Honoring Drew's light and spirit through giving

To Our Dearest Family & Friends,

We hope that you and yours are well and staying safe! It has not been that long since last year’s Kentucky Derby was postponed until September, and you raised over $38,000 in Drew’s memory to keep The Kid’s Comfort Promise, our signature investment effort moving forward.

Because of YOU, we are changing children’s pain management throughout the UMass Memorial medical system. One of the champions of this project, Neal Tyrrell, MD said, “Kid’s Comfort Promise is transformative!” Dr. Tyrrell’s proclamation is supported by what is happening with The Kid’s Comfort Promise. Here is just a snapshot of the sensational accomplishments:

•    We won GOLD! Of over 80 entries submitted to the UMass Memorial Innovation Award Program, The Kid’s Comfort Promise won a GOLD Level Award. It was the only top recognized program that did not occur as a result of, or directly related to COVID.
•    Over 420 staff have been trained on The Kid’s Comfort Promise program.
•    A public facing video explaining the program was created to help parents understand the benefits of The Kid’s Comfort Promise.
•    Donations from the DCU for Kids Foundation of $17,500 and from The Alice M. Eaton Trust for $15,000 have been received.
•    The Moderna Teen COVID Vaccine Trial at UMass Medical School has incorporated the Kid’s Comfort Promise into the study protocol.
•    Our generous Anonymous Donor provided $12,500 in a matching donation in 2020.

Though the Derby will run in May, the Pandemic does not allow us to have Derby for Drew IV in person, but the need for pediatric pain management continues. We are humbled to share that we have again been challenged by our Anonymous Donor, who will match up to $10,000 for our virtual Derby for Drew IV. In response to a letter we sent updating them on our efforts, we received the following response:

“I must say, that the letter and information about the Kids Comfort program had us choked up. This family has been amazing in their efforts to help children and families. While we chose to stay anonymous, they too, are probably unknown to many of the families they have benefitted.” -Anonymous Donor.

Will you help reach this $10,000 match? Please make a gift through Derby for Drew IV and help provide comfort for children going through treatments and tests. You can give online at: justgiving.com/derbyfordrewIV or send a check made payable to: UMass Memorial Health Care

Send to: UMass Memorial Office of Philanthropy
365 Plantation Street, Biotech One, Worcester, MA 01605
Attn: Derby for Drew

Thank you for showing your continued love for Drew!
Chuck, Susan & Chloe

P.S. 2022 will be Drew’s 10 year anniversary and we are committed to being back together to celebrate Derby for Drew V on Saturday, May 7, 2022!

justgiving.com/derbyfordrewIV ∙ drewslegacy.com ∙ facebook.com/drew’sdreampage





Derby for Drew IV Donation Levels

WINNER’S CIRCLE: $1,000
Providing complete at home kits for families who can’t afford them:
There are many children who require ongoing and lifelong treatments or testing at home that involve needle sticks. Their parents are responsible for administering these needles. Many of the products used by The Kid’s Comfort Promise are not reimbursed by insurance. There is a tremendous need to help provide these in home kits to families who can’t afford them.

WIN: $500
Easing pain & stress of difficult childhood treatments:
Sometimes caring for children who come to the Children’s Medical Center require tests which are painful. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) provides a safe and comfortable way to treat children through painful and anxiety-provoking tests and procedures.

PLACE: $250
Buzzy® device for pain relief:
When a child needs a blood test or the insertion of an IV, the Buzzy device uses a combination of cold and vibration to replace the pain—just like cool water soothes a burn. Designed to look like a friendly ladybug or bumblebee.

SHOW: $100
Comfort kits:
Toys are an effective way to distract children from anxiety and pain. Each includes bubbles, stress balls, rain sticks, musical toys, I Spy™ books and puzzles, and magnetic drawing boards.

FRIENDS OF DREW
A donation of your choice:
Any donation amount will help this amazing support service for children.

A Patient Story:
“I was kind of nervous, but then the numbing cream took 30 minutes to make my arm numb. They put it on this like thi,s (showing where they put the cream). When they put in the IV, I only felt a little pinch, like it was nothing. During my IV I was watching my ipad, but I kinda watched them do the IV. This was my first time.” (said with a big smile)
- an 8-year-old boy who came to the Pediatric ER and received new diagnosis of diabetes. This was his first needlestick of MANY that he will endure in his life.

His mother added: “He was nervous at the beginning but the numbing cream, I believe, really helped him tremendously. It went very well. We are very glad that you have the tools.”