A Note From Stella's Family
Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to learn about Stella and how you can support the StellaStrong Fund! Thanks to the support of many we have been able to give Stella quite the legacy despite the short time she was with us on this earth.
During our experience with Stella, we realized that necessary resources for pediatric cancer aren’t always available in Wyoming. In most cases local treatment options don’t exist, and if they do, they are very limited. The mental, emotional, and financial support systems felt just as limited. The same can be said nationwide, where pediatric cancer research amounts to less than 4% of all cancer research funding. We continue to raise awareness and funds to fight for a cure to pediatric cancer and to help provide better treatment options for children battling cancer. Stella, and other children lost to cancer are worth more than 4%. Since our inception in 2017, we have hosted family focused fundraisers throughout the year including the annual Stella’s Stellar Superhero Run and the Give-A-Duck Pool Party & Duck Race. We also organize smaller events like bake sales, craft parties, and lemonade stands to help provide community support for specific families and causes. In 2018 the Stella Beard Infusion Center was opened at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County. This new facility offers a comfortable space for patients to receive infusion therapy. Beginning in July of 2019 patients can now receive chemotherapy treatments locally as well. It’s an honor to partner with The Olivia Caldwell foundation and continue this mission with Katie and her team. During Stella’s battle, we were grateful for the support The Olivia Caldwell Foundation was able to provide and we’re still inspired by Katie and how she continues the fight against childhood cancer. Together we’ll honor our angels and fight for a cure. - Andrew, Marissa & The Beard Family |