Beginning today, Oregonians statewide will see a new round of “Wear a Mask” public service anouncements — this time, starring the masked-up faces of young patients and families served by Children’s Cancer Association. 

Just over 10 years ago, Gay Davis decided to fuse his passion for golf with his desire to help deliver Joy to kids with cancer.

Seriously ill children, teens, and their families remain isolated in quarantine, cut off from the support of extended family, friends, and the world around them. CCA is committed to continuing service delivery for this vulnerable population, who are deeply impacted by this pandemic. 

The pandemic has left many of us experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety, stress, uncertainty, and isolation — feelings incredibly familiar to Lance and Chloe, whose son, Bo, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when he was just nine months old.

We are thrilled to team up with Gibson, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, to bring the healing power of music to the seriously ill kids and teens served by MyMusicRx^®. 

As an organization focused on Joy as a pathway to greater emotional well-being, we want to share a few ideas to help you find Joy in this moment.

CCA is committed to continuing service delivery for seriously ill children and their families and supporting the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who care for them, all who are even more deeply impacted during this pandemic. With social distance strategies in place, our team is innovating the ways we deliver Joy remotely. 

The phoenix is a mythological bird that rises from the ashes, symbolizing the ability to overcome darkness and rise to any challenge. It’s a fitting name for our January Hero, 12-year-old Phoenix, who has risen above his circumstances with incredible strength and courage.

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.