Robert's Snow: for Cancer's Cure
2009 dates to be determined
The Robert's Snow Story
Robert's Snow was founded by children's book illustrator Grace Lin and her husband Robert as a fundraiser to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This is the story of how it all began in Grace's own words:
"When Robert and I were married, the skies poured out a river of rain. Our wedding day was wet, but it couldn't dampen our happiness. So, when Robert's aunts told me that rain on a wedding day meant good luck, I believed them. However, it seemed that the superstition was horribly false. That winter, Robert was diagnosed with bone cancer (Ewing's sarcoma). The treatment was grueling, and Robert was left listless and weak.
One night, I began to tell Robert a story. It was a children's story about a mouse that wasn't allowed in the snow, just like him. Robert became interested, and it became our pet project.
I titled the story "Robert's Snow"; and as the story grew, so did our hopes for the future.
Nine months later, Robert was declared cancer-free. "Robert's Snow" was accepted for publication. We felt that our good luck had finally arrived. But, in March 2004, Robert's cancer returned. We were devastated. Our doctor told us that Robert's best chance for long-term survival was a breakthrough in cancer research.
So we decided to help the doctors the best we could. Because "Robert's Snow" had meant so much to us the first time, we decided to use it as an inspiration for a fundraiser. We recruited children's book artists to paint wooden snowflakes and auctioned them off — the proceeds going to cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The response was tremendous. "Robert's Snow: for Cancer's Cure" snowballed greater than we ever dreamed. In the end, we raised over $100,000. And this sparked a blizzard. Because of the great interest, we produced a book "Robert's Snowflakes" which highlights the 2004 snowflakes.
Robert and I are still immensely touched by the outcome of our project. And I've realized that rain that fell on our wedding day was a sign of good luck after all. Every one of Robert's Snowflakes is a gift of love, community, and kindness. Few couples have ever received better presents. Now we share them with you."
— Grace Lin
The book that started it all, with a portion of the author proceeds benefiting Dana-Farber. In this wonderful winter story filled with imaginative mouse-sized details, Robert, the youngest mouse in the boot house, discovers snow, but is in need of rescue. The readers will recognize the red-dressed helper who returns Robert to his home and leaves a gift for the whole family.
Featuring selected 2004 snowflakes and poems by celebrated authors, 100 percent of the royalties benefit Dana-Farber. A great way to remember the incredible art created for the debut year of Robert's Snow. Punch out snowflake included.
A Special Thank You to the Robert's Snow Founding Committee:
Anna Alter
Jarrett Krosoczka
Alice Lin
Grace Lin
Alvina Ling
Meghan McCann
Robert Mercer
Jon Obuchowski
Linda Wingerter
For more information:
Contact: Special Events
Toll-free: (800) 52-JIMMY or (800) 525-4669
E-mail: jimmyfundevents@dfci.harvard.edu
