About Us
Our Mission Statement
The Christina Renna Foundation is dedicated to supporting children's cancer research and furthering awareness and education through the support of cancer groups and outreach programs for the direct support of those in need.
Director's Report
The beginning of 2010 brought federal recognition of The Christina Renna Foundation (CRF) as a 501(c) 3 organization thus gaining full non-profit status. With this major accomplishment completed we moved forward with the addition of a grant facilitator to our growing team. Our challenge for 2011 will be to explore new programs and funding opportunities to further the goals of this foundation.
I am proud and excited to introduce two new board members Thomas Hand and Richard Renna. As a board, we are constantly seeking new leaders who can expand our abilities to help those in need. On behalf of CRF we welcome you.
2010 was filled with many accomplishments that led to increased awareness of pediatric cancer and of those affected by it. But what resonates the most for me is the cooperation and respect that we have forged with other organizations. Our philosophy as a foundation is to not only work harder but also work smarter to achieve our goals. In my opinion, the big missing piece in all the research and fundraising efforts has been the lack of mutual cooperation among the various disease-based philanthropic groups. Greater cooperation between institutions and a unified effort by the various stakeholders would hasten progress and tremendously boost our chances of successfully finding cures, which is clearly our common goal. Our ongoing approach is to constantly look for ways to pool and leverage resources to enhance the success of our programs as well as those of others.
My friends, you have taught me the true meaning of community. I know that like me, many of you belong to more than one of the several organizations that have become the foundation of this community. We have worked together with the Rotary, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Moose, Lions Club, PTAs, school districts, teachers unions, youth organizations, Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, corporations, professional organizations, medical groups, church groups, fire departments, local, state and federal government’s. But our biggest supporter is and continues to be YOU! With your support we have successfully advocated for the establishment of federal legislation to fund pediatric cancer research and will continue to fight for the federal funding promised by congress. With your assistance, we have raised funds to support research at the world-renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where efforts by talented scientists will one day lead to a greater understanding of the biology of cancer and hopefully, a cure. I would like to thank all of our friends for their hard work and the support that they have given us.
I look forward to another year with a prayer that God give us the strength to endure, a wish that a cure may soon be found and a dream of a cancer free world… May the whisper of an angel’s wish, touch your hearts and guide our mission.
~ Philip Renna, Director ~
January, 2011
385 South 14th Street