Since operations began in April 2001, the sole focus of The Littlest Heroes, a local nonprofit organization, has been to bring complementary medicine to children in Northeast Ohio who have cancer. Reiki, guided imagery, art, music, writing therapies, yoga, tai chi and other services are brought to the children and their families free of charge. Blazine Monaco, Executive Director and founder of The Littlest Heroes states, “When a child has cancer, the parents must maintain a sense of normalcy for the whole family. Finances, work and home obligations continue as they fight for the survival of their child. At The Littlest Heroes we believe the ideal support system includes giving attention to the mind, body and spirit in partnership with traditional health care. And we take our services to where the families are spending most of their time – in care facilities and in their homes.”

Monaco continues, “The majority of our Complementary Medicine Service Line is based on mind/body medicine. Children possess a natural ability with their imagination and mind that makes them perfect for these practices. This system empowers them to actively participate in their own health care.” Complementary medicine offers immense and diverse benefits to a child who has cancer. Studies suggest that complementary medicine practices can shorten surgical recovery time, lessen pain and the need for pain medication, increase coping and adjustment skills and dramatically decrease the stress and anxiety associated with painful medical procedures and the trauma associated with childhood cancer.

The services that The Littlest Heroes offers attack cancer with the most powerful weapon at our disposal: the power of the human spirit. That small act of kindness did so much to raise my spirits, to restore the sense of humanity which medical care had taken away. Defeating cancer isn't just about killing the cancer cells. It is also about keeping the part of us that is human; about preserving the person. The Littlest Heroes addresses that part of the battle – where children with cancer need help the most. Jessica Glago

One good example of the vast benefits provided by The Littlest Heroes’ services is a remarkable young woman named Jessica Glago. Jessica first fought cancer at thirteen months of age, and then during her junior year of high school she was once again diagnosed. While undergoing cancer treatments for the second time in her short life, Jessica expressed how difficult it was to look in a mirror and see a cancer patient. Her self-esteem and spirit were at an all-time low despite the fact that she was soon to be inducted into the National Honor Society. Because she had lost a considerable amount of weight, she didn't have anything that fit her for the induction ceremony. When Jessica's social worker contacted The Littlest Heroes for assistance, the organization gave Jessica a new outfit for the ceremony. Not only that, they also provided Jessica, her mother and her grandmother with manicures, pedicures and massage therapy. Jessica's family enjoyed quality time together and also experienced the benefits of relaxation, increased self-esteem, uplifted attitudes and renewed confidence in their personal appearances. This year, Jessica was honored with the 2004 Littlest Heroes Inspiration Award for her contagious, positive attitude and with her endless drive to succeed. She graduated high school with a 4.5 GPA, second in her class of over three hundred. She was also awarded a full scholarship to Dartmouth University where she will begin classes this fall. Jessica accomplished all of this while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Monaco says proudly, “Jessica is the epitome of the spirit of a child with cancer. She represents the determination, resilience and courage that these children exhibit. It is this spirit that is my personal inspiration.”

For more information, visit www.thelittlestheroes.org or call (440) 729-5200. Licensed practitioners of the above listed modalities, volunteers and financial contributors are recruited on a continual basis. Financial donations are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to: The Littlest Heroes, 8228 Mayfield Road, Suite 3B, Chesterland, Ohio 44026. A portion of the proceeds from MBSC's Masquerade Ball/Silent Auction on October 30 will be donated to The Littlest Heroes. Call MBSC at (216) 321-9181 or visit www.MBSConline.org for more information on this event.