Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley

That sentence is truly frightening. Luckily, regional families have a wonderful resource, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV). PCFLV is a local non-profit providing free programs and services to local pediatric cancer patients and their families. PCFLV is there for families from diagno sis, during treatment and survivorship, and, in the event of a child’s passing, throughout bereavement.

PCFLV was founded in 2003 by a cancer mom who want ed to be able to support other Lehigh Valley pediatric cancer families. The service area for PCFLV is a 50-mile radius from the Allentown office.

In 2022, in the Lehigh Valley area, there were 29 children diagnosed with cancer, eight children relapsed and seven children passed away. There are currently over 375 families who are eligible for services from PCFLV.

“Our mission is simple,” explains Tracy Stauffer, Marketing, Community Relations and Development Coordinator for PCFLV. “We are here to help local pediatric cancer families. As a cancer mom myself, I know how much of an impact PCFLV has on each and every one of our families.”

PCFLV provides programs to assist families financially, socially and emotionally. The Foundation distributes thousands of dollars each year in gas/grocery/hospital cafeteria and EZPass gift cards, has a Family Assistance Fund to help pay for major bills, provides free sports and entertainment tickets, and offers an end-of-life stipend to bereaved families. PCFLV also holds support groups, offers college/trade school scholarships to cancer warriors and bereaved siblings, maintains a Birthday Club, and hosts Camp Smile (a week-long summer day camp.) Warrior meals (takeout meals delivered to the hospital when kids are in-patient), a one-time house-cleaning services, clinic visits and many other services are offered to PCFLV families. For a full list of PCFLV’s programs and services, visit pcflv.org.

PCFLV raises money through several in-house fundraisers like The Hearts of Gold Gala; the Ready, Set, GOLD 5k Walk/8k Run; and the Luau On The Links Golf Outing. Local companies and groups also host fundraising events to benefit PCFLV. Individuals can easily host a Facebook fundraiser to benefit the Foundation as well.

PCFLV also accepts donations throughout the year, and donations can be made in memory of or in honor of a loved one. In addition, there are several volunteer opportunities currently available through PCFLV.

For more information about PCFLV, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, visit pcflv.org, email info@pcflv.org or all 484-221-9294. H