History

Journal History

Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 01:38 PM (CST)

Dear Friends,

I want to thank all of you who give support and comfort to our family and to all who continue to support the Catie Hoch Foundation.

This will be the last time that I will post on this web site. Our new and "official" site is www.catiehochfoundation.org, so please bookmark the new site and visit us there.

It has been a wonderful year for the Foundation. The third annual Catiebug for a Cure was a tremendous success, with over 400 people participating. We raised over $17,000. We held the Fall Family Festival at Clifton Park Center and had a great time. We also had a luncheon at the Outback Restaurant in Clifton Park. They generously donated EVERYTHING - food, beverage and the servers even donated their tips! We raised over $4,500.

Love, Gina

Now for the BIG news. JK Rowling - the Harry Potter author - has donated $100,000 to the Catie Hoch Foundation. Jo (JK) used to e-mail Catie and send her presents. She even called our home to read to Catie from the yet-unpublished Book 4. I must have written her a note telling her about the Foundation, and a few weeks ago we received a $100,000 donation from her. Catie continues to work her magic.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I look forward to seeing you at www.catiehochfoundation.org

Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 05:44 PM (CDT)

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday was the third annual CATIEBUG FOR A CURE and it was wonderful! After a Friday filled with rain, Saturday brought lots of sunshine and ladybugs.

Once again we had over 250 participants in the 5k and lots of kids in the fun run. We raised over $15,000 and it was just a great day. The race was dedicated to Catie's friend Kevin, who died in December. It was really touching to see all the kids wearing their medals, with Kevin's name on the ribbon.

Each year we learn how to do things a little better and it runs a little more smoothly. Our volunteers were great and we couldn't have done it without them. Next year we were invited to hold the race at the Clifton Commons. We can't help but think that this will allow us to continue to grow and attract new runners and walkers.

I want to thank all of our sponsors and the incredible race committee. We are getting things done and making a difference.

On our main web site, we will be posting the race results. As I have indicated, we are eventually going to use that web site exclusively, so I ask you to check it out and bookmark it.

Thanks for all of your support. We ARE helping kids take a break from cancer.

Love,
Gina

Thursday, May 09, 2002 at 01:08 PM (CDT)

Dear Friends,

The Catie Hoch Foundation continues to flourish. Thank you so much to all of our supporters.

We are hosting the First Annual Swing for A Cure on Sunday, July 28th at the Fairways of Halfmoon. The cost is $125 per person and there are sponsorship opportunities available. Registration forms are on-line at the Times Union site (go to the link below).

The Catiebug for a Cure is being held on Saturday, September 28th and it promises to be a fun-filled event.

We frequently hear from families who have been recipients of the Kids Cash and you should know how much these gifts are appreciated. We have begun sending gift certificates for lunch and movies to the kids at Dana-Farber in Boston. Some of our friends at MSKCC were among the first to receive them and they were thrilled to be touched by Catie.

We are planning a room renovation at the Albany Ronald McDonald House which should be gorgeous. I can't wait until it is done.

Thank you to all of you who continued to support us in so many ways, contributions, donations for our events, United Way designations. We truly appreciate all of it.

Gina

Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 06:22 PM (CST)

Dear Friends,

The Catiebug Bowl was a striking success! We raised over $1,800 and had a great time. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to make it wonderful. The Shenendehowa National Honor Society was out in full force and was a huge help!

Our next big news is that the Catie Hoch Foundation is going to help renovate a room at the Albany Ronald McDonald House. Of course it will have ladybugs in it. We are very excited about this and look forward to an ongoing relationship in the Capital District.

News on the upcoming golf tournament should be available soon.

Thanks for your continued support.

Love, Gina

Friday, January 04, 2002 at 11:47 AM (CST)

Dear Friends,

We are beginning the new year with hopes that a cure for cancer is getting closer. Thank you all for your continued support. Catie's Foundation is flourishing and with your help we are keeping her spirit alive.

The second Catiebug Bowl is being held on Monday February 18th at the Clifton Park Bowl from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be sold and we will be raffling off some great prizes. The cost is $5 per game with no charge for shoes. Please join us!

Gina

Saturday, December 08, 2001 at 03:55 PM (CST)

Dear Friends,

Catie's best friend Kevin died this morning. He had dreamed of her several times and she even gave him a tour of heaven.

It seems unreal to me that we have lost another precious child. When I think of Kevin so many things come to mind - he was so funny and wise. He and Catie had so much fun together, and now they are together again. I picture so vividly the two of them in Central Park, at Benihanas, Yankee Stadium, the Museum of Natural History. Their bond transcends this life.

My heart goes out to Lynn, Paul and MacKenzie. They are an incredible family and their loss is ours.

Love, Gina

Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 09:12 AM (CDT)

Dear Friends,

The Second Annual Catiebug for a Cure was wonderful! About 500 people attended and we raised over $30,000!!!

The kids fun run was great. It was touching to see so many kids running like crazy in their Catiebug t- shirts. The 5k went off without a hitch. After, we had pizza, cake and a kids carnival.

The race was dedicated to Ben Durant, a schoolmate of Catie's, who died on September 19, 2001. We were honored to hold the race in his memory.

Thank you all for your support. We are helping kids take a break from cancer.

Love, Gina

Thursday, July 12, 2001 at 06:38 AM (CDT)

The Second Annual CATIEBUG FOR A CURE 2001
Saturday, September 29, 2001
Country Knolls Pool and Clubhouse

Single $15_________ Family $35_______*

Registration is $20 per person on the day of the race.

Name/Sex Age Fun Run 5K

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Address ____________________________________

Phone number ______________________

*Family reg. entitles you to 2 t-shirts

- Check in begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Kids Fun run (3/4mile) beings at 12:30
- 5K will start at 1:30 p.m.
- T-shirts guaranteed to first 250 registrants
-There will be 5 age categories

Waiver: In consideration of your accepting this entry, I, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, hereby for myself, my heirs,executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I might have against the Catie Hoch Foundation, the Town of Clifton Park, and any officials and promoters of this race. I attest and verify that I am physically fit and have trained for the completion of this race.

____________________________________________Signature Date

Mail completed forms to:

Gina Martin
17 Southwood Drive
Ballston Lake, NY 12019

Monday, April 23, 2001 at 03:51 PM (CDT)

Dear Friends and Family,

The Catie Hoch Foundation is making a difference - and it is all because of you. Thank you!

We now have official 501(c)(3) status with the IRS which means that you can donate through your local United Way at work. Give them the name - the Catie Hoch Foundation and my phone number (518)877-7539 and I will get them the necessary information.

If any of your businesses would like to be a race sponsor, please let me know. We have to beat last year's total of $27,000.

Thanks for being there and making a difference.

Love, Gina

Monday, February 19, 2001 at 01:56 PM (CST)

Dear Friends and family,

We had the Catiebug Bowl today and it was so much fun. We raised over $2,000 and more than 400 games were bowled. Thank you for attending.

I would like to send a special thank you to the National Honor Society at Shenendehowa. A large group of these students attended and event and helped out in every area. I hardly had to do a thing. They were wonderful! Our future is in good hands.

Clifton Park Bowl was awesome. Their support was incredible. Thank you! And please go back and bowl some more.

OUR NEXT FUND-RAISER WILL BE MISS CATIEBUG'S TEA PARTY. CLICK ON THE TIMES UNION LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION. It is being held on Sunday, June 3rd at the Malta Community Center. The cost is $12.50 per person and it should be a lot of fun.
Love, Gina

Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 01:24 PM (CST)

Dear friends and family,

It is the start of the new year, and while it doesn't seem possible to move on without Catie, we have to learn to live with the loss.

I truly believe that she was put on this earth to show us compassion, kindness, courage, generosity, joy! Now it is up to us to use what she taught us.

The Foundation is becoming wonderfully successful. We have already sent $10,000 to the social worker at MSKCC for the families. Today I sent a $17,000 check to the hospital to buy equipment for Dr. Cheung's lab. It feels good to be able to do something concrete for the doctors, and hopefully the kids.

Believe it or not we are starting to plan the Second Annual Catiebug. It looks like it will be on Saturday, SEPTEMBER 29, 2001 -so mark your calendars! If you would like to help in any capacity, please e-mail me. Also, if you know of any individuals or businesses that we should contact to see if they would like to be sponsors, please let me know.

We wish you a peaceful New Year!

Love, Gina

Monday, December 04, 2000 at 03:05 PM (CST)

Hi everyone,

I finally received the Foundation pins. They are heart-shaped with footprints inside. They are really nice and they are for sale for $10.00 each. I can ship them out if anyone wants them.

I also have race t-shirts (Catiebug) for $5.00 and Foundation golf shirts for $20.00.

Any money that we raise between now and the end of the year will go to help families stay at the Ronald McDonald House in NYC.

If you would like any of these items, or a card saying that you made a donation in someone's name, just send a check to the Catie Hoch Foundation, 27 Southwood Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

If you just want a pin or two, add $1.25 for shipping. If it is a t-shirt, add $3.00 and $1.00 for each additional shirt.

Thank you for all of your support.

Love, Gina

Friday, November 10, 2000 at 03:44 PM (CST)

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I went to Sloan-Kettering to see Catie's doctors, nurses and social worker. It was wonderful seeing all of those dedicated people and I was able to meet some of the new families.

As you know, the Catie Hoch Foundation sent money to help the families enjoy the good days. But while I was talking to Diane, the social worker, I learned that many families will now have to start paying for the Ronald McDonald House. The cost is $20 per night, and although that is a bargain for New York City, when you are living there it adds up. So I thought that maybe this holiday season we could "buy" nights at the Ronald McDonald House for a family. Maybe we can even put together a few weeks or a month. If anyone is interested in being a part of this, please send $20 to the Catie Hoch Foundation and we will sponsor time at the Ronald McDonald House. We will include your names on a card to the family so that they can be aware of all of the wonderful support out there.

In addition, we are going to Light Up the Holidays with Hope. The Times Union web site has additional information, and it should be a beautiful tree in Washington DC.

If you shop on-line, don't forget to use charitymall.com You can use the link below and do your shopping. The Catie Hoch Foundation will receive a donation from the vendors.

Thank you for your continued support. We are keeping Catie's memory alive.

Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 06:03 AM (CST)

As time passes it is hard to believe that we will live the rest of our lives without Catie. She will always be such a wonderful presence in our lives.

The Foundation is doing great things. We have already sent $10,000 to the social worker at Sloan-Kettering. She will distribute that money among the neuroblastoma families. I will be meeting with the doctors on November 9th to discuss how the Foundation can help. It looks like we may purchase a piece of equipment for Dr. Cheung's lab.

I have ordered pins for the Foundation. They are heart-shaped with footprints in them (the Foundation logo). When I get them they will be available for sale for $10. There is a craft fair at Chango (my kids' school) on December 2nd and we will be selling pins and Foundation t-shirts.

As we approach the holidays, please don't forget Charitymall.com There are so many stores affiliated with them. You just click on the link below and when you get to the site and register, you can shop at any of the stores listed (like e-toys, amazon.com, flower shops, etc.) You just have to designate the organization you select and then those companies send a commission to the selected charities.

Also, help us Light Up the Holidays with Hope. There is going to be a tree in Washington for childhood cancer. Go to the times union site below for further information. It should be incredible and GE is donating the lights.

Thank you for your continued support.

Love, Gina

Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at 07:48 AM (CDT)

THE CATIEBUG 5K WAS GREAT! We had a wonderful turnout - about 350 people, and the weather cooperated. AND WE RAISED OVER $25,000!!! The kids ran and 1/2 mile fun run and had a ball! The fire department brought over a replica truck and gave rides. Jason Ferrone made balloon animals. And we had face-painting.

AND THEN WE WERE OFF! What a great group of people. It was awesome seeing all those catiebug t-shirts flying through the developement (well, my didn't actually fly - more like wandered). The winners made great time.

My friend Kim Hagen did a wonderful banner of kids with neuroblastoma. Everyone was touched by the sight of those precious faces.

Thank you to the best race committe, the best friends in the world. You guys are incredible.

Thanks to our wonderful, generous sponsors who made this event so memorable.

This is the first of many,

Love, Gina

Saturday, September 02, 2000 at 07:10 AM (CDT)

The First Annual Catiebug 5k is really coming along. The race is being held on Saturday October 7th in the Country Knolls Development. Thank you to all of our sponsors - you are wonderful. For more information, go to the Times Union web site listed below to download a form and to get more information.

We now have a new fund-raising program. Thanks to Ellen Gelting, we are now signed up with CharityMall.com. Before you shop at places like Amazon.com and many others, go to CharityMall and order through them. Those business will donate to the Catie Hoch Foundation. Start with the link below. Thank you!

Monday, August 21, 2000 at 08:01 PM (CDT)

The Catie Hoch Foundation is really getting going. The First Annual Catiebug 5k and fun run is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th in the Country Knolls development. We have approval from the town of Clifton Park and so many businesses and organizations have been very generous about supporting this, particularly AXA Advisors and GE. We are so touched by this support and we look forward to the day of the race.

The Times Union has allowed us to set up a web site for the Foundation. If you click on below, it will take you to the new site where we can keep you updated on community activities. Within a day or two, you will be able to download the race registration form.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really believe we can and will make a difference.

Love, Gina

Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at 07:49 AM (CDT)

It has been two months since we lost our beautiful Catie. Since that time, seven more children, that we know of, have lost their lives to neuroblastoma. This disease is brutal, and our hearts seem to break a little more each day.

A 5k race is being tentatively planned for Saturday, October 7th in our development. It will be called the Catie Hoch Foundation's First Annual Catie-Bug Race! Right now we are waiting for approval from our town to host this. Our friends have been amazing in helping us. If anyone would like to run in it, or be a sponsor, please let me know.

I am still planning on going to Washington in September. It is time for people to realize that these children are dying. So, if you haven't done so, please contact your congressperson and ask for support of Resolution 115, and for support of any legislation appropriating money for childhood cancer.

Thank you again for all of your support.

Love, Gina

Saturday, June 24, 2000 at 08:21 AM (CDT)

It has been five long weeks since Catie lost her battle with Neuroblastoma. But Catie will never be lost to us - she lives on in our hearts.

The Catie Hoch Foundation is now starting to grow, thanks to the generosity of friends and family. A parent of children who attend Catie's school sponsored a golf hole for Catie's Foundation and raised over $600. Larry's sister in Chicago ran a fund-raiser and raised a substantial amount. Friends are talking about a race in the fall to benefit the Foundation and next year other friends a planning a Murder Mystery Dinner.

We appreciate all the help and support, and if there is something you want to do in your community, please go for it! Let me know how I can help, or what you need from me.

Let's make a difference! Let's help find a cure for this horrendous disease. Then we will really be honoring Catie's memory.

Thank you for everything.

Gina

Saturday, May 20, 2000 at 06:16 AM (CDT)

CATIE LOST HER BATTLE WITH CANCER ON MAY 18, 2000. SHE WAS AT HOME AND WAS READY TO GO. SHE SAID SHE NEEDED AN ESCALATOR TO TAKE HER TO HEAVEN, AND WE ENVISION THIS ESCALATOR STOPPING OFF AT FAO SCHWARZ, KOBE, AND WARNER BROTHERS ON HER WAY TO SEE MARY AND JESUS.

"SOME PEOPLE COME INTO OUR HEARTS AND QUICKLY GO. SOME STAY FOR AWHILE, LEAVE FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS, AND WE ARE NEVER, EVER THE SAME."

THANK YOU CATIE FOR LEAVING FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS.

LOVE,

MOMMY AND DADDY

Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 08:22 AM (CDT)

Last Thursday we were dealt a devastating blow. Catie's cancer has spread to her brain. This disease never quits. We are now home on hospice care and trying to make her comfortable.

Thank you all for your generosity to the Catie Hoch Foundation. Now, more than ever, must we continue to fight against this disease so that other children do not have to endure what our beautiful daughter has had to.

Friday, April 14, 2000 at 06:25 AM (CDT)

Hi everyone - we got back from NY on Wednesday and learned that this disease NEVER quits. Catie's tumors continue to grow, but she continues to fight. Even though she wasn't feeling great, we did get to the Little Shop of Plaster and she got some new clothes at the Children's Place.

As for treatment, thank goodness for the internet. When we got home, I posted on the support network that we were looking into MIBG therapy (a radiation based treatment). By Thursday morning, we were in touch with the doctor at Duke University Hospital who runs the study and he has already sent us a lot of information. Hopefully we will get to do the treatment sometime in May.

Donations have started to come in and we are so grateful. We are looking forward to the day that we can send money to the doctors and social worker at Sloan-Kettering. I am continually amazed at the dedication of the people working for us in this fight against neuroblastoma. It is truly the fight of our lives.

Gina and Larry

Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 05:11 PM (CDT)

Catie brought her friend Kevin along with us to NY on Monday. The two kids run Sloan-Kettering and the doctors were thrilled to see them running around. We managed a quick lunch at Tomashi before the mad dash to Penn Station.

I can't express my appreciation enough for the doctors there. Dr. Cheung, Dr. Kushner, and Dr. Kramer are devoting their lives to saving our kids. Dr. LaQuaglia, the surgeon, is in a class unto himself. I have never met anyone like him. The nurses are first class and the playroom is great.

We are looking forward to the prom on June 5th. Catie's dress is beautiful and we can't wait.

Thanks for thinking of us and supporting us in our endeavor to raise money for neuroblastoma research and for the families who are there with their kids being treated.

Gina Peca and Larry Hoch

Wednesday, March 22, 2000 at 06:37 AM (CST)

Thanks to our dear friend, Carol Fitzsimmons for setting up this foundation. Without her help we would still be floundering.

We would like to express our gratitude to Drs. Cheung, Kushner and Kramer at Sloan-Kettering. Their dedication, concern and constant assessment of Catie's condition give us hope that we can keep moving forward. We are grateful daily that they have dedicated their lives to this dreadful disease. They are our best hope!

To the nurses and nurse practitioners at Sloan - you are wonderful and make our stays there pleasant. And to Trish in the playroom - you are awesome. Every hospital needs a Trish.

Thank you for visiting our site. When our ladybugs pins are for sale, we will let you know. Thanks for your support.

Gina and Larry

Wednesday, March 22, 2000 at 06:37 AM (CST)

Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 07:28 AM (CST)

Thanks to our dear friend and wonderful attorney, Carol Fitzsimmons for setting up the foundation.

Words cannot express the appreciation we have for Drs. Cheung, Kushner and Kramer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Their dedication, concern and constant assessment of Catie's condition have been amazing. They are our best hope and we are thankful daily that they have devoted their lives to this dreadful disease.

We are also thankful to the wonderful nurses at Sloan who make our trips there pleasant and fun. To Trish and the playroom staff - you are awesome and we love you!

Please feel free to sign the guest book. We are in the process of designing lady bug pins for sale.

Check out the photo album and see what it meant for Catie to be getting treatment in NY. There are pictures of the prom, the Little Shop of Plaster and more.

With love, Gina

Sunday, March 19, 2000 at 07:28 AM (CST)

Thanks to our dear friend and wonderful attorney, Carol Fitzsimmons for setting up the foundation.

Please feel free to sign the guest book. We are in the process of designing lady bug pins for sale.

Check out the photo album and see what it meant for Catie to be getting treatment in NY.

With love, Gina

Saturday, March 18, 2000 at 12:49 PM (CST)

We wish to thank Carol Fitzsimmons, our dear friend and wonderful attorney for setting up this foundation. Without her help, we would still be floundering!

Gina Peca and Larry Hoch

Click here to go back to the main page.

----End of History----