Meet seven-year-old Vivian, a.k.a. “Panda,” a nickname that her dad charmingly calls her because he says ‘she’s endangered’ like the bear. At just six weeks old, Vivian was diagnosed with a brain tumor that, after multiple brain surgeries, left her nonverbal and severely damaged her motor skills. Despite her disabilities and the 24/7 care that she requires, Vivian does not let that slow her down.
When Vivian is not participating in virtual school or listening to Prince (her favorite music artist), she loves reading books and using her imagination to build Lego structures. “I like making chocolate chip cookies,” Vivian said, even though she cannot eat them due to the feeding tube in her stomach, which sometimes causes her pain and discomfort. When Vivian does her Breath Brake® during these stressful times, she has the power to breathe in the light and blow out the darkness – significantly reducing her pain. Through Kids Kicking Cancer and its martial arts therapies, Vivian teaches other warriors to respond with Power Peace Purpose.
“We absolutely love Kids Kicking Cancer,” Vivian’s Mom Beth said. “The overall goal of teaching my daughter karate (which is great physical therapy) while simultaneously teaching her relaxation techniques is such a wonderful thing. She uses the deep breathing techniques during medical procedures and other times of anxiety. The ability to have private lessons in our home (even virtual during the pandemic) has been a lifesaver, literally.”
Vivian’s infectious personality shines bright in her martial arts classes with Sensei Lynn. She understands movement and can follow along with her punches and kicks. She does not let her physical challenges restrict her from benefiting from Kids Kicking Cancer. When asked what her favorite thing to do in Sensei Lynn’s class was, she responded, “My breathing. Thumbs up.”
Dearest friends, everyone is stressed today. The implications of Global Mental Health are profound. They are dangerously multiplied in our families. Unfortunately, COVID forced us to cancel our 2020 Golf Outing, our signature fundraising event. Many of our generous donors are unable to help this year because of havoc in their business. We need you now more than ever. With your partnership, we will stay true to our vision of empowering one million children to lower their pain by the end of 2025.
We need your help! Please think of our very special little heroes. If you have been blessed with the capability of doing so, please consider increasing your donation this year. $500 per child allows us a full year of providing empowerment and support for a sick child and family. Help us to reach more “Vivians,” teaching them to take real control over the pain of their disease. With your generosity, we can achieve this! Your heartfelt support means the world to us and even more to the world’s children, who are the powerful “teachers” of Kids Kicking Cancer.
Power Peace Purpose!
Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg
Founder and Director
