Project Joy and Hope "In hope we are never disappointed." Valerie Grace Wheeler learned that she had cancer when she was barely a teenager, having celebrated her 13th birthday a few short months prior to receiving the harsh news of her diagnosis of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. Words seem inadequate to describe this exceptional young woman. Friends and family called her Val, while many called her "Amazing Grace". Astounding everyone with her determination, courage, positive attitude, and spiritual strength, Valerie touched hundreds of people in the 28 months that she valiantly fought cancer. Driving home from the hospital following chemotherapy, Valerie noticed the afternoon sun shining brightly. She reached over and squeezed her mother's hand, saying, "Mom, I don't think I will ever understand why this has happened to me, but I do know one thing: Because of me, people will be changed. Parents will begin to look at their own children differently. They will wake up, see the sunshine, and just be glad for another day." Valerie received chemotherapy and radiation for the next twelve months, and went through the treatment protocol with few interruptions. Although the schedule was rigid and difficult, Valerie managed to continue her education, completing 7th grade and 8th grade at home. She even took a class for high school credit and maintained her status as an honor student. Although her body was weak, in spirit Valerie continued to support her teammates in Division A Girls Softball. She was often seen wheeling into dugouts when she couldn't walk, and standing on crutches to catch the infield practice. Her computer screensaver summed it all up: 110%!! In March 1998, Valerie received word that the cancer was in remission! Joyfully, she began setting new goals to rehabilitate her broken body, and planning her high school classes. Seven wonderful months of teenage life followed. National Softball tournaments, freshman classes, movies, telephone, computer chat, friends and fun. Sadly, a short seven months later, in October 1998, Ewing's Sarcoma again attacked Valerie's body. Even so, the cancer never conquered her spirit. Living with the reality of dying is difficult for anyone, but the challenge is tremendous for a child. The Hospice at the Texas Medical Center played a vital role in helping Valerie pursue with hope the days ahead. Unlike the common misconception of hospice as a death squad of sorts, Valerie found the nurses and doctors actively focused on making each day the best that it could be. Valerie, Mom and Hospice actually became a team! Hospice aggressively worked with Valerie and her mother to combat pain management problems, increase mobility, and help Valerie achieve her goals to live as normal and active a life as possible. In the months that followed, when Valerie could no longer study, she was still able to pursue her talent in art. With the help of a wonderful teacher and friend, Janice Morse, Valerie created a number of lovely paintings. Each one was produced in less than ninety minutes. These paintings - landscapes, flowers, still life- all reveal more than a pretty picture. Each one is a testimony to Valerie's belief in the joy of every day. Val and her mother often talked about the fact that "death comes to each of us as an individual moment in time. However, life is the millions of moments in the meantime." Valerie Grace often remarked, "In hope we are never disappointed." She died on June 25, 1999. Prior to her death, she expressed hope that her paintings might benefit other children facing the reality of a terminal illness. This desire has given birth to Project Joy and Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports pediatric hospice awareness throughout the state of Texas. Valerie's paintings are used to create inspirational greeting cards packaged in boxes of eight. The proceeds from the sale of these cards (priced at $12.99 per box of eight; $1.80 shipping; 3 boxes, $3.20) directly benefit pediatric hospice programs to provide assistance and hope to children like Valerie. A holiday design (10 to a box, single design, same price) is also available. Memorial gifts for Valerie and corporate sponsors have funded the Project Joy and Hope card project. Through the efforts of volunteers joining Project Joy and Hope, these special children with life-limiting illness and their families will receive the palliative care and support they need. Please thoughtfully consider becoming a partner with Project Joy and Hope. You can mail your tax-deductible contribution to: Project Joy and Hope P.O. Box 5111 Pasadena, TX 77508 If you have questions or would like to personally discuss your participation, please contact Board president, Jan Wheeler (713) 944-6JOY, or direct email to jwheel3983@aol.com. The mission of Project Joy and Hope is to promote physical and psychological care for children with life-limiting illness, and their families, through community awareness, education, program development, and resource development. Our mission will be achieved by assisting the Texas health care community in providing comprehensive palliative and supportive care to children in the terminal stage of illness; by educating parents, teachers, and the medical community regarding end of life care; by assisting communities in Texas in developing pediatric end of life care programs; and by providing financial assistance for special pediatric hospice services.