More than 10 children a day in the U.S. are diagnosed with brain tumors, a figure that those involved with the foundation are committed to changing.
The Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation was created in the spring of 2010 to honor the life and memory of a courageous 10-year-old from Oakland who died from a form of pediatric brain cancer called Medulloblastoma.
The non-profit group seeks to raise funds for research and to help families struggling with the costs of caring for a child stricken with a pediatric brain tumor.
The casino night was organized by Jim O'Connor, a security consultant and New Jersey State Police instructor who is Chris's uncle and on the foundation's Board of Directors.
Individual tickets are $125, but table sponsorships and journal ads are also available.
"We are also looking for donations such as gift Baskets, sport items, and tickets to events and signed sports memorabilia," O'Connor said.
*3,750 children each year in the U.S. are diagnosed with a brain tumor;
*More than three-quarters are under 15;
*The tumors take 130 forms;
*Survivors suffer longterm side effects from treatment.
After returning from a family vacation in August 2009, Chris began complaining of headaches. His parents took him to New York Presbyterian Hospital in August after an MRI found the brain tumor. He underwent aggressive radiation at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, followed by six weeks of chemotherapy at NY Presbyterian.
But the disease advanced, undeterred.
Chris was just as persistent, inspiring friends and loved ones with his zest and positive attitude and enduring the aggressive treatment with courage. Chris dreamed of one day being a star pitcher. So even though he was a Yankee fan, he went to Red Sox games while undergoing treatment in Boston.
"Even during his toughest moments, he displayed his sense of humor and wit and was an incredible source of inspiration," says CBJOYOFLIFE.ORG. "He simply amazed his family, friends and hospital staff with his strength."
Mary and Brian Brandle created the foundation the day after their son died.
Their vision is to honor his "incredible bravery and strength" by building the foundation into an organization that "truly makes a difference by funding the most valuable research and improving the lives of children and their families battling this disease."
Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation 2nd Annual Casino Night
•Thursday, March 8 (6:30 - 10:30 p.m.): The Venetian, Garfield
•Open bar, Buffet dinner
•$125 per person OR buy table of 10 for $1,000 (save $250)
•Each ticket comes with $100 of gaming chips
•Poker, blackjack, roulette, craps & Texas Hold 'Em
•TICKETS: CBJoyOfLife.com
Print the flyer and form and send to:
Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation
P.O. Box 354
Oakland, NJ 07436
•QUESTIONS? Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
•PHONE: 201.286.2581 or 201.819.2809
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