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RESEARCH

While others talk about their
history, let's talk about
your future.

Finding A Cure

Shopping benefit takes aim
at fighting pediatric cancer.

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ctober doses and November
opens with the return of
"Shop4aCure," a wonder-
ful opportunity to support the local
economy and pediatric cancer research
by shopping at your favorite local res-
taurants and retailers.
The Matthew Bittker Foundation's
Shop4aCure Card event runs from Oct.
29 through Nov. 9. At its centerpiece
is the Shop4aCure Card; supporters
can buy for $50 and get 20 percent
discounts on all purchases made dur-
ing the event. Two-hundred restau-
The late Matthew Bittker
rants and retail locations in Southeast
Michigan are participating.
sweatshirts and other apparel bearing
The first time Shop4aCure Cards
the slogan, with turns of phrase featuring
were sold, more than $50,000 was
what's important in people's lives, such
raised for pediatric cancer research;
as "PEACE. It's What Matters:' or "LOVE.
all proceeds went to the cause. Cards
Ifs What Matters."All of the apparel
can be purchased from local mer-
featuring the slogan, which also plays
chants, at the Somerset Collection in
on Matthew's name, raises funds for the
Troy, or through family and friends.
Foundation. The apparel can be pur-
Information is available on the
chased at Guys N Gals in West Bloomfield
Foundation's website, www.itswhatmat-
or at the Foundation's website, www.
ters.org.
itswhatmatters.org.
Since forming three years ago, the
High-risk cases, such as Matthew's,
Matthew Bittker Foundation has raised
involve aggressive forms of treatment,
$250,000 for pediatric cancer research.
such as surgery and heavy doses of che-
The evenfs and the Foundation's
motherapy as doctors seek to remove
inspiration is Matthew Bittker, a West
detectable neuroblastoma cells.
Bloomfield resident who died in 2007
In Matthew's case, the treatment regi-
at the age of 6 from neuroblastoma, a
men also included radiation and a stem
solid tumor cancer of unknown origin
cell transplant, which was performed to
in immature nerve cells that primarily
encourage growth of healthy blood cells
strikes infants and children. Less than 40
percent of children with advanced disease in Matthew's bone marrow. For a while,
the combination of treatments resulted
live beyond five years after diagnosis.
in a remission of Matthew's cancer.
Severe pain four years ago in
Matthew made the most of his
Matthew's leg was the first due that
moments away from treatment. He
something was amiss with his health.
loved late-night sessions playing on the
A diagnosis Super Bowl weekend con-
computer and playing cards. He loved
firmed the family's worst fears.
spending time with his siblings Jason,
Matthew's treatment began immedi-
Susie and his twin sister, Elana. He was
ately at Children's Memorial Hospital in
a fixture at their Franklin baseball and
Chicago.
"Throughout Matthew's treatment, he softball games. When he was physically
able, Matthew was the designated bat-
was aware and sympathetic to the suf-
boy, always anxious to keep the bench
fering of others:' his mother, Ellie, said.
"His spirit and positive outlook inspires organized and cheer the team to vic-
tory. He ended every game with a trip
us all to work tirelessly to build a living
to the ice cream truck.
tribute to the courage and compassion
"We hope and pray that our work
he displayed in his short life."
will
benefit many neuroblastoma and
Matthew's spirit and approach to can-
pediatric
cancer patients:' Matthew's
cer is captured in the Bittker Foundation's
father,
Allan,
said. "Together, we can
slogan,"It's What Matters:' In addition to
make
a
difference!"
Shop4aCure, the Foundation sells shirts,

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For information about the Foundation or to purchase a Shop4aCure Card,
visit itswhatmatters.org or contact Ellie Bittker at (248) 752-1771.

34977 WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 200 BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009
877.53 0.0555
248.53 0.620 0
WWW. GREENLEAFTRUST. C OM

October 14 • 2010

37

