Here at JoyRx, the mission delivery of Children’s Cancer Association, we’re reflecting on our 2022 year — a year of exponential growth and inspiring expansion across the country.

We asked our staff what they’re most proud of in 2022 — and what they’re looking forward to most in 2023. Check out their Joyful answers!

What are you looking forward to in the new year for JoyRx?

“Watching bonds and friendships develop within our new JoyRx Mentorship matches. Our team has made a lot of new matches recently and I’m excited to see firsthand the impact and magic of our program.” — Salma, JoyRx Mentorship Specialist in Portland, OR

“I feel like this past year has been a great foundational year for a lot of change and growth at JoyRx. I cannot wait to see how much more we grow and how many more kids we reach. I also am looking forward to seeing how we handle and support each other through the growing pains that comes along with it. I am excited to be a part of it all.” — Kelsey, JoyRx Digital Live Music Specialist in Nashville, TN

“Hosting more events in Austin, growing our team and organization, and getting back into the hospitals!” — Ku’uipo, Creative Project Coordinator in Portland, OR

“I’m so excited to continue to watch our organization and Austin team grow! Every day there is a new, exciting update on our expansion; it’s such an amazing time for JoyRx!” — Alyssa, Director of Development, South, in Austin, TX

“I do believe that while we are a 27-year-old organization, we are just getting started. New markets, new partnerships, new ways of delivering our programs, new ways of measuring our program impact… all these things are incredibly inspiring because it means we are doing more and doing better for the families we serve. It may sound sort of ridiculous, but everything excites me about the coming year.” — Danielle, CEO in Portland, OR

What are you most proud of from the past year with JoyRx?

“I’m proud of our first in-person gala since pre-COVID! Wonderball was a huge success and so much fun to be part of.” — Grace, JoyRx Development Associate in Portland, OR

“I am so proud of how JoyRx Music has been integrated into the teams at our Austin partner facilities. Our partners have expressed how happy and grateful they are to have our programming and that really means so much to me.” — Allison, Director of Programs, South, in Austin, TX

“I’m proud of all the growth our team has had this past year. It’s exciting to return to office and work alongside everyone near and far.” — Joe, Director of IT in Portland, OR

“I am inspired by all the live digital music programming that our team has continued to develop. It’s amazing that JoyRx can perform live concerts and have one-on-one or group interactions with kids virtually. It has opened up opportunities for our program to be in more hospitals and available to children who would otherwise have health, geographical, or other limitations with in-person programming.” — Angela, Senior Accounting Manager in Seaside, OR

“To say I’m extremely grateful and proud of my music team is an understatement. They’re awesome!” — Cristina, JoyRx Music Specialist in Portland, OR

What has excited you the most about JoyRx this year?

“Growth! I started in May, shortly after the Austin hub was opened. It’s been exciting to see new positions being created and new hires coming in, all critical for the expansion of the organization.” — Salma, JoyRx Mentorship Specialist in Portland, OR

“Reaching a record number of kids and having a record number of hospital partners has inspired me the most about JoyRx this year. It has been so rewarding to see our mission in effect and creating such a meaningful difference in the lives of the kids and families we serve.” — Grace, JoyRx Development Associate in Portland, OR

“Really watching us take off in Austin has been so exciting! Not just through our fundraising events, but I’ve loved every minute of seeing us bring live music to our hospital partners. Watching our mission come to life in our city has been such a great feeling.” — Alyssa, Director of Development, South, in Austin, TX

“Getting to serve and support Spanish-speaking families was something I was really excited about this year. I have had the opportunity to work with so many and am very grateful to be able to create such meaningful connections as a Bilingual Music Specialist.” — Cristina, JoyRx Music Specialist in Portland, OR

“It really baffles me how much has changed since I started here, so I cannot wait to see what next year will look like. I am excited for the new hospitals we will work with, the new families we will meet, and the new endeavors we take on in the digital-live program.” — Kelsey, JoyRx Digital Live Music Specialist in Nashville, TN

What has brought you the most Joy in 2022 — and what in 2023 are you hoping for?

“My team has brought me so much Joy and I am so excited that we are growing. I look forward to bringing more JoyRx awareness with our #dreamteam!” — Ku’uipo, Creative Project Coordinator in Portland, OR

“In 2022, it was joining the JoyRx team and establishing relationships with everyone I have the privilege to work with, near and far. In 2023, I hope for opportunities to travel and spend quality time with loved ones d— and continued growth and expansion for our music program in Austin.” — Allison, Director of Programs, South, in Austin, TX

“My kiddos bring me Joy and they share their Joy and passion with me every day. Children naturally radiate Joy in so many ways and so it’s wonderful to work for an organization that brings Joy when children need it most, year after year.” — Angela, Senior Accounting Manager in Seaside, OR

“For 2023, I’m hoping to keep the snowball growing (we don’t have those in Texas, but you get what I mean). We’ve got a big year ahead and I’m so ready to hit more milestones!” — Alyssa, Director of Development, South, in Austin, TX

“Working with our team and our leadership volunteers who have passion for what we do and constantly bring intelligence, humor, and inspired thinking to our efforts. Being in the business of Joy is not always joyful as we are present in some of life’s most challenging situations— but it’s always fulfilling.” — Danielle, CEO in Portland, OR