Integrated Research and Family Support

Provides direct support to families with children affected by cancer, addressing needs related to care, logistics, or well-being.

Provides financial support to hospitals and research units focused on saving children affected by cancer, advancing treatment and care through targeted grants.

Funds innovative research and emotional support programs focused on children with cancer. This grantmaking activity supports initiatives that address both medical advancements and psychosocial needs of pediatric cancer patients.

Conducts advocacy efforts to raise public awareness about pediatric and childhood cancer, aiming to increase understanding and support for affected children and families.

Sends Birthday Boxes with festive decorations, accessories, and surprises to help children celebrate birthdays during treatment. Also provides Christmas support, including adopted-family celebrations and holiday surprises, to promote emotional well-being and inclusion during holidays.

Creates and delivers customized care packages containing toys, activities, and personalized items to children undergoing cancer treatment to improve morale and provide emotional support. These packages are tailored to individual preferences and delivered during treatment or at home.

Funds pediatric cancer research at institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering to advance the development of safer and more effective treatments for children. This includes raising funds through events like the New York City Marathon to support research initiatives.

Runs the Tessa Legacy Angel Ambassador program to honor Tessa’s memory and advance the organization’s mission by engaging businesses and supporters in efforts to assist families affected by pediatric cancer.

Conducts interactive, presence-based visits to children undergoing cancer treatment in hospitals or at home, offering emotional comfort and companionship. These visits aim to bring joy and normalize the experience of illness through direct engagement and animal-assisted interactions.

Offers direct financial and material support to families, including assistance with mortgage payments, travel costs, funeral and medical expenses, and room makeovers to create safe and comforting recovery environments. These efforts aim to reduce economic strain during treatment and bereavement.

Designs and distributes specially made dresses, known as Uni-Port dresses, that allow easy access to medical ports while being comfortable and whimsical. These are provided through a sponsorship program to support children’s dignity and self-expression during treatment.

Conducts advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote funding and public attention for pediatric cancer, including social media outreach and public commitments to continue the fight for a cure in honor of individuals like Tessa.

Organizes and runs community-based fundraising events with volunteer support to generate financial resources for families affected by pediatric cancer and related programs.

Provides direct financial aid to families in New York for unplanned expenses related to pediatric cancer, including gas, lodging, medical equipment, utilities, car insurance, meals, home repairs, and funeral costs. Since 2010, has distributed approximately $500,000 directly to families from funds raised.

Manages a permanent endowment fund designed to generate sustainable annual income for supporting families affected by pediatric cancer. Projects that a fully funded $1 million endowment will yield $40,000 to $50,000 per year in support.

Supports research initiatives aimed at preventing and eliminating pediatric cancer through targeted funding. This includes financial support for research as part of the organization’s mission to reduce future cases.

Provides in-hospital services including a playroom with arts and crafts, games, and nutritional snacks, and funds a child life specialist, nurse clinician, massage therapy, and yoga at Hassenfeld Children’s Center. Also funds a Core Coordinator and Educational Advocate to support families during and after treatment.

Funds basic medical research, clinical trials, neuro-oncology fellowships, a clinical research manager, and a biorepository center that distributes tumor tissue samples globally. Awards annual research and clinical trial grants nationwide to advance treatments and cures for pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors.