My Cousin Scotty

By Janise Vazquez

I don't remember my cousin Scott very well, but I know him through pictures and the stories told to me by my family. I don't think of him with sadness because I have only heard he was a very positive person and didn't like people to be sad. I know he is very proud of his mom because she not only helped him, but she helps other kids with cancer now. Besides providing food and educational stuff for them, she puts on fun events that I have lent a hand with like the Prom, Posada, and Cafe con Leche. I was even part of the dance group that performed for the kids!

I love to lend a hand helping my aunt at the events and many other things like playing with the kids and making them feel like there is nothing wrong with them, normal like us. September is one of my favorite months because it is Cancer Awareness Month and it is also Scott's birthday. I was only 4 when he died so I never knew him and I don't know if I ever will. It's a mystery of my life. I do know that I am proud to be Scott's cousin.

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers are an integral part of the Friends of Scott Foundation. It is only with the support of many kind and caring volunteers that we are able to deliver our much needed services. This month we spotlight Diane Levenson.

I have been friends with Carmen Delgadillo for almost ten years. We worked together at Cox Communications. Shortly after I first met her, Carmen took a leave of absence due to a family illness — her youngest son Scott had been diagnosed with cancer. With Carmen constantly at his side, Scott battled his disease for a year. Unfortunately, he lost that fight.

Carmen sat right next to me when she came back to work. As mother of four grown children, I tried to be understanding and share memories with her of her son. But it was Scott himself that inspired me to volunteer at the Friends of Scott Foundation.

The Make A Wish Foundation made it possible for Scott to visit the University of Notre Dame where he had planned to go to college. While he was there, he was asked to speak at the pep rally before a major football game. Even though he was so young, he delivered an inspiring speech that bought many to tears.

Carmen showed me the DVD made about his trip, and I was so inspired by his words that I decided to help Carmen with any plans she had to carry on her son's legacy as soon as I retired. When I learned of my retirement date, I went straight to Carmen and volunteered to help with the Friends of Scott Foundation.

As fate would have it my own daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. With me at her side, she went through eight months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Thankfully, she survived and just surpassed her five year anniversary. My daughter's illness made Carmen's mission even more important to me.

I am so happy and proud to be working with Carmen and the Foundation. Even my daughter volunteered to help with the Prom held in March for all the kids with cancer. I love visiting with the children and their parents at Rady Children's Hospital. There are sad moments when a child is very ill, but there are happy times when a child hugs you and especially when parent smiles and also gives you a hug as to say "Thank you for helping my child." Working with the Friends of Scott Foundation has been a rewarding and memorable experience for me.