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About Us
We began with an idea. Jori's family and friends thought it would be
a good idea to hold "a walk". A walk would be a great way to honor Jori's
memory and raise awareness about the tragically under funded research for
children's bone cancer. We hoped to raise a little money to help M.D.
Anderson's pediatric research in the process. Certainly we could offer a day of
camaraderie for the community of people who had been so supportive during Jori's
battle with osteosarcoma.
We picked a date, and from Brook and Nina Zemel's living room we planned an
event that, in honest retrospect, few of us had any experience in planning. But
on March 23, 2002 we had a walk. That walk drew over 2,000 participants and
raised over $50,000. It appeared that we were on to something.
From there, the idea became a foundation. And we grew. And our family of
dedicated volunteers continued to grow. The "walk" became an annual event for
the JORI ZEMEL CHILDREN'S BONE CANCER FOUNDATION. We added more
fundraising events including a luncheon/ live auction and Awesomefest, a local
band showcase largely organized by high school volunteers.
Today, five years later, much has changed while much more has remained the
same. We are still an army of volunteers passionate about ending children's
bone cancer. This past year, we raised over $100,000 for the first time. With
even greater commitment, we march forward. "The Walk" is now our HEART &
SOLE Annual Music Festival and Cancer Walk. In our five years, we have
managed to accomplish more than we ever imagined with more visions on the
horizon. Navigate our website to learn more about our ongoing mission and our
new initiatives to help us reach our goal of ending children's bone cancer. We
think we have a great idea! |
The Heart Logo
As you move through our website,
you will often see the heart. There is a story behind this symbol. Jori was
home the day that she died. While laboring with her breathing and drifting in
and out of consciousness, her father went to her and said, "Jori, just in case
you don't make it I need a symbol to know you are there". An almost
imperceptible nod indicated that she heard his plea and needed some time.
Moments later, he re-entered the room and saw Jori creating a heart by joining
the thumbs and index fingers on her left and right hands. She died shortly
thereafter, holding her parents hands in the presence of her family and closest
friends.
To find out more about becoming a part of our extending
family, call (832) 205-0795 or email us at
info@jorizemel.org.
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