Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

            In June 2005, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma), a form of pediatric cancer extremely rare in adults.  Given my diagnosis, I assumed I would not live to see 26.  After 18 months of surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, I am in remission.  My success was not achieved alone.  My family, friends, medical staff, and community all played an enormous role in getting me where I am today, having gone through what turned out to be the best experience of my life.

            I am excited to say that on November 13^th, 2009, I will be celebrating my 30^th birthday, and 4 years of remission!  In celebration, I will be hosting a Birthday Bash and Benefit at the Grand Atrium in Tysons Corner.  In doing so, I hope to help others who are fighting the fight, and to help create a journey for them similar to mine.  All proceeds from the evening will benefit:

INOVA LIFE WITH CANCER

To enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing education, information, and support

            Life with Cancer was at the heart of my journey.  Funded primarily by community contributions, all services are free of charge not only to those battling cancer, but their relatives and friends as well, regardless of where treatment is received.  The services offered are all top notch and well worth it.  Some of the services Life with Cancer provides are:

• Support and Education:  Support groups, individual and family meetings, nutritional guidance, workshops and seminars

• Alternative medicines and complementary approaches: Yoga, Pilates, Reiki healing, Seated Motion, Fighting Cancer with a fork

• Children and Teens: Regardless of who is diagnosed, all children and teens are welcome.  Support groups, activities, classes, and services to ensure no child feels alone

• Educational Consultation and Counseling: step-by-step consultation through your individual treatment plan, telephone consultation, and side effect management. Short-term counseling provided to individuals, couples, and families

• Community and workplace presentations: Consultations with physicians and healthcare professionals, corporate and community groups.

Information about the benefits of Life with Cancer can be found at www. lifewithcancer.org

           Donated goods or services for raffles and door prizes are certainly welcome and would be greatly appreciated, not only by those who win them, but more so by those fighting, who will benefit from your generosity to Life with Cancer. If you would like to make any type of donation please e-mail Bashandbenefit@gmail.com. Please be sure to identify if you will be making this donation in honor or memory of someone.

Thanks you for your time and desire to help others!

Sincerely,

Hollie Farrish Piraino

Please make checks payable to: Bash & Benefit for life with Cancer

Mail to: Hollie Farrish

               12265 United Park Way

               Bristow, VA 20136

Paypal: BashandBenefit@gmail.com

In the memo section: please put your name, phone & email info