What a gift the Kids Cancer Connection organization is! They've been there through it all as our hurting family battled through our child's diagnosis. We are truly grateful for their endless support when our nine year old daughter Emma was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is the most common childhood cancer.
When we weren't sure where to turn, the Kids Cancer Connection was there for us in Seattle, WA. Whether it was a call from another parent, Judy, our Family Advocate, at just the right time or assistance with a financial reimbursement from Louis when things got difficult due to growing medical bills.
The organization’s staff is composed entirely of volunteers. They have helped so many children suffering from cancer at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, one in particular that my family knows quite well by the name of Charlotte in Renton, WA.
Kids Cancer Connection has always been an amazing source of help offering important resources and additional support. We simply love these wonderful, generous and extremely kind people. They are there when you need them the most! Thank you to our amazing friends at the Kids Cancer Connection.
I was involved with Kids Cancer Connection for several years before my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. While Samantha was receiving treatment at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, I kept a website to keep people informed.
Here is an entry from Wednesday, September 28, 2022 9:30 AM PDT: Nausea's ugly brother, mouth sores, appeared in the middle of the night. She was in crying, screaming pain. It was awful. Thank the Lord for continuous drip pain medication. It almost helps relieve the pain. It won't help with the open sores. Mostly the pain med and the anitmedics help her sleep and then she's not crying in pain. She can't talk, open her mouth more than a slit or even swallow her own spit. It hurts her to cry. I hate the mouth sores more than the nausea. Let me explain the mouth sore thing.
The chemo drugs kill the fast growing cancer cells, but since they can't distinguish between the bad (cancer) and good fast growing cells they kill them all. That's why their hair falls out too. The cells inside your mouth, throat, and gut area are all fast growing. Three of her chemo drugs cause mouth sores plus in the doses she's getting it was pretty much a sure thing. There isn't much they can do.
Samantha swabs her mouth with a gel to try to prevent the sores from getting infected and swishes a mouthwash with Benadryl and Lidocaine. She hates it and it hurts, but she's a good patient and she does what she's supposed to do. She just keeps on enduring.
I'm going to hop up on my soapbox: Having hope and something to look forward to is critical to these kids. The psychosocial programs and services made available to Samanatha including Laughternoon: Laughter is Healing, Music is Medicine and family sailing program have helped save her life. I know because my daughter is alive to tell her story.
Samantha endured 7 more months of chemo only to have her cancer return 2 months later. There was no proven treatment available and she had a less than 20% chance of survival so she was enrolled in a clinical trial for the drug Rituxan. This is one of the drugs that helped save her life. It kept her cancer at bay during an infection when she couldn't receive traditional chemotherapy.
Cancer can happen to anyone at any age including our children. Okay, I'm off my soapbox. Thanks for listening to the mother of a 14 year old cancer patient. I've changed my goal: Cancer just needs to be eliminated. Please help the children and families of Kids Cancer Connection!
The Kids Cancer Connection has helped our family in so many ways. It has also given us an opportunity to help fight the effects of cancer as volunteers with the organization. KCC programs and services for cancer patients and their families have helped so many across the United States.
We regularly participate in their KCC Supercar Experience events for over fourteen years. We love these activities because it gives us a way to celebrate the survivor in our family. Our son Kyle fought cancer of the blood (leukemia) bravely for many years. We are so grateful he has been cancer free for well over a decade now.
We also remember the ones we've lost to cancer and fought back against the horrible disease. The Kids Cancer Connection has given us a chance to take part in something that gives hope to children, teens and families. We truly cannot thank them enough for all they have done to help others.
The Kids Cancer Connection gave me hope when I needed it most during leukemia (ALL) treatment. I am a childhood cancer survivor from Austin, TX. The programs and services KCC offers has helped so many families including our own.
At the time, I needed medical transportation from Vanderbilt, TX to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston for outpatient treatment including chemotherapy. Living in distant Jqckson County, a two hour drive, each way, we had no other way to get her there. The wonderful volunteers with Kids Cancer Connection were there for us!
KCC has helped my good friend from Dell Children's Medical Center cope with the loss of her daughter Emma to acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the soft tissue in the bones. She is giving back to our cancer community by heading up the Kids Cancer Connection Home and Hospital Instrcutional program in Travis County, TX.
I have only great things to say about this non-profit volunteer organization. I'm very proud to be part of such a dyanmic and caring group parents and volunteers. Keep up the great work...and lets hope one day we find a cure.
The Kids Cancer Connection is a national nonprofit organization that FIGHTS BACK against cancer through education, advocacy, patient and family services. Funding for this organization is raised through local community events and donations.
Each event is unique in that it offers a variety of ways to support KCC, depending on your preferance of venue. Whether its a night out, dressed up to enjoy auctions and entertainment, or a morning run/walk in your favorite workout clothes, golf-tournement or maybe even an over-night camping event to show your support through onsite fundraising...all are ways to support KCC's mission and helps fund the fight against cancer.
I am a local community volunteer in Los Angeles, CA and I connect with business leaders, area representatives and parents everyday. I have experienced the effects of cancer on my own family. We lost our 8 year old son Justin to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It was the most difficult experience on our family.
Kids Cancer Connection patient and family services were available to us at the time he was admitted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center especially during the final month of Justin's care, hospice and funeral.
I often hear difficult stories from parents. At other times, I see the hardships of this disease on young patients at the KCC Family House in the San Fernando Valley. Through these experiences I have learned that we have to fight back against cancer.
In every story told there's always a gift of hope that is present. That hope is what KCC offers to the our cancer community. It's hard to see a child walking in with a cap or jacket hood on their head because chemotherapy has caused them to loose their hair.
I can see the insecurity and embarrasment in children's eyes when visiting us to receive resources. KCC offers hope in providing wigs and hats at no charge. It may not free them from cancer, but it does give hope in self confidence and reassurance in being able to feel good.
Cancer may cause many challenges to the physical body, but one challenge it should never cause is insecurity and embarassment. KCC has defeated cancers emotional challenge through its gifts and services.
I've heard stories of father's traveling far away for treatment and fearing not being able to make bills because of the financial stress trying to juggle daily home and travel expenses. KCC offer support programs to assist families dealing with these issues. These are very real issues that happen everyday.
Kids Cancer Connection gives hope in lodging at no charge through the KCC Family House program. To decrease the amount of time and travel for patients in treatment, KCC connects families with ride services and volunteers who provide to and from appointments to those who cannot drive themselves or have no means of transportation.
Gasoline gift cards can also be given for those who have transportation, but cannot afford the constant trips of hospital and doctors visits. KCC gives hope and hope is what I pride myself as a parent volunteer of this oraganization and its mission. Please get involved with Kids Cancer Connection...hope is the answer and for anyone hope can be given or received.
The day our daughter Olivia was diagnosed with extragonadal germ cell tumors formed in the mediastinum area between the lungs on July 18, 2020, my world was turned upside down. But a call to Kids Cancer Connection after beginning treatment at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh helped calm my frazzled nerves.
KCC provided me with a counselor (someone who was a childhood cancer survivor), who basically let me vent for nearly an hour. I called a second time to arrange to speak with a Nurse Practioneer that she recommended. Nurse Lauren guided me through Olivia's pathology report.
As a way of saying thanks, and wanting to reach out to others I have become a member of their parent advisor committee in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Each parent phone call is meaningful. Ever since becoming an KCC "Ambassador of Hope," I've been given the opportunity to fulfill my life's purpose: helping others.
I was adopted into the KCC "family" and fell in love with its staff, donors and fellow volunteers. This is one cancer support organization that's truly family. The Kids Cancer Connection is always there when you need them. They reach out to pediatric cancer patients and survivors in a way that's unlike other groups.
When we defeat this dreaded disease maybe the "Kids Cancer Connection" could change its name to the " Kids Caring Connection".... where love and family know no bounds.
We were blessed to have the Kids Cancer Connection supporting us in such a unique way when we came to the Seattle Children's Hospital. We knew, as the doctors had already advised us, that it would probably be the worse moments we would ever know seeing our daughter Abigail going through treatment from the blood cancer called leukemia.
I openied the door to see KCC volunteers making her feel loved and taken cared of was just heart warming. I remember stepping in and crying over all they had done. They had wonderful gifts including toys, Blu-ray movies, instructional materials and gift cards for our family.
They visited her hospital room often,. KCC showered us with love and made sure we had food to eat at any time we wanted, tea and coffee to help us survive hell. KCC arranged special guests like Santa and The Grinch to visit.
Kids Cancer Connection volunteers made Christmas magic and Santa brought not only gifts to her but for our other children too. Honestly they go above and beyond and made the struggle of our life easier for us and all the other parents.
It’s unbelievable to know that after losing her daughter named Alexis, KCC volunteer Isabella made all of this hope and happiness possible. She is giving us what they wanted her daughter to have. It doesn’t matter much time has passed, little Alexis 's memory is in everything Isabella does.
This love and kindness lives in the hope we have for our own kids. Thank you to the KCC volunteers will never be enough. We really do love you!
Kids Cancer Connection is an amazing group of volunteers. When my son Matthew was admitted to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis for leukemia treatment, KCC decorated his room with the theme of his choice! It made the room feel so much more like home for him.
They also provided us with daily meals which really helped us. Purchasing food three times a day is a major hardship for a family and Kids Cancer Connection took that burden away. They have wonderful seasonal parties and social activities for the children and families during the year.
Our kids really enjoy being with other children at these holiday gatherings. They really understand what their new friends are going through. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the parents to share personal stories and resources
Thank you to Kids Cancer Connection for everything that you do. You have changed our lives for the better. KCC friends and donors have been a real blessing to our family.
We have been an active donors to the Kids Cancer Connection organization for 14 years ever since I losing our mother to cancer. Our family could not be happier. KCC is a group composed of incredibly dedicated volunteers including community leaders that provide real hope to children and their families.
Kids Cancer Connection works tirelessly to make things as comfortable and cheerful as possible for the children and their loved ones. The KCC children's hospital and clinic program reaches tens of thousands of families year in and year out. We have enjoyed supporting seasonal parties and hospital celebrations to recognize the deterination and bravery of these kids and teens.
Please join me in reaching out to this deserving and fragile childhood cancer community.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, NIV
The Kids Cancer Connection group provides care and support for those families in need during their most vulnerable hours. Our daughter Miranda was diagnosed with AML a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. We relied on Kids Cancer Connection for groceries, meals and temporary housing program during this period of time.
Our family also enjoyed several activites including sailing, horseback rides, bowling and mini-golf during a lengthy recovery process. KCC is a first class organization charged with improving the lives of the children in their care and supporting the families that provide care for them.
They have an amazing group of volunteers that provide hope, strength and support for the whole family facing childhood cancer. KCC is a special group of people that truly understands the needs of families.
Kids Cancer Connection is an amazing organization that provides hope, strength and support for the whole family facing childhood cancer. Everyone within this group has been touched by their own cancer experience including caring for a child diagnosed with cancer.
KCC is made up of a special group of people that truly understands and care about familes going through a medical crisis. They will move heaven and earth to improve the quality of life for families.
As parent who lost a daughter, Savannah, to complications to a cancer related bone marrow transplant (Graft versus Host Disease, I highly recommend KCC programs and services to any one with a sick child.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16, NIV
Kids Cancer Connection is such an incredible support to families dealing with childhood cancer. As a medical provider, I have seen the huge impact they have on my patients’ families. KCC offers a myriad of psychosocial services to pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinics throughout the Lone Star State.
They were also an amazing support system while our son Jacob was going through treatment for bone cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) at MD Anderson's Children's Cancer Hospital in Houston, Texas. It was the worst experience of our lives.
The volunteers at Kids Cancer Connection took the extra time and effort to personalize services within Harris County for our family. Jacob has especially enjoyed the KCC SuperCar Experience. He has enjoyed riding in a red Ferrari and silver Lamborghini Huracán.
Please help Kids Cancer Connection to help these kids.
The Kids Cancer Connection organization is a wonderful resource for families. They provide important resources for families fighting cancer such as places where they can get financial assistance, groceries, emergency houising, fun activities, instructional programs, etc. during their child's cancer battle.
KCC regularly hosts fun events that help take your mind off of your situation. These include arts and crafts, family sailing, rides in exotic sports cars, etc. and are inclusive of the entire family.
The KCC no-cost bereavement support group sessions are professionally facilitated through community mental health professionals, to help the families that have lost a child to this horrible disease.
The Kids Cancer Connection was the first group I was in contact with when my 16 year old son was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). the most common cancer in children and teens. We have traveled long distances under great hardship from the Florida Keys to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami to receive medical care for Jacob.
The parent volunteers with Kids Cancer Connection listened to our family's story. We received care and comfort during the scariest new journey that was unfolding for our family.
The KCC organization has been a huge support to us as a family. We are so grateful for the love and assistance provided by volunteers, caregivers and members of the community.
As the mother of a sick child undergoing cancer treatment for Retinoblastoma, a cancer that starts in the very back part of the eye. I love the time the parents get to spend together during Kids Cancer Connection's sharing time during our Community Nights. The KCC Family House serves as a welcoming and safe place that allows us to share anything we have on our minds.
The brave and amazing families we have met along this journey have become like members of our own family. We are grateful to have made these life-long friends. Please support the Kids Cancer Connection in any way you can.
I have both worked with and volunteered with a number of nonprofits. The Kids Cancer Connection stands out above the rest! Everything KCC does is to the highest standard because of how deeply they care about the families they serve.
No matter where you are in your childhood cancer journey, KCC welcomes you with open arms, connects with you, supports you, and stays with you through the many unavoidable ups and downs. The Kids Cancer Connection is truly an incredible organization!
This is an organization that you never want to belong to but if you do, they go well beyond to make everyone feel welcome in their walk of life.
Some of us join in the beginning, some in the middle, and some at the end of treatment, depending on when you need to reach out for help. We joined in the middle and it was the best decision we could have made.
The volunteers with Kids Cancer Connection have been so supportive. We have also met several families with the same type of cancer (Wilms tumor). Wilms tumor is a rare kidney cancer that mainly affects children. It's the most common cancer of the kidneys in children. It can affect children between the ages of three to four. years old.
It's so great to be able to talk to someone else that knows exactly what you are or have gone through and to share information, advice, resources, or just lend an ear when needed. In this group.
We celebrate milestones together, we share the good and bad, and everyone truly cares about one another. KCC is definitely a deserving group!
I love to volunteer my time, but volunteering for Kids Cancer Connection has truly touched my heart. I have never worked with an organization that cares so deeply for the children and families they serve. It is reflected in everything they do! They take pride in hosting "top notch" events, and are always making sure everyone feels welcome.
Serving as a volunteer for KCC is fun, fulfilling, and ultimately very rewarding! I feel privileged to assist these families and serve along-side these great volunteers.
Kids Cancer Connection is the organization we were looking for and greatly needed. We became connected after our daughter Natasha's medulloblastoma treatment for a tumor in the lower back part her brain.
A KCC flyer I discovered buried in the folder of resources I had compiled while at the Mayo Clinic Hospital at St. Mary's in Rochester, MN but had not been able to get to due to the business of radiation and chemotherapy.
I phoned the number to inquire, and was so greatful for Carrie for her time, and listening ear. What a jewel.
We travel a long distance for this support group, but it's priceless! It's what the doctor ordered! Others going thru a journey one can never imagine until you walk it. We are forever grateful. God bless everyone in this group!
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35, NIV
If you are looking for an organization worthy of your support, please consider Kids Cancer Connection. They have no paid staff whatsoever. KCC serves the community entirely with volunteers, meaning every dollar donated goes directly to their mission, their programs, and the families they serve.
They have also achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency Rating on Candid (formerly GuideStar), the world's largest source of information on non-profit organizations. This rating puts Childhood Cancer Community in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.
Donors appreciate transparency, and Kids Cancer Connection goes above and beyond to be transparent and fiscally responsible. Thank you from a very grateful donor.
The KCC organization is absolutely amazing! Everyone from the leadership to volunteers care deeply for each child with a cancer diagnosis. Every family oriented event that KCC organizes is carefully thought out. Activities are planned down to the last detail to make everything extra special for families. I feel honored to be welcomed and hope to continue the great work with them.
This wonderful organization, Kids Cancer Connection, went above and beyond to provide care for our family when our daughter Charlotte was first diagnosed with leukemia a cancer of the blood. She would ultimately need a bone marrow transplant. We live in the small community of Lindsborg, Kansas about a three hour drive each way to Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
We were completely unprepared for this experience. We knew absolutely nothing about cancer in children. The love and support Kids Cancer Connection volunteers showed to us was remarkable. We highly recommend them to any family facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Kids Cancer Connection, its founders and its volunteers have all been nothing short of amazing. They rallied around our family during some of our hardest days and continue to support us years afterwards. They really make sure the WHOLE FAMILY feels loved, valued and supported and we are so blessed to be part of this community.
KCC volunteers have over the years created an atmosphere conducive to the recovery of our young patients, with distinctly decorated rooms and rehabilitation equipment specifically designed for them. Their friendly volunteers make every effort to make sure children in treatment feel safe and happy.
For example, “Wii-hab” is a fun and proven therapy performed with a Nintendo Wii™ home video game. It’s a dynamic and engaging method of improving motor skills, visual skills and cognition in recovering outpatients with brain tumors.
I work at a local hospital and Kids Cancer Connection is always there when we need them. They work with our families and provide those extras that make a difference. From toys to experiences, they really know how to lift a patient's spirits. We appreciate everything you do to support us here at Childlife!
This great organization has helped support us through so many hard times. They have boosted our spirits, provided us with necessities and made a true difference for us. Thank you so much for all you do.
My daughter Bella was diagnosed with cancer four months ago. We felt lost and scared and have no idea where to turn. One of the social workers hospital recommended we reach out to kids cancer connection. We are very lucky to have been connected with this organization. While he did not provide medical services, they provide anything else that her family could need. They have provided us with child care for other children and we needed to the hospital. They have provided family activities and psychological services for the entire family. They don’t just provide services themselves but have access to many other resources. My husband and I are so grateful for everything they have been able to do for us during such a stressful time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Kids Cancer Connection has been a great resource for my niece and her family. They reach out to and work with the entire family. They have psychological services which has been really helpful for us in dealing with my niece's cancer. We are not sure what is going to happen to Bella but we are grateful to have the extra support. We feel so lost in dealing with cancer and the people at Kids Cancer Connection have great connections and resources for us. Thank you for all you do. I really appreciate it. -Janet
My daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age 5. The hospital referred us to Kids Cancer Connection as we needed a lot of support. KCC was truly there for us and helped us navigate the challenges of childhood cancer during her treatment. My daughter lost her battle in 2020 but our relationship with KCC continues. We truly appreciate everything they did for us and hope to be able to pay it forward to other families.
KCC is the best. The volunteers are caring people who truly want what is best for these kids and their families. I have donated to them many times and plan to keep doing so in the future. I have spent a lot of the time with the kids of KCC and they are the most brave and determined children I have ever met. KCC really personalizes experiences and meets the needs of so many families....
As a volunteer with KCC for the past 15 years, I have seen and worked with the most amazing children and families. KCC supports these families during such a difficult time and really focuses on the family unit to support them in whatever way they need. I am so proud to be a part or this organization and support their program which made such a difference.
My 12 year old son is a leukemia survivor. Although he is a cancer survivor he has lasting effects from the chemotherapy treatment. He has been with Kids Cancer Connection since he was 5 years old. Through their programs, he has the opportunity to talk with and interact with other kids who also have lasting effects due to cancer treatment. This allows him to see that he is not alone and gives him the opportunity to open up and connect with others at a very private emotional level. I just can't say enough about Kids Cancer Connection, the organization and the services they provide. This organization is the absolute best!!!!!!!!
Kidss Cancer Connection helped us from the very beginning of my son's cancer diagnosis. They were great with him and helped give him some sense of normalcy. Kids Cancer Connection is a great organization that helps not only the children but their families. They help make the journey a lot more bearable for everyone involved. They are always so nice and willing to help with anything they can. My family has definitely been blessed to have known the organization and the people!
KCC is a shining beacon during a dark time. Our son was diagnosed with cancer at age 6 and battled fiercely for many years. KCC stood by us and provided our son with the extras that gave him strength to battle. KCC focuses on individuals and families. They worked closely with us and our son to not just provide what we needed, but really took the time to get to know us as a family and what our needs were. We felt supported and as though we had someone on our side. We lost our son two years ago, but have remained in contact with KCC to help them with helping others.
Kids Cancer Connection is a special organization. The passion for supporting kids and families is evident at every level, from volunteers on up to leadership. The programs they provide are a bright spot in an otherwise very difficult journey for many families. KCC has a huge positive impact on the experience of children and families that are affected by childhood cancer and the organization's ability to remain so focused on it's mission is extremely impressive.
Kids Cancer Connection provides outstanding support and care for families and children battling childhood cancer. Having seen KCC grow first-hand, I've witnessed the unwavering generosity and amazing community that has grown from it. I recommend volunteering and/or donating to this charity because this foundation genuinely cares and stands by their mission to help families and children in need, whether financial, emotional, medical - they are the best.
Kids cancer connection is an organization dedicated to helping children and their families during a difficult time. Everything from housing to toy donations to creating once in a lifetime experiences for these children is what they do.. Thank you for all of your great work.
KCC is an amazing organization that is dedication to helping children and their families. When we needed additional support, this organization went above and beyond. The arranged housing, transportation and activities for our child and our family. We could not be more grateful for the added support during a difficult time.