Ileana Geestman, Desi Geestman Foundation
Nominated by Richard E. Dinger, Crescenta Valley Insurance
Childhood Cancer Facts
- Each year, more than 12,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in
children under 15.
- About one-third of childhood cancers
are leukemias.
- Today, children with leukemia have a survival rate of over 75%.
- More information: http://www.cure
search.org/
In 1997 Ileana Geestman received the news that every parent dreads—her seemingly healthy ten year old daughter Desi was diagnosed with cancer. Desi, with unwavering spirit and will, battled the disease with great courage, until finally succumbing to it two years later. But from tragedy came hope. Ileana was determined to carry out her daughter’s deepest wish: to help other children and families going through the same ordeal.
Ileana founded the Desi Geestman Foundation in her daughter’s memory to help make life more manageable for families of children with cancer.
From finding temporary housing so that loved ones can be close to the hospital, to purchasing medications not covered by insurance, to assisting with educational support and tutoring, the Foundation helps provide the basic necessities to get families through their
difficult time.
Ileana wanted the Foundation to be unique from other charities in that it truly personalizes the donations to families and contributes to practical, every day needs. Gifts come in form of grocery cards, a birthday party for a sibling of a patient, or even helping out with rent—whatever the family needs the most.
Friend and agent Rick Dinger of Crescenta Valley Insurance nominated Ileana for the Champions award. “Ileana gives so much of herself for the Foundation, spending countless hours ensuring those touched by cancer are well taken care of, “ said Dinger. “She is making the Glendale community a better place, one child, one family at a time.”
For more information on the Desi Geestman Foundation, visit www.4desi.org.