CHARITY: Coffee fundraiser to benefit cancer research

Local News

November 10, 2009

By Paul Lane<br><a href="mailto:lanep@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Paul</a> The Tonawanda News Tue Nov 10, 2009, 07:28 PM EST

Thirsty Western New Yorkers now have a chance to satiate their coffee cravings for the next year while helping cancer patients.

Dunkin Donuts Chairman Jon Luther came to Roswell Park Cancer Institute on Tuesday to announce a partnership between his company and the hospital. The eatery has made available 1,000 “Mugs of Hope” that were designed by local cancer patients/survivors.

The mugs, which cost $100 each, will be good for free refills at all local Dunkin Donuts franchises through Dec. 31, 2010. Assuming all of the mugs sell, $100,000 will go to cancer research, Luther said.

Five children who take part in Roswell’s Paint Box Project — a program that allows young cancer patients to use art as an outlet during treatment — designed the mugs, which feature designs such as handprints and snowflakes.

“We know that the Paint Box Project brings the healing power of art to young cancer patients and survivors,” said Luther, a City of Tonawanda native. “We are thrilled that we can use their artwork on our Mug of Hope to help raise funds and awareness for Roswell Park.”

Mug designers include three Town of Tonawanda youths:

• Amanda Bentley, age 15, who is finished with her chemotherapy and wants to become an art teacher/artist.

“The Paint Box Project is a way for us to give back to Roswell Park,” said her mother, Debbie. “I think Amanda will stay involved for a long time.”

• Allie Chimera, age 10, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 8. She remains in the maintenance stage of treatment, and she enjoys softball and cheerleading.

• Joseph Westphal, age 13, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 11 months of age. He was given a clean bill of health by age 4, but he has been compelled to continue giving back ever since.

“Joseph really appreciated being around children (who) had gone through the same thing he had,” said his mother, Mary. “It was very eye-opening to see that even very young children understand that (Paint Box) was the best way for them to help other children with cancer.”

The two other designers were Karisa Langridge, age 11, of Lewiston, and Shannon Colligan, age 14, of Akron. These kids and the hundreds of their peers at Roswell are the reason for all of the work, according to Donald Trump, Roswell CEO.

“This effort has to be about our patients,” he said. “We honor and take pride in the young artists who are surviving cancer and have gone on to colleges and careers.”

Mugs are available at Roswell’s gift shop and online at paintboxproject.com.

Contact Paul Lane at 693-1000, ext. 116.

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