Kailanie has been through more yucky stuff than most kids her age — 19 surgeries in her first three years of life. But no matter what, she makes the best of everything.

 Those are just some of the burning questions that CCA-served kids got to ask their favorite music stars in a brand-new video series that recently premiered on December 2. The series, called “MyMusicRx-clusives” was part of CCA’s #GivingTuesday campaign to raise awareness for MyMusicRx and funds for the Children’s Cancer Association.

CCA’s December Hero, Zi Long, is only seven years old, but has already faced a long and challenging journey. Diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia as a baby in China, Zi Long requires regular transfusions since the blood disorder leaves him with low levels of oxygen throughout his body.

We are honored to present FY19 impact highlights of CCA’s Joy-based programs — including our flagship MyMusicRx program, now established in both Boston, Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas; and our award-winning Chemo Pal Mentor Program, which celebrates its 20th year.

For the past eight years, David’s had a friend in his corner to help him through long days in the hospital — his Chemo Pal mentor, Jana. She was matched with David right before his first surgery and has been by his side ever since.

Ana was diagnosed with Desmoid Fibromatosis, a cancer of the connective tissue, in 2017.  Normally an outgoing 16-year-old, Ana found herself suddenly anxious and isolated from her friends. Frequent visits to the hospital disconnected her from relationships and she longed to bond with other teens who could relate to her experiences. That’s when she decided to take advantage of Children’s Cancer Association’s (CCA) NatureRx program.

Historically, teenagers are the most underserved oncology population in children’s hospitals. Maddie knows this all too well, having been 14 when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

We are very proud to announce that CCA was selected as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award’s 2019 Charity of the Year.

At just three years old, our October Hero Uriah is wise beyond his years and a joy to everyone who meets him. He loves tractors, listening to animal sounds, and exploring the great outdoors with his family.

The gloomy Oregon weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of students from six local high schools as they took to the streets of Portland for the annual Walk for Joy fundraiser. What started as a community event with Jesuit High School in 1998, has now grown to encompass six local Catholic schools: Jesuit High School Portland, Central Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Valley Catholic School, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, and De La Salle North Catholic High School.

Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) Young Professionals Board hosted their annual Joie Rocks last Saturday, which matched this year’s Wonderball theme: Joie de Vivre.

Portland’s community of Joy-seekers, change-makers, and visionary dreamers brought a buzz of excitement and energy to this year’s Wonderball Gala: Joie de Vivre. While experiencing the delights of French culture, the true meaning of the night wasn’t lost. Together we raised $1.27 million which will directly provide the healing power of music, friendship, and nature to children and their families facing serious illness.

Beloved MLS Soccer team, Portland Timbers, and NWSL Portland Thorns FC, partnered with Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) to provide three Timber’s fans facing serious illness with an extra dose of Joy and a break from treatment at the hospital.

Maria’s perfect day is spent outside running, playing, and soaking up the sun. But she’s equally happy inside, making people follow silly rules in her favorite board game, Quelf, and reading to her heart’s content. She does a lot more staying inside now, since her Leukemia diagnosis.

Picture MLB All-Star Pitcher, Roger Clemens; former NFL Quarterback, Drew Bledsoe; and ESPN Sportscaster, Sean McDonough in a room together. No – it’s not the beginning of a joke, but the beginning of what would become a powerful night for Joy at the 11th Annual CCA Invitational.

Our August Hero, David, faces his cancer diagnosis with an immense amount of composure and positivity. He continually inspires his family, keeping them laughing through the tough times.

Golfing and cancer aren’t often talked about in the same sentence, but for Gay Davis using his passion for golf to provide Joy to children facing cancer and other serious illness was never a question of if, but how?

Quick-witted Moxie is always ready to make a new friend, whether it’s a kid she met at school, a nurse, or even someone on the street.

Each year, Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) recognizes a dozen new Heroes – kids and teens who show extraordinary courage in their battles against serious illnesses. This event, the Celebration of Courage, holds a very special place in our hearts. Now in its 21^st year, Celebration of Courage brings together our Heroes and their families in an intimate and festive atmosphere where our Heroes are honored for their remarkable achievements, endurance, and optimism.

Shaun’s silly antics created constant laughter. He loved playing with trains, construction vehicles, LEGOs, and dinosaurs. But above all, he loved firefighters, perhaps because they embody many of the same qualities he was known for: bravery in the face of daunting circumstances, integrity, strength, and infinite love for family and friends.