently each time, for me to write an intro, and even so today, I am writing this, just hours before the newsletter will be sent out.
Change is different, and change can be hard, but it can also be good. I encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our foundation is not slowing down, so we'll need your support more than ever.
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Almost 12 years ago, a 3-year-old Sophie with Marc, just before her one and only Christmas Program.
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As we approach the holidays, I think of the families of children battling cancer, and of those whose holiday won't include their child at home this year. Whether it's the first Christmas without him/her or the fiftieth, or any number in between, I will hold these families in my heart knowing how intense the "excruciating everyday pain" becomes during the holidays. Even 11 years later I still imagine Sophie coming through the doors and ending this nightmare. She would be 15, yet I still picture her as a 3-year-old. It is definitely true, that time seems to stand still, yet fly by at the same time when you have experienced the loss of a child.
Thoughts of the miracle of Christmas fill and comfort my mind as I am reminded that one day, I will see Sophie again. I have HOPE for a future free of pediatric brain cancer, and I HOPE for a day when no holidays will be spent without the ones we love.
I'm wishing you find joy this season, embracing the true meaning of Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Gratefully,
Emily Quayle
SFSF Board President
Sophie, Sarah, and Marie's Mommy
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Back on course
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| 2018 Team SFSF at the event expo |
SFSF was well represented, for the eleventh, consecutive year, in Memphis at the Annual St. Jude Marathon Weekend, November 30 - December 2, raising $79,381, for St. Jude, which included the $30,000 contribution from SFSF. To date, SFSF and its 11 teams have raised $349,913 for St. Jude, helping to fulfill its mission of "supporting St. Jude" where Sophie was treated in 2007.
The 17-member team, comprised of both family and friends of SFSF president Emily Quayle, ran in memory of Sophie Quayle and Piper Samuels, daughter of second-year team member, Kevin Samuels. Hailing from six states: Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, the members included: Lisa Corwon, Evan Gillen, Rachelle Gillen, Kelle Ilitch, Travis Ilitch, Sharon Lopata, Charly Miklaski, Emily Quayle, Karla Quinn, Kevin Samuels, Callie Schulist. Jennifer Slater, Katie Slater, Sarah Smith, Heather Tinsley, Amy Wilson, and Noreen Woidke. New to the team this year were Callie Schulist, a friend of the Slaters, and Lisa Corwon, another FMU friend to many of the OH team members.
Team members were represented in four race categories: full, half, 10K, and 5K. Running the full for the first time were Karla Quinn, Kevin Samuels, and Noreen Woidke.
In addition to touring St. Jude Hospital and attending the Friday night Pasta Party, some members also attended the Hunter Hayes Concert at The Cannon Center, where Captain Emily Quayle was selected for the pre-concert meet and greet event.
New this year was the addition of five platinum heroes who committed to raising a minimum of $5000 each. Among the select was Sarah Smith, who raised $8170.
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Add to your collection with the 2018 ornament
Thanks to artistic talent and SFSF supporter extraordinaire, Jenn Dunleavy, this year's ornament is made-to-order with love!
The ornament is a 3" flat, metal design with a hand-painted rainbow background featuring the "birthplace" of SFSF.
Ornaments are $10 each with $5 shipping, as applicable.
To order this year's edition, send order and payment via PayPal to
Jenn Dunleavy and be sure to include a shipping address. Or if local to Avon Lake, order via the
SFSF FB page ornament post by commenting with your order and arranging pick-up of ornament/drop-off of cash/check with Jenn via FB PM.
Thanks Jenn for the beautiful design and for once again supporting SFSF.
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"Receiving" Tuesday for SFSF
When FB launched its matching program for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27, 2018, SFSF jumped in with its appeal to SFSF followers.
By day's end, SFSF received donations totaling $2650 --- an awesome amount for just one day.
Although FB's $7 million-dollar match was "gone" in a matter of seconds, the SFSF campaign was a great success.
Sarah Smith, SFSF Board member and an astute FB reader, was responsible for creating the fundraiser and promoting it on the SFSF FB page.
Thanks to Sarah and all donors who generously donated even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending.
Follow the SFSF FB page to stay abreast of SFSF news and updates.
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We rise by lifting others.
~ Robert Ingersoll
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Color her generous
Deb Meeks, a Color Street at-home consultant, created an on-line fundraiser for SFSF during September, earmarking her commission to be donated. The total profits from the month-long fundraiser totaled $80, with all going to SFSF.
Deb, a teacher at RCHS in Riverview, MI, is no stranger to SFSF. She also sponsors "Kuts for Kids." For two consecutive years, Deb donated a portion of her fundraising efforts to SFSF.
SFSF thanks Deb for her ongoing support.
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Most of the SFSF party-goers.
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Ten years, one hundred supporters, thousands of smiles, and One Million Dollars...the SFSF party on Sept. 14 was a night to remember.
Guests in attendance came to the Emerald Event Center in Avon, OH, to celebrate SFSF's 10th birthday and the milestone of having given away one million dollars in support of its tri-fold mission.
Greeted by a rainbow theme, those in attendance couldn't miss the Sophie-inspired décor. Pictures, lights, centerpieces, table linens all in different colors of the rainbow, brightened the setting. Sophie's embrace of all the colors of the rainbow was more than evident.
The evening began with hors d'oeurves and drinks, followed by "guest-selected" entrees. The dessert buffet also included rainbow cupcakes and cookies.
Emily Quayle, SFSF president, spoke from the heart about Sophie, The Foundation, and the past 10 years. A short video highlighted Sophie's 7.5 months, bringing tears of sadness to many, accompanied by a renewed passion to carry on.
The DJ, Jose Ramos, who actively participated in the dancing, even giving little dancing lessons, managed to attract many guests to the dance floor making the celebration a fun and complete evening.
Although the event was not a fundraiser by any means, one lonely donation jar (standard fare at SFSF events) graced a sole table. Not surprising, by night's end, the jar contained $950 for SFSF.
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A gentle reminder
It's not too late to use AmazonSmile and iGive for that last-minute Christmas shopping. With just 12 days left before December 25, on-line shopping is a great alternative to avoiding the crowded stores and shopping any time of the day or night...and SFSF will benefit too!  
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SFSF grants nearing $1.1M
Since August, the Foundation has helped 23 families and awarded $23,000 in grant money, half of that coming from Jenna's Rainbow Foundation, bringing the total amount of family grants awarded to $794,253. The grand total donated by SFSF, including donations to The Cure Starts Now ($107,000) and St. Jude ($173,047), is $1,074,300.
Every month, the SFSF Grant Committee approves applications for financial assistance for families of children with brain cancer. The children of the families who received grants in September, October and November are:
- Cade, age 3 - medulloblastoma
- Rocio, age 14 - DIPG
- Sydnei, age 15 - DIPG
- Nora, age 2 - embryonal tumor
- Clare, age 3 - DIPG
- Richard, age 17 - high grade glioma
- Christine, age 4 - angiocentric glioma
- Anonymous, age 12 - medulloblastoma
- Yemayah, age 6 - medulloblastoma
- Kingston, age 4 - medulloblastoma
- Easton, age 2 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Ella, age 6 - anaplastic ependymoma
- Reese, age 7 - medulloblastoma
- Allen, age 16 - germ cell tumor
- Tyler, age13 - glioblastoma
- Anonymous, age14 - pilomyxoid astrocytoma
- Emily, age 14 - DIPG
- Haylee, age 12 - medulloblastoma
- Bailey, age 8 - pilocytic astrocytoma
- Emily, age 8 - medulloblastoma
- Harper, age 9 - craniopharyngioma
- Brayden, age 13 - low grade glioma
- Angel, age 3 - anaplastic ependymoma
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Lakeland charms SFSF with "Gold-Out"
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The "Gold-Out" in the Lakeland bleachers.
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For the third, consecutive year, Lakeland High School of Michigan held a "gold-out" to benefit both SFSF and St. Jude. At its varsity football game versus Walled Lake on September 28, 2018, students, parents, and guests wore gold shirts, sold throughout the week, creating a sea of gold in the stands, promoting September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Lakeland Leadership also sold gold beads and bandanas adding to the gold attire of Lakeland fans.
A total of $1300 was raised for SFSF.
The inaugural "gold-out" was the brainchild of Brad Farquhar, Lakeland Assistant Football coach and friend of Emily Quayle, and this year's event was spearheaded by Scott Rolando, Student Activities Director, and Todd Miller, Lakeland Athletic Director, with Brad Farquhar's continued assistance.
The event has gained momentum over the years and students, the Leadership class, the football team, the cheer team, and pom team all participate.
SFSF thanks Lakeland for its support.
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A smiles goes a long way
Meg Sherban created brighter, whiter smiles for SFSF and all who purchased NuSkin AP24 Whitening toothpaste during her month-long fundraiser.
As an at-home distributor for NuSkin, Meg chose to donate her profits from the toothpaste sales to SFSF during September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Thirty-six individuals supported the fundraiser, which brought $150 to SFSF.
SFSF thanks Meg and those who purchased the NuSkin toothpaste.
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FMU helps St. Jude fundraisers
FMU gave a kickstart to the fundraising campaigns of FMU members headed to Memphis for the St. Jude Marathon Weekend while spreading awareness of childhood cancer.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month began with a FMU-sponsored early-morning Labor Day workout at Avon Lake High School stadium. Open to both FMU members and the public for a donation, the hour-long workout was run by Coach Theo, and Emily Quayle made "gold smoothies" for the participants. A total of $345 was added to FMU's St. Jude fundraising efforts.
Throughout September, FMU members were made mindful of
 childhood cancer statistics and facts by a banner, posters and gold decorations hung throughout FMU. Gold candy (gold-wrapped, that is) --- Twix Bars and Rolos, were available for a donation. In addition, donors were given an opportunity to fill out a "I Go Gold For" card that were then posted on the walls of the FMU lobby throughout the month of September. A total of $155 was raised.
The $500 total profits were divided among the St. Jude fundraising pages of FMU members: Lisa Corwon, Sharon Lopata, Karla Quinn, Kevin Samuels, and Noreen Woidke.
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A "crafty" fundraiser
The Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show being held Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Emerald Event Center in Avon, OH is donating a portion of its admission sales to SFSF.
On display, and for sale, will be the work of artists and crafters featuring their handmade wares.
A full concession stand provided by Emerald Center will offer more than the standard fare.
The event will be an excellent time to shop leisurely in an awesome venue for last minute gifts not available in stores, while enjoying a casual lunch.
Admission is $3 per person, children under 12 are free. Doors open at 10am, closing at 5pm.
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Of special note...
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Rachel Hardman, Hana Starkey, Sarah Hughes, and Clare Hardman deliver their donation to Emily.
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Four, lovely, generous, thoughtful, and hardworking girls, daughters of Jennifer Hardman, Nikole Starkey and Tracy Hughes, made a surprise visit to Emily Quayle on October 28, with $128.82 in hand, earmarked for Emily's St. Jude fundraising campaign. The contribution came from their three endeavors --- a lemonade stand, bake sale, and tattoo sale.
When Susie and Frank Miklaski, Sophie's grandparents, purchased a condo in September, their agent and Susie's former student, Lisa Sobell, an agent for Real Estate One, donated $500 of her commission to SFSF --- a surprise and unexpected donation.
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Andrew and Emily at Andrew's Confirmation brunch.
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Andrew Dunleavy, teenage son of Jenn Dunleavy, friend of Emily and avid SFSF supporter, asked Emily Quayle to be his Confirmation sponsor.
In turn, he collected $35 in his SFSF rainbow bank at his Confirmation brunch, Oct. 7, 2018, all of which he donated to SFSF.
SFSF thanks every effort made by every SFSF supporter and is appreciative of the efforts of so many.
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I am wealthy in my friends. ~ William Shakespeare
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FMU supports SFSF during September,
and again in November
In addition to fundraising efforts for St. Jude, FMU also commemorated Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with SFSF fundraisers.
A kids' "Go Gold" open gym was held on Saturday, Sept 15, raising $200 by the 20 kids in attendance.
The adults also joined in the September fundraising as a result of Coach Theo's spur-of-the-moment challenge one day at the
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FMU members catching a breather after completing their challenge.
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gym. The one day, which turned into three-day challenge, was just a simple result of Coach Theo challenging any member in class that day to complete seven rounds of the workout, versus what was initially prescribed, for a $10 donation to SFSF. Several adults stepped up to the challenge. Not to be left out, two FMU coaches, Coach Gina Croft and Coach Gina Wiedemer, decided to match the FMU donation. The snowball continued when FMU member, Laura Falkinburg, also matched the FMU donations. Finally, an anonymous donation of $500 brought the total raised by the challenge to $800. Not too shabby for an impromptu, supposedly, one-day challenge.
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Obstacle course competitors test their skills.
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The Obstacle Course Championship athletes were back in full force on November 17, 2018, as FMU sponsored yet another competition to benefit SFSF. Run in the vein of the previous indoor obstacle course competitions, the event attracted a full house of youngsters. In addition to the registration profits of $1000, another $560 was raised from the concession sales. Rebecca and Pat Campbell donated food items from their restaurant, PJ McIntyre's Irish Pub, and several generous FMU members donated drinks, snacks, and goodies for the concession.
SFSF again thanks FMU for its never-ending support of SFSF and all they do to inspire giving through fitness...INAM (It's Not About Me)!
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FMU wristbands featuring FMU's Be Great 8 Principles.
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