mominee
Gretchen Holt Witt
category inspirational
website http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org
Gretchen Holt Witt is more than my sister in law – she is truly one of the most inspiring women (and mothers) I have ever known. When her son, Liam, was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma at the age of 2 ½ in February 2007, she was shocked to learn that pediatric cancer claims the lives of more kids in the US than any other disease. And the reason why? Lack of funding for new therapies. Instead of sitting back and wishing and hoping for change, she thought of a way to increase awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research that was simple enough for anyone to get involved. She held a bake sale. This wasn't your everyday bake sale but a HUGE holiday bake sale. For three weeks in December of 2007, she and over 250 volunteers baked and sold 96,000 cookies, raising over $420,000 for a new treatment for cancer that has just become available in clinical trial. In addition to the success of the holiday event, she ultimately started a national non-profit organization called Cookies For Kids’ Cancer. Cookies For Kids’ Cancer is committed to raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales. Since that first event, millions of dollars have been raised and have directly helped fund pediatric cancer research. Tragically, Liam lost his battle and passed away in January of this year at the age of 6 1/2. Despite being absolutely devastated at the loss of their son, Gretchen and my brother are even more determined to stay in the fight to give other children who are still in battle the fighting chance every child deserves. Gretchen has recently finished The Cookies For Kids’ Cancer Best Bake Sale Cookbook, to be released September 12th. It’s just another way Gretchen is working to make a difference every single day. I can't imagine doing everything that she has done, and continues to do, having faced such a tragic and devastating loss. I am in awe of her courage, strength, and drive although being called inspirational makes her uncomfortable. She says she just did what any mother would do, and that Liam (and her daughter Ella) are who made her the mother she is....Please vote for Gretchen today.
24 Comments
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Gretchen, I am here to support your cause and will make sure Liam is never forgotten! You inspire me and so many others… to help make a change in Childrens Cancer Research….
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Dear Gretchen, you are such an inspiration to all of us. What a warrior you are for doing everything you can to bring Children’s Cancer Research to the front of the line. God Bless, Kathy from Santa Cruz! xoxo
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I have followed your story through Renee and you are an inspiration to me and everyone else who’s life you have touched. Your son was/is such a light upon us and I am thankful that he was in my life. May God always keep you in his hands.
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Gretchen, you are a huge inspiration to many….especially have been to me. You did something beautiful by giving yourself and your time to an organization that has grown to help many children fighting cancer. They said it well, you are a warrior and woman of strength…
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In addition to being a super MOM and business woman, Gretchen Witt has given so many the opportunity to help make a difference through Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. She has empowered thousands to raise funds in an easy and fun way! Amazing…
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Gretchen, I don’t know you, but Ido know the amazing work you’ve done. You deserve this award.
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Dear Gretchen, having not been in touch with you since SFA graduation, what can I say but that I am so sorry for your loss and that you are amazing! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. How do I get a copy of your cookie cookbook? I would like to buy one for my mom. Sincerely, Kris (Bloom) Bloss
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GO GRETCHEN! I’m so grateful to have found an organization that cares so much about childhood cancer. It’s so desperately underfunded and needs the attention and donations to help our kids. My vote is dedicated to my nephew, Dalton, who passed away from Ewings Sarcoma one year ago this month. We keep going until we find a cure… Never Give Up!
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Gretchen-Your will and drive for our children is so amazing. Thank you for continuing to fight to our angels! We miss you all!
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Gretchen is an amazing women who has done SO MUCH for contributing to the funding of childhood cancer research. Just this week, docotrs are able to start using a humanized version of a life saving treatment for kids with neuroblastoma. Gretchens effots have helped enormously in the funding of this research. point blank…she is saving lives with her work…many lives, for many years to come.
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True strength, honor, integrity and grit- to give your own son’s eulogy?~ And start a fantastic cause!! And she thanked me personally- even though she had never met me- but friends from high school know Gretchen and thru their faith and conviction I knew Gretchen’s cause was damn well worth my time to drive from Jacksonville FL to help with bakesale of cookies in Atlanta. Any Questions?! (904) 699-4031.
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Gretchen, I followed your precious Liam’s story from Australia and was so devastated by your loss. Liam was so blessed to have you as a Mommy and you continue to take care of so many despite your breath-taking loss. You are an inspiration to me and countless others across the globe who don’t know you or your family personally. You are loved.
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What an inspiring story.
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Gretchen, people like you are an inspiration and people I look up too. I know you were friends with the Williams family, as am I. I litterally have been changed forever bc of kids like your son and Kyle. I already have took on Pediatric Cancer Awareness & Research as my platform for the Mrs Illinois pageant and win or loose this is also my life platform and I know That ONE PERSON can make a difference. And I hope that what I do can help. Thank you for being so strong and amazing for everyone. God Bless!
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Voting for Gretchen. What an inspiring mother.
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You are an inspiration to all mothers.
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My 4 year old son Oliver was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 4 months after his second birthday. It has been a battle, but he is doing well thanks to the medicine made available through grassroots funding from parents who will not accept the lack of money to devleop drugs for “orphan” diseases. There are unfortunately too many neuroblastoma angels, yet I am in awe of parents, such as Gretchen, who continues to fight for the rest of us, giving proof to the fact that there are also angels that walk the earth.
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I am in awe of this Mother. You are an inspiration to so many people. A mother does what she has to do for her child, she went beyond just helping her own child she was the wisdom of creating a fundraiser to help fund treatment for all children struck with this terrible disease. Thank you Gretchen from one Mother to another.
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Wow. You are an amazing woman who has made an unimaginable situation into a life saving effort for others. You are an angel and I would imagine your son is smiling down at you.
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Gretchen, my cousin Vicki Graff posted this and when i read it I was totally in awe please keep up your amazing work for all children
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I once saw a national news interview where Gretchen declared, “I HAVE to know that I did everything that I POSSIBLY could…” to save her son’s life. (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5004390n ) You don’t have to know her to see that she MEANT that. I can only assume that every mother of a child with pediatric cancer does everything in their power to save their child’s life. What distinguishes Gretchen is what she actually was CAPABLE of. While in a daily tug-of-war with cancer for her child’s life, she accomplished more than most people might ever dream of. A year ago, upon receiving devasting news about her son, she implored people to “pray and hold a bake sale” and she’d made it so darn easy for well-intended people to do both that you couldn’t live with yourself if you didn’t take action. Gretchen is the most lion-hearted, valiant mother I have ever heard of. Vote for her.
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I spent 10 years volunteering with pediatric bone marrow transplant patients and I still volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House. This is a cause that’s near and dear to me. Thanks for all you do. I have 6 and 8 year old sons who will gladly make and eat the cookies from your book!
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Gretchen – you are tireless in your mission – you are a daily inspiration to everyone who knows you and to so many worldwide who have never had the honor of meeting you. Cookies For Kids’ Cancer is probably the best run not for profit built for raising funds for research of pediatric cancers. You are so deserved of this honor. So grateful for all you do! >LLL<
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Gretchen, you are a very strong person! I know that Liam would be so proud of all your efforts! You have touched many lives and you deserve nothing but the best! I pray for you and the rest of the family! Know that we are always here for you! The world is now a better place thanks to you and Liam!!
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