Bret Laczynski Brain Cancer Research Fund

“Parents of Special Needs Children Find it Hard To Do Nice Things For
Themselves”
Colin Farrell 💚☘️

Colin Farrell Starts Foundation in Honor of Son with Angelman Syndrome as He Opens Up About Their Life (Exclusive)

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Glioblastoma Awareness Day is 6 DAYS AWAY! 📆Every day, countless lives are turned upside down by the challenging diagnosis of glioblastoma. It’s a battle that affects not just the patient but their entire circle of loved ones, testing the limits of strength and resilience. Families stand by as their loved ones undergo challenging treatments, each day bringing its own set of uncertainties. Yet, amidst this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope fueled by the unwavering dedication of researchers, doctors, and advocates who refuse to give up.

Raising awareness for glioblastoma is more than a mission; it’s a lifeline. It’s a call to action for better funding, advanced research, and more effective treatments. It’s about shining a light on the stories of those who fight valiantly, day in and day out, and honoring the memories of those we’ve lost too soon. Every dollar raised, every social media post shared, and every conversation started brings us one step closer to breakthroughs that can change the course of this relentless disease.

We encourage you to share our message, donate, and even start your own fundraisers through our website. Join our social media fundraiser and help us spread the word far and wide. Together, we can make a difference. Every action, no matter how small, fuels the hope that one day, we will defeat this relentless disease.

We fight for the brave souls enduring this battle. We fight for their families who dream of a future without this heartbreaking illness. We fight to ensure that no one has to face this journey alone. But most importantly, we fight because we know that with enough awareness, support, and relentless effort, a cure is within our reach.

We need a cure, yesterday.🎗️

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A Remarkable Woman…R.I.P. Ann Lurie. 🙏🏻 ❤️ Thank You For Your Unwavering Dedication and Generous Contributions Which Gave Us Such a Phenomenal Institution That is Saving The Lives of Children From All Over The World. ❤️

It’s with profound sadness we share Ann Lurie has passed away. Her unwavering dedication and generous contributions to our organization touched countless lives and will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Ann’s experience as a pediatric critical care nurse at the former Children’s Memorial Hospital inspired her to make an unprecedented gift of $100 Million in 2007 that helped to build our beautiful Streeterville hospital. This gift continues to be the largest charitable investment received in our 142-year history.

Words cannot adequately convey the sadness we share with Ann’s family and friends and all those she touched across Chicago and far beyond. Lurie Children’s will forever be grateful to Ann for creating a legacy that allows us to provide the highest quality, most compassionate care for patients and families across Chicagoland and beyond. Ann’s life inspires us all to embrace the power of her mantra to “do a good deed daily.”

Read the full statement on behalf of Lurie Children’s President & CEO, Tom Shanley, MD, at https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/news-stories/the-passing-of-ann-lurie/

Making Leaps and Bounds With Another Clinical Trial! 💛🎗️

Northwestern Medicine achieves breakthrough in glioblastoma treatment In what is being hailed as a major breakthrough, scientists from Northwestern Medicine have successfully used ultrasound technology to target and treat glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.

YELLOW OUT DAY🎗️
At The PGA Memorial Tournament in Support of The Children’s Miracle Network Raising Funds For Pediatric Cancer ⛳️💛🎗️

The 2024 Memorial Tournament is holding a 'Yellow out' Sunday. What the yellow ribbons mean 2024 Memorial Tournament golfers and attendees will be seeing much more yellow heading into the final round at Muirfield Village Golf Club Sunday.

I Will Talk About Him…For The Rest of My Life 💙🎗️💛

WORLD BRAIN TUMOR DAY

Every Year, June 8th is Marked as a Critical Reminder of the Importance of Awareness, Early Detection, and Support For Those Affected by Brain Tumors.

Continued Research is Essential for Improving Treatments, Outcomes and Quality Of Life for Individuals with Brain Tumors.

It Is My Passion To Continue To Raise Funds and Awareness For Pediatric Brain Cancer Through Bret’s Foundation and Hope That Someday There Will Be A Cure So No Child Has to Suffer This Life Threatening Disease.

Keeping Sweet Mia In Our Daily Prayers 🙏🏻🩷

I Will Absolutely Share Chase’s Story So Beautifully Written By His Mom💙💛🎗️💛🎗️💛🎗️

“We were to hear that phrase “NED” or “no evidence of disease” many times. And we were to use it too. It’s a phrase that speaks of winning a battle while never truly winning a war. The door is always left slightly ajar for another surprise piece of difficult news to slip inside. Because finding no evidence of disease does not mean a child is cured.”

Ellie Poole Ewoldt shares an emotional and raw account of her son’s survivorship journey: https://ow.ly/aoVg50RZfZw

DAY 31 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

I Wish I Could Acknowledge Every Child That Lost Their Battle, Suffers With and Survived From Pediatric Brain Cancer But It Would Be Impossible. The Facts Are Real and The Funds Are Still Desperately Needed To Help Support and Find A Cure For This Life Threatening Disease 🎗

We Started The BRET LACZYNSKI BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH FUND In Honor Of My Son and Will Continue To Raise Funds and Awareness So No Child Will Ever Have To Suffer The Way He Did Ever Again! It Is What He Would Have Wanted Us To Do. ❤️

We “Love You More” Bret and We’ll Continue Your Fight 💛🎗💛🎗

www.thebretlaczynskibcrf.com

DAY 30 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

I Couldn’t Think Of A Better Way To End The Month Of May Than This!

What A Great Pleasure it Was To Be Able To Present Lurie Children’s Hospital With A Check For $12,000 From The Sales of The Love Your Melon Special Edition “Bret” Beanies and Other Donations!
What Made it Even More Special, Bret’s Brothers Bailey, Cody and My Soon To Be DIL Kayla, Were All Able To Be There as Well. ❤️ We Also Were Joined By Two Of Bret’s Favorite Nurses, Wendy Stellpflug an Megan Urban. Thank You So Much For Being a Part Of This Special Day, We Love You Both Dearly. 🩷

And To Everyone That Supported and Continue To Support Bret’s Foundation, We Thank You From The Bottom Of Our Hearts. We Couldn’t Have Done it Without You! 💛

DAY 29 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 😇💛🎗️

12 Years Ago Today, at Bret’s Funeral, The Most Beautiful Rainbow I Will Ever See 🌈❤️

The Infamous Rainbow, You Can Ask Anyone That Was There That Day To Share Their Experience. It Was Quite The Miracle! Bret’s Way Of Letting Us Know He Was Safe In God’s Arms. 🥰 I Couldn’t Have Asked For A More Comforting and Loving Gift From My Boy.❤️

Love You More Bret 💛🎗💛🎗

DAY 28 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

This Photo Was Taken On Mother’s Day, It’s One Of My Absolute Favorites 🥰 We Were At Redamaks in New Buffalo, Bret Just Wanted Milk 🥛 (Radiation & Chemo Destroyed All Of His Ability To Enjoy Food Ever Again) It’s All He Ever Asked For When We Went Out To Restaurant’s And He Would Only Drink A Few Sips, Then Tell You, “Done.”

I Remember Literally Everything About What This Boy Went Through For Almost 10 Years, (More Than Half His Life) And He Did It All With This Priceless Smile On His Face 😊☺️💙

I Can’t Help But Look At Him, Let Alone Any Child That Had To Endure What He Did And Not Want To Do Something To Help Them Live A Healthier Life. My Heart Won’t Allow Me To Ever Give Up ♥️💛🎗️

Another Strong Brain Tumor Fighter 💪🏻 Congratulations Peyton! 🎓🎉 💛🎗️

Recovered from a Brain Tumor, Peyton is Poised to Shine Learn all about Peyton's courageous cancer journey. With the support of a dedicated medical team at Lurie Children's, Peyton emerges victorious, graduating with honors and securing a job while advocating for pediatric cancer patients.

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DAY 26 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

This Is Bret Giving Me His Signature “Thumbs Up.” It Was His Way Of Letting Us All Know That He Was “OK”, Even When He Really Wasn’t. He Never Once Complained Throughout His Entire Illness, Only Smiles, Hugs & Kisses And An “I Love You More” Just So We Wouldn’t Feel Sad. If It Wasn’t For His Radiant Attitude, I Don’t Think We Would Have Dealt With It Well At All.

We Spent A Lot Of Time On The Oncology/Hematology Floor At Children’s And Every Child We Met Greeted You With the Same Smiling Faces 😊 Those Faces Changed My Life Forever. ❤️💛🎗️

DAY 25 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

12 Years Ago Today, I Gave You To God, To Take Care Of You Until We Meet Again In Heaven For Eternity 😇

I Will Always Love You More My Sweet Boy 💙💛🎗️

My Post 5/25/12

Today Heaven welcomed the most Beautiful Sweetest Angel in the world. My son Bret passed away so very peacefully just after 1:00 a.m. this morning. No more pain and suffering, he looked like a little angel sleeping and cuddling his Cubbie Bear. My Heart is breaking and the tears keep falling, but I know my boy is so much happier and in a better place than us.

He fought so hard for so long and I know he did it for us. He is the strongest and bravest boy I will ever know. I Love him more than words can express and he will always be my #1 hero from now until forever. Bret has touched so many lives with his over-abundance of Love and Kindness to everyone he met. I can see and live that everyday just by looking at my boys Bailey and Cody. They have learned these traits from their big brother. Please pray for them as they too are hurting so deeply. There arent enough words to express my love and gratitude that you have all shown us throughout this journey. I Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

God Blessed me with a Beautiful Boy and I know that he is embracing Bret with open arms.. We will be together everyday my Sweet Boy and someday we'll all be together again for eternity. I am SO PROUD to be your MOM...

I Love You So Very Much My Sweet Boy Bret...

DAY 24 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

Even When He Lost His Hair, Still A Smiling Handsome Boy 💙

This Photo Was Taken On 2/1/03, The Day I Married Bret’s Favorite Man For Me, Jeff Hood ♥️
Now Once Again, You’d Never Know Behind That Big Smile On His Face, That He Was Suffering…Nope, He Gave Me His “Thumbs Up” and Happily Was My Best-man and Bailey Was Jeff’s.

We Knew He Was Toughing It Out For Us So We Made It A Very Short Ceremony and Headed Home Only To Change Quickly and Head Right Up To Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital (Now Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago).
Bret Was Diagnosed With A Portacath Line Infection, Which Required A Surgical Procedure To Remove The Infected Line, Be Hospitalized To Treat The Infection and Then Another Surgery To Implant Another Line For His Chemotherapy Treatments. All-in-All, He Was Inpatient For 4 Weeks. 😞

The Strength, Courage, Determination and Love Of This Boy Never Seized To Amaze Me ❤️ He Wasn’t Going To Let Anything Come In Between His Mom Marrying The Man He So Lovingly Nicknamed “Hoodsie” 🥰
We Know In Our Hearts That In Bret’s Short Life Here On Earth, He Was Set Out To Make Wonderful Things Happen For The People He Loved Most And Wanted To Make Certain Everyone, Especially Mom, Was Going To Be Loved And Taken Care Of When He Had To Leave Us. ❤️‍🩹💛🎗️

Day 23 Of Brain Cancer Awareness Month.

It’s That Time Of Year When Everyone Is Sharing Their Graduating Senior’s Photos. Well Thanks To Our Dearest Friend Amy Wright, We Were Able To Get Some Great Photos Of This Handsome Guy.
It Was A Cold One That Day and As I Mentioned Before, Bret Absolutely Hated Being Cold. 🥶 I Believe He May Have Mentioned It Once Or A Thousand Times To Us, Especially To Mom. So To Get Him To Cooperate, Amy Took Him Alone And Managed To Get Some Memorable Photos Of Him For Us To Cherish Forever. ♥️

I Will Never Forget All The Wonderful Things Our Amazing Friends, Like Amy, Have Done For This Sweet Boy and Continue To Show Their Support To This Day. He Touched Their Hearts In So Many Ways And He Made Us All Realize What Love Is Really About.

Thank You All From The Bottom Of My Heart For Your Neverending Love For This Special Boy, We Will Never Forget It. ❤️💛🎗️

DAY 22 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

Look At That Face! For The First Few Years Into Bret’s Illness, He Was not Well Enough To Attend School. He Was In The Hospital More Than He Was Home and Eventually Started Home Schooling 2-3 Times A Week.
This Photo Was Taken On The Very First Day He Was Well Enough To Go Back To A Normal School Environment. Although He Couldn’t Go Back To Chesterton, Where All His Friends Were, He Started At The Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) in Valparaiso.

I Was Hesitant At First, Because His Immune System Was Extremely Compromised and The Slightest Germ Could Set Him Right Back Into The Hospital. But When He Walked Into That Classroom, He Greeted Every Child With A Smile and A “Hi, Me, Bret!” He Loved Every Minute Of It and The School Staff Instantly Fell in Love With Him!
He Never Let Anyone Know That He Was, In Actuality, Struggling More Than They Were, Instead, He Helped The Staff By Pushing Other Kids Around In Their Wheel Chairs. He Became The Most Loved And Well Known Boy In That School. ❤️

He Attended His Remainder Years There Until His Secondary Diagnosis Of Another Brain Tumor, So SELF School Gave Him A Personal Graduation Ceremony. It Made Channel 7 ABC News And We Were Forever Grateful That Our Boy Was Able To Receive His H.S. Diploma.

These Memories Will Be Everlasting For Us. He Was Such An Inspiration And Loved By Everyone That Had The Pleasure Of Knowing Him.❤️

DAY 21 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

In This Photo, You All See A Very Good Looking Young Boy Posing For His Soccer Photo. He Was The Goalie and Loved Playing. What You Don’t See Or Don’t Know is That This Young Boy Had Been Very Sick Leading Up To This Photo, Extremely Tired, Vomiting, Head Pain and Very Weak.
He Started Missing A lot Of School and Unfortunately Was Not Well Enough To Play The One Sport That He Loved Anymore, BUT, That Didn’t Stop Him From Making Us Take Him For His Team Photos. He Couldn’t Play That Day and We Went Back Home Only To See Him Deteriorate Further into an Illness That Doctors Still Couldn’t Determine What Was Going On With This Perfectly Healthy Young Boy.
This Was The Beginning Of An Almost 10 Year Battle With Pediatric Brain Cancer That Ultimately Took His Beautiful and Healthy Young Life 💔
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DAY 20 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

A Boy Sitting On A Famous Ballpark Field Of His Favorite Baseball Team. ⚾️💙❤️ It Was A Very Special Day For Him and Jeff, So Filled With Excitement To Go but Ignoring The Fact That He Was Not Feeling Well At All That Day.

He Didn’t Get To Meet The Whole Team, It Meant Having To Climb A Lot Of Stairs. He Still Made The Best Of It and Smiled For Every Picture Jeff Took. The Cubbies Organization Did Not Disappoint, They Set Up A Personal Meet and Greet For Bret at The Next Game We Attended and He Was Able To Meet The Entire Team Down On The Field, Take Photos With Them and Gave Him Signed Memorabilia As Well! He Was Beyond Ecstatic!!
Thank You Chicago Cubs For Always Supporting Bret’s Foundation! 💛🎗️💛

DAY 19 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

We Love This Photo!
Bret Got To Be A Part Of A Baseball Team for Special Needs Kids. We Thought He Would Love It Because He Just Wanted To Be Like Every Other Kid His Age, Until The Cold Air Hit Him. There Was No Telling Him Anything. A Few Games Into The Season, He Decided To Walk Off From The Outfield and Said “Done”!!
Everyone Thought He Was So Funny, And He Was! 😂 Needless To Say, We Did Not Finish The Season 😊

These Photos That Pop Up, The Memories We Made With Him, It’s All We Have. We Can’t Make New Ones, We Can Only Cherish The Old Ones. 💛🎗️💛🎗️💛🎗️

DAY 18 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

Emotions Like Anxiety, Guilt, Anger and Distress Are Felt By All Family Members, More Often By Mothers, When Living With Pediatric Cancer. The Emotional Burden They Deal With Is Enormous.
As A Mom Of 3, I Always Felt All Of These Emotions, Knowing All Of My Time Was Spent With My Sick Child. I Missed Out On So Much. 😢
Fortunately, My Two Younger Boys, Bailey Laczynski and Cody Hood, Never Once Complained, Understood Why Mom Needed To Be With Bret and Loved Helping Take Care Of Him Whenever We Were Home. ♥️
Today, They Have Grown Up To Be Fine Young Men With An Abundance Of Love and Compassion For Others With Special Needs As Well As Everyone They Know. 🎗️💙💛

DAY 17 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

DAY 16 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 💛🎗️

I Can Honestly Say That I Never Knew Of Anyone That Had A Brain Tumor, Let Alone A Child, Before Bret Was Diagnosed. It Was Undoubtedly The Most Terrifying and Heartbreaking News I Ever Received.

But Now That I Know Just What A Brain Tumor Diagnosis Means, I Will Do Whatever I Can, To Let People Know What It Can Do To A Child As Well As Their Family.


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DAY 15 OF BRAIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 😊🎗️