Arizona Cancer Foundation for Chidren

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Make a difference!  We are raising money to benefit Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and we want to share our personal stories with the rest of our HomeLight family. 

Too late to make a long story short but we found a very worthy local 501c3 started by Chrisie Funari (mother of Ava who passed away much too early) who is working to achieve a free standing play room independent of any hospital where children who have cancer and their families can come to escape in a supportive environment. Please read more about Arizona Cancer Foundation For Children here :

https://www.azcancerfoundation.org/who-we-are Ava’s Tree House:


Courtney’s Son Xavier:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jQYDa7AgjLzSvXuAxRFMy_Wa-1Uer5K/view


 For those of you that don’t know September is childhood cancer awareness month. This is something that holds a place in my heart because my son Xavier is a childhood cancer survivor. That time in our lives is one to this day he refuses to talk about. It’s really nothing anyone especially a child should ever have to experience. My son almost 4 years ago was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma- it was in his neck, his chest and stomach. It was one of the most fearful things any of us had ever experienced as a family. My faith grew stronger during this time. But we were all scared. I had never prayed so hard. He went through heavy chemo Therapy, radiation & countless Ct and pets scans. In the hospital (which we were most days) I saw children literally fighting for their lives-but one thing I noticed is they actually all did it with smiles on their faces. These children were and are warriors! Hearing the doctor say “Xavier you’re cancer free” was something we can never forget. It’s like feeling scared to not be scared. After time you’re like ok we can breath again. This month is important because so many children go through this and it’s a devastating, life changing event and not every story ends well. So In September I encourage you to support Childhood Cancer Awareness.


Sandra’s Daughter Mia:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBv62ICt17dl58xITO-hHvIgmaZGkH5v/view

 
Mia was diagnosed on Labor Day weekend in 2010 with a malignant aggressive fast growing tumor the size of a golf ball by her brain stem, a brain tumor called Medulloblastoma. That was the beginning of a journey we didn’t see coming. Mia was 5yrs old at the time and had a little brother, aged 4 and a baby sister – merely two weeks old.   Mia underwent a 9 hour surgery, rounds and rounds of chemo and six weeks of daily radiation to her head and spine to be here today.  And she succeeded.  She is here.  She shows up every day.  The cost was great.  The price tag on cancer for children goes well beyond the limited funds allocated to help treat them and that often depletes and ruins families financially.  The real cost is the loss of their childhood. That is what happens when weeks upon weeks turn into months upon months on an isolated pediatric hospital floor where children are struggling for their lives and clinging to normalcy along with their families. The good news is that the face of Childhood Cancer is changing.  It isn’t as hidden anymore thanks to families who have made it through and are willing to do the work to make the unbearable just a smidge better for the next warrior in line. 



Facts**** In the US, pediatric cancer research remains underfunded. The National Cancer Institute’s budget of $5 billion allocates only 4% to childhood cancer research. With more funding, treatments could evolve and more children could be saved. Each day, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, which means 15,590 children in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in American children.

We are raising money to help the children. The Arizona Cancer Foundation's mission is to provide social, emotional and financial support directly to families managing the health and well being of a loved one with pediatric cancer.

As I celebrate my birthday this year, I'm choosing to do something a little different. Instead of gifts, I'm asking my friends and family to contribute to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, an organization that provides crucial support to families facing the challenges of pediatric cancer. Their work resonates deeply with me, and I believe it’s essential to rally around those who are struggling during such a difficult time.

Your support helps Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children make a difference by contributing towards efforts like:

• Providing social and emotional support for families dealing with cancer diagnoses.
• Offering financial assistance to help cover medical expenses and daily needs.
• Creating community resources and events that foster connection and hope for families.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will help the foundation continue its vital mission of supporting kids with cancer and their families. I'm grateful for any contribution you can make in honor of my birthday. Together, we can bring light and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity!