Hope for Miracles was created in honor of Karson, who has battled neuroblastoma three times in his 14 years. Through the family’s quest for answers, they learned that only four percent (or less) of research funds are dedicated to childhood cancers, and rarer forms like neuroblastoma receive even less. She emphasized that devoting funds to research is the only way to find a cure for neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.

Hope for Miracles does just that. It raises much needed funding for childhood cancer research, and that is their main goal. However, LaBombard said that they also understand the importance of helping families locally and because of that, they contribute 10% of their funds raised to the UVM Children’s Hospital programming, provide an annual grant to local families currently receiving treatments, offer wrap around services to these families (thanks to a new grant from the Adirondack Foundation), and deliver care packages for children and families. LaBombard expressed that they work extremely hard to ensure that their operating costs, since their inception, have been 4% or less.

Funds raised for research have gone to Memorial Sloan Kettering for a clinical immunotherapy vaccine trial, mentioned above, that has shown to be safe and effective in treating children with neuroblastoma. The actual vaccine being tested can be used to treat not only neuroblastoma, but all solid type tumors in both children and adults.

“It is very important to me to give help and hope to other families who are dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis. I also want to inspire others to get involved in the fight against childhood cancer. Strength is in numbers, and together we can help fund the research that will change the lives of these children and families.” said LaBombard.

In this spirit, Karson and his family welcome community members to their Masquerade Gala this Fall. This year’s Gala, to be held on Nov. 1, will take place in the Gold Room at the Rainbow Wedding and Banquet Hall in Altona. The Gala will feature Taylor LaValley and Brandon Frenyea, include a cocktail hour, delicious cuisine, networking, auctions, dancing (DJ Flash), and professional photos. You can learn more about this event on their website, or follow them on Facebook for updates. “It makes me feel good that my family and I can do these kinds of things, along with some new ideas we have, to help research a cure for those like me.” Hull said.

“We are so incredibly thankful to our community members, families, and

businesses for their ongoing support and participation. The sponsors, donors, attendees and overall supporters are the superheroes, along with Karson and the other warriors like him, of course.” LaBombard said.

She also mentioned that Hope for Miracles has been in existence for just over 6 years and they are still trying to spread the word about what they do and how all of us can help. Hope for Miracles, Inc. is a 501(c)3 public charity and previously donated $100,000.00 to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Childhood Cancer research, and is currently working to send their third $100,000.00. For more information about Hope for Miracles, visit www.hopeformiracles.org