PLEASE take a moment to read my heartfelt words...Thank You.
Every day the question passes through my thoughts...why my son? Why did my son die? People get sick. Children get sick. Some children die. Mine did. Far too young at 19-years-old. There is no answer to my question why...not any theology, philosophy, or wisdom will suffice for me. Time passes and everything changes, but this immutable reality. I move forward and try to do what I can for other children like my son, Stephen-- Children who may die far too young...for them to experience joy and laughter before their time here is over.
Every 3 minutes, somewhere in the world a family hears the devastating news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer.
I was one of those families. My son Stephen was diagnosed with Leukemia at 16 years old. He fought for three years. He told me he didn't want to die. Tears and fear were always beneath the journey. I woke up every morning wishing with all my strength to switch places with my son. I would do anything to keep my Stephen alive. He was a brave warrior against a cruel enemy who defeated him in the end. Stephen faced it with grace and dignity and love in his heart. At 19 his eyes closed for the last time as I laid next to him in his bed. My heart broke. I was devastated. The pain was beyond my capacity and I quickly arrived at the realization that I would never be the same. I'd never see my son again.
After what seemed to be endless days and nights of crying and emotional despair, I gained the courage to move forward...inspired by my son Jason who needed me and had the other half of my heart. Life was worthy as his mother. His heart was broken, too -- brothers who could not have been closer. He would live his life without his brother.
Honoring the memory of my beloved son and Jason's brother Stephen is an integral part of my life's path. Both Jason and I are participating in this annual event to raise money for other children fighting cancer so they can attend a special summer camp just for them (the same one Stephen attended and loved). This has become my life-long mission. I know Stephen would be proud to be honored in this way, as his compassion for others even in his position was always present. He referred to this camp as "a slice of heaven."
Please join me and Jason as we honor Stephen's memory in 2026. Let us count on you. We NEED your support.
PLEASE make a donation TODAY before distractions move you away. Your loyalty and love has never faded -- each of you has a place in my heart and Jason's for all time.
We're grateful to be part of Team Lifeline at the Miami Marathon. Every dollar raised and every mile walked will place a smile on a very sick child's face. A marathon is not easy, but neither is the life of a child diagnosed with cancer.
While traversing those miles will be challenging, I am excited to help raise awareness and funds for such an important and worthy cause -- bringing joy to a child fighting cancer.
My goal is to raise $18,000. I need your help. Every donation is 100% tax deductible -- no donation is too small or too big. Every donation is met with gratitude and love.
Please join me and Jason in reaching our goal. Fill your pockets with angels! The families pay for nothing. Every dollar you donate will get another child to Camp Simcha.
Together, we can make a difference. Together we will honor Stephen's memory. This is how he would have wanted to be honored and remembered.
Thank you for your support and generous compassionate heart... With love and affection, Susan Stephen and Jason's mother
Susan - In support of your efforts year after year to keep Stephen's memory and legacy alive, and to help countless other children. With love, Elizabeth
$1,000.00
2.Linda Rosner
$503.00
3.David And Laura Cramer
$500.00
4.Ari Adlerstein
$250.00
5.Margaret Higham
Gone,but not forgotten
$180.00
6.Peter Sternburg
$180.00
7.Rena Orenstein
$180.00
8.Anonymous
Love you!
$150.00
9.John Ceglia & Alex Markowitz
$108.00
10.Daniel Kronovet
Miss you Stephen!
$100.00
11.Julie Larson
In loving memory of Stephen.
$100.00
12.Spenser Jeffrey-Tomaszewski
$100.00
13.Jacob Lotstein
$50.00
14.Jeffrey Fujimoto
$50.00
15.Amy Price
$50.00
16.Michael Duchowny
$45.00
17.Laura Quinn
Love you guys!
$36.00
18.Dani Nemzer
May Stephen’s memory always be a blessing. Thank you for the beautiful work you continue to do in his honor.