Just wanted to let any remaining readers know a couple of things.

First, we did achieve federal 501(c)(3) status for Haley's Heroes. All contributions that have been made to Haley's Heroes were accepted on June 12, 2010 or later, and can be deducted as charitable contributions on your taxes. Please keep us in mind for future charitable contributions !

Also, Haley's Heroes has a facebook page. You may be able to find it by simply searching, or you can access it directly here :
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haleys-Heroes/164371933610192#!/pages/Haleys-Heroes/164371933610192?v=wall

We hope to have a website (www.haleysheroes.com) up and running soon.

Thanks !

First, a foundation update : about a month ago, the foundation was officially incorporated as a non-profit in our state. We are now working on 501(c)(3) designation (federal tax-exempt status).

I also have an update about H and our family to share. Although no one knows what causes AT/RT, the type of cancer H had, it is associated with a particular genetic abnormality. We had H tested for the abnormality, and it was there. This abnormality can be spontaneous (de novo), or it can be inherited. Naturally, we wanted to know if there was a risk to anyone else - particularly M. We had all of the appropriate people tested - including M - and it seems as though H's mutation was not inherited. H was a unique child in many ways.

We have a new address for H's foundation. Donations and other correspondence may be sent to :

Haley's Heroes
PO Box 590549
Newton Center, MA 02459

Thanks to everyone who has contributed already.

Since many have asked, I have decided to post the information about the foundation we are starting in H's memory. We are starting to work on getting the foundation officially established as a non-profit, which would allow for tax-deductible contributions. I'm not sure how long that process will take, or if we will be successful. We will notify donors of the tax status once it is settled.

Nevertheless, here is the information :
Haley’s Heroes Foundation will provide funds to research and service organizations dedicated to curing and supporting children who have brain cancer.

Those wishing to support Haley’s Heroes should make their donations to Haley’s Heroes and send them to Haley’s Heroes c/o Citizens Bank, attn Joe Krol, 1188 Centre Street, Newton Centre Ma 02459. (Donations to Haley's Heroes may also be sent directly to our home address, although we will process them a bit more slowly than Citizens Bank.)

I would be remiss to point out a couple of other very valuable ways to honor H's memory. Donations of blood and platelets helped to keep H strong throughout the course of treatment. Blood is always in demand, and we often hear calls for donations. Less well known is the need for platelets. Cancer patients depend on this life-saving tissue during the recovery from chemotherapy. If you have the ability to donate platelets, please contact your nearest cancer treatment center for more information.

Thanks again.

H's final hours were spent with D and me. Our beautiful child passed away early this morning. Although we knew this moment would come, it is hard to prepare for the heartbreak and despair. We take great comfort in the knowledge that H's life was a happy one, and that H was handled the disease and treatment with strength and grace.

We are in the process of making arrangements. H's funeral is tentatively scheduled for 2pm this coming Saturday. Please contact us directly (or indirectly through a private comment on this site) for the details, which we will share once they have been confirmed.

We have also set up a foundation in H's memory, dedicated to research and treatment of pediatric brain cancer. Again, contact us directly if you would like details.

Our deepest thanks go to all those who have helped us during H's fight against this cancer : the wonderful doctors, amazing (really amazing) nurses, and incredible staff who cared for H; our friends and family who have helped D, M and I in countless ways; and everyone who has kept us thoughts and prayers.