We must dive into the community and stand with the children and families that are going through some of the hardest days of their lives. I know that I will continue to fight for these kids and support them in any way that I can. I hope that you can join me on this journey and help me give these kids their childhood back.

In 2017, PCRF started a PCRF Survivor’s Scholarship fund to help these warriors through a period of academic, social, physical, and financial challenge – College! The PCRF Survivor’s Scholarship eases the struggle survivors face as they transition into what should be “normal” adulthood. Scholarships help with the financial strain, but beyond that, it gives a vote of confidence that their future is reachable and they can accomplish their dreams.

While cancer in children is considered rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the USA. In the last 20 years, only four new drugs have been approved specifically for children. Some would say this is a start, but these children deserve more momentum, and that is contingent on investments. In 2021 our open grant cycle gleaned 42 letters of request. Only 7 were funded, leaving 35 research projects unfunded.

Volunteering at PCRF enables us to help carry out both small and large events to raise money funding top research institutions across the country.
One of the first volunteers I was introduced to was a long-time pediatric cancer warrior Terry Shephard. Terry volunteers year-round and leads her fundraising team “Running with Todd” at our Reaching for the Cure run/walk each year in memory of her son Todd. She became involved with PCRF in 1996 and has been pivotal since.

Building strong morale in the workplace is hugely beneficial to thriving businesses. Experts agree that when morale is high, there is a direct correlation to increased productivity, efficiencies, and retention. While there are many ways company execs look to boost morale, team-building activities can be the source of fostering meaningful and open communication among peers, supports problem-solving, and keep those creative juices flowing!

For the past 15 years, PCRF has produced a tried-and-true event called Dribble for the Cure with UCLA and St. John’s basketball teams. This year we partnered with the V Foundation, rebranded the event “Dribble for Victory Over Cancer”, and we are looking to expand to other teams across the country. We are also looking for national and local partners to support these great events.