My daughter, Alicia Giacalone, battled Ewing's Sarcoma and completed chemotherapy and radiation treatment in February 2003. She was only seven years old at the time. To keep up her spirits during hospitalization, Alicia began selling silver jewelry. Her former preschool teacher, Ms. Rosemary, provided the jewelry for Alicia to sell at the hospital. Alicia placed signs all over the pediatric floor and set up a “shop” on the windowsill of her room. She became a “kidpreneur.” During this stay in hospital, Alicia sold close to $1,000 worth of jewelry. Initially, it seemed as if Alicia created her little business solely to buoy her spirits and earn extra money to buy Christmas presents. But upon making her sales, Alicia announced that she would donate the money to help other families fighting pediatric cancer.

Alicia wanted to find a way to help other children and families cope with cancer. With the help of a neighbor, Alicia created a non-profit organization, which she named The Honeysuckle Foundation for Children with Cancer. Just three short years later, Alicia’s foundation has grown to help fund the pediatric oncology psychosocial program for children with cancer and blood disorders at Schneider Children’s Hospital, part of the Long Island Jewish-North Shore Healthcare System. Every patient receiving treatment at the center, along with his or her family, qualifies for Alicia’s program.

Operating on the belief that quality of life is just as important as the quantity of days, The Honeysuckle Foundation for Children with Cancer is the realization of a child's dream to help others during their most difficult days. Alicia’s life and struggle battling cancer also helps fellow patients each and everyday, as Alicia sets both an example for and shares empathy with other young cancer patients who must fight for their lives at so young an age.

As a mother, I am proud of my daughter, Alicia Giacalone. She is my hero and inspiration. Now ten years old, Alicia loves working at her various fundraisers. She often complains that she wants to do more. Hers is the heart and soul of The Honeysuckle Foundation for Children with Cancer. While Alicia prefers not to speak of her own battle with cancer, she gives her all to help other young cancer patients and their families persevere, lifting spirits and making a difference in the lives of many.

To learn more about Alicia Giacalone and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.honeysucklefoundation.org.

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