Soupy for Loopy seeks golfers and sponsors

Date: 9/12/2014

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The ninth annual Soupy for Loopy Fundraiser is just around the corner and the nonprofit is still in need of golfers and event sponsors.
   
The event will take place on Oct. 10 at the Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield, in honor of what would have been Laura Sypek’s 20th birthday.
   
Sypek, nicknamed “Loopy” by her family, passed away at age 11 from neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that does not respond well to treatment. Each year, the fundraiser features a golf tournament, a raffle and Sypek’s favorite meal, tomato soup with elbow macaroni.
   
“We honor Laura every day,” West Springfield Police Capt. Mark Sypek, Laura’s father, said. “Every day we think of her. Laura inspires us. She always had a smile and was always happy. We keep her in our memory.”
   
Sandra Kosko, president of the Soupy for Loopy Foundation Inc. and Sypek’s aunt, explained that research for this type of cancer has made “slow progress,” and needs more attention. She explained that the genetic makeup of the tumors is a main area that needs more study for doctors to better pinpoint what treatments will best suit each patient.
   
“Sometimes treatment works and sometimes it doesn’t. [Doctors] don’t know if a patient will relapse until it happens. Laura’s parents ran out of options. We want to help save other children,” she said, adding that if a relapse does occur, an initially successful treatment usually doesn’t work the second time around.
   
Kosko noted that leukemia has a 90 percent or higher survival rate, whereas neuroblastoma has a 45 percent survival rate. “We need to keep neuroblastoma research progressing so we can continue to make that number rise. Unfortunately, without research, there’s nothing new to try,” she said.
   
“We’re very grateful for the people that support us. No family should go through a child having cancer. One hundred percent goes back to research. We appreciate any help – big or small – it  all means the same to us,” Mark said.
   
He added that the research might help other types of childhood cancers as well since many times, the medicines are applicable to multiple diagnoses. “It’s for all kids,” Mark said.
   
“It’s a day of fun in the fall, all to help kids with cancer,” Kosko commented.
   
To date, Soupy for Loopy has raised $190,000. The goal for this year is to raise between $25,000 and $30,000. “That is our dream goal,” she said.
   
This year, the money will be donated to a two-year clinical trial conducted by New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) that includes a consortium of hospitals and medical school across the country. A drug typically used for adult cancers will be the focus of the study, according to Kosko.
   
In 2008, Soupy for Loopy donated $25,000 to a vaccine NANT developed, which has been successful in the treatment of some neuroblastoma patients.
   
Sponsorship options range from $50 to $1,000. The Platinum Sponsor of $1,000 comes with a complementary foursome round of golf. Golf costs $85 per participant and includes 18 holes with a cart, lunch, dinner, a gift and a goodie bag.
   
Dinner guests can skip the green and come for dinner. Tickets cost $25 for adults and children 10 and older and $5 for those 9 and younger. The day starts with registration at 11 a.m. A shotgun start will kick off the golf at noon and dinner will be served at 5 p.m.
   
The deadline to register is Sept. 29. For more information about participating or sponsorship, contact Kosko at 636-1234 or info@soupforloopy.org. To learn more about the event, visit www.soupyforloopy.org.
   
To make a tax-deductible donation, make checks payable to Soupy for Loopy Foundation and mail to Soupy for Loopy Foundation, Po Box 474, West Springfield, MA 01090. Donations can also be made on the website.