November 13, 2003

Gifts Of Hope

Genesis Cancer Center and the Quad City Mallards Make Reading Fun

Davenport, IA - Area kids will enjoy an afternoon of books and fun thanks to Genesis Cancer Center and the Quad City Mallards. Mallards' players Andy Fermoyle and Jason Cannon will read, "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle," by David Saltzman to students at Jefferson Edison Elementary School, 1027 N. Marquette, Davenport, at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, November 18.

Genesis Cancer Center purchased copies of this bestseller using funds raised from their Mallards Jersey Auction in February. The Center will donate 100 books to elementary schools in Iowa and Illinois, including the Davenport, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, Central Community, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis Community School Districts.

"The Quad City Mallards organization and our players have established a long-term commitment to help Genesis Health System and the Genesis Cancer Center in their service to the Quad Cities community," says Howard Cornfield, President and General Manger of the Quad City Mallards. "We are pleased to be able to reaffirm our commitment by participating in this event."

"The Jester Has Lost His Jingle" tells a story of surviving chronic illness and overcoming obstacles through laughter and smiles. Completed after its' author and illustrator was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, the children's book was David Saltzman's senior project at Yale University. In 1990, shortly after graduating magna cum laude as an English and art major, Saltzman died. Two years later, his parents Barbara and Joe Saltzman fulfilled his dying wish - to publish "The Jester Has Lost His Jingle." Today, the inspirational story has sold more than 300,000 copies and sustained five printings thanks to the Jester and Pharley Phund, a nonprofit organization benefiting schools and hospitals.

"Spreading joy and laughter is the gift of David Saltzman's life," says Pat Christy, Manager, Genesis Cancer Center. "I can't think of a more fitting tribute than to honor his memory by spreading the good news of this talented author and illustrator."

Genesis Health System and the Genesis Cancer Center are also sponsoring the Jester and his sidekick Pharley in the Festival of Trees Parade. At 50 feet tall balloon will be filled with 6,000 cubic feet of helium and carried by 34 balloon handlers, all Genesis employees and family members. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, in downtown Davenport.