Cumulative Gifts Exceed $100,000 in 13 years
(West Chester, PA, October 2, 2019) — In September, Donna and Stanley Edwards presented a $5,000 grant to Jenna Bundy, Associate Director of Community Fundraising at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (C.H.O.P.). This is the thirteenth gift Stanley’s Dream Foundation has issued to C.H.O.P. representing over $100,000 in grant awards in an ongoing effort to fund research to find a cure for brain cancer.
Stanley’s Dream Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Donna and Stanley’s son, Stanley Austin Edwards, who passed away from brain cancer in 2002. In 2017 a room in C.H.O.P.’s Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care was named in Stanley’s honor. The room is used for patient families to have private meetings.
The Stanley’s Dream Foundation also awards scholarships each year to graduating Chester County high school students in honor of their son. To date, approximately forty-one scholarships totaling over $70,000 have been awarded in Stanley’s memory.
Stanley Austin Edwards was a gifted athlete and devoted student who dreamed of attending Notre Dame University. Stanley was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was in 7th grade at age 12. After surgery to remove the tumor, Stan developed learning disabilities, due to the tumor’s location, as well as paralysis in his right arm, preventing him from participating in the many sports that he so loved. Stanley passed away at age 14 while a freshman at Henderson High School in West Chester.
Stanley’s parents reflect on memories of Stanley and works to keep his memory alive through the annual grants and scholarships awarded in his name. Donna remembers, “Stanley never complained during his courageous battle with brain cancer. He was determined that he would beat the odds and fulfill his dream. He inspired all who met him and we love imparting his dream and strength onto others through the foundation.”
Stanley’s Dream Fund will be holding a 5K Walk & Run January 1, 2020. Information regarding this and other future events can be found at www.stanleysdream.org.
All proceeds benefit the STANLEY’S DREAM FUND managed by the Chester County Community Foundation. For more information regarding Stanley’s Dream or the Chester County Community Foundation, contact www.chescocf.org or 610-696-8211.
***
About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Historic Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds over $60 million in trust and annually awards $3 million in grants and scholarships. www.chescocf.org.
###
For further information, contact:
Beth Krallis, Marketing and Communications Officer
Chester County Community Foundation
bethk@chescocf.org , 484-887-0467