About Smiles from Nicholas
The Foundation
The Smiles from Nicholas Foundation was started in remembrance of Nicholas Rydzynski, and his struggles with Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer. In his 4 short years, Nicholas endured so much, but endured with dignity, grace, courage and persistence that any would envy. His struggle ended on September 11th, 2006, after a 4 year struggle with Cerebral Palsy, and a 10 month battle with Neuroblastoma (Pediatric Cancer).
As parents, we hoped that everything that could be done to help Nicholas through his struggles, and save his life, was being done. We found out something very different during the struggles: the reality was we are in crisis mode. Not enough funding, not enough support, and not enough awareness is leaving CP and Pediatric Cancers behind. Little is being done to help kids with CP and Pediatric Cancer.
Smiles from Nicholas Foundation is growing into a national organization representing Cerebral Palsy and all Pediatric Cancers. One little boy brought these two issues to the forefront of our lives and the countless he touched in a very special way. Now it’s time to share his story, identify the problems, and do something about it for those that have been down the path as we have, those currently on their own journey, and those that will be touched by these journeys, and don’t even know it yet. In the name of one, in honor of thousands.
Our Mission
Provide knowledge, comfort and hope to families currently living through their Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer journeys. Invest in research to find Cures for those living with Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer today, and those that will go on these journey’s in the future, and don’t know it yet.
Big ideas, lofty goals! But this is the basis behind the Smiles From Nicholas Foundation. Our web site and support Blogs create a place that parents and family members can go for information and support from those that have lived in their shoes. This is likely the only site on the internet that ties the journeys of Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer. In fact, the only reason they are linked here is because an amazing little boy was asked to battle through each in a very short life. But each group can learn from the issues and struggles that the other group is living through. Each child has been asked to take on a journey that doesn’t seem fair. And each child faces a battle more difficult than it should be.
So, we bring these two groups of supporters together to learn from eachother, to help eachother, and to raise money to find cures for Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer!
Organization
Board of Directors/Advisory Board:
Collectively, the board sets our goals, sets our strategy, and reviews requests for grants with each medical advisory team. The board exists to make sure we deliver big “Smiles” to those that support our mission.
Kirk Rydzynski, President
Christy Rydzynski, Secretary
Todd Rydzynski, Treasurer
“I hold Nicky’s brief but rewarding time with us a great gift. I recall vividly a short car ride to Laguna Beach during the time his little body was ravaged by cancer and the associated treatments. With Nicky in obvious pain, Kirk carried him to the water and Nicky screamed with excitement and joy as he dipped his feet in the Pacific water. As each wave rolled in and crashed against his legs, Nicky’s famous smile emerged through the pain and he laughed loudly. While the last year of his life was a horrific experience for those close to him, all would agree he gave more than he took. I accepted the invitation to join the board to share that experience, an experience that was not easy, but one where a little boy was loved as intensely as a child could be loved and one where we were all loved back just as enthusiastically. I plan to assist the foundation in any area of need to raise funds for research in CP and Pediatric Cancer.”
Adam Anderson, Board Member
“I am intimately familiar with Cerebral Palsy. I know all too well the struggles (and joys) that affected families go through every day. I want to help raise the awareness of children suffering from CP and Pediatric Cancer, and help (in some small way) move us toward a remedy for these afflictions - - whether medical cures or family solace.
I know firsthand the joys and hardships of raising a lovely child afflicted with Cerebral Palsy. I know the heartfelt love one has for one’s child, and also the heartbreak when they say, “Daddy, I want to be able to do that too.” I am energetic and passionate about helping others that are going through the same issues. I can provide advice, I can provide support, and I can raise my voice so that we can raise the awareness for others.”
Jennifer Kavanaugh, Board Member
“I was not only inspired by Nicholas’ story but by Christy and Kirk as well. It is clear that Nicholas received his strength, his passion and joy from these two people. They shared Nicholas with us through all his struggles and it was a gift to know this little boy. When Nicholas was ill, I felt as though there was nothing that I could say or do to express who much I cared for them all. I hope that participating in Smiles from Nicholas lets them know that Nicholas is alive in my heart. I hope by participating in Smiles from Nicholas our efforts will provide a source for research and education so that parents and children facing Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer will find they are not alone.”
Mark Podkladek, Board Member
“Nicholas was the first child I knew who suffered from Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer and I saw firsthand how tough cancer can be on a child, family and extended community. Like so many others, during Nicholas’ illness I was drawn to the Caringbridge website to see daily/weekly progress. Seeing new pictures, only imagining what Nick must be going through and yet living everyday to the fullest and taking true enjoyment out of everyday activities that we take for granted, whether enjoying the beach, rollerblading, swimming or just watching sports on TV.
Nicholas continues to be an inspiration to me and characterizes how I want to live my life: Take joy in the simple pleasures that life presents to us.
I will contribute to our mission by working as part of the Smiles Family and collectively sharing Nick’s story, raising awareness and funding for CP and Pediatric Cancer.”
Michael Sutton, Board Member
“With that smile, how could I resist an invitation to join the board? I accepted the invitation because I believe that not enough is being done to raise awareness, money and ultimately cures for Cerebral Palsy and Pediatric Cancer. I believe in the causes that Kirk and Christy are personally connected to, passionate about, and I look forward to contributing in some small way to that effort.”
