Photo: (volatizingtheesters.com)
When Cari Smulyan heard that one of her favorite little gals, 2-year old superkid Maeve Nguyen, had been diagnosed with a one-in-a-million type of cancer, she hatched a plan that would make Clark Kent proud.
Cari -- longtime friend of Maeve's mother, Megan -- decided to champion her buddy's cape-wearing alter-ego: Super Maeve. Using the fundraising platform GiveForward, Cari crafted a heartfelt message and pledged to raise money toward hospital bills. Then she laced up her Adidas, set the bar sky high and took off. For each round of chemo Maeve endues, Cari will run, bike, or swim in a race, aiming to raise $2,000 each time. As she points out below, every little bit counts -- and as her actions prove, a big heart and creative touch can be hero-worthy superpowers, too.
She has done a great job of keeping donors posted on Maeve's progress, from chemo updates (round four in progress: five days in isolation) to pedicure techniques (tip: paint the whole toes purple for a stylish effect). So far, Cari has raised nearly $10,000. She hopes to reach her $12,000 goal by her next race on August 4th. And the incredible, brave Super Maeve? Oh, she's kickin' cancer's butt.
ACT: You and Super Maeve make a pretty super team. Any sweet stories about ways you've kept each other's spirits high?
CARI: Maeve is such a special little soul. We call her Super Maeve now because a few weeks before they found out she had cancer Maeve became obsessed with Superman. Megan went out and bought her a Superman cape and would wear it running around saying "I Super Maeve!" I find the timing of it so incredible because it really has helped all of us through this process, thinking of her as a little superhero.
I got to spend the day with Megan and Maeve after her first round of chemo. It was one of the best days I have had in a long time and it had nothing to do with Maeve having cancer. She is just so much fun to be around. I just kept looking at her as we played, thinking, "Gosh this sucks, she doesn't look sick at all." But then the next day she lost most of her hair. Megan and Vu [Maeve's father] turned it into a fun family event and they shaved Vu's head and then Maeve's. She loved it.
ACT: What most surprised you about Maeve's diagnosis?
CARI: What I found most surprising about Maeve's diagnosis was how rare this particular cancer is: One in one million children get diagnosed with malignant taratomas. The good news is, as rare as it is, her doctors have seen it and cured it. Right now the plan is chemo to shrink the teratomas that are in Maeve's liver, abdominal cavity and lungs, followed by surgery to remove the teratomos and two more rounds of chemo. The hope is that will be the end of Maeve's treatment.
ACT: How did you spring into action after getting the facts?
CARI: Megan and Vu both have good jobs and work hard, but I knew that even with insurance their medical bills were going to start mounting and there was a good chance their insurance wasn't going to cover a lot of what was recommended. The best way I knew to help Megan and Vu was to raise money through racing. I decided I would do one race for each round of chemo. Right now, that means six races. I hope that's where the number stays, but if my favorite little Super Hero has to fight have another round then there will be another race and another 2k to be raised.
I am not the only one of their friends who has been raising money for Super Maeve. It's really amazing. They have had friends host golf outings to raise money and another one did an event at a bar: "Have a mighty pint for a mighty tike!" One of Maeve's uncles has a restaurant, and during the month of June, 20 percent of each meal and beverage will be donated to Super Maeve. There are so many ways people can show their support. Every little bit helps and adds up. That's why I always encourage people to donate even $10, because that means a lot and makes a difference.
ACT: Why did you decide to use racing as your fundraising tool?
CARI: I do a couple races a year and had signed up for the Nashville Rock n' Roll Marathon in January and was just running for fun. Then Maeve got sick and I decided to run that race in her honor and it all snowballed from there. Megan thought I was crazy setting the goal of 12k. She thought I should do 2k, and I laughed and said, "No way. I want 2k per race."
ACT: Any moments that have been particularly moving or memorable along in this process?
CARI: The show of support has been wonderful. A few of my best friends who don't know Megan, Vu or Maeve, sent an email to their friend with the most beautiful letter and a link to my Give Forward page. I was so moved and taken surprised when I received it, I cried for an hour. I still get chills when I think about it.
ACT: Do you have tips on how to get started with racing if someone's never done it before?
CARI: I think the first step is getting over the fear. My first race I was so scared that I would be the last person to cross the finish line or the most out of shape person. I wasn't either of those things, but I also realized it didn't matter if I was. What mattered was that I was doing it. What I love about racing is that there are people of all shapes, sizes and from all walks of life.
My recommendation is to first pick a race that sounds like fun. Second, ask a couple friends if they want to do it with you. Third, I would have a goal to help keep you motivated. Lastly, I would pick something fun to do after the race so you have something to look forward to, like treating yourself to a massage or dinner at your favorite restaurant.
ACT: How can people help if they don't have money to donate?
CARI: Maeve says give lots of hugs out. Megan says spread love and put good energy into the world each day. I agree with everything they said. I am a big believer in energy and our power as people to help shift it. I think that is part of why Maeve is doing so well.
