Our Firm participated in a pediatric cancer fundraiser which was truly inspiring. 

As many of you know, we represent a lot of employees who need medical leave for various reasons.  Federal law gives certain employees the right to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave to care for themselves, their spouse or children.  Some employers are more generous than this and the federal government has their own guidelines.

Over the years a number of our clients have needed FMLA leave to care for sick children–the most devastating reason to need leave.  These are some of the most heartbreaking stories we see–clients trying to keep their jobs while caring for their children.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month.  Two weekends ago our Firm was fortunate enough to participate in a little boys’ efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research.  The boy, Benjamin, lives across the street from me.  He and his brothers go to school with my kids and his mama is one of my favorite people.  Benjamin was diagnosed last December with leukemia after his mom took him to the doctor suspecting a simple ear infection. Despite that he is in the midst of a very grueling four years of treatment, Benjamin and his parents wanted to give back to an organization that has given so much to them.  The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation was started by the beloved Cubs player, Anthony Rizzo.  Rizzo, himself, had cancer as a child and the ARFF strives to raise money not only for pediatric cancer research but also provides immeasurable support to the families going through the treatment with their children.

We helped Benjamin reach is goal and you can read about that here.  Now, Benjamin has decided to take his lemonade stand  virtual world and is continuing his efforts to raise money for this organization online.  If you are interested in donating, please visit Benjamin’s page.  While we here strive to help our clients understand the laws that will protect them when they are caring for an ill child, the Rizzo foundation strives to raise raise money for cancer research and to provide support to children and their families battling the disease.