Paying It Forward

  By Cristy Ecton, Outreach Manager, Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health

Children’s Cancer Fund partnered with Children’s Health for the holiday season to provide a magical night of fun for childhood cancer patients and their families. Janelle Tole knows a little bit about CCF and this party because she has been both a party guest and a fashion show model. Now she’s a cancer survivor paying it forward.

Janelle, tell us about yourself.

I work for International Workplace Group where we help clients find flexible office solutions like virtual offices, co-working offices, private offices, and memberships on a global scale. I have been with IWG since 2015.

One of my favorite hobbies is fishkeeping. I find this hobby very peaceful and relaxing in this crazy world. I have several tanks ranging from Bettas, community freshwater tank, an axolotl and jellyfish.

I love to volunteer for events with Children’s, CCF, and Camp John Marc. I pet sit in my free time and enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my two Australian Shepherds, Dixie and Gracie.

How old were you when you were diagnosed with cancer?

I was first diagnosed in 1995 at 8 years old with T-cell A.L.L. and relapsed at 13 years old, and I had a bone marrow transplant. My older sister was my donor.

When did you first participate in the CCF fashion show?

1996

Do you have any favorite memories of the event?

One of my favorite memories was when I was the scarecrow for the Wizard of Oz theme. I was on the t-shirt that year and calendar, and I still wear that shirt to this day and still have the invitation that was sent out. I remember doing the photo shoot with Alexandra as Dorothy and had a blast taking pics with everyone at the fashion show.

Other favorite memories are just being able to see my friends and meeting the celebrities. Oh, and the goody bag/box we got was always so fun to see what was instore for us

What do you remember about the holiday party as guest?

I remember all the excitement of the music and activities I got to do and getting to pick a special present from the gift shop, getting my face painted, and seeing all my friends who I only saw a couple times a year. The Christmas party was always such a joy to be able to attend because it helped me forget I was sick, and I could just be a kid and have fun at the holidays with my family.

How long have you volunteered at the party? And why?

I have volunteered four times.

I enjoy volunteering and seeing the pure joy in the kids’ and families’ faces when they walk through the door and them seeing all the costume characters and all the fun activities they get to do. I know it is such a blessing to the parents that their kids and family get to experience this together. Being on the other side, I truly know what it means to them to have this relief in a sense that their sick child can go somewhere and be safe and enjoy the holiday spirit and magic it brings and that is such a blessing to be able to experience

Why are these events important to childhood cancer patients?

These events help them just be a normal kid again. It gives them an opportunity to see the friends they have made in the hospital in a normal setting, and it gives the parents a release that their child gets to experience something so magical and not have to worry about the next round of meds or chemo or surgery they may have to get. They just get to be a kid and have fun.

Anything you want people to know about the childhood cancer journey?

Going through childhood cancer is something no child and no family should ever have to experience. It is a grueling, tiring and scary experience but you have to have hope and stay positive that you are a warrior, and you CAN beat this stupid cancer. The strength that your family and loved ones provide makes such a difference in your journey. I don’t know where I would be without the amazing support and love and dedication my family had for me during my two battles with cancer. They kept me positive and motivated throughout the whole process and on my hardest days. I always had a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most. Fighting cancer is the hardest battle you will ever face and staying strong and having a warrior spirit has such a positive impact. Cancer does not define you; it only makes you stronger.