Making a Difference: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND

WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES HAS CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND FACED IN THEIR MISSION, AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Children's Cancer Fund (CCF) has found that overcoming challenges requires a combination of creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. As most nonprofits do, CCF relies on volunteers to assist in accomplishing their mission. However, attracting and retaining volunteers can be challenging. To overcome this, CCF has implemented volunteer management systems and by creating a positive organizational culture, volunteers have allowed CCF to expand their reach and capacity to fulfill their mission. Their dedication, skills, and commitment significantly contribute to the success of the organization, making a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer.

CAN YOU PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF INDIVIDUALS WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED BY THE WORK OF CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND?

Children’s Cancer Fund was founded in 1982 by a coalition of parents whose children were receiving cancer treatment at Children’s Medical Center. The organizers have since been joined by community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and health professionals. Lisa Prather joined the CCF family in 1988 as a fashion show model. Now she’s a cancer survivor paying it forward. Lisa was diagnosed with yolk sac carcinoma in 1981, but after 10 months of chemotherapy and a tough surgery, she was officially in remission. Following her journey, her father helped found CCF and her mother quickly jumped in to help make the fashion show what it is today. Lisa continued to be involved in the fashion show each year, and as she grew older, assisted in a volunteer capacity. Now, Lisa is a part of CCF’s Board of Directors, where she is able to participate in various aspects of the organization and assist with certain legal matters – combining her profession with her passion. More than 30 years later, Lisa is happy, healthy and honored to be supporting an organization whose prime focus is on research to end childhood cancer.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT READERS CAN GET INVOLVED AND SUPPORT THE MISSION OF CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND?

We could not accomplish what we do without our gracious donors, volunteers, and constituents. Readers can get involved by:

DONATE

Remember a loved one’s life, celebrate a special someone, or recognize the courage of a friend or relative who is so bravely fighting cancer and make a thoughtful donation to CCF in any denomination. When your donation is received, a personalized tribute card will be sent to the person or family honored, notifying them of your donation.

Participate

CCF hosts numerous events throughout the year to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs. With the support from community members, organizations and generous donations, our events raise money to provide the necessary funding for life-saving research and treatment programs that impact our children in North Texas. We welcome guests from across the country to our Annual Gala featuring live and silent auctions, a raffle drawing, a fashion show featuring patients receiving treatment at Children’s Medical Center Dallas and their celebrity escorts, dinner and drinks, and live entertainment. You don’t want to miss this wonderful event!

SERVE

Donating your time or talent is a great way to support CCF.

OUR MISSION:

Children’s Cancer Fund champions kids in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care in North Texas. We are a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas that generates funds through several fundraising events throughout the year and private donations. We are closely affiliated with Children’s Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center, both of whom are national leaders in the research and treatment of pediatric cancer. By working closely with these respected organizations, we are able to strategically focus our funds on improving treatment and care methods for North Texas children who are affected by all types of pediatric cancer.

Please visit www.childrenscancerfund.com or reach out to info@childrenscancerfund.com to support.

Our Results:

- Children’s Cancer Fund has donated $13 million to support pediatric cancer research in Dallas.

- Children’s Cancer Fund invested more than $7 million in endowments for supporting pediatric cancer patients at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern.

- Children’s Cancer Fund initiated funding for a full-time Child Life Specialist position in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Medical Center to assist the outpatient team, whose primary goal is to make each of the 80-90 daily outpatients’ visits a more positive experience. This position has been funded by CCF every year since, helping to ease the emotional and social strain of ongoing treatments, some lasting several years.