The Green Bay Packers game against the Chicago Bears looked a lot brighter this NFL season. On Sunday, Dec. 12, Packers’ running back Aaron Jones wore custom-designed cleats, in partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, to support children battling childhood cancer.
The special NFL program, “My Cause, My Cleats”, raises awareness and funding for causes that are near and dear to players’ hearts. Participating athletes sport a custom cleat design that represents their passions beyond the field on game day, then auction off the cleats at the NFL auction to raise proceeds for their selected charity.
Earlier this year, kids with cancer and their family members submitted their original hand-crafted designs for Aaron’s cleats, from which he personally selected his favorite. This year marks Aaron’s second time partnering with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation for the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign to support and raise awareness for childhood cancer.
On November 13, Ashley Herman of Marshfield, Wis. was selected as the program’s winner. The 18-year-old cancer hero was invited to visit Lambeau Field in Green Bay with her mom, dad, brother and boyfriend, where Aaron surprised her with the news that he selected her design for his cleats.
“You’re definitely strong and resilient. Never stop fighting,” Aaron shared on a virtual call. “I want you to know that I’m in your corner forever.”
Ashley was surprised and delighted to speak with Aaron about her design and thought process behind the artwork. When selecting her design, Aaron was particularly drawn to the phrase “be the change” on the cleats—a phrase that stuck with Ashley throughout her treatment. “All it takes is one person,” Aaron told Ashley. “And now when I wear those cleats, everyone will see be the change.”
To top off the victory, Ashley was not only gifted a pair of her own custom cleats but also learned she and her family would attend the Packers’ game on December 12 to see her design in action.
Cleats designed by childhood cancer heroes seem to bring a little bit of magic to Aaron’s game. He scored back-to-back touchdowns in Ashley’s cleats to help boost the Packers’ to a 45-30 victory over the Chicago Bears, while, last year, he ran for his longest career touchdown in Ethan Haley’s cleats.
Finding Hope and Courage Through Art
Both art and sports played a large role in Ashley’s everyday life growing up. When she wasn’t in school, she would spend her time painting or sketching or playing volleyball for Columbus High School.
This past winter, however, Ashley was faced with news that would change her life. On Jan. 27, 2021, the Wisconsin native was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—cancer that affects specialized white blood cells within the body’s immune system, which hinders it from defending against bacteria, parasites, or viruses.
Despite receiving this startling news, Ashley’s perpetual positive attitude kicked in and her first words to her doctors and families were, “okay, what do we do next.” Today, her cancer is in remission.
For Ashley, “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign means more than just winning. She plans to continue to share her story with others battling cancer to help them keep pushing forward and to encourage them to share their own experiences.
Aaron also hopes his participation with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will inspire others to make a difference. The Foundation, which launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012, has worked vigorously to find better treatments and cures, provide family and patient support and offer aid to children who struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed over $35 million towards its mission and also funded more than 455,000 hours of research.
When children are diagnosed with cancer, their childhoods are put on hold. Navigating countless procedures, enduring lengthy treatments and meeting emotional needs takes incredible strength and resilience. To bring much-needed joy and smiles to families on this unfathomable journey, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, recently connected children and families affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual “camp” experience: the Ultimate Mini-Camp.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Ultimate Mini-Camp united families nationwide affected by childhood cancer who often lack crucial support networks that truly understand this battle. Hosted by Super Bowl champion and former NFL player Donald Driver, participants got to listen to stories, ask NFL pros questions and show off their favorite accessories—casting their worries aside as they enjoyed an afternoon of pure fun.
Aaron Jones, NFL Running Back for the Green Bay Packers, acted as the “director of activities,” talking to kids about everything from his ranking in Madden NFL to why he wears a sombrero on game day, and taking participants behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of Lambeau Field. The children were also encouraged to submit a customized design for a chance to be featured on Aaron’s cleats for this season’s “My Cause, My Cleats” game in December. “I look forward to wearing one of you guys’ cleats this upcoming December…having a special game in them and seeing what you come up with,” said Jones.
Kids and parents were able to ask Jones and Driver questions, which ranged from their other favorite sports to what advice they’d give to children battling cancer. Driver, who has experienced multiple friends and family members fight cancer, shared an emotional response. “You’re the most special person in the world,” said Driver. “Never give up, keep fighting. Believe that anything is possible.”
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures, provide necessary family and patient support, and aid those who continue to struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. The program has contributed more than $35 million to the cause, funding more than 455,000 hours of life-saving research. It also provides two scholarships—one to childhood cancer survivors and another for siblings of those affected by childhood cancer—so they can pursue dreams of higher education and inspiring careers.
Since 2018, Northwestern Mutual has been hosting special camp events virtually and at renowned venues – Rose Bowl Stadium in 2018, Lambeau Field in Titletown in 2019, and virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year’s Ultimate Mini-Camp served as an uplifting (virtual) destination to help families rediscover hope, create unforgettable memories, and build meaningful connections among a loving community.
Looking for a little inspiration to get through your week? We talked to seven local moms who are giving back in a big way. From providing toys and games to hospitalized children to growing and distributing produce to those in need, these women and their stories are giving us all the feels—and putting everything in perspective. Read on to meet these down-to-earth super moms and discover how you can get involved in some amazing causes.
Natalie Flores
Courtesy of subject
Founder of Nourish LA
As the founder of grassroots organization Nourish LA, Natalie Flores is helping to ensure people in her community have access to healthy food. Flores, a longtime urban farmer, began Nourish LA shortly after the pandemic began, when members of her Mar Vista community were losing their jobs and worrying about putting food on the table. Since April, Flores has rallied businesses (partnering with The Wood Cafe), farmers markets, and other local urban farmers to contribute to the cause. With a team of volunteers, she runs a food-giveaway drive-up on Sunday, and delivers free vegetables and seedlings (so others can start their own garden) to those in need, including at-risk individuals and single parent households.
When it comes to balancing motherhood and running Nourish LA, Flores says it can be crazy. Both she and her husband work full-time, but she fortunately has close friends and Grandma to help out watching her almost 3-year-old daughter. "My daughter knows throughout the week, Mama's gotta go to work," she says. "That could mean picking up food for our drive-up or having zoom meetings with various other organizations."
So how does she stay positive and energized when so many of us are feeling overwhelmed? "To see your tangible efforts create a positive affect in our neighborhoods and in the lives of others is a really incredible feeling," she says, adding that it helps her maintain perspective. "My complaints and hardships are nothing in comparison to my neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table for their families."
Get involved: Click here to learn about volunteering opportunities for both you and your kiddo with Nourish LA.
While lots of parents have been working at home since mid-March, Talitha Phillips, a mother of two, hasn't had that option. She's a labor and postpartum doula and the CEO of Claris Health, a non-profit women's clinic focusing on sexual health and pregnancy. "My days are long—sometimes 18-20 hours," she says. "As an essential business and medical clinic, we’ve been open throughout the pandemic."
In addition to leading the team at Claris Health as they navigate their way through the changing regulations and needs of the communities they serve, she's continued to work directly with moms-to-be whose "labor, delivery, and other plans have been completely thwarted" because of Covid.
Phillips is the first to admit that balancing all the duties of work and motherhood hasn't been easy. She does her best to keep her kids active and she brings them to work when she needs to do so. But she admits, "The honest truth is that my kids are also staying up way too late, sleeping in, and watching more TV than I would have ever previously allowed!"
And that's okay. "I feel like a success at this point is learning when to catch or dodge the balls that are thrown at me all day, finding creative and productive solutions, and trying to stay sane and hopeful in the midst of it all," she says. Hear, hear!
Get involved: In-person volunteer opportunities with Claris Health are currently limited, but there's still a chance to help with the center's Baby Store, where families in need can “shop” for baby necessities (including diapers, wipes, clothing, food, and equipment), as well as with #ClarisOnWheels, a mobile clinic that distributes food and hygiene kits in LA county. Click here for all the details.
Christen Peterson
Courtesy of Christen Peterson
Teacher & Childhood Cancer Warrior
In 2018, Christen Peterson got the news no parents ever want to hear: Her 11-year-old son had cancer in his brain. "It’s always somebody else’s child until it’s yours," says Peterson, a 7th grade teacher in Corona, CA. Cole was diagnosed with WNT medulloblastoma. In a way, he was lucky—this particular kind of medullablastoma, the rarest of four subgroups, has the best prognosis.
Cole underwent surgery at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and then Peterson and her son left for Memphis so Cole could be part of a clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "We had to pack up and leave California for six months," she says, while her husband stayed behind because of work. "The hardest part for Cole was being separated from his dog."
But Peterson's says that the team at St. Jude took care of them both. "They hold your hand through the whole process," she says. "I firmly believe St. Jude is the best place for kids to go for cancer treatment," she adds. (You can see a video of Cole's experience at St. Jude here. Note: Grab a tissue.)
After 30 rounds of low-dose radiation and four weeks of chemo, Peterson and Cole returned to California, but she was forever changed by her time at St. Jude. "When we came back, I had this drive; this need to fight," she says. "I was angry, angry at cancer, and I needed my voice to be heard."
She has given her voice to St. Jude, participating in campaigns and speaking engagement to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. "Childhood cancer only get 4 percent of all cancer funding—it's not enough," she says.
Today, Cole is in remission, though he still travels back to St. Jude every three months for scans, and Peterson continues to fight to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Recently, she and a group of fellow "cancer moms," as they refer to themselves, convinced the City of Corona, as well as her school district and fire department to "Go Gold" during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"We realized the power of our voices," Peterson says. "And we decided to use that power to make a change."
Get involved: Check out Peterson's fundraising page and contribute to St. Jude and their efforts to cure childhood cancer.
Neferteri Plessy
Co-Founder of Single Mom Planet
Neferteri Plessy (third from left) knows firsthand the challenges of being a single mom. She had two young sons and her divorce rocked her world, as she struggled to balance the day-to-day obligations of motherhood with providing financially for her children following her divorce. Her own experience prompted her to research the effects of divorce and single motherhood. That's when she learned that the most disadvantaged group in the U.S. are single-mother families, 30 percent of which live below the poverty line.
To help other women like her, Plessy and Cole Patterson started Single Moms Planet. Their goal? To end the poverty cycle in single parent households and empower single moms and their children through financial literacy, family bonding activities, mentorship, family counseling and entrepreneurial training.
Plessy is quick to acknowledge that while she's the co-founder of Single Moms Planet, she shares the credit for the non-profit's work and success with other local mothers (pictured) who have given both time and money to the cause to make a difference.
Get involved: Find out how you can donate and fundraise for Single Moms Planet here.
Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak
Founder and Executive Director of The Oscar Litwak Foundation
To honor the memory of her son—4 year-old Oscar Litwak who died from cancer—Sharon Rubinstein-Litwak founded the The Oscar Litwak Foundation in 2003. The foundation's mission: to bring the joy of play to hospitalized children. Since then, the non-profit has provided more than 130 Mobile Playrooms (filled with toys, books, games, arts and crafts and more) to hospitals and pediatric facilities around the country.
The pandemic has only increased Rubinstein-Litwak's commitment to the cause. "Hospitalized children right now are more isolated than ever," she says. "They are only allowed one visitor and need to stay mainly in their rooms, so donations like ours help them pass their time." She adds that they had to "adapt and modify some of [their] donations to comply with new hospital rules and precautions." (Recently, they assembled more than 170 individual "distraction bags" to be delivered to hospitalized children.)
A mother of three girls (ages 17, 14 and 12), Rubinstein-Litwak has also broadened the work of the foundation in response to Covid. "We felt there were other things we could do, so we donated over 3000 meals to hospitals workers and nursing home staff, as well as 10 iPads to the Jewish Home for the Aging, so residents could communicate with their families."
With her daughters learning remotely now and everyone home together, she tells us that it's given her an opportunity get them more involved in her work. "They have stepped up to the plate and helped me organize and deliver meals and put together the distraction bags that we donate to the hospitals," she says.
Get involved: The Oscar Litwak Foundation relies on volunteers for everything from preparing Mobile Playrooms to assisting with social media. Click here to learn more.
Here's a number that might shock you: The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothes every year, much of which ends up in landfills. What's more, textile mills generate a fifth of the world's industrial water pollution and use 20,000 chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, to make clothes, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Those statistics motivated Nicole Robertson to start Swap Society, an online clothing swap for women and kids. The mother of two wanted to offer an alternative to "fast fashion," and create a way to swap that was fun, easy, affordable and sustainable.
Since Swap Society launched, members of the online marketplace have swapped over 20 thousand garments. Robertson also practices what she preaches. The self-proclaimed sustainable fashion advocate stopped buying “new” clothes 10 years ago.
To help on a broader level, Robertson tells us that Swap Society has "partnered with the nonprofits Remake and Fashion Revolution, working toward an ethical and sustainable fashion industry."
Get involved: Clean out your closet (and your kiddo's closet) to get started swapping with Swap Society. Learn more here.
Samantha Barnes
Founder of Raddish Kids
Based in Redondo Beach, Samantha Barnes is the founder of Raddish Kids, a culinary subscription kit that teaches kids to cook (while reinforcing math, science and reading skills too!).
When Covid forced schools to close in March, Barnes and her Raddish team immediately set to work to support parents with immersive, learning activities. Under Barnes's leadership, the company gave away 50,000 free Raddish kits (equivalent to $1.2 million in sales) to families nationwide, as well as created a free online resource for new homeschooling parents.
While running her business and homeschooling her own children, she also made it a priority to host multiple virtual cook-alongs weekly for two months—with her children—to educate and engage kids, and created a fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to World Central Kitchen (WKC) to feed those in need, donating more than $10,000. "Through their relief efforts across the world, WCK has consistently demonstrated an ability to efficiently mobilize chefs, strengthen economies, and feed those in need at a local level, all while making global change," Barnes tells us.
Asked what motivates and inspires her work, Barnes tells us, "I'm motivated to provide a strong foundation for my own kids -- to model the ups and downs of running a business, to create a home filled with love and empathy, and to inspire them to be curious, independent thinkers and agents of change."
Get involved: Discover Raddish's Kitchen Classroom offerings, including easy recipes for kids, homeschool lesson plans and more. Click here for volunteering opportunities with World Central Kitchen.
CreateOn is known for transforming Magna-Tiles with new designs using popular licenses and custom personalization. They have just unveiled a new Luminary Magna-Tiles set in support of pediatric cancer patients. The new set is an addition to the CreateOn’s first Luminary Magna-Tiles launched earlier this year in support of COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers.
In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CreateOn’s new Hope Catcher Luminary Magna-Tiles set is a meaningful building toy for children that also raises funds for The Dragonfly Foundation, a nonprofit organization that assists pediatric cancer patients and their families.
“We created the Hope Catcher Luminary Magna-Tiles as a fun toy to keep young patients’ minds busy during treatments, as a family activity for siblings and friends to show love and support, and to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and generate funds for a foundation helping families going through this incredibly tough time,” said Steve Rosen, Vice President, CreateOn. “September is the perfect time to partner with The Dragonfly Foundation, and we are honored to create a building toy with a valuable meaning that contributes to an important cause.”
The Dragonfly Foundation has been a staple in the Cincinnati cancer community for over 10 years. Jessica Merar, Director of Programs in Chicago, is honored to be leading the charge locally. “We are thrilled to now have boots on the ground in the Chicagoland area. My main focus is to raise funds and awareness in order to support local patients and families through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. All funds raised locally will stay local. I’m excited and grateful to be partnering with such a developmentally appropriate, child-friendly, useful, and entertaining product.”
The Hope Catcher Luminary Magna-Tiles set includes 10 colorful magnetic tiles plus a light to illuminate the set once completed into a bug catcher shape. The tiles can be combined in a variety of configurations, and kids will love finding hidden shapes in every corner each time they rearrange the layout. An educational hands-on toy, the Hope Catcher Luminary Magna-Tiles teach children shapes, patterns, colors, and more STEAM skills.
CreateOn designed this set specifically for pediatric cancer patients, with the realization that they may need fun ways to keep their minds busy during treatments and while only having one hand free. The pieces are small enough to fit on a hospital table and are easy for small hands to assemble. When assembled as the bug catcher structure, the luminary also doubles as a night light, and brightens up any hospital room with vibrant colors and designs of butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, and other fun outdoor creatures. There is also a door slot on the tile of the completed structure to add notes of hope and inspiration.
By partnering with The Dragonfly Foundation, CreateOn is supporting their efforts helping young cancer patients and their families. 20 percent of proceeds from each set sold will be donated to the foundation to support their mission to help families find strength, courage, and joy.
The Hope Catcher Luminary Magna-Tiles are available now on CreateOn.com. For more information, visit CreateOn.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about The Dragonfly Foundation, visit Dragonfly.org, follow on Instagram and Facebook.
The Peanuts’ pooch and other animated characters shaved their heads to show kids who have lost hair to chemotherapy that they are not alone.
The solidarity haircuts emerged from a partnership with the Brazilian cancer charity and hospital operator, GRAACC, as part of a cancer awareness drive in Brazil. Garfield, Olive Oyl and characters from “Adventure Time” and “Rio 2” also sheared their locks for the project.
“I think it will be more normal to see a bald child because everyone will see on TV,” a young girl says after watching the cartoons in a moving video about the project. In another interview, a boy says that he will no longer be ashamed to take off his hat.
A few characters appeared with their heads shaved last November, but the campaign was expanded to include 40 characters for a cancer awareness week, Ogilvy Brasil, the agency behind the campaign, wrote in a release.
“We want to reduce all prejudice around the disease,” the agency’s Roberto Fernandez said.
