Today we’d like to introduce you to VeEtta Thomas.
VeEtta, before we jump into specific questions about the organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When my nephew John, a.k.a. Jay-EL, was first diagnosed with childhood cancer I knew I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of other children who were going through the same thing. After witnessing the financial toll that the medical treatments took on my family, we decided to focus on assisting others with their financial needs. Even though we offer a variety of services, we mainly focus on providing gift cards for necessities and hosting fundraising events to help with the medical cost. Before John was diagnosed, we had no idea how many children were affected by childhood cancer. Most people do not realize that childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children or the cost associated with making sure that a child receives proper medical treatment.
The name Cancer Won’t Bully Me is a motto that was adopted by John in 2015 when he began his battle with childhood cancer. John was diagnosed with undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma, which metastasized to stage 4 of his lung very rapidly. During the course of treatment he underwent seven rounds of chemotherapy and several radiation treatments before going home to be with the Lord in November 2016.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I definitely cannot say it has been a smooth road. I never really planned to run the foundation without John and anyone that knows me knew that John and I had a special bond. However, I knew that this was part of my calling and I had to do what I could to help other children. From a personal standpoint, I struggled when John passed away. One of the biggest challenges was being strong for others while still grieving. There would be times where I might get a late night call or text from a parent asking for prayer or other times when I would have to attend the funeral of a child who passed away. It is never easy watching others in pain, but God has always allowed me to be able to do or say the right thing when people need it the most.
On the other hand, from a business standpoint, our biggest struggle has been increasing our donor support. We have a set few donors who support us consistently. However, this is not nearly enough to help support the families that we help. We help families all across the country. We pride ourselves on not turning any families away, even if the money has to come out of our own pockets. We cannot always meet every need, but we know we can still help each family that contacts us in some way.
Please tell us about the organization.
Our mission is to promote childhood cancer awareness, assist children who are battling cancer and their families, support childhood cancer research and encourage children not to give up on the fight. Childhood cancer is an awful disease and we want to make sure that children know that they do not have to fight along.
Our services include hosting pancake breakfast fundraisers, providing toys during childhood cancer awareness month and for birthdays, and providing gift cards to help offset financial needs. In addition, we provide C.O.U.R.A.G.E. packages, which include necessities and is also part of my other nonprofit, C.O.U.R.A.G.E. to Aspire. I also go to Capitol Hill at least once a year to help transform legislation geared towards childhood cancer funding.
One thing that we are most proud of and that sets us apart is our Pal 4 A Child program. My brother, John IV, started the program to help provide puppies for children who are undergoing treatments or in remission. These puppies are often trained to be service animals and help children with anxiety. During his son’s battle with cancer, American Bullies always seemed to bring him great joy no matter how he was feeling. Our goal is to help bring other children that same type of joy.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I once heard someone say to live a life full of significance and not of success. This has always stuck with me. Along with running two nonprofits, I am also a minister. As a minister, I have a responsibility to attend to the needs of others by showing acts of love and kindness. So, if I were to define success it would be living a life full of significance. To me, this means using the gifts that God has given me to help others in any way that I can. Living a life of significance is about living out my purpose while sharing the love of God with others. We were all created for a purpose and life shouldn’t just be about what I can obtain, but what I do with what I have obtained.
Pricing:
- Childhood Cancer Wristbands $2.00
- Childhood Cancer Awareness T-shirt $20.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 6009 W. Parker Rd Suite 149-839 Plano, TX 75093
- Website: www.cancerwontbullyme.org
- Phone: 214-489-7957
- Email: info@cancerwontbullyme.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnlloydbailey
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnlloydbailey
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/johnlloydbailey
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