Sedalia woman gets creative to help raise funds for childhood cancer research

Neuroblastoma cancer was a term Connor Coen’s family had never heard of before, but nine months after hearing it, they knew something had to be done to help find a cure for it.

Becky Sorensen, of Sedalia, is Connor’s grandmother. In July of 2006, Connor was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer that attacks the nervous system of young children. He died nine months later at the age of 8.

“Connor loved sports. Connor loved crafts and that’s why were doing this,” Sorensen said.

Since Connor’s death, Sorensen and her family have wanted to honor Connor and help other families who may be battling childhood cancer.

“We talked about how we needed to do something,” Sorensen said.

Her children are spread out throughout the country in Illinois, Virginia and California, where Connor grew up. In July, Sorensen and family gathered at her Sedalia home to begin making bracelets that would help benefit cancer research.

“We enjoy getting together and doing something worthwhile,” Sorensen said.

“Connor’s Team for Childhood Cancer,” spent an entire weekend making 125 handcrafted bracelets. The bracelets are made from polymer clay beads that the family rolled, cut and baked. They are in the colors of black and gold and are elastic to fit nearly everyone.

“It’s just our way of getting together and honoring the memory of Connor,” Sorensen said.

“He was just a really great kid.”

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sorensen thought it would be the perfect time to begin selling Connor’s bracelets in Sedalia.

In July, the family raised $668 by hosting a lemonade stand and selling some of the bracelets.

According to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a group that raises funds by selling lemonade to help find a cure for all childhood cancer, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children younger than the age of 15 in the United States.

Connor’s bracelets are now being sold for a $20 donation at Lockett’s Fig Leaf Boutique, 1400 S. Limit Ave., and You Name it Designs, Etc., 2412 S. Limit Ave.

Funds raised through the bracelet sales will be donated to the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation and other similar organizations.

Sorensen said there also are key chains available to purchase upon request.

“We’re hoping to raise money and the sky is the limit,” Sorensen said.