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In February of 2007, Sophie Elizabeth Quayle, at age three, was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) - a cancerous brain tumor. This type of tumor is located in the brainstem, at the base of the brain. Affecting primarily children, it is the rarest and worst of pediatric brain tumors. Approximately 150 to 200 children are diagnosed each year. This type of tumor is considered terminal, and survival time is typically nine to twelve months following diagnosis.
Sophie's parents, Marc and Emily Quayle of Avon Lake, felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness when learning there was nothing the doctors could do to save Sophie's precious life. Sophie passed away October 6, 2007, just seven and a half months after diagnosis.
This great despair and frustration lead Marc and Emily on a mission to help children and families suffering from DIPG, while raising awareness and money that will lead to a cure for this awful disease and other types of pediatric brain cancer.
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The mission of Smiles For Sophie Forever* - A Foundation Confronting Pediatric Brain Cancer is threefold:
- to provide financial and emotional support to families burdened by pediatric brain tumors
- to promote a global awareness of not only pediatric brain tumors, but also an awareness of the lack of funding allocated for pediatric brain cancer research; and
- to provide financial support to St. Jude, where Sophie was treated, and to other viable organizations committed to the treatment and cure of pediatric brain cancer.
Our Board of Directors:
To create the Smiles For Sophie Forever Board, Emily and Marc personally solicited each member. They are all individuals who had supported Marc and Emily, emotionally, physically, and financially since Sophie was diagnosed in February, 2007, and well before Smiles For Sophie Forever became a non-profit organization. Honored and humbled by their continuous support Emily and Marc could not think of a better group of people to help run the foundation, established in memory of their beautiful Sophie. With pride and gratitude, they present the Smiles For Sophie Forever Board of Directors.
* Smiles For Sophie Forever is a tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) organization.
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Emily & Marc Quayle Emily & Marc Quayle  
EMILY AND MARC QUAYLE
Emily and Marc Quayle, Sophie's Mommy and Daddy and President and Co-Treasurer of SFSF are the committed founders of Smiles For Sophie Forever. Proud parents of Sarah (5) and Marie (7 months), Emily and Marc are also proud residents of Avon Lake. In their almost fifteen years of marriage, they have resided in five other homes and moved to Avon Lake in 2004, where the support and help of the city and the surrounding communities have overwhelmed them. Emily, a former teacher, and Marc, a district manager for Altria, are dedicated, beyond words, to The Foundation; they graciously and willingly inspire and facilitate the volunteer efforts of family, relatives, friends, and strangers.
Their never-ending ideas, hard work, and enthusiasm direct the Board's activities and efforts. Frustrated by "an overwhelming sense of helplessness when learning there was nothing the doctors could do to save Sophie's precious life," Emily and Marc began their mission of "helping children and families suffering from DIPG, while raising awareness and money that will lead to a cure for this awful disease and other types of pediatric brain cancer." As founders, organizers, directors, planners, and workers they are involved in all aspects of The Foundation.
Their faith, commitment, generosity, and positive outlook provide the entire Board and community with the reality that a cure will be found. "We can't bring our precious Sophie back, but we can ensure that her legacy lives on. We are forever grateful to all those who believe in and live our hope and dream."
Biography updated January 2012 |
Shawn Green Shawn Green
 Shawn Green
Vice-President of Giving/Grant Committee Chairperson
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As a social worker for Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services for the past fourteen years, Board Member Shawn Green is no stranger to helping and serving the needs of families and children.
Along with his wife, Stacey, Shawn, who is the proud father of Abby (9) and Ellie (6), met Sophie through mutual friends and members of the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA. "Hearing the stories of sweet Sophie, both happy and sad," Shawn knows, "…my family just as easily could be going through the same trying times, and I would hope that I could have the strength that Marc and Emily show us everyday."
As VP of Giving and Grant Committee Chairperson, Shawn's involvement "mirrors the entire mission statement of SFSF," and he is "grateful to be a part of something much bigger than any one of us."
Biography updated January 2012
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Michelle Polinko Michelle Polinko 
Michelle Polinko
Vice-President of Fundraising/Fundraising Committee Chairperson
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Also having met Emily through the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA, Board Member Michelle Polinko, is married to Board Member John and mother to Nathan (5) and Isabella (2). She is an Account Representative for a Marketing Communications Firm called The Shamrock Companies.
In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, exercise, sports and watching movies. At the First Annual Fall Festival in September 2007, Michelle began her dedication to Sophie's cause and has been dedicated ever since, working every fundraiser.
As VP of Fundraising and Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Michelle hopes to fulfill her personal mission of "reaching out to as many families in need as possible and raising awareness of this tragic cause of death.... Some day (we will) not have to lose another loved one to pediatric brain cancer."
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Sarah Smith Sarah Smith 
Sarah Smith
Vice-President of Awareness
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Sarah Smith is a stay-at-home mom to Zachary (4) and Nicolas (16 months). Practicing as an active duty physical therapist in the Air Force for 11 years, she is now a reservist in the Air Force, and is grateful to be able to stay at home with her sons. Currently residing in Fort Walton Beach, FL Sarah is married to Lt Col Matt Smith who is stationed at Hurlburt Field. Sarah is Emily’s older sister (by 11 months) and Sophie's aunt. Truly honored to be chosen as Sophie's godmother, Sarah chose to be involved with SFSF to honor Sophie's memory, to support Emily and Marc, and to help meet The Foundation's ultimate goal of some day finding a cure for pediatric brain cancer.
Sarah strongly avers: “Not another child should have to fight the difficult battle Sophie fought in her short life, nor should any parent need to live through the agony of losing a child to this monstrous disease.”
Until a cure is found, Sarah is dedicated to raising awareness about DIPG and to fundraising for both a cure and to provide financial assistance to families who are fighting the DIPG battle. She enjoys exercise, sports, reading and traveling to spend time with family. Sarah is VP of Awareness, is a member of the Marketing Committee, works with Board Member, Susie Miklaski, to put together the quarterly e-newsletter, and is the website correspondent, working with John Kepko, the website developer, to keep the SFSF website up-to-date.
Biography updated January 2012
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Susie Miklaski Susie Miklaski 
Susie Miklaski
Secretary
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Emily’s mom, Susie Miklaski, loves her position as secretary of SFSF. A retired high school English teacher, living with her retired middle school math teacher Frank in Trenton, MI, Susie enjoys writing and the fact that she can help The Foundation from a distance, via the internet.
Susie is also the proud mother of Sarah and Charly, doting grandmother of Baby Sarah, Zach, Nicolas and Marie (and soon-to-be baby boy Miklaski) and not-so-mean mother-in-law of Matt, Marc and Dawn. According to Susie, “Any grandmother would understand my dedication to SFSF…I am involved for many reasons, but the greatest of these is LOVE.
"Sharing in Emily and Marc’s purpose and passion for my Sweet Sophie Girl is an easy task.” Researching for, writing and editing articles for Smiles For the Season, the quarterly SFSF e-newsletter, fundraising, and training for the 4th of July race occupy Susie’s time when she is not substitute teaching at her former high school or working and/or working out at Curves.
Biography updated January 2012
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John Polinko John Polinko 
John Polinko
Rules Oversight Committee Chairperson
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John Polinko met Sophie, Emily, and Marc through his wife Michelle when he attended the First Annual Fall Festival. "My love for my own children makes the loss of Sophie unimaginable to me....anything I can do to help other families in similar situations, I will do," says John.
As an attorney, practicing within the Business Restructuring Department of McDonalds Hopkins, LLC, John brings his legal expertise to the Board and serves as the Rules Oversight Committee Chairperson. Having moved to Avon Lake in 2002, John and Michele found it a perfect place for having their two children, Nathan and Isabella.
"Though my heart aches for Marc and Emily's loss, my admiration for them, as parents and individuals, is difficult to put into words. I would like to assist families that may find it difficult to reach out for help."
Biography updated January 2012
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Andrea Bucci Andrea Bucci 
Andrea Bucci
Co-Treasurer
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Having worked in the telecommunications field for nine years, Board Member Andrea Bucci is a great asset to SFSF. Currently a stay-at-home mom to daughters, Kayla (9) and Mia (6), Andrea's volunteer efforts with the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA introduced her to Sophie and the First Annual Fall Festival in September, 2007. Helping with the Festival was both meaningful and relative to Andrea.
"Sophie and my daughter were the same age...I needed to help in some way...I hope that someday SFSF is a household name and that we can help many more families dealing with DIPG."
Andrea is Co-Treasurer and a member of the Grant Committee and Fundraising Committee.
Biography updated January 2012
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Keith Dando Keith Dando
Keith Dando
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Keith Dando, a senior project manager at Swagelok Company, became familiar with SFSF through his wife Maureen's work with the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA. As neighbors of Board members, Kelly and Mike Bova, Keith resides in Avon Lake with Maureen and his children, Nathan (6), Emma (2), and newborn, Kiera.
No stranger to volunteer work, Keith was involved with THON, fundraising for The Four Diamonds Fund while at Penn State. The organization was aimed at "conquering cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Hospital though superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research." Keith commented, "Through my work with THON, I was inspired by the strengths that these childern and their families have shown...(it) inpsired me to support causes that are focused on supporting families facing pedaitric cancer, as well as looking for its cure."
This is Keith's second year on the Board and he is a member of the Grant Committee.
Biography updated January 2012
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Mike & Kelly Bova Mike & Kelly Bova
The Bovas, Kelly and Mike, were introduced to Sophie’s story through the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA and were “truly inspired by Marc and Emily’s courage and strength,” and were eager to be a part of the SFSF Board. Both from the Cleveland area, they settled in Avon Lake with their two boys, Michael (8) and Jake (5), and their daughter, Kayley (2).
A District Sales Manager for Abbot, Mike was among the many fundraising runners in the First Annual Smiles For Sophie Forever 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk. Between selling Thirty-One, serving as a part-time multiple account assistant for Hallmark and her job as a stay-at-home Mom, Kelly made time to work both the Fall Festivals and the race and solicited needed supplies.
Kelly and Mike are members of the Fundraising Committee. Both Kelly and Mike “want to help families who face the monster of pediatric brain cancer and hope that someday families will not have to face this horrible disease.”
Biography updated January 2012
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Dan Bucci Dan Bucci
Dan Bucci
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Dan Bucci, SFSF Board Member, became involved with SFSF through his wife Andrea and her volunteering efforts with the Early Childhood PTA, a husband-wife team whose involvement is a family affair.
"Humbled to help in any way," Dan serves on the Grant Committee. Dan says, "Marc and Emily's vision for The Foundation and ultimate goals are truly inspiring." Before moving to Avon Lake four years ago, Dan worked on Capitol Hill and at The White House. He currently practices construction law for Thompson Hine, a Cleveland law firm.
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Katie Evanchick Katie Evanchick
Katie Evanchick
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Katie Evanchick, her husband Jonathon, and their two children, Ella (5) and Jon Anthony (2) reside in Avon Lake. Katie's "dear" friend and neighbor, Board member Michelle Polinko, introduced Katie to Emily.
As a physician's assistant at the Cleveland Clinic for Spine Health, Katie invited Emily and Marc to be keynote speakers at a November, 2009 conference sponsored by the Clinic. There Emily and Marc told Sophie's story, along with a video presentation of Sophie's short life.
Katie became "...very familiar with Sophie's journey's and the family's devastation," and willingly joined the SFSF Board and the Fundraising Committee in 2010. "Their story touched my life...and I would love to give back my support and help fight pediatric gliomas....The Quayle family inspires me to become a better person, mom, and community leader."
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Robin Somers Robin Somers
Robin Somers
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Robin Somers, a resident of Rocky River, Ohio, joined the SFSF Board in January, 2011. Having followed Sophie's story through Emily's blog, Robin was "touched by a family and a child I (she) had never met." When her daughter Morgan's good friend Derric Williams was diagnosed with DIPG, she contacted Emily asking for first-hand ideas on how she could help Derric's family. "Emily and Marc graciously opened up thier hearts and lives to not only me, but to the Williams' family." From this relationship, Robin vowed to "do everything I could to come along side them and their mission."
Robin has three children, Morgan (11), Elise (9) and Michael (8). As a junior/senior high school teacher at Spectrum School for Autism in Lorain, OH, she has a great deal of experience working with young people. As a teacher, she understands volunteer work, working with limited resources, and getting tasks accomplished.
"I have seen firsthand the gift that SFSF was to the Williams' family, and I want to be that instrument of grace to others in their time of need. I couldn't imagine a better way and a better organization to which to give my time and effort."
Biography updated January 2012 |
Chris Walters Chris Walters 
Chris Walters
Email chris
Fellow Avon Lake resident and Director of National Accounts at Steris Corporation, Chris Walters, serves on the SFSF Board. His relationship with Emily and Marc was initiated by his oldest daughter Grace who was Sophie’s friend in play group.
Witnessing “the toll that DIPG took, not only on Sophie, but on Marc and Emily as well" motivated Chris to action and involvement. Speaking of Marc and Emily, Chris says, “I know they were blessed with family and friends that supported them, but many people don't have that support. Through SFSF, I want to help ease, at least the financial burden, this disease places on families, until a cure can be found.”
Serving on the Grant Committee, Chris partners with his Board Member wife, Kim, as they adjust their schedules, attend meetings, and fulfill their commitments as they care for their three daughters. Chris’ constant reminder of Sophie is Grace’s nightly prayer for her friend, Sophie.
Biography updated January 2012
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Kim Walters Kim Walters 
Kim Walters
Database Coordinator
Email Kim
"Honored to be a SFSF Board Member," is Kim Walters, mother of three girls, Grace (8), Reagan (7) and Kayla (5). Having met Sophie and Emily through the Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA play group, Kim and her oldest daughter, Grace, established an immediate and deep connection.
Only ten days apart in age, Sophie and Grace became friends at the age of two. From the onset of Sophie's diagnosis, Kim simply felt, "a need to help in any way." This need still exists. Kim manages the SFSF database, serves on the Fundraising Committee and continues helping with many behind-the-scenes aspects of The Foundation. Kim had also accompanied Emily to Memphis and had run in the St. Jude Half-Marathon.
An Avon Lake resident since 2004, Kim "would like to provide some relief to families struggling with DIPG....Sophie will forever be in my heart."
Biography updated January 2012
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