12/31/2009 by Michael Wells Happy New Year Wow, what a year and where in the world did it go? Sherrie and I will always remember 2009 as the year Brady was diagnosed with leukemia. As we wrap-up this year we have some excellent news to share; we have our son home with us for an… [Read More]
Archives for 2017
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 75
12/30/2009 by Michael Wells Today was a day of good news and no news. The good news is Brady had his bone marrow biopsy performed and all went as planned. The no news is we still have no results regarding the pathology of the bone marrow. This is of course extremely frustrating and has me… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 74
12/29/2009 by Michael Wells Tomorrow at 9:00am Brady will have another bone marrow biopsy performed. He will be anesthetized for this procedure and we should have the preliminary results by mid-day. The outcome will not greatly change our course of action but can give us a huge sense of hope if the cancer is in… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 73
12/28/2009 by Michael Wells Sunday night started out rather interesting but ended quite well. Sherrie went home for the night and I had the “watch.” It’s amusing that the oddest events seem to occur when I’m alone with Brady. Anyway, Brady was napping for about an hour and woke up around 7:30pm and as I… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 72
12/27/2009 by Michael Wells Yesterday was an exciting day as we were able to have Brady unhooked from all IV pumps for about 3 hours. While we still could not leave the room, we did play on our bed and soon all 3 of us were sound asleep. We slept over 2 hours and then… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 71
12/26/2009 by Michael Wells How can a dark, dreary, cold, and rainy, December morning somehow be peaceful and serene? It’s very simple; have your very sick baby sleep through the night. Brady settled down around 10pm and has stayed that way all night. Sherrie and I had a lovely night’s sleep on the “rack” which… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 70
12/25/2009 by Michael Wells Merry Christmas to All… Our Christmas Holiday although a bit cramped was simply wonderful. We had a delightful dinner with a couple of martinis to add a rather festive glow to our accommodations. Brady is still battling the RSV bug but in spite of a nasty cough is doing OK all… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 69
12/24/2009 by Michael Wells Brady’s blood cultures finally came back from the lab and he has been officially diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Here’s what the American Lung Association has to say about it: RSV is a very contagious virus and the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 68
12/23/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is breathing much better and still has a normal temperature. So, it was a pretty good day! It amazes me how the very little things such as breathing well with a normal temperature have become so overwhelmingly critical to Sherrie and me. Other than the daily vomiting episodes (once again… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady partners with New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital to provide sedation-free MRIs
Hugs for Brady partners with New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital to provide sedation-free MRIs to our youngest patients. The use of MRIs as a diagnostic and follow-up tool in children is prevalent; however, to ensure an accurate scan sedation or general anesthesia is typically used to obtain motion-free imaging. There are risks associated with… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 67
12/22/2009 by Michael Wells It’s been a very rough day for Sherrie and Brady; Brady is in isolation. This means he cannot leave his room and everyone (with the exception of his parents) must wear protective clothing consisting of surgical garb, mask and gloves before entering his room. We don’t know why he is coughing… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 66
12/21/2009 by Michael Wells A new day, a new week and for some a new life. One of Brady’s newest friends Lilly went home yesterday; it was her final day fighting the beast of cancer. I don’t know exactly what type of cancer she had but that’s really not relevant what is significant is this… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 65
12/20/2009 by Michael Wells Weird thoughts at 2:00am Funny how a snow storm effects people; super markets are busy with people stocking up on bread, milk and eggs. I wonder where and why that started. My wonderful Mother-in-law (Janice) gets a little panicky and really doesn’t like to drive in “it”, even though she drives… [Read More]
New Jersey Legislature Honors Hugs for Brady
New Jersey Legislature Honors Hugs for Brady by proclaiming December 7, 2017 Hugs for Brady Foundation Day! “. . . this Legislature hereby honors the Hugs for Brady Foundation, pays tribute to its meritorious history of service, leadership, and commitment, and extends sincere best wishes for its continued success and vigor . . .” Twenty… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 64
12/18/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is doing just wonderful! With the exception of daily vomiting and extreme diarrhea he is going through this round of chemotherapy so much better than the first round. I think the main reason for the improvement is directly related to the fact that during the first round he also had… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 63
12/17/2009 by Michael Wells Other than vomiting Brady is doing incredibly well. Everything is going in the right direction and I am confident will continue that way. I am going to make this a short entry as I am on my way to NYC for a day of sales calls. Sherrie is working very hard… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 62
12/15/2009 by Sherrie Wells Sherrie’s early morning arbitrary thoughts… Well, it’s 3:30 in the morning and I have been awake for an hour now. Brady had rolled over and the IV pump sounded. I tried to get to him in time to fix the kink but apparently I was too slow getting out of bed…. [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 61
12/14/2009 by Michael Wells Funny things Brady has done the past few days… Speed dialed Grandma Wells at 10:30 at night (funny for us at least, maybe not so funny for Grandma waking her from a sound sleep!)… Somersaults in his crib with no help from anyone… Using the hospital telephone he actually ordered a… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 60
12/13/2009 by Michael Wells A rainy, cold, December day but in my heart it’s a bright, sunny, beautiful Sunday afternoon in May. Both Sherrie and Brady are fast asleep getting some of the much needed rest they both deserve. I just returned from my week-end meeting and I can’t begin to explain how happy it… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 59
12/12/2009 by Michael Wells I just got home a few minutes ago and thought I would write a little about Brady condition and how he’s doing. Well, he’s beginning to react to the 11 days of chemotherapy. While he had a wonderful day it was interspersed with numerous rounds of vomiting. His temperature continues to… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 58
12/11/2009 by Michael Wells It’s Friday night! Date night! Ever since Sherrie and I started dating Friday nights were (and still are) date nights. Our dates would run the gamut from fine dining and dancing to just going for a walk. But somehow, some way we (Sherrie really) made our Friday nights special. Tonight was… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 57
12/10/2009 by Michael Wells I came home from the hospital a little early tonight around 8:00pm. I was tired and planned to get to bed early. However, once again I find myself in need of answers more than sleep. In my search for information on pediatric AML with inverted C16 chromosome; I found a rather… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 56
12/09/2009 by Michael Wells It’s around 2:00am and I can’t sleep. Brady had a simply tremendous day. While he needed a blood transfusion his overall health is excellent and his temperature remains normal. The blood transfusions are getting to be a matter-of-factual event in his life which is something I don’t think 2 months ago… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Day
Photography services for this year’s Halloween Family Fun Festival – 5k and Kids Fun Run were generously donated by Eloquent Studios. New Jersey Legislature Honors Hugs for Brady by proclaiming December 7, 2017 Hugs for Brady Foundation Day! Read the whole press release
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 55
12/07/2009 by Michael Wells Brady’s Christmas list… As I lay awake for hours I can’t help but think solely of my beautiful baby boy that is sleeping peacefully just a few feet away from me. Many people have asked what Brady would like for Christmas. We have come up with a wish list. 1. DONATE… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 54
12/06/2009 by Michael Wells Chemo is an interesting word. The dictionary defines it as: Chemo – a combining form with the meanings “chemical,” “chemically induced,” “chemistry,” used in formation of compound words: chemotherapy. All I know is after today I understand why the word chemo is combined with the word “therapy.” After today, I am… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 53
12/04/2009 by Michael Wells Well, today was a good day. Brady had so much energy! As far as the chemotherapy, so far, so good and with very little vomiting. We received a phone call from Dr. Bunin at CHOP telling us that finding a match should not be difficult. And, in reference to confirming RWJ… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 52
12/03/2009 by Michael Wells After yesterday’s rather deep and dark journal entry Sherrie and I need to share with everyone some really good news; Dr. Bunin from CHOP informed us today they have already sourced a perfect umbilical cord match for Brady. We were told the cord matched Brady in all of the 6 categories… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 51
12/02/2009 by Michael Wells Our visit to CHOP… Today Michael and I went to the CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) for a 2 hour consult with Dr. Bunin regarding a bone marrow transplant for Brady. Her recommendation is to continue with the second round of chemotherapy induction at BMSCH (Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital). While… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 50
12/01/2009 by Michael Wells I don’t know where to begin other than to say this has not been a good day. It has lived up to every thing Sherrie and I have been dreading for the past several weeks. Brady’s cancer is not in remission. The bone marrow biopsy results have blasts ranging between 5… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 49
11/30/2009 by Michael Wells Monday evening and we are concluding our week of freedom (so to speak). Brady is just about as normal as any 15 month old toddler can be; we had a great London broil dinner with ice cream cake as dessert. The cake was given to Brady by his daycare teacher –… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 48
11/29/2009 by Michael Wells As we end the holiday weekend several thoughts and people come to mind. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful, and that we are. We were able to spend a nice, long, relaxing weekend with our baby at home. We had several wonderful surprises this weekend. First, I would like to… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 47
11/28/2009 by Michael Wells Wow! What a great week-end. Yesterday we went for our daily 2 mile walk which turned into a 4 mile walk as Brady decided he does not like mittens and took one off while on my back in his knapsack. Yes, we found the missing mitten and along the way ran… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 46
11/27/2009 by Michael Wells Brady has just a truly wonderful Thanksgiving at home. Although, he is still upset about the outcome of the Giants game all in all he had a great day. We started our day with a 3+ mile walk and later we were joined by Brady’s Grandma Jan and Grandpa Gary for… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 45
11/26/2009 by Michael Wells Good Thursday Morning… I started writing this Thanksgiving journal entry several days ago. Wondering just how I would or could thank the ever growing, ever so many incredible people who have made me and Sherrie humble and proud all at the same time. I am truly amazed how our son has… [Read More]
Holiday Season Giving Guide
It’s that time of year again—giving time! We have some easy ways for you to give this holiday season. One way you can give back this holiday season is by donating your time or money on GIVING TUESDAY—NOV. 28th Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 44
11/24/2009 by Sherrie Wells Sherrie’s very random thoughts at 3am… Good morning to all of Brady’s readers. Brady has been a ball full of energy since 2am. He’s quite content playing in his crib with his Elmo cell phone and his “sick” baby bunny that came with a thermometer. He bounces up and down as… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 43
11/23/2009 Another Curve Ball… Brady woke up with a 101 temperature and it spiked at 102 so no bone marrow biopsy and it looks like we will be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital. This disease just is not cooperating. I will write more later… Monday night and there is still some hope that we will… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 42
11/22/2009 by Michael Wells My watch and I can’t sleep the “window rack” is killing my back. The accommodations at The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Bristol Meyer Squibb Children’s Hospital are not designed for a 6’2” 216 lbs. guy. Or perhaps they really are designed with a purpose other than pain; maybe they’re designed… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 41
11/21/2009 by Michael Wells Saturday morning and Brady is about as bored as a 14 month old toddler can get. He has been in his room for more than 2 weeks and he has a bad case of cabin fever. I am working the doctors, nurses and anyone else to try and get him a… [Read More]
Meet M
Meet M, a courageous 11-year old fighting an illness no child should ever have to face. M was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma of the brain in 2015. She underwent surgical resection of her tumor, six weeks of radiation therapy, and approximately one year of chemotherapy. In early 2017, M’s parents discovered red bumps on her… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 40
11/20/2009 by Michael Wells A Roller Coaster Ride CBC results: white blood count – 2,000; platelet count – 101,000; neutrophils are also up but blasts are at 12% or so we thought. “I HATE THIS DISEASE.” Yesterday everything was pointed in the right direction and today another scare. You see, blasts going from 4% yesterday… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 39
11/19/2009 by Michael Wells Today is another day of positive progress. Brady’s blood counts continue to head in the right direction: White blood count 1.7, Platelets 56,000 and Neutrophils 170. The only downside is there are 4% blasts still hanging around but we hope they are on their way out and gone. Brady is slowly… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 38
11/18/2009 by Sherrie Wells Good afternoon to all of Brady’s readers… I am writing early this afternoon because Brady is playing happily in his crib now and I do not expect to get another opportunity today to write! Michael will not be to the hospital until late tonight as he needs to work. So, I… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 37
11/17/2009 by Michael Wells “Cautiously” Great News!!! I just had a lengthy conversation with Dr. Drachtman Brady’s lead doctor and here’s his quote; “I’d be amazed if Brady is not in full remission.” Now, this is by no means backed up by any scientific data but Dr. Drachtman is one of leading pediatric hematologist/oncologist in the… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 36
11/16/2009 by Sherrie Wells Hello to all of Brady’s readers, friends, and family. I hope you don’t mind me filling in again for Michael but it looks like he will be working late tonight. So let’s start at the beginning. This morning I had the drama of changing complete bed linens three times due to… [Read More]
Celebrate with the Craig Scott Orchestra!
The Hugs for Brady Winter Gala is an amazing evening honoring those who work so diligently to help children battling cancer. It is also an evening to celebrate and have some fun—and that includes dancing to music from the amazing Craig Scott Orchestra! Craig Scott, the area’s premier provider of music and entertainment for weddings… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 35
11/15/2009 by Michael Wells I’m sitting here around 2:00am listening to Nora Jones on the web radio station Pandora and waiting, hoping for Brady to fall asleep. I’m listening with my headphones on one ear so I can listen for Brady with the other ear. My son Stephen turned me on to Pandora and it… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 34
11/14/2009 by Michael Wells …”But the one thing I am learning through this experience is nothing really is what you think it is”; I got a first hand example of this tonight. Everything was going so smoothly, we had finished dinner, we were eating Aunt Peg’s cinnamon nut rolls, (unbelievably good) Sherrie had gone home… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 33
11/13/2009 by Michael Wells I’m sitting in a Brady’s negative pressure hospital room and thinking what a strange name for a room located in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Ever since we entered the hospital it has been a far cry of “negative pressure.” I don’t think I could handle much more pressure in… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 32
11/12/2009 by Michael Wells It’s around 3:00am and I cannot wait until the day shift arrives. This nurse is just plain awful. She is the least attentive nurse I have experienced since coming to this hospital. Why she is working in PICU is beyond my reasoning power, in fact why she is a nurse is… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 31
11/11/2009 by Michael Wells I just spoke with Sherrie (who spent yet another night at the hospital) and she told me Brady once again is spiking temperatures. He was just given more Tylenol and hopefully this will bring his 102.4˚ temperature back in line. Brady also has red dots on his body which is now… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 30
11/10/2009 by Michael Wells So much continues to happen so quickly. Brady is resting comfortably and that in itself is almost remarkable Brady is not a fan of the PICU. Monday he has received platelets, blood and an assortment of drugs to control vomiting, bacteria, and perhaps rheumatoid arthritis – I would not be surprised!… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 29
11/09/2009 by Michael Wells The time is 1:45am Monday morning and oh what a night! Brady’s condition is not good. His breathing is once again erratic and his blood pressure is now of concern as it is lower than desired. This combined with the temperature spike and Brady got an official visit from the PICU… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 28
11/08/2009 by Michael Wells Today was a very rough day for Brady. In the past 20 hours Brady has projectile vomited 3 times and on each occasion he is apparently in more pain than ever. His team of doctors are telling us the same story; this is all to be expected. Expected or not it’s… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 27
11/07/2009 by Michael Wells It’s 4:21am and Brady is resting quietly. He is still hooked up to a bevy of equipment but his latest blood cluster came back negative for gram-positive cocci in chains (streptococci). This is good news because it means the antibiotics are working and the infection is under control. Hopefully he is… [Read More]
2018 Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian of the Year
Ward Whitworth is a 35 year veteran of the restaurant industry and is currently President and CEO of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina®, the world’s largest casual dining Mexican concept with over 157 locations in 34 States, Asia and Puerto Rico. OTB is owned by Argonne Capital Group out of Atlanta, with which Ward… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 26
11/06/2009 by Michael Wells I started writing today’s journal entry on my business trip (train ride) to Washington DC. I wrote a bunch of stuff about how I am feeling and a bunch of stuff about what Sherrie and I are experiencing and how this whole “thing” is affecting us but I’ve decided not to… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 25
11/05/2009 by Michael Wells It’s early Thursday morning or late Wednesday night whichever you prefer. Brady my Baby Bear is finally sleeping. He having a bit of a rough time; his temp hit 102.4 and this got me a bit nervous. I came so close to yelling at the nurses to stop watching the blankety-blankety… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 24
11/04/2009 by Michael Wells Brady had a rough day. His white blood count is down to 0.7 and he developed a temperature. His temp hit 102.4 and he is on 3 different types of antibiotics. He’s trying to sleep now and hopefully he will keep his temp at the last reading of 99.0. Sherrie is… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 23
11/03/2009 by Michael Wells We finally have received Brady’s diagnosis. Brady has leukemia this we already knew. However, what we now know is Brady has neither Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia nor Acute Myelogenous Leukemia he has own unique Leukemia which is supposedly a combination of several of the sub-types of both ALL and AML. The doctors… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 22
11/02/2009 by Michael Wells Good evening to all our friends, family and fans of Brady. Today was a very good day for Brady; his temperature and blood pressure are running normal, his CBC is doing what it’s suppose to do; go down. His white blood count has dropped to 1.2 from 1.6 in 3 days… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 21
11/01/2009 by Michael Wells November 1st and I’m a year older, UCONN loses a heartbreaker to Rutgers, the New York Yankees are on their way to buying another World Series, and some how I really don’t care. Its ironic how in a single moment life as you know it can change? Now my daily box… [Read More]
Contributing Businesses
Hugs for Brady sends a big hug and thank you to all those who have raised money to help kids battling cancer! Our friends at these wonderful businesses have Hugs for Brady donation containers on display allowing customers to drop in donations on a daily basis. It really adds up and allows up to continue… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 20
10/31/2009 by Michael Wells My poor baby is being poked at once again: eye drops! He’s back sleeping and it’s just about as nice as it can be. I truly love this time of day; it’s so quiet, so calm, and so nice. It had to be a little more hectic a dyslexic 36 years… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 19
10/30/2009 by Michael Wells Friday night and so far all is relatively calm. This is our date night; for the past 4 years Sherrie and I made it a ritual to go out every Friday night even if it was just a walk around the neighborhood. In less than 3 weeks my how things have… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 18
10/29/2009 by Michael Wells Wow, what a day! Sherrie figuratively “hit the wall” and had to go home for some much needed rest. Hopefully, I can convince her to take the next couple of nights off as well. To add to the excitement, Brady decided he was a skydiver and needed to pull his ripcord…. [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 17
10/28/2009 by Michael Wells Brady’s MRI and PICC catheter insertion surgery went well. We don’t have the results from the MRI but we’re confident everything will be just fine. Brady is turning into a quite a hit with all the teenagers on the floor and one in particular (Jacklyn). She has been supplying him with… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 16
10/27/2009 by Michael Wells It’s raining cats and dogs my son is sleeping and today was a very good day. No MRI today rescheduled for tomorrow along with the replacement of his PICC catheter. I don’t have too much to write about today and I actually feel very good about that. I’m sitting here eating… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 15
10/26/2009 by Michael Wells Today is just about over and that’s about the best thing I can say about it. A tough one for both Sherrie and Brady; Brady’s next procedure will be an MRI to take a look at the possibility of tumors behind his eyes. I have been told this is for base-lining… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 14
10/25/2009 by Michael Wells It’s Sunday morning and Brady is still sleeping. He had a very good night and slept most of it away. The nurses are already becoming quite attached to him as I overheard a conversation regarding which nurse would be taking care of him. I know he’s my son and I am… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 13
10/24/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is enjoying his morning bottle of milk while lying in his crib with all of his friends. Woof-Woof the dog is sitting next to him protecting him from the numerous Nurse Ratchet’s of the world with their thermometers, blood pressure machines, eye drops and nasty tasting drugs. Last night was… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 12
10/23/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is back in the hospital and it feels like we never left. He has been diagnosed with ALL/AML with most likely his own sub-type but very close to AML sub-type M04. All of this means is he is a very sick baby with a very rare illness. He has (I… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 11
10/22/2009 by Michael Wells We had a truly wonderful evening! Brady, Sherrie and I went for a twilight walk on a beautiful Indian-summer day. Brady in his backpack with his red hat on calling out woof-woof at every dog he saw. We came home and gave Brady a bath in which he splashed and laughed…. [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 10
10/21/2009 by Michael Wells Brady got home tonight just in time for dinner. He had a very special dinner consisting on pizza and ice cream. He is sleep now and we are just so happy to have him home… “8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer” is a series of posts revisiting the journal… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 9
10/20/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is trying and I do mean trying to sleep. It’s 4:00am and the Bear is having a tough time. The nurse just came into his room to draw blood. Another CBC (complete blood count) and to check his electrolytes; I’m not sure if he has any blood left to check…. [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 8
10/19/2009 by Michael Wells Today was Brady’s best day! His temperature continues to be normal and other than a blood transfusion he is in great spirits. He is currently in his crib having a good night bottle and making all sorts of wonderful noises. Sherrie is home tonight as she needs a good night sleep…. [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 7
10/18/2009 by Michael Wells Platelet count continues to be a nemesis with Brady’s fight. A nasty byproduct of low platelet count is severe bruising and Brady is not lacking in this department. He looks likes he’s gone 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali while being blind-sided by Lawrence Taylor. He has a horrible bruise under him… [Read More]
2018 Dr. Randy Siegel Pediatric Cancer Medical Humanitarian of the Year
Since 2012, The Hugs for Brady Foundation has annually honored outstanding individuals or organizations who lead by example and excel in their dedication to eradicate pediatric cancer with The Randy Siegel M.D. Pediatric Cancer Medical Humanitarian of the Year Award. This year’s Humanitarian of the Year is awarded to Warren E. Moore, FACHE, President and… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 6
10/17/2009 by Michael Wells I have been up since 3:30 can’t sleep with all the people coming and going in and out of Brady’s room. Well it’s Saturday morning and I’m sitting in my son Brady’s hospital room after a lovely night of sleep on the rack. This is the time of day I love… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 5
10/16/2009 by Michael Wells Brady is sleeping and after 2 rounds of chemo appears to be headed in the right direction. His temperature has been under 100 for more than 24 hours and this is the first full day his temp is back to somewhat normal in over 2 weeks. I can only hope this… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 4
10/14/2009 by Michael Wells It’s been 2 days since my 13 month old son Brady Michael was diagnosed with Leukemia. Since the moment my wife and I were told our lives have been turned upside down and inside out. It’s taking all of my strength to stay focused, alert and clear headed. My son came… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 3
10/13/2009 by Michael Wells My personal thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love and well wishes for our son Brady, it means more than I can possibly express. Brady has had a very stressful day receiving another lumbar puncture, another bone marrow biopsy, a picc catheter surgically inserted into his arm and his first regiment… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 2
10/12/2009 by Michael Wells We have some terrible news to share; our wonderful son Brady has been diagnosed with Leukemia. We don’t yet know the exact type of Leukemia but we do know it is treatable and most importantly can be completely cured 80-90% of the time. Brady is resting in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology section… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – 1
10/11/2009 by Michael Wells Things with Brady are going from bad to worst. His platelet count continues to drop and is now at 20,000 from yesterday count of 88,000. While we are still being told it’s most likely a virus they have scheduled a bone marrow biopsy for 7:00am tomorrow to rule out things that… [Read More]
8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer – Introduction
Dear Family and Friends, Did you ever ask yourself, does a journey really ever end? The word journey is used for many things; a trip, a path you’ve chosen to take in your life, a relationship. For me, journey is a bittersweet word that brings me both joyful memories, and painful reminders of a devastating… [Read More]
2018 Ellen Gambatese Pediatric Cancer Volunteer of the Year
The Hugs for Brady Foundation is proud to announce the recipient of this year’s ELLEN GAMBATESE Volunteer of the Year Award. Each year, this award is given to an individual or group who has made an exceptional contribution to the Hugs for Brady Foundation and the community as a volunteer. This year’s award is presented… [Read More]
One Hug Closer – 2018 Winter Gala
The gala, which also serves as our most significant fundraiser of the year, honors individuals who have made notable contributions to help those affected by childhood cancer. At this special event, we will dine and dance with those we love, toast those who are loved but lost, and with your help, make a difference in… [Read More]
Hurricane Relief Donations
Team Up With HFB to Send Hurricane Relief
Thank you for your support! We are no longer accepting donations. In response to the massive flooding in Texas and Louisiana due to Hurricane Harvey, Hugs for Brady Foundation will be partnering with Hermann Services, who are donating two 53′ tractor trailers, to send donations to those in need. We need your help to… [Read More]
How a Child Could Qualify for Social Security Benefits With Cancer
If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, he or she might be eligible for disability benefits to help offset the costs of medical care or taking time off work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial resources for people of all ages with serious illnesses or disabilities. Usually, childhood cancer will medically qualify. The… [Read More]
Helping Families Defray The Cost of Treatment
Meet our friend Luke. Luke is 13 years old and has been battling ALL since 2015. Like so many other families, Luke’s illness has been difficult not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. Fortunately, Hugs for Brady has been able to step in and assist Luke and his family. Although it is so… [Read More]
Golf and Margaritas Hosted by On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina
Amateurs Welcome! Tuesday, September 19, 2017 The Meadows at Middlesex Golf CourseJoin us for a great day of golf, contests, prizes, and fun at The Meadows at Middlesex Golf Course in Plainsboro, NJ. This event is hosted by On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and 100% of proceeds benefit the Hugs for Brady Foundation! Become a sponsor or donate raffle items Contact Kin Tang… [Read More]
[THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED] 2017 Kickball For Grown Ups
THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED FOR SPRING Assemble your squad and join us for the 5th Annual Hugs for Brady Double-Elimination Kickball Tournament! Date: Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 8am Location: Woodlot Park ~ 124 New Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 10 people on the field at a time (including at least 3 females). HURRY! Registrations must be in by 9/15/17 Questions? Please Contact: Rich Domotor… [Read More]
Halloween Family Fun Festival – 5K & Kids Fun Run
Join us for a Day of Fall Fun at our Annual 5K and Kids Fun Run! Oct. 28, 2017 • 1:00pm – 8:00pm • Rowland Park • Cranbury, NJ SPONSORED BY: The Annual Hugs for Brady 5k & Kids Fun Run is back this fall, but with a twist!… [Read More]
Tupperware Fundraiser Going On Now!
Now through August 5th, 2017, 40% of your purchase will be donated to Hugs for Brady! Tupperware is proud to partner with local organizations, like Hugs for Brady, to help fund vital programs in your community. With no investment and minimal effort, benefitting organizations receive 40% of the proceeds from a Tupperware Fundraiser. These long-lasting, eco-friendly products… [Read More]
Halloween Family Fun Festival with our 5K and Kids Fun Run
Save the Date! Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at Rowland Park, Cranbury, NJ The Annual Hugs for Brady 5K run is back this fall, but with a twist! This year’s run is also a Halloween Family Fun Festival! Join us for food trucks, vendor tents, face painting, a “Trunk or Treat” car show, bounce house, a… [Read More]
$4,800 DONATED TO HUGS FOR BRADY FROM JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS!
Jersey Mike’s Subs in Princeton raised $4,800 for the Hugs for Brady Foundation in their “Month of Giving” this past March! This is the 3rd time that Hugs for Brady has been the featured charity for this event at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Princeton. During March, all were invited to come eat at Jersey Mike’s in… [Read More]
Bob’s Discount Furniture’s “Random Act of Kindness”
The Hugs for Brady Foundation was the beneficiary of a “Random Act of Kindness,” an outreach program from Bob’s Discount Furniture whose mission is to help as many non-profit organizations in the community as possible. Our founder, Sherrie, picked up the $1000 check at the newly opened Monmouth Junction, NJ location. I was deeply touched… [Read More]
Volunteer Opportunity at the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning
Join us for this EASY and FUN volunteer opportunity at The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning! Sign up ends on June 28th. This is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America and is the premiere family entertainment attraction in New Jersey. When you volunteer for this event you will receive:… [Read More]
Free Somerset Patriots Tickets for Onco Families and Volunteers!
Are you part of an oncology patient’s family and/or a Hugs for Brady volunteer who loves baseball? We’d like to say “thank for your support” by giving away tickets for ‘Hugs for Brady Day’ at the Somerset Patriots baseball game on Saturday, June 24. We have a limited number of tickets available on a first… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Donates 10 Sony PlayStations to BMSCH
Thanks to donations made by the generous attendees of this year’s winter gala we were able to donate ten Sony PlayStations to the oncology rooms at the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital. The PlayStations have been installed and they are already a big hit with the children currently in treatment at the hospital. This is so… [Read More]
2017 AFP Philanthropy Awards
Excellence in Philanthropy Awards
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (New Jersey Chapter) held their Excellence in Philanthropy Awards on May 4, 2017. The awards recognized the achievements of some of the most notable citizens and organizations in the state who have dedicated their efforts toward making New Jersey a better place to live. The Hugs for Brady Foundation was… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Day and Comic Con at the Somerset Patriots Game
Please join us at the Somerset Patriots game on June 24th for Hugs for Brady Day! It is also Comic Con Day so we will be hosting a silent auction featuring some amazing comic- and geek-themed items during the game. The first 1,500 kids get free super hero socks! Saturday, June 24th, 2017 • 7:00pm 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ… [Read More]
Hillsborough Rotary Golf Classic
Please join us for the Hillsborough Rotary Golf Classic benefitting the Hugs for Brady Foundation and The Hillsborough Rotary Foundation! Monday, June 19th, 2017 • Royce Brook Golf Club 11:00am Registration / 1:00pm Shotgun Start Entry includes driving range access, golf cart, greens fee, lunch & dinner, beverages, awards, a raffle and a DJ! Registration (download… [Read More]
Music for All Seasons Presents Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers!
Saturday, May 6th, 2017… Benefiting Hugs for Brady! 7:00-11:00pm at Salt Creek Grille Princeton Reception will feature an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket, a dinner of pasta, salad, a carving board, and dessert… And the best guitar-driven blues anywhere! Individual Tickets are $75 Only 90 tickets will be sold to… [Read More]
2017 Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving
Bid on our Remaining Gala Auction Items
We have several items remaining from our Winter Gala’s silent auction. So we are having a mini auction! You can view all the available items below. How to Bid This auction is taking place entirely on Facebook so you will need a Facebook account to participate. Click on “Bid On This Item” button – this… [Read More]
inFUSION, A Fundraiser Close to the Heart
We want you join us on April 2nd for inFUSION, a live music event, benefiting the Hugs for Brady Foundation. inFUSION is a live music show featuring a group of talented teenage musicians. They use soulful, melodic harmonies and special creative flair while playing a variety of instruments and singing in multiple languages. Due to… [Read More]
Month of Giving with Jersey Mike’s Subs
The Hugs for Brady Foundation is joining forces with the Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant in Princeton, NJ for the 7th Annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign. During the month of March, customers can make a donation to the Hugs for Brady Foundation at Jersey Mike’s. The campaign will culminate in Jersey Mike’s “Day of… [Read More]
The Many Faces of Hugs
Hugs for Brady Foundation is passionate about raising awareness and money for childhood cancers. We strive to increase awareness for the need to become a donor for blood, platelets, and bone marrow, to provide resources to hospitals and cancer institutions to enhance the lives of pediatric cancer patients, and to fund research to find a… [Read More]
2017 Ellen Gambatese Volunteer of the Year Award
We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Ellen Gambatese Volunteer of the Year Award is being awarded to The Domotor Family Richie Domotor, Tracey Domotor, Rich Domotor, and Heather McClain Rich and Tracey Domotor have been married 36 years and have been lifelong residents of South Brunswick, living down the street from Mike… [Read More]
Hugs For Brady Winter Gala Interview on 1450 WCTC
Hugs for Brady Founder, Sherrie Wells stopped by the 1450 WCTC studio to talk to host Bert Baron about the foundation and this year’s Winter Gala. You can listen to the whole interview below. Bert will once again be emceeing this year’s event along with Lilly Daneman. Thank you to Bert and 1450 WCTC helping… [Read More]
Hugs for Brady Needs Your Help!
Our Annual Winter Gala is fast approaching and we need your help to get the word out! The gala, which also serves as our most significant fundraiser of the year, honors the individuals who have made notable contributions to help those affected by childhood cancer. With your help, we can raise funds to make a… [Read More]
2017 Pediatric Cancer Medical Humanitarian of the Year Award
We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Dr. Randy Siegel Medical Humanitarian of the Year is being awarded to The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – and – The Staff of the Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and Child Life Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood… [Read More]
HFB Is Adding Two New Board Trustees
Please help us in welcoming two trustees to our board. Heather Lovell Heather will be taking over for Kevin Lovell who will be stepping down. Heather has been involved in various charitable organizations over the last 20 years. During this time, Heather has managed and helped raise thousands of dollars for many central NJ hospitals. Heather was… [Read More]
2017 Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian of the Year
We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer Humanitarian of the Year is being awarded to Steve Kalafer and the Somerset Patriots We thank all of our amazing honorees for supporting us in our mission of children battling cancer.
Sponsor or Advertise with the 2017 Winter Gala
The 7th Annual Winter Gala The Many Faces of Hugs for Brady March 4, 2017 | The Palace at Somerset Park Details below – Due to an honoree’s allergies, please refrain from wearing scented products. Sponsor, Advertise, or Donate Your kind consideration toward providing us with items for a silent auction or your participation in our sponsorship program would be… [Read More]