News

$250,000 Donation to Crosby's Fund

September 2014 - Crosby's Fund received an anonymous and incredibly generous donation for $250,000. This special donation will allow us to continue funding Dr. Li at the University of Rochester and also hire an additional researcher to support Dr. Li's efforts. Additionally, the funds will be used to sponsor the 2015 National Pediatric Neurology Conference which will focus on neuroblastoma. We were thrilled to accept this donation and grateful for the support.

PhotoFinish 5K 2014

September 2014 - For the first time ever, the weather was perfect for the PhotoFinish 5K race - finally no rain or snow! Over 200 friends and family joined us at the race and post-race party, and the love was palpable. We live in an incredible community that continues to step up to show their support and love for the fund year after year. We are forever grateful. This year, we raised almost $73,000 through team fundraising plus an additional $2,000 in t-shirt and hat sales. Thank you to everyone near and far that donated to the fund and that participated in the race. Because of all of you, we are helping to make a difference to children with neuroblastoma and working to find more effective and safe treatments.

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Yoga for a Cause 2014

September 2014 - Over 100 yogis gathered on the roof deck of The Strathallan Hotel on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 to spread awareness about pediatric cancer and the critical need for research. It was a beautiful night for outdoor yoga, led by Karyn Lederman, with an incredible sunset. We raised over $16,000 in a few short hours thanks to the generosity of so many. Thank you to everyone that came out to support Crosby's Fund and the countless people who helped make the event a success!

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Wine Tasting with LPGA Player Christie Kerr

August 2014 - On Wednesday, August 12th, 2014, Dave Christa and LPGA legend Cristie Kerr hosted a wine tasting event to benefit Crosby’s Fund on The Strathallan Hotel's rooftop overlooking the city of Rochester. Although guests dodged a few bolts of lightning and some raindrops, nothing could dampen the spirit in the room. Guests sampled Cristie's own label, Curvature Wines, which she was gracious enough to bring along. Cristie has long been involved in raising awareness of and money for breast cancer research, but this time her support raised $5,000 for Crosby's Fund. Many heartfelt thanks to Dave Christa, Steve Sauer, Cristie Kerr, and everyone who attended the event. Christie and her team were so touched by the story of Crosby that they hope to continue to help the fund in the future.

Birthday Donations In Lieu Of Gifts

Winter 2013 - Crosby's Fund has been the recent recipient of two generous "birthday" donations, made by two incredibly generous kids. For her 10th birthday party in February, Leah Moore, a classmate of Crosby's sister Lola, asked for donations to Crosby's Fund in lieu of gifts. She raised over $500! A special thank you to Leah, and all of her friends and family for their generosity. And Jack Holbrough, a classmate of Crosby's brother Davis, held his 8th birthday party at SkyZone in January. donations to the Fund in lieu of gifts, and raised almost $500. Many thanks to Jack and his friends and family. We are blessed to have the support of many, and it is extra special when it comes from other children.

RBC Golf Tournament to Benefit Crosby's Fund

November 2013 - Crosby's Fund was recently selected to be one of the beneficiaries of the 2015 Rochester Business Classic golf tournament, hosted by the Rochester Businessman’s Charitable Organization (RBCO). Each year, the Board of Directors listens to many presentations from hopeful charitable organizations, and this year the board unanimously chose Crosby's Fund as one of the lucky recipients. We greatly appreciate the support of the RBCO, and look forward to a successful tournament next summer.

PhotoFinish 5K, October 5, 2013

October 2013 - Crosby's spirit brought together about 150 people to participate in the PhotoFinish 5K on our team. We raised over $120,000 on Crowdrise! Thank you to all of our friends and family near and far that continue to care about our mission to help other children battling neuroblastoma. It amazes me that every time we ask the troops to rally that so many of you gather. It takes my breathe away that my little blonde haired, blue eyed, crazy baby has touched so many people's hearts even though he was only with us for a short 23 months. We were fortunate to have countless people donate, volunteer, run and walk again this year. Many families gathered with us after the race to celebrate love, courage and hope. It was wonderful to see lots of kids running around and friends enjoying each other’s company. Our promise to Crosby that we would help other children is only possible, because of all of the tremendous support we receive. We are eternally grateful. Thank you!

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REDD Event Raises $150,000 for Pediatric Cancer

September 2013 - On Tuesday September 17th, a charity dinner was held at REDD, a restaurant owned and operated by Richard Reddington in Yountville, California (Napa Valley).

It was held in honor of Richard’s mother, Ann, who was tragically killed in an accident a year ago in September. The Reddingtons are longtime family friends from Rochester. Richard graciously designated the proceeds from the event to go to Crosby’s Fund and Alex’s Lemonade Stand in honor of his mother and her love of children.

Kevin (Crosby's father), his parents, brother Dan, and the entire Reddington family were lucky enough to attend the dinner which featured courses by a litany of superchefs: Thomas Keller, David Kinch, Christopher Kostow, Corey Lee, Roland Passot, Michael Tusk, Lee Hefter and wines from such Napa Valley heavyhitters like Colgin, Continuum, Dalla Valle, Dominus, Lewis, Phillip Togni, Rivers-Marie, Sandhi, Shafer, and Shibumi Knoll. Truly an amazing lineup of chefs, wine, and revelry.

Many heartfelt thanks go out to Richard and his team for working tirelessly to stage the event and for choosing Crosby’s Fund to receive a portion of the proceeds. The evening raised $150,000, half of which will go to Crosby’s Fund. As always, 100% of the funds raised goes to childhood cancer research.

REDD Restaurant in Napa Valley, CA Planning a Fundraiser to Benefit Crosby's Fund

July 2013 - Richard Reddington is a family friend, but he is also an acclaimed chef in Napa Valley, CA. He owns two successful restaurants - REDD and REDD Wood. Richard and his family tragically lost their beloved mother Ann Reddington in September 2012. This event is to honor Ann and her love of children. Mrs. Reddington was loved in and around the city of Rochester. She worked as a school nurse in Pittsford, NY for 23 years. This event will honor Ann by raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. Richard and his staff graciously choose Alex's Lemonade Stand (www.alexslemonade.org) and Crosby's Fund to be the beneficiaries of the event. We are very honored to be part of such an extraordinary event on the other side of the country! Thank you to Richard, his collegues, staff and friends for their efforts in organizing this incredible event!

In conjunction with the event, REDD will be holding an online auction on their website from August 17 - September 17, 2013. The auction will include one of a kind offerings and many cool items. Take a look at: www.reddnapavalley.com

Here is the official invitation to the event and a personal letter from Richard Reddington.

Yoga For a Cause Raises Over $5,000 for Crosby's Fund

June 2013 - The original plan was to have an outdoor yoga event at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa, but the weather did not cooperate. With below average temperatures and torrential rain, the event was moved at the last minute to Ravenwood Golf Course. Even with the last minute venue change, over 100 people were in attendance. The night started off with a 90-minute yoga class lead by Karyn Lederman. She brought everyone together to feel hopeful and eager to help make a difference for children with cancer.

Allendale Columbia Students Raise $1,000 for Crosby's Fund

May 2013 - The second annual Entrepreneur Day at Allendale Columbia took place Friday, May 3rd. Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students set up a business and sold their homemade products to the school community. In preparation for Entrepreneur Day the students were required to complete a business plan, decide either to be a sole proprietor or forms a partnership, and spend time making their products in preparation for the event.

Alex and Ani "Charmed by Charity" Event Raises $2,328 for Crosby's Fund

March 2013 - What a night it was! The store was jam packed with friends and family for over 2 hours in support of Crosby's Fund. We are excited to announce $2,328 was raised for Crosby's Fund that evening.

Alex & Ani is a national chain of jewelry stores that recently opened two locations in Rochester. Carolyn Rafaelian, the founder of Alex & Ani, believes "that every individual has a positive message to share with the world and by incorporating powerful symbolism and design into each (+) energy piece." She believes it is her life’s work to support communities and organizations while inspiring her customers to relish what is unique and authentic about themselves, revealing the beauty that resides within.

Alex & Ani gives back to the community by hosting "Charmed by Charity" events. Crosby's Fund held Rochester's first "Charmed by Charity" event on March 13th at their new store located at the Armory on Culver Road. Fifteen percent of the total sales during the event were donated to Crosby's Fund. The turn out was amazing and the cash registers didn't stop running until two hours after the event officially closed. We were told that our event raised the most money of ANY "Charmed by Charity" event the company has ever held! Thank you Rochester and beyond! Alex & Ani and Crosby's Fund proved to be such a great team that we hope to make this an annual event!

Local Charity Donates Over $4,000 to Crosby's Fund

March 2013 - Nancy Lives Wilmot Gives is a Rochester based charity that was created in honor of Nancy Roberts to raise money and awareness for the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center and for people affected by cancer in our community. Mike Roberts, Nancy's son, who established the group decided for the second year in a row to donate half of the money raised at their annual fundraising event to Crosby’s Fund. Mike’s generosity and compassion for our cause is remarkable. Mike mentioned that the vision of "Nancy Lives" is to support meaningful endeavors at Wilmot Cancer Center and he believes we are doing just that. Rochester is a special community where people band together in difficult times. We believe both Nancy and Crosby would be happy that our charities have found one another. Thank you again to both Mike and his team for their hard work and dedication to fighting cancer. Please see their website for more information at: http://www.nancylives.com/

Crosby's Fund Featured in "Strong Kids News"

March 2013 - The Golisano Children's Hospital recently featured a wonderful article about Crosby's Fund in their "Strong Kids News" newsletter. Thank you to everyone at the hospital that worked hard to put this together. Your efforts will help spread awareness of pediatric cancer and the critical need for research funding. For the full story, please visit here.

Nurses Station Dedicated to Crosby

January 2013 - The nurses station on the new stem cell transplant floor at The Wilmot Cancer Center, in Rochester, NY has recently been named in honor of Crosby. The plaque reads the "Crosby L. Wilmot Nurse's Station and Care Coordination. Named in honor of Crosby and the nurses who loved him.” We are very touched the cancer center has remembered Crosby in this way. Thank you to the people that made this possible.

Gooding-Crosby Scholarship Awarded for the First Time

January 2013 - The Gooding-Crosby scholarship was set up in honor of Crosby and his grandfather, Peter Gooding. It was recently awarded for the first time at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Convention. The scholarship fund was generously created by Coach Peter Gooding’s former soccer players at Amherst College. The winner of the grant this year was "Project Coach " at the School of Graduate Education at Smith College in Northampton, MA. This program brings in young people from Springfield, MA and trains them to go out into their communities and start and/or run sport and fitness programs that include soccer. These programs are meant to help improve the overall health and happiness of children in targeted neighborhoods. The goal is for these educators to include children and/or sibling of children affected by cancer. We are excited that Crosby's footprints will now extend to Massachusetts.

Click here to read more about the fund

Poinsetta's for Crosby's Fund

January 2013 - Midtown Athletic Club and The Garden Factory teamed up again this year to raise money for a charity of their choice. We are very fortunate that Glenn William, Midtown's General Manager, decided to support our cause again. Through the sale of poinsettias at the club, they raised $2,200 for Crosby's Fund before the holidays. Thank you Midtown, the Garden Factory and all of the members that purchased plants for supporting pediatric cancer research.

Crosby's Fund Awards $50,000 Grant for Neuroblastoma Research to Dr. Mark Noble at The Wilmot Cancer Center

December 2012 - Crosby's Fund and the Wilmot Cancer Center are pleased to announce the winner of the seed grant research award. James P. Wilmot Cancer Center Acting Director, Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, says, "We are so grateful to the supporters of Crosby's Fund for making this important research possible." The winner of the award is Dr. Mark Noble, and the title of the project is: New Therapeutic Approaches to Neuroblastoma.

Dr. Noble is Professor of Neurology, Genetics, and Neurobiology and Anatomy and is Director of the University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute. He is one of the pioneers of stem cell research and directs research on multiple topics, including spinal cord injury, genetic diseases and cancer. As Dr. Noble explains, "The central goal of our Neuroblastoma research, and of our cancer research in general, is to develop means of treating cancer without compromising the quality of future life due to damage to other tissues (with damage to the brain being of particular concern). This funding is critical in enabling us to take promising approaches developed in our research program and extending their analysis in vivo, the essential next step in moving from our discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic."

Specifically, the work in the Neuroblastoma project is targeted in three key directions: (1) discovery of intervention points that are critical for tumor generation and/or maintenance in tumors of multiple origins; (2) identification of means of pharmacologically targeting these potential intervention points, and (3) integration of our discoverieswith promising advances from other laboratories so as to further optimize disruption of tumor cell function. All work is carried out with a focus on developing strategies that target tumor cells with minimal toxicity for normal tissue.

Click here to see Dr. Mark Noble speak about the future of stem cell medicine at the TEDx Rochester Event in November, 2011.

The Townson Trust Supports Crosby's Fund

November 2012 - Andrew Harris, whose son Simon passed away from neuroblastoma in October 2011, approached his friend Drew Townson last summer about the possibility of supporting Crosby's Fund. That conversation eventually led to Andrew speaking to the Townson Trust board of directors about Simon, Crosby and Crosby's Fund. The "Kenneth C. and Elisabeth Townson Charitable Trust" was created in the 1950s to help charitable causes determined worthy by the family. It is named for Kenneth C. Townson, who was a WWI hero and Rochester's Commissioner of Public Safety from 1950 to 1960. After the board members met with Andrew and reviewed the Crosby's Fund website, they decided to make a very generous donation of $5,000 to Crosby's Fund. We are very grateful for thieir support. Below is a picture of Simon and his family.

'Nancy Lives, Wilmot Gives' Donates $5,000 to Crosby's Fund

November 2012 - Crosby's Fund recently received a generous donation of $5,000 from another local charity. Nancy Lives, Wilmot Gives was created in honor of Nancy Roberts to raise money and awareness for the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center and for people affected by cancer in our community. We are very grateful to be the recipient of their generosity. Thank you Mike Roberts for caring about our cause and our fight against neuroblastoma. Check out their website to see what they are all about: www.nancylives.com

Exceptional Fundraising Results in $1,000 Prize for Crosby's Fund

October 2012 - After the PhotoFinish 5K was over and everyone went home, the diligent volunteers at the George Eastman House calculated the numbers and Crosby's Fund raised the most money for the Health Sector. The organizers of the race awarded $1,000 to Crosby's Fund for their fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated, fundraised and/or donated.

Go Crosby Go - 5K October 6th, 2012

October 2012 - Over 100 family and friends gathered early Saturday, October 6th for the 2nd annual Eastman House PhotoFinish 5k. Once again we have had a tremendous outpouring of support and have raised $114,790 for neuorblastoma research to date. It was an emotional day that began with rain and cool temperatures, but ended with sunshine, hot chocolate, treats and lots of proud runners and walkers. It was a wonderful way to honor Crosby and his legacy.

Ultimate Challenge Raises $2,500 for Crosby's Fund

September 15, 2012 - Some of MidTown's toughest athletes tested their physical limits in the 2nd Annual Ultimate Xtreme Challenge to raise money for Crosby's Fund for pediatric cancer research. We couldn't be more grateful to everyone for contributing your Saturday morning and your donation to this wonderful cause. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Suburban Outlaw: A run for the money can really pay off

Written by Pam Sherman on October 3, 2012 published in the Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester, NY

The last time I ran a 5K I was driven away in an ambulance because I passed out. That was eight years ago, and I haven’t run another one since.

My husband jokes it was my way of getting to the finish line the fastest.

Before that dramatic finish, I used to run 5Ks all the time. It was my doable road race. Even if you don’t run a lot you can pretty much put on your sneakers, run a 5K and feel accomplished. A 10K is a bit harder. And all those other races — half marathons, marathons and triathlons — seem to require big lifestyle changes.

For the first time, I recently saw my neighbor running along my favorite route. She told me she was training for a 5K. I asked if she’d run one before, and she laughed and said she’d never even run before. Her friends signed up for a race, so she decided to. But she told me she’s very competitive, so she’s been practicing, and I should have warned her that that was part of my 5K downfall.

At the start line I’d always feel pressure to run as fast as the eventual winners. But then the fact that I was a jogger, not a runner, would become evident and I couldn’t keep up. When the women in the 75-to-90 age category were passing me, it was time to stop the madness. Now I run 5Ks in my mind, and I win every time.

I first came to run 5Ks by planning them as a way of raising money in honor of a friend who died. In our grief-driven stupor we all said, “Hey, kids, let’s put on a race.” It was a beautiful run through tree-lined streets with water stations that reflected our friend by having her favorite M&Ms beside the water. Of course, she never ran in her life, so I’m certain she was laughing at all of us.

It was a lot of work to raise the money, too. You had to secure street permits, police protection and get all those prizes and T-shirts. As it started to grow, it got harder still (way too many Porta-Potties), so we decided to switch to our natural default, throwing cocktail parties to raise money.

Which is why I love the Photo Finish 5K concept. Organized by the George Eastman House as a fundraiser for the museum, and as a tribute to the legacy of community-driven philanthropy of George Eastman, the race allows organizations to form teams and raise money for their own causes in a race organized by someone else.This is huge. Charities use the Crowdrise platform to raise funds online, and the museum has to get those permits and Porta-Potties. Last year, the inaugural year of the race, there were more than 1,000 runners and 63 teams. This year, the race takes place Saturday (photofinish5K.eastmanhouse.org).

One of the teams is Crosby’s Fund, which was formed by Zoe Wilmot and Carolyn Linehan to raise funds for pediatric cancer research in honor of young Crosby Wilmot. He passed away at the age of 2. Last year, Zoe, Crosby’s mom, turned to Carolyn for help in fundraising, and when Carolyn heard about the Photofinish 5K race, she jumped into action.

More than 250 runners registered to race for Crosby’s Fund, and what started out as a $10,000 goal eventually raised over $250,000. Zoe was incredibly moved by all her friends and family who ran the race last year, as well as all of Crosby’s nurses and doctors from Strong who participated.

But the most moving moment was when her husband’s most competitive friend slowed down at the finish line to let her husband Kevin, Crosby’s dad, pass and beat him. I might even start running 5Ks again if I can run with friends like that.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Infographic

Why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month? Because many don't understand the challenges that pediatric cancer researchers, doctors and patients are facing. Learn why this month matters, then share your knowledge with the world.

[Click here to see the infographic image]

Research Assistant Professor hired for Crosby's Fund

September 2012 - Thanks to Crosby’s Fund, Dr. Xingguo Li will join the neuroblastoma research laboratory at the Golisano Children’s Hospital in September. Dr. Li will join the lab of Dr. Nina Schor, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Pediatrician-in-Chief at the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schor has spent the past two decades researching neuroblastoma. Her research is aimed at identifying opportunities for treatment improvements, including finding molecular markers to determine the most effective chemotherapy.

Most recently, Dr. Schor and a collaborator discovered a protein never before known to exist in neuroblastoma and are beginning to study its role and that of its other protein “family” members. The ability to recruit Dr. Li is transformative, answering the pressing need for an additional scientist in her lab so that they can more quickly pursue this new direction. In addition, Dr. Li brings expertise in epigenetic regulation and control of gene expression, which will help build our understanding of what causes hereditary susceptibility to become activated and lead to tumor formation.

“Crosby’s Fund has provided an amazing opportunity to support neuroblastoma research, at a time when we need it most,” said Dr. Schor. “Recruiting Dr. Li gives us the ability to dramatically increase our efforts – and move our work forward at a much faster pace.”

Li comes to Rochester from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Peking Union Medical College and has held Post-doctoral positions at University of Iowa and University of Florida.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has supported Crosby’s Fund. You have created an amazing tribute to a precious child. We dedicate our research to him in hopes that it can someday help other families facing this devastating disease,” said Schor.

Below is a picture of Dr. Li (second from right) with Dr. Nina Schor (third from left) and her entire lab team.

Steps for Simon Walkathon Raises $7,000 for Crosby's Fund!

August 5, 2012 - The 5k walkathon was a fundraising event for Crosby's Fund in memory of Simon Harris who passed away on October 23, 2011 from neuroblastoma. Many family members and friends came out to walk in Simon's memory. It was a beautiful day that began with a balloon release and a cheer for Simon. Thank you to everyone who supported the Harris family on Sunday.

To read more about Simon and his family, click here.

Birthday Parties Raise Over $1,000 for Crosby's Fund

June 2012 - Thank you to family friends Matthew Ryan (3 years old) and James Andreach (4 years old), whose shared birthday party raised over $620 for Crosby’s Fund. Thank you also to Crosby’s cousin Haley Wilmot (10 years old) who celebrated her birthday by asking for donations to Crosby's Fund, raising over $450. The generosity of these children, along with their families and friends is remarkable. Without this type of support, Crosby's Fund could not continue to move forward in making strides against neuroblastoma. Thank you so much.

Birthday Party Fundraiser

April 2012 - Huge thanks to Zoe Wilmot's college friend Amy Bartlett Chandler and her son Clay, who raised over $800 for Crosby's Fund. Clay asked for donations in memory of Crosby in lieu of gifts for his 8th birthday.

Holiday Wreath Sales Generate $2,000

January 2012 - Midtown Athletic Club and The Garden Factory teamed up to sell holiday wreaths at the club in December to benefit Crosby's Fund.

Wish Party Raises $3,000

October 8, 2011 - Wish List Society members Magan and Chris Pilato, Gavin Reynolds and Dominic Lando, hosted a small, private fundraiser, raising almost $3,000 for Crosby's Fund. Guest speaker Dr. Louis Constine, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Pediatrics and Vice Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology spoke to the group about the need for more donations to support their research and progress.

Go Crosby Go - 1st Annual George Eastman House Photo Finish 5k

October 1, 2011 - Over 300 of Crosby's friends and family came out on a very cold and wet October morning to run and walk to raise money for Crosby's Fund at the George Eastman House Photo Finish 5k. The team was joined by local soccer teams from Brighton and Victor, and friends and family from all over the country. It was an amazing show of support for the Wilmot family and the Fund. Click here to see highlights from the event, and look for all of the light blue shirts that read "Go Crosby Go" for our team members.

MidTown Ultimate Challenge

September 17, 2011 - Members, guests and family sweated it out at Midtown Athletic Club's first annual Ultimate Challenge, raising $3000 for Crosby's Fund. The participants performed as many reps as possible in one minute at different stations, a course created by club trainers Dina Smock and Vinny Mogavero.