Spreading the Love to Kids with Cancer This Valentine’s Day

 Philadelphia, PA, February 13, 2009-Fellow students and staff members at the Alice Costello School in Brooklawn, New Jersey, have always recognized seventh-graders Gabryelle Doherty and Sydney Weichmann as hard-working and caring individuals.  These traits became more evident when they were in fifth grade.  In March 2007, their teacher’s 3 year-old daughter, Madison, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The girls were saddened to hear of Madison’s illness and wanted to do something to help her and other children battling cancer. 

Inspired by Madison, Sydney and Gabryelle, took it upon themselves to find a creative way to raise money to directly benefit cancer patients who are treated at The Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP).  Gabryelle and Sydney created Purses 4 Patients, a project where the girls collect and recycle juice pouches and sew them together into fashionable purses. Since its inception Purses 4 Patients has raised over $3,000 by selling hundreds of purses.

 On Friday, February 13^th Gabryelle and Sydney are donating the money they have raised to the Oncology Unit at CHOP.  In yet another effort to show their compassion and spread their love, they have asked friends and family members to sponsor bags for patients.  As a result over 80 bags filled with Valentine’s treats will be delivered to Oncology patients and those children receiving treatment at CHOP’s outpatient clinic. 

 “I have been brought to tears by their heartfelt actions and selfless efforts to benefit children like Madison,” said Maria Ferris, Madison’s mother.  “Bob {Madison’s father} and I will never let Madison forget what others have done for her and in her honor.”  Maria and Bob are grateful that Gabryelle and Sydney have helped turn Maddie’s illness into “something positive, something special, something worth remembering!”

 Madison continues to receive treatment at CHOP’s outpatient clinic.  She is doing well and is scheduled to finish treatment this coming May. 

As for Gabryelle and Sydney, this Valentine’s Day will be a little sweeter knowing they have touched the lives of some very special children.

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