By ED COURRIER

Special to The Press

Staff, board members, young cancer warriors and their families, along with community leaders and the general public celebrated the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s 20th birthday July 31.

This was also somewhat of a housewarming party as well, held at the nonprofit’s new headquarters at 4501 Crackersport Road, South Whitehall Township.

There were balloons and face painting for the kids, as well as snacks, birthday cupcakes and music for all.

Souvenir photos were snapped at Rockin’ Ramaley’s photo booth set up in one of the offices.

There were also photo opportunities for guests to hang out with fantasy characters from Allentown-based A Storybook Party.

Before slicing through a ceremonial ribbon provided by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director Michelle Zenie Rounds and PCFLV were recognized for their heartfelt work with families whose children are battling cancer.

A “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” was presented to Rounds by Jessica Berger on behalf of Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, presented her with a “House of Representatives Citation.”

“It’s an extra special day because all of you are here,” Rounds said as she expressed gratitude for the staff, board members, volunteers and supporters outside PCFLV’s new home.

“This has great visibility,“ says board member Susan Christine as the building and large sign can be viewed from Route 309, just north of the Route 22 interchange. “PCFLV has a home rather than a corporate office.”

“We had been looking for more space,” Rounds said.

As they had done in the past, they considered leasing an office suite.

“What we were finding was that it was going to cost us way more to rent than it was to actually purchase a building which is a great long term investment for the organization.”

Purchased from the real estate agent who had his offices there, Rounds said the building started out as a residence, then a doctor’s office.

“What was the most important to us, is that it feels like home,” Rounds said. “It doesn’t feel like a clinical setting.

“We don’t want our families to walk into another space that feels like they’re going to treatment or testing.”

She was happy to report feedback from guests at the open house included statements such as,

“The energy in here is so great!” and “It’s so homey and it feels warm!”

“Just happy to help out,” said Mike Petronio, about serving as board president.

The Upper Macungie Township resident has been a board member for seven years.

He spoke about finding the right building at the right spot for a price and mortgage the organization could afford.

“It’s a really amazing place for us,” said Rounds enthusiastically.

She and Petronio mentioned there are already plans in the works to build an addition to the building to provide additional programming space and storage.

BalloonWorks provided decorations and Graze Craze catered the event.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley provides free programming and services to local children with cancer and their families.

For more information, call 484-221-9294 or visit pcflv.org.