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.

At the 2019 Get Inspired Breakfast, 400+ businesses and community leaders joined Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) for a morning of joy, music, and a look at the future of CCA’s joy-based programs. More than $76K was raised and 49 new volunteers offered their time and talents to our Joy Revolution!

The Gibson Showroom was the perfect backdrop for Children’s Cancer Association’s (CCA) first Live from the Heart event in Austin, Texas. 150 people enjoyed an intimate concert featuring renowned musician Shakey Graves. They gathered to celebrate and support the healing power of music, not just for themselves, but for the hundreds of children and teens at hospitals in Texas.

Ten years ago, an idea formed between Children’s Cancer Association’s (CCA) VP of Development, Jennifer O’Bryan, and Genentech’s External Communication and Community Relations Manager, Jenn Klotz. It was Jenn’s first year working for Genentech, and she was looking to create a lasting impact on the community. “CCA’s mission rang true for me. Joy gives people hope. Genentech’s ability to support children and their families facing serious illness by taking them to Blazers games is a reminder to those families that their community is there for them.”

Olivia and Kimberlee are kindred spirits despite being years apart in age. They love art, dancing, and share a passion for the lemonade from McMenamins. Olivia fondly thinks of Kimberlee’s son as a nephew of her own. They’ve also been through a lot together, for seven years, Kimberlee was Olivia’s Chemo Pal.

Volunteers are the unsung heroes of any nonprofit, but for Children’s Cancer Association (CCA), volunteers and specifically our program interns, have a lasting impact on the children and families served. Mariah is one such intern, currently working with the Chemo Pal Mentor Program.

The Pate family lives an active life in the outdoors, backpacking, skiing, and stand up paddleboarding. Their home sits tucked away in the hills near Hood River with the beautiful Columbia River Gorge as their playground. Stephanie and Ben are the proud parents of 12-year-old Elijah and 14-year-old Faith.