As a childhood cancer advocate for the past 7 years, I can attest that children with cancer and their families have benefitted greatly from Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation programs and vision. I have worked with them to lobby Congress to pass legislation that is vital to obtaining research funds for pediatric cancers and funding to help survivors. I have witnessed their work in helping families who are struggling with problems due to the financial burden they must bear when they lose income, and or have extra travel expenses due to their child's cancer. The families are also helped with bereavement programs when they have a child taken by cancer. AWOCCF is the glue to the fabric of our childhood cancer community through CureFest, a huge September event, held in Washington, DC each year that brings thousands of people together to bring awareness to address the needs of childhood cancer. In addition, they fund one of the largest voices in the country, The Truth365, which has over 150,000 followers that are united and strengthened because of the information, help, and direction they receive as followers. I do not know what our community would do without such a great organization. Joe Baber
Great NFP- great fundraising and use of funds! Always quick to respond and seek out how they can help families and fund research!
Arms Wide Open is an amazing foundation that helps so many families fighting the childhood cancer beast. In addition they are collaborative with many other foundations working to raise awareness and fund childhood cancer research.
Working with Dena on the Southwest Hope and Healing Retreat for the past two years has been a joy! Unfortunately, due to COVID, we had to postpone this year’s retreat to Aug, 2021. Dena is very genuine, caring, and works hard to help families who have children being treated for cancer. Arms Wide Open also finds much needed research for neuroblastoma. Dena is an inspiration to me, as I lost my daughter in 1999 to neuroblastoma, and have a non-profit in Tucson, helping childhood cancer patients and their families.
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. is an outstanding foundation supporting children and families who face childhood cancer. Their collaborative approach sets an example of what can be done when we work together to conquer an important issue. The American Cancer Society #GoldTogether for childhood cancer initiative is proud to be a supporter and participant in the annual national CureFest USA event in Washington D.C. The mission to make childhood cancer research a national priority by uniting the childhood cancer community, the general public, the medical community, and our elected leaders is fully embraced during this national event founded and executed by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation.
I witnessed my dear friend start this foundation. Her heart, grit and determination have made this group what it is today. Putting families and survival and grief support all in one. Proud yo call her my friend ❤️
I have witnessed first hand the incredible work AWOCCF does for bereaved families and the difference they make in their lives. It is with love, dedication and hard work they are changing the coarse of people’s lives and making a difference in the study and research of pediatric cancers.
I reached out to Dena about my son Sergio. She was very helpful and gave me great advice. I love this foundation because it helps inspire cancer kids and families that need help. It is a wonderful organization.
Arms Wide Open welcomes pediatric cancer families in need with "open arms". Supporting families at all stages of cancer, including families who may be grieving. I'm grateful to be able to collaborate with Dena and Arms Wide Open to to support childhood cancer families. A truly amazing partner!
Arms Wide Open Is always there for The Warriors to lend Support in EVERY Way They were there for My Grandson Austin as he battled Neuroblastoma. Thanks to Dena Sherwood who guided My Family to the Best care at MSKCC. Austin has been in REMISSION going on 2 Years July25. For This We are Forever Grateful
I spoke with Dena Sherwood from Arms Wide Open shortly after my 16 year old son died from leukemia. Finding a charity that focuses on pediatric cancer research wasn’t hard but finding one that would allow 100% of donations to go to research and was personally overseen by the most caring woman I’ve ever met was. I felt so comfortable with Dena and AWOCCF’s mission that I’ve been fundraising for them for five years now to help fulfill my sons wish for a cure to pediatric cancer. AWOCCF is a wonderful organization led by a compassionate, determined and committed team who put kids and their families first. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me the opportunity to help others in my sons memory.
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I lost my 16-year-old son to leukemia last year. Always thinking of others, he told me of his wish for a cure for childhood cancer. I wasn't sure where to start but knew that my mission in life was now to fulfill my son's wish. I heard about Arms Wide Open from a friend and contacted Dena Sherwood about how I could help them raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Dena called me right away and I felt like I was talking to a long-lost friend. She helped me understand what AWOCCF does to support children and their families and how I can make a difference in memory of my son. I knew from the moment that we spoke that this amazing woman was a compassionate champion for our children. Having known her now for over a year, I am even more impressed with her commitment, leadership and desire to make childhood cancer a national priority.
I can't tell you how rewarding it is to know that the funds we raise in memory of my son are helping researchers discover new and less destructive therapies and will ultimately lead to a cure for all childhood cancers. AWOCCF lets me know exactly what research grants they are funding right down to the type of cancer, the name of the doctor and the hospital where the research is being done. Amazing!
Cancer robbed my son of his life and our family of one of the most kindhearted and loving kids ever to walk the face of this earth. AWOCCF has given me a way to channel my grief into action, honor my son's memory, and help to fulfill his wish to end childhood cancer.
I became involved with this foundation when it first began after my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. Arms Wide Open has been such a blessing. I have met so many incredible individuals, families, children and doctors. I have met childhood cancer warriors who advocate while still fighting and some who have unfortunately passed away, but regardless their voices still resonate daily. This foundation changes lives of so many. Knowing all of those involved and that I have crossed paths with and being able to play a role in AWOCCF has changed my life for the better.
This is an amazing organization that makes a real difference in the fight against childhood cancer; providing funding for cures, creating awareness, helping families and being a voice for the youngest of our citizens.
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Arms Wide Open is an amazing nonprofit...from funding innovative clinical trials, to spreading awareness through the Truth365 or uniting the childhood cancer community at CureFest...this is a mission driven foundation. My family and I have seen and felt the profound effect that this wonderful organization has on families as they fight and heal. Thank you Arms Wide Open and Dena Sherwood for all that you do.
Beau Hester
There are many charities out there...know which to choose...I would choose Arms Wide open because they truly care for the families they take care of ...they are honest and caring...Everyone is included, the siblings and mom and dad...all so important...Dena Sherwood is a true blessing in this world, we need more like her.
God Bless you Dena and Arms Wide Open, keep making a positive change in this world of Childhood Cancer. we are blessed to have you
Dena and her family, work tirelessly and with valor, to ensure no family has to go through childhood cancer alone......Her Faith, Compassion, Dedication, and Commitment are second to none! In a world full of so much ugly, Dena is Light, and an inspiration to all! Keep up the good work my priceless friend! BRAVO!
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Where do I begin? I have the Honor of being the Sherwood’s neighbor around the corner. The Sherwood’s are living proof of What Faith, Vallor, Dignity and Honor are all about. Truly Hero’s that took their family’s unimaginable pain and suffering and turned it into one of the most successful organizations providing not only financial funding but also genuine kindness and emotional support during family’s deepest nightmares.......I could never adequately put into words how this organization has touched my heart, and the lives of so many families..... I can only repeat my sentiments, that this is the stuff that True HEROS are made of! God Bless the Arms Wide Open Foindation.
When we were in the middle of a financially devastating time, after our daughter was diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time, we reached out to Arms Open Wide. They were so compassionate and quick to respond. We appreciated their generosity more than we could ever explain. ❤️ Our daughter is healthy once again. Thank you!!
Such an important foundation for children battling cancer. Arms Wide Open Children’s Cancer Foundation a VOICE for our children and an amazing support system helping these children and their family’s get through and fight the fight.
This charity goes above and beyond not just to get the message out about Childhood Cancers but to support the childhood cancer community as well as research. I love them and will always be there for them.
Full of love, support and educational. Professional yet and personal enough to know they care about us.
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We have benefited from the amazing outreach to bereaved parents and families. After my teenaged son passed away from his cancer, my daughter managed to find out about a weekend put on for bereaved families run by AWOCCF. I didn't want to go, didn't want to be there, BUT I felt so supported and loved throughout the weekend. Amazing group that truly cares about childhood cancer patients and their families.
This is an amazing foundation headed by an even more amazing woman!
As a Bereaved Parent who lost my daughter to Childhood Cancer, I’ve been to 3 of their Bereavement Retreats.
Dena does a fabulous job of not only promoting awareness and helping to find cancer research but she does amazing things for us bereaved parents also!
I can’t say enough about this organization and how helpful it’s been to me and my family.
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We lost our baby girl to Childhood Cancer a little over a year ago. Shortly after she passed we went to an Arms Wide Open Bereavement Retreat. We felt such love and support. They care so much about the families impacted by Childhood Cancer and do so much for people who are still fighting as well as those of us who lost our children. I truly cannot give enough praise and thanks to this foundation.
So grateful for the constant love, compassion and support of this organization. It makes us all a part of something bigger and we are better together!
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This organization goes above and beyond, every time. I have experienced a night for mom's at the RMDHNYC, Curefest, and two Bereavement Retreats. The details that go into everything they do means the world to us. The love and support is always abundant and the connections made between families through these events will last a lifetime. Thank you for all that you do Dena and Arms Wide Open!
I have participated in programming sponsored by this foundation for the last 4 years. I recently was able to take advantage of a bereavement retreat for families impacted by Childhood Cancer. It was elegant, compassionate, caring and full of love.
Before my son passed away from leukemia in 2015, he expressed to me his desire for there to be a cure for childhood cancer. In his memory, I wanted to find a way to make his wish a reality in the only way I knew I could and that is to fundraise for pediatric cancer research.
I researched many non-profits to raise money for but was disappointed that a good chunk of fundraising money went to administrative costs. A friend told me about AWOCCF and I reached out. Dena spent an hour on the phone with me sharing her story, her foundation mission and encouraging me to do what I was comfortable doing. It was a great match! I can now fundraise and be confident that the donations from our supportive community are going to research -100% and Dena makes sure of that. She's amazing and tremendously supportive.
AWOCCF and it's founder, Dena, have hearts of gold. I've met so many supportive people that have helped me navigate this new reality I find myself in.
We just returned from a bereaved parents retreat put on by Arms Wide Open. I didn't want to be there because of the reason I was there but it was just what I needed. A chance to connect with other grieving families without judgement and with understanding and compassion. We are so grateful to have been there and hope we can attend in the future.
I had the opportunity to attend two bereavement retreats hosted by Arms Wide Open foundation, and the impact on me has been immeasurable. All that this foundation and it’s volunteers give so humbly and graciously to those of us who have lost children to cancer is gratefully accepted and treasured. I am so grateful for the connections i have made with other grieving mamas through the work of this foundation. They provide so much needed Goodness ❤️.
My daughter and I have attended the Arms Wide Open Bereavement Retreat a few times. It has given us the opportunity to meet families who understand and create friendships with these families. Dena and the whole crew do such an amazing job!
They are one of the best. They come along parents, support them both physically as well as spiritually. They walk the course with those they come alongside and get to know every person they support. Outstanding group.
AWOCC is an organization run by people who are heaven sent...angels on earth who have hearts of gold!
I decided to write this review because I am so impressed by and grateful for the way AWOCCF has really focused in on the work needed to improve outcomes and quality of life for children with cancer. First, AWOCCF is funding the types of clinical trials that lead to more effective therapies and less toxic therapies – so crucial, because such new therapies are the only way more children can survive and also have healthy future lives. And not only does AWOCCF do its own fundraising, but it's communicating this desperate need to a much wider population with its very powerful Truth 365 media campaign. In addition, by co-hosting the annual Curefest event in DC, AWOCC brings pediatric cancer stakeholders together and facilitates more effective, more coordinated advocacy for the cause. Finally, and equally important, AWOCCF is giving direct support to the families actually going through pediatric cancer, with its financial assistance and variety of wellness programs. Keep up the excellent work, AWOCCF, and many, many thanks from a "cancer mom"!!
Arms Wide Open has been there through thick and thin when ever a family fighting cancer is in need. Dena Sherwood and her volunteers are truly angels on earth...God Bless you all.
When my Grandson was first Diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma not only did Dena reach out to our family but she contacted doctors at sloan and was able to get us in contact with the doctors who ultimately saved his life with their protocols . Arms wide open childhood cancer foundation also provided us with some financial assistance as well as a place to go for information on new and existing options out there that might benefit our grandson.
I found A.W.O.C.C.F to be more than a foundation that help meet the needs of many cancer families through their many outreaches but a foundation with a human touch .
Dena is an incredible support to families that are going through and living out neuroblastoma diagnosis. She was our life line when our son was first diagnosed feeding us with hope and helping us make connections to get the best care possible. We are eternally grateful for her and all this foundation does to help families in crisis.
When my nephew was diagnosed with neuroblastoma we were lost. Arms Wide Open literally forced themselves into his parents life and helped them overcome the shock of the diagnosis and move forward. It would have been neatly impossible without them. Thank you...
Absolutely incredible pediatric cancer organization that supports not only research but the families directly affected by this insidious disease. Our family is so grateful for all that they do to support pediatric cancer research!
My favorite charity! Helpful, willing, called, responsive, supportive, loving and overall amazing. Arms Wide Open has helped countless families and given them HOPE. I love them and everything they stand for.
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation has been the driving force in uniting Childhood Cancer organizations across the country and around the word to to come together to raise awareness of this devastating disease. Their passion and commitment is like no other. It is through them and the vision of Dena Sherwood that Curefest in Washington, DC came to life. This is now the largest Childhood Cancer event in the nation every year, bringing together tens of thousands of people together with one goal, to raise awareness and educate the public of the need to find a cure for children everywhere. All of this along with funding vital research and supporting families with children in the battle as well as those who have lost their beloved child makes Arms Wide Open a 5 Star foundation.
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation was there for us so that we could be there for our child. They lifted a financial burden to allow us to focus only on getting Luke the best possible care. Not only did they support us financially but they also helped to fund the clinical trials that saved his life. AWOCCF were there for us in two very different ways, both of which were instrumental in my son’s healing. The personal financial support was quick and tangible but the clinical trial funding helped us in a way that can never be repayed and for that we will always be grateful.
Have always been informative to my son, Bill. Our grandson, Luke, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in late January, 2018
Our son, Nico, passed away after a 7 year battle with childhood cancer. It rocked our family to the core and left us feeling alone in our grief. Losing a child after watching them go through things no one should have to endure is traumatizing. A few months after he passed we attended AWO's Hope and Healing Bereavement Retreat where my husband and I met other parents who experienced that same loss and that same trauma. Not only that but our girls met other siblings who had the same experience in losing a sibling. Our family was able to connect with others we could truly relate to and spend time as a family and honor our son and brother. Thank you AWO for that priceless gift.
Arms Wide Open is a complete collaborative nonprofit. Without any credit wanted, they work with so many others to advance childhood cancer causes. They are very active in creating legislative changes by going through the halls of the Capitol to talk to legislators. They provide a huge voice for the childhood cancer community and act as a gathering point for the various other organizations.
My sisters and I are childhood friends of Dena Sherwood (Founder of Arms Wide Open). This woman is selfless, helping everyone and anyone that needs it. Her charity has raised MILLIONS of dollars for cancer research. I can’t imagine a better charity to support.
I witnessed the start of this organization from the very beginning when Dena Sherwood's son Billy was diagnosed with cancer. Not only has Dena and her organization raised money for childhood cancer, but she has inspired her community to do more, to be more, and to care more. When we open our hearts and arms and minds to helping others, particularly those most vulnerable, we change our world. Dean and Arms Wide Open have done that with great enthusiasm, laser focus, and an unrelenting commitment to serving children who most need our help. Praise their work!
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This organization, founded by Dena Sherwood, does incredible work in raising funds and educating the public about nueroblastoma. But as important for me is her unwavering faith. Her life is a testament to what faith can accomplish. Simply in her presence, I understand the divinity in all of us. Her faith has strengthened mine, and I am grateful that I know her.
From pediatric cancer awareness to research funding to practical support to hope and healing in the wake of the loss, this organization is fueled by pure love and passion and has help available every step of the way.
I volunteer when I can.... I have known the founder of this foundation for at least 8 years now.... I used to volunteer for the Wellness Night at The Ronald McDonald House in NYC...... Dena has and continues to help so many children with cancer... the founder of this foundation is an incredible person who lives for these kids!!!!!! This foundation deserves nothing but the best bc they are the best!!!!!!
Arms wide open brought us on a bereavement retreat that helped us begin working through losing our 8 year old son, Dominic, to brain cancer. We are looking forward to returning to the retreat which felt like a safe place with others that understand our heartache.
Dena goes above and beyond to provide support to families affected by childhood cancer. She truly cares about the kids and families involved. Outstanding foundation.
This organization has done some truly amazing things for children battling cancer and their families! The founder and her family has lived through what other families who have children with cancer are living through, so they completely understand what they are going through.
They really do so much for the families of someone that has been unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. Such a wonderful organization that I love to donate to.
I am proud to donate to Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. to support their mission to fund less toxic therapies, to aid families, and to raise awareness through their many initatives.
AWOCCF is an organization with MORE heart and compassion than any other organization I know. They provide families of kids with cancer loving support and endless hope with the pediatric cancer trials they fund. If you don’t know where to give to make a difference, look here first. They will not stop until cancer stops taking our babies too soon. We are proud to have been able to partner with them indefinitely.
After our daughter, Bryanna, passed from ETP-ALL, a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, we were barely treading water. We were trying to cope with the devastating hole in our hearts, life and home while still making sure that our two younger kids, Evey and Liam were okay and that they knew they mattered. Just when we felt like we were drowning, we took a chance and attended a bereavement breakfast hosted by awo. That lead to an invitation to their bereavement retreat as a family. For the first time since Bryanna died, we felt like we had a life line. The love, support and understanding that this amazing organization has offered then, and continue to offer now is amazing. When we feel like we are barely floating, they are there. Each and every time. We have found a family that understands the experiences that we have had through Bryanna's cancer diagnosis, treatment and death. The experiences are certainly unique in our own way, but the love and support that they extend leaps beyond any wall, any difference and offers unconditional, no strings attached support, love and connection. I would highly recommend this foundation to families dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Dena and her family are just amazing. My son's friend, 10 at the time, was diagnosed with cancer. Dena stopped what she was doing and reached out to the boy's mother. She put her in touch with Dr's and gave her guidance. We are forever thankful. Nick is now cancer free.
Childhood cancer is the #1 disease related killer of kids in the U.S. and the incidence of childhood cancer has been steadily rising. Despite compelling statistics childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded. Arms Wide Open CCF is one of the great non-profits that steps up to try to fill the gap in lack of funding for research, for families and they work to create awareness regarding the needs of childhood cancer. Arms Wide Open not only donates money to research but helps families in tremendous ways. This organization is also at the forefront in so many ways trying to tell the story and create advocacy that will result in more funding for childhood cancer research. For the past four years Arms Wide Open has hosted CureFest in Washington DC to bring other non-profits, individuals and organizations together to give ONE VOICE to kids battling cancer. With the support of Arms Wide Open this annual event has grown from a few organizations and people to thousands. They not only talk the talk but they walk the walk and are making a huge difference in the battle to help kids and find treatments and cures to combat this insidious disease called childhood cancer. With the help of non-profits like Arms Wide Open we look forward to the day when a doctor will say, the bad news is your child has cancer, the good news is we have a cure.
Well ,First I wanna Thank the members of awoccf for personally helping my family get through extremely difficult times in dealing with childhood cancer. Second, this foundation is very near and dear to my heart not only for what they have done for my family but, also what they have strived for and accomplished in the advancements of treatments being less toxic and more effective. I will hopefully be attending more of their events and outtings in the future. Hats off to you awoccf! And thank you for everything you have done for us Dena Sherwood. The Lord is using you how he intended and it's obvious by the success of this foundation. Please keep up the phenomenal job you guys and gals are doing, when it seems like the odds are not in our favor! We need more then 4%!
Rarely, if ever, has there been a more aptly named foundation. I have worked closely with AWO and it's founder on several occasions and projects including, but not limited to, a now international grassroots "movement" to bring awareness to the travesty that is childhood cancer treatment in this country today. I have never met a more dedicated group who leave no stone unturned nor say no to ANYTHING that will help a child with cancer and their families. I stand firmly behind AWO, their mission and the selfless way with which they carry it out.
-tattootom
The Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation is an amazing organization!! Last year, we went to their Hope and Healing Retreat with other families that lost children to cancer. Dena and her family are incredibly kind and compassionate people. This foundation is funding so many incredible research trials for pediatric cancers. They are providing so much awareness about childhood cancer through social media. They help on every front and we thank them for all they do.
Our family has been changed by this organization and their efforts to raise awareness for the lack of funding for children with cancer. They are truly moving the dial!
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation is a wholeheartedly dedicated foundation that truly cares about each and every child and their families, and work so hard in raising money to find research to help find cures and bring comfort to families affected by cancer and for families that have lost a child to cancer. Dena Sherwood has a heart of gold. My son Evan passed away from Medullomyoblastoma brain cancer 10 days after his fifth birthday, Dena and her foundation have offered a bereavement remembrance weekend to families that have lost a child. We all comfort eachother and the support is huge. This foundation is a blessing and I know they go above and beyond to help fund treatments bring awareness and give support to those in need. Thank you Arms wide open.
