My view was mostly sitting alongside a hospital bed. I watched my daughter fight cancer from that front row seat. Like other parents with a child struggling against cancer, I counted drops of chemotherapy going into her port, hoping each drop was helping to win the war...I was lost in that place reserved for parents of sick children...frightened and hopeful, sad and prayerful, adrift in a sea of nurses, doctors, protocols, blood draws and sleepless nights in hospital chairs.
The dedication of Dr. Cairo and his team was remarkable but the outcome was not what we hoped for...PCRF and all those connected with it are the best hope for a cancer free future for our children. If you can help, please do...no parent should watch their child die.
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a favorite charity because it is dedicated to finding and funding the most effective and cutting edge pediatric cancer research. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time is now.
I've been involved with PCRF since 1984, our daughter was diagnosed with AML in 1983 and her survival chances were 10%, thanks to the great work of Dr Mitch Cairo today she's 38 with four beautiful children. Research is needed more and more to wipe out this dreaded disease. I've been involved with the Rod Carew Golf Tournament for years in raising money to help PCRF, Rod lost his daughter but he continues to give his support to help other children survive this disease. They are great people at PCRF who give their time and effort and I couldn't think of a better organization to give this award.
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PCRF is a fantastic organization that we have been involved with since 1983. It started in 1983 just before our daughter was diagnosed with AML. Her chances of survival at that time was 10%. Today thanks to the brilliant Dr. Mitch Cairo and his staff, and the staff at Childrens Hospital of Orange County our daughter Kelly is 35 and has four beautiful children (all Pittsburgh Steelers fans). Our daughter went through 2 1/2 years of intense chemo, now with the help of PCRF and their research that same protocol is 6 months. I remember the beginning of PCRF and the first fundraisers, Pigmy Goat Show, Chili Cook-Offs, the 1st Bid for the Kids at the El Adobe in San Juan Capistrano. Now with the Walk-a-Thon, Holiday Card sale and the Rod Carew Golf Tournament they are raising good money for research. We would like to thank Dr. Cairo and his staff, Nancy, Bonnie and staff for their many hours of work, and to Rod for his golf tournament and his behind the scenes visits to the children at hospitals all over the country. It is our wish that this organization is not needed in the future, so please if you have read this please send your donations, they are greatly appreciated and the kids thank you. Have to go the grandkids our coming, something we didn't think we would ever say in 1983. Lou & Pat Sauritch
There is not a more worthy cuase than childrens health or education. I believe what you do is essential to the growth of the world community, and benefits us all greatly. Thank you for all you do to support our youth.
PCRF saves lives. They give comfort and hope to children and families. There efforts educates the community on this very important issue. I was lucky enough to attend there card artist event. The love and support that was shown overwhelmed me. I am so very thankful to all the volunteers at PCRF. This is an organization like no other.
My wife and I have been involved with PCRF for a number of years. The work that this organization is sponsoring is phenomenal. Over the years, we have been deeply moved by the hundreds of personal testamonials that young people have presented to provide a first hand view of the wonderful advances in treatment and care that the Foundation has made possible. At the heart of PCRF and its work are a multitude of active, caring and extremely generous volunteers.
There is nothing closer to my heart than pediatric cancer, as this terrible disease took my eight year old daughter two years ago. It is unthinkable that there is so little federal funding for research in this area, and PCRF is a ray of hope for each and every family, by directing all of their donations to research specifically for pediatric cancer. In addition, my daughter was thrilled to be able to participate in their children-with-cancer-designed Christmas cards, as so many children are. It is such an amazing program and great way to raise funds. They make these children feel special and important. Most importantly, they have been successful in raising a great deal of money towards researching a cure for a disease that steals beautiful children from this world, and tears apart families. God Bless them!
I love working with Nancy Franks and the entire staff. The care and dedication given to every function really shows just how passionate everyone at PCRF is about helping to eradicate this terrible disease. Thank you for making me part of a GREAT team. Michael Villani
I love this organization and I can't say enough about it. I have a passion for pediatric cancer although I have never been directly effected by it. I have volunteered with PCRF a few times and also recruited my sister. We had such a great time during events and the people are all so genuine. You really get a sense of what the organization is all about once you see the smiles on all the kids' faces that they touch. I have since moved out of state and am still looking for such an organization like this.
PRCF is an incredible organization! It is amazing to see how much they can accomplish on such small budgets. Everyone there is so great to work with; they really care about the kids and it shows!
I have done some volunteer work for PCRF and am very impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers. Everone I came in contact with really cared about the kids and the organization. It was a joy working with these people who devoted many many hours trying to find a cure for childhood cancers and provinding support and comfort to parents. Helen Naughton
My daughter is a cancer survivor and we have supported Pediartic Cancer Research Foundation for the last 7 years. They continually do new research to provide cures for childrens cancer. For the children that are healthy enough there is the Western Roundup evey year. This was a favorite for my daughter with all the rides, games, food and wonderful prizes.
I currently help PCRF with their media and PR efforts for their annual Run/Walk event in Irvine. I also attend their annual Bid For the Kids. PCRF does many great events to help raise money for research to help find a cure for kids with cancer and fight the horrible disease. 80 percent of each dollar is spent on finding a cure, so your donations go a long way.
My organization has supported the outstanding work of PCRF for many years and we will continue to do so; their interest and strength in providing children with resources cannot be excelled.
PCRF is a wonderful organization. Our family has been volunteering and participating in their events for years. Our 2 young children are even involved and are so proud! They have a friend who was struck with leukemia, so this foundation really hits close to home. Thank you PCRF for everything you do!
We've been volunteering for PCRF since before our own children were born, and now we love participating in the various events with them. The fundraising events are always great family fun but also help us make "giving back" a crucial part of our family culture
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is an awesome organization to volunteer for. Everyone appreciates even the smallest effort you are willing to do for the organization. The volunteers are commited to their service and the children are what it is all about. Helping the children regain their health is the goal and what better opportunity can there be!
It has been an honor and a priviledge to give my time, energy and money to this organization. They really reach out and care for everyone and are the most helpful to those in need. God Bless our children and Thank you to Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation!
Pedriatric Cancer Research Foundation is an amazing foundation. We have been supporting this group as a family. It has been a wonderful experience for my children to be able to help kids that are fighting cancer especially since they lost their grandfather to cancer. Their fundraiser called Dribble for the Cure at UCLA was so rewarding knowing that we could possibly make a difference. We love using their holiday cards as well to spread the word. The proceeds go to the foundation. We also hope to participate in their 5K run/walk next year. This is a foundation that you can help with as a family. Thank you Pediatric Cancer Foundation!!!
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is the champion of the forgotten victims of cancer--children. Dedicated individuals have embraced the challenge to improve the survival and quality of life of children, adolescents and young adults in their efforts to provide funding for basic and clinical research.
I can't express to you the value of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. This foundation raises money to further studies done on pediatrics and if you are ever faced with a child having cancer you will truly understand the importance of PCRF. None of the other big name foundations focus on only peds and knowing that pediatric is an extremely different study and treatment plan, more focus is needed. My son was a product of the PCRF study funding and without their dedication to pediatrics I'm not sure if our son would be here today. PCRF is constantly looking for doctors and hospitals willing to make a difference in the lives of children and for that I thank them. Their efforts changed our lives and our son who was given a 5% chance to live at age 5, is now 19 years old and attending college. We are forever grateful and dedicated to seeing them find a cure!
My grandaughter was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 22 months ago. She has an excellent prognosis and only 2 months of treatment left to go. She could never have had such a positive outcome where it not for recent research and advances in the field funded by PCRF and similar organizations. The people at PCRF are dedicated and caring and offer many wonderful ways for people to get involved and volunteer or donate. Families like ours are extremely grateful to this organization for all it has done to help children survive cancer.
I owe my life to the great work of PCRF. I was 17 when I was diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma and I am now 30 and a mother of a perfect 15 month old. I hate to think about where I might be without all their research.
Dedicated, efficient,caring people make PCRF effective as a non-profit that puts 80% donated money towards research that has developed giant strides in cancer treatment and cures. The programs PCRF has given to are leading the way towards a better life for cancer patients. To see the joy in these children's faces as they are able to resume a natural life is the ultimate reward.
My son at age 11 was diagnosed with ALL, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, the most common form of childhood leukemia. In the fall, he will attend UC Santa Barbara. His survival and opportunity to give back are the direct result of the research dollars generated by PCRF and like-minded organizations dedicated to wiping out childhood cancer... can you dream a better dream? Thank God for the vision and goal of PCRF.
I am a nurse with greater than 25 years experience caring for children with cancer in some capacity. I have been involved over the course of these years as a volunteer for PCRF since its inception. PCRF is a grassroots organization that has kept the spirit of “it’s for the kids” forefront in their fundraising efforts. They strive to raise awareness of the need to find a cure for all types of childhood cancer through research. Enormous strides have been made in survival rates for these children through the efforts of PCRF to turn research dollars into bedside treatments. My entire family has had the opportunity to volunteer at their fundraising events such as the golf tournament, auction, roundup, and run/walk. PCRF is made up of a wonderful group of staff and volunteers with big hearts that motivate their efforts to raise funds to cure this special group of wonderful children.
I love the phrase from Board member, John Vallely, who says, "When we cure cancer, we'll find something else to do with our time. . . .," until then, we give our time, thoughts and energy to this cause. John and Karen lost their daughter to cancer. More than a third (probably more) of our Board members have a child who has been lost to or is a survivor of cancer, still, all of us try to do whatever we can to find the finds to defeat this disease.
Of all the organizations that I have done volunteer work for, PCRF has the most dedicated, organized, focused, effective & efficient staff They help volunteers like myself realize how important it is to emotionally help these children & families that are coping with this disease, to give them a feeling of hope. And they do this in fun & creative ways through their events that bring much needed joy and activity to all family members. Making PCRF near & dear in my heart.
this is such a wonderful group- I have seen first hand how hard they work & it's all for the "kids"- the whole staff is all about how much they can get done to bring in funds to help in the research to find a cure for pediatric cancer-the special fund raisers & especially the Christmas Card projest each year are an inspiration to all who have been involved!!
It has been a pleasure to see PCRF grow in the past 25 years from just a few parents and concerned citizens trying to raise money for pediatric cancer research to a major foundation. PCRF volunteers are matchless!
kids first for the Southern California Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society who has helped this charity for years
My wife and myself have been involved with PCRF/CHOC in Irvine since 1996. We have seen first hand how the money our club raised was used for research and the results of that research. One of our members daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer and we were with her through all of the wonderfull care she got and after three years she was in remission. That was ten years ago. I ahve no way of expressing the love those people show the families and children other then to continue our support. Dr. & Mrs. Patrick M. Collins, PhD
Though I am on the Board of Directors I am a small part of the group... and, it is a group. A group of hard working, well meaning, genuine individuals and families, and friends, and co-workers and neighbors... all putting in time and donating money to make life better and longer for the kids that suffer from the life threatening group of illnesses we call cancer. WE agonize over how best to raise money, over which doctors to "invest in" - funding the best and most productive research, and we try our best to minimize our expenses. If it were a perfect world, kids wouldn't be suffering from cancer, its effects and the effects of the treatment. It sure is great to see a child recover!
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is comprised of so many generous and kind individuals. I consider them to be like family. Each person is dedicated and passionate about this cause, and I am proud to be a part of it. I was twelve when I was diagnosed with cancer, and since then I have been an active supporter of PCRF. Now at the age of twenty two, I am recruiting even more friends and family members to be a part of this great organization. Thank you PCRF for the wonderful things you do!
PCRF is comprised of a great group of dedicated people who put their hearts and souls into their critical mission. The organization is sound and efficient from a financial perspective, placing the children and families they serve first and foremost. I am so proud to be a part of the wonderful work they perform.
Great organization! Effective, efficient, everything you could ask for in a non-profit. I would urge anyone looking for a great charity to support to select PCRF.
Cancer is a horrible and life changing event for the patient, as well as for friends and family. This is never more true than when the patient is a child. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to improving the care, quality of life and survival rate of children afflicted with this disease. They fill an extremely important role in the fight against cancer in children and have my vote for one of the best non-profit organizations in existence. I was never fortunate enough to have children, but have been touched by the disease as my friend's child fought the battle to survive. I donate to this cause as often as I can and wish that more people did.
Our organization has been involved with PCRF for several years and not only are they an incredible organization but their work is absolutely fantastic. We should all do whatever possible to support organizations of this caliber. Go PCRF!
PCRF is a singularly effective non-profit organization. We are blessed with a small, amazing staff, dedicated and hard working volunteers and, most importantly, an incredible cause--saving the lives of children affected by cancer. PCRF continues to give $.81 of every dollar received directly to research.
PCRF is a charity that our non-profit tries to emulate. They are a skeleton crew that does a tremendous amount of fundraising to help kids with cancer. Their researchers are the BEST and they offer so much HOPE to the kids and their families.
I have had the opportunity to participate in many fundraisers with this organization over the past 7 years and have always had a wonderful experience. They are a truly selfless organization fighting hard to help find a cure for children's cancer! Keep up the great work!!!
i have been affiliated with PCRF for thirteen years. I have bought their Xmas cards many times because this organization is organized and has the best cause.
Please keep up the great work you are doing. Alot of people need your help. Anything to help children in need is a GREAT thing. Patricia
Great organization with an excellent cause! I love participating in their 5K run, because it's so rewarding to know that I am making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
This is an amazing organization that works very hard to further it's cause. My son is a cancer survivor and I give many thanks to PCRF for their contribution in helping to save his life.
amazing foundation filled with pationate people. i went in with the intention to just get my community service hours. but as i spent more time there, i realized how pationate the people were about their jobs. it really makes you want to go back and help even if you dont need hours.
PCRF is a great organization and I was honored to be able to help them out in any way possible. The staff is great and everyone does amazing work to help children fight against cancer and spread the word about cancer.
A friend asked me to join her when she volunteered at a fund raiser for PCRF. I have been volunteering ever since. The staff and other volunteers are so nice and very dedicated. I am happy to be part of the Irvine group. They do so much to help such a great cause.
PCRF is a tremendous organization with volunteers who are always willing to step up up to the plate. The office staff is so hard working and has been for all the years I've been associated with them. Actually from 1999 to the present time! Pcrf has contributed many dollars to research for Pediatric Cancer Research.
PCRF is a shining star in my world. 8 years ago my niece Rachel was diagnosed with leukemia. She was treated at CHOC hospital and has been cancer-free for over 5 years now. I know in my heart that the research funded by PCRF, and the good doctors and nurses at CHOC are the reason for her remission. In addition to PCRF's good works, they have really fun events that engage children and their families. The holiday card program is top notch and growing every year. The annual western round-up is complimentary for families and a heck of a lot of fun. And the new photography mentor program, mentored of photographer Al Nomura and others, is so empowering to these kids. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan and wish PCRF continued success and support!
PCRF continues to be a strong foundation of support for research and even more importantly for children. We've been involved with this foundation since the summer of 2000 and continue to be impressed with the staff and, even more importantly, with the dedication of their many volunteers.
I love this foundation! They are really making a difference in the lives of children. The fundraising events that they manage are really great family-kid friendly events. I love those cards too. Every interaction I have with their staff has bee friendly and pleasant. Everyone should support this organization.
Being a Breast Cancer Survivor for (4) years I really feel these children are the true heroes. To endure Cancer is a battle for your life. Children should not suffer from this disease. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is there for the children, to help, console families and bring life back into the children who battle this illness. Help this foundation to help others and keep the unity of defeating cancer. Thank you Karine
I have been working with this organization for 10 years. They are very easy to work with and offer a lot of nice products to support the organization. This group is great!
I will never be able to say enough good things about PCRF. Their dedication to pediatric cancer research directly enhanced the care our daughter received during her long battle with AMLeukemia. Their support after she passed away enabled us to focus on helping others through the many great fundraisers they offer. The entire organization is filled with so much "heart" and we are pourd to work with them.
A friend of mine referred me to this site. I am always happy when I find a foundation that is especially geared towards children. Keep up the good works!
i have been on the board of PCRF and have found the group of people at PCRF to be down to earth, caring, smart, unselfish and the functions that pcrf holds each year really do make a difference. My good friend's daughter had cancer at age 18 months and she is the whole reason we as a family became involved with pcrf. spreading the word for the need of pediatric cancer research is key. pcrf is a wonderful organization and helps so many families and children.
I have been the volunteer photographer for PCRF for over 10 years. PCRF has the most wonderful uplifting events. I have watched the children fighting cancer grow up to become speakers and supporters of the PCRF organization. I am constantly amazed at the childrens progress and life quality in thier survival against thier battle with cancer. I have developed personal relationships with the families and can say I get way more back then I have ever given. PCRF is a wonderful organization. I have volunteered for other organizations and they do not seem to be able to pull off the events as well or evolke the same feeling of hope and success as PCRF does.
My first experiences with PCRF came in 1986 years ago when I was 13 and diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. At the time, my doctor was considered a national expert on my disease and I was only the 5th patient that he had ever treated with it--the first with the tumor still in place. To this day, I still participate in research studies and long-term follow ups because I believe in their mission and want others to live (as I did) without suffering all the side effects from chemo. Through their research, the same treatment that took me 28 months of chemo can now be accomplished in less than a year and with far fewer complications. Supporting PCRF means saving the lives of children. It doesn't get any better than that!
PCRF is dedicated whole heart and soul to promoting research of childhood cancers. They take this a step further by doing what they can to emotionally help families live through devestating diagnosis.
This group works so proactively to support the families impacted by cancer, through events that bring joy and activity to all the family members. They reach into the communities looking for new avenues to "get the word out" about the need for more cancer research. Our high school has a special needs program that was attended by the daughter of a friend who had cancer as a child. From that connection a bond was built that has allowed awareness to grow in our community and additional fund raising events to begin that support PCRF's work. The director and staff are just warm and lovely people who work tirelessly for their families. They are the best!
This is an incredible organization run by a volunteer army of devoted supporters. Originally it was founded to bring more research and bone marrow transplantation to Orange County California, where there was none available in the 1980's, and NOW we fund incredible research for the cure of childhood cancers. This is truly a grass roots organization with a very small paid staff--and that is why so much of all the funds we raise goes directly to research--please visit our website and buy our holiday cards, and if you live in the southern California area, attend some of our fabulous fundraising events like the Rod Carew Golf Tournament coming up on August 24.
I have been involved with PCRF now for over 7 years, as both the husband of a volunteer, a volunteer and now as a Board Member. It is one of the finest organizations with which I have ever been associated. It is composed of people throughout the community working to save children from the ravages of cancer by raising money for the funding of research into the prevention, treatment and cure of childhood cancers. As a businessman for the last 35 years, I have never seen any organization work harder to direct every single dollar raised to the bottom line goal of funding research, consistently delivering over 80% of all money donated to some of the finest research programs in America.
