Pediatric Oncology Friends Bring Rhyme and Reason to Pediatric Cancer Research

Date: June 1, 2004

The words of Dr. Seuss have helped many a child (and grown-up) along the complicated road of life. So, this year, the Pediatric Oncology Friends’ fund-raising campaign, Research for Life, sponsored by Baltimore Area Volvo Retailers, was themed around the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss.

The campaign was kicked off earlier this year with a private screening of the “Cat in the Hat” movie at the Senator theater. The event was hosted by WBAL-TV’s Debra Weiner and Vi Ripkin, mother of hometown hero Cal Ripkin. 

Then, on Jan. 24, 2004, the Pikesville Armory was transformed with a Seuss-inspired gala hosted by Pediatric Oncology Friends to benefit the Division of Pediatric Oncology at the Kimmel Cancer Center. The Volvo Baltimore Area Retailers-sponsored event was set in the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss and included dinner, dancing, a silent and live auction. 

More than 300 people attended the Rhyme and Reason events, raising $80,000. 

Ginny and Fred Mitchell launched Pediatric Oncology Friends a decade ago after losing a son to cancer. In the years since the first event, held near their home in Harford County, Friends has grown dramatically, attracting the support and attention of celebrities, local business leaders, community groups and parents.  To date, POF has raised over $1 million for childhood cancer research at the Kimmel Cancer Center. 

“The Pediatric Oncology Friends have been constant and enthusiastic supporters of the Kimmel Cancer Center’s pediatric oncology program. The commitment of their time and the research funds they have provided are an indispensable component to our mission of finding a cure for every form of childhood cancer,” says Robert Arceci, director of pediatric oncology.

For more information on Pediatric Oncology Friends, visit the Scout at www.jhScout.org, and click on “Making a Contribution.” Or, call 443-287-3534.