"We all know a friend or loved one who has been diagnosed with some form of cancer. Being available to offer assistance or just a shoulder to lean on at the very difficult time of diagnosis is perhaps the best we can do, but many people have gone far beyond that point.

"The Napolitano family - Ralph and Maryann, and their son, Jason - are three of the many people who go above and beyond in supporting and advocating for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

"In 1993, after learning 13-year-old Jason was diagnosed with leukemia, the Napolitanos' lives were put on hold. Trips in and out of the hospital, including long-term stays, doctors and just about everything else that comes with treatment for cancer, were the norm. After four arduous years of treatment, Jason was in remission. Shortly thereafter, Ralph and Maryann founded the Jay's World Childhood Cancer Foundation.

"Founded to raise funds to benefit children afflicted with this disease and to assist families coping with the news their child has cancer, Jay's World has awarded over 60 scholarships to students to attend college. Jay's World has donated to and helped improve the Cancer Center for KIDS at Winthrop-University Hospital, with improvements including a $50,000 donation to obtain a state-of-the-art blood lab machine, a $10,000 donation to acquire a microscope to check a child's blood and three laptop computers with Internet access to provide a distraction for children and an outlet for parents to stay connected with work or family obligations.

"Jay's World is dedicated to continuing its work with the Cancer Center for KIDS to support an environment conducive to caring for and curing children with cancer. Today, as Jay's World works to improve the lives of so many children, the best news is that Jason Napolitano is leading the way as president of the Jay's World Childhood Cancer Foundation.

"For more information on Jay's World, call 671-7410. The importance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Week (which ends Sept. 24) cannot be underestimated and should serve to remind us of the need to get involved."