Blog

Our National Advisory Board is made up of passionate and dedicated entrepreneurs focused on strategy and innovation. Meet our newest members!

There are moments in life when we wish superheroes were real. Moments when reality takes a turn for the worse, leaving us scared and uncertain about what to expect next. Moments when we wished to be saved. This is what happened to Lily’s family when she was diagnosed with epithelioid glioblastoma cancer at only 3-years-old. […]

Cynthia, a loving wife and mother to two incredible boys, ages 5 and 6, was diagnosed with Paget’s Breast Cancer in October 2017. This is a rare form of cancer that only affects 1-4% of all breast cancer cases.

As children grow, they have moments when their unique personalities shine through. This is the case with Johnny, a 3-year-old little boy who loves to swim and play with water balloons. He’s happiest when singing or humming along to songs – twinkle twinkle little star being his favorite tune. He wakes up every morning with […]

When 20-year-old Virginia was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin Lymphoma, Family Reach social worker stepped in to help the family. Years later, they had the chance to meet in person!

Kris is no stranger to what it means to be a Reach Athlete. On behalf of Family Reach, he has competed in the Boston Marathon, multiple IronMan races and other events that have tested his endurance. Kris is committed to our mission and has used the strength of our community to carry him through the […]

This family of eight experienced significant expenses throughout Payton’s cancer journey and found it difficult to afford their basic needs.

Reach Athletes Rina and Shauna are not unfamiliar with the courage and heartache that accompanies a cancer journey, as they have each seen their child experience it first-hand.

It’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of everyday life. This Father’s Day, we are taking a moment to reflect on what being a dad really means.

Family Reach is all about pushing limits, especially when it comes to our popular Reach Athletes program. We applaud people who are not afraid to take risks. Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of Energybits Inc., knows what it means to strive for success with the intention of helping others.

A New Yorker, crafter, athlete, gardner, mom and wife, Becky has a full schedule. But when Amanda Bruneau, her close friend and Community Engagement Manager at Family Reach, told her about our Napa Valley half marathon, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

It takes a community of engaged advocates, partners and supporters to reach all of the cancer-fighting families that need our help. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Resilience Gives, a sock-based fundraising platform, to the Family Reach network. Together, we will help more families combat the cost of cancer.

On Monday, May 14, we hosted our 7th annual Cooking Live! event. Taking place at the Ritz Carlton in Boston, this event brought our cancer-fighting families together alongside our generous community, sponsors and talented chefs.

This Mother’s Day, we are filled with gratitude as we celebrate the incredible moms in our community. We have been there as they’ve held their child’s hand through every turn of their cancer journey and celebrated each victory along the way. Their strength and capacity for empathy are truly remarkable.

In honor of Wellness Month, we want to highlight Kenji Freedman. Kenji is the founder of our Reach Athletes program and an individual who believes in wellness as a life philosophy and a way to help those in need. Learn about his #ChooseHappy campaign and how he continues to raise money for families battling cancer.

Dalton is a bright, inspiring 7-year-old boy who has been a part of our community since he was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2015. Read about his cancer journey to see how we were able to assist his family and help them get to the other side of cancer.

We are so excited to support a new group of Reach Athletes as they prepare for the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon this summer! We have members from all corners of our community coming together - staff, families we’ve assisted, board members, friends and supporters - and our hearts are filled with gratitude.

Family Reach, the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) and the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) have launched a new program, Financial Planning for Cancer, to ensure financial barriers never get in the way of a patient’s access to care.

We are proud to share the story of Pete, a 49-year-old firefighter who was part of the search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero in 2001. Sixteen years after this tragic event, Pete was diagnosed with throat and thyroid cancer as a direct result of the toxins he was exposed to on 9/11.

National Volunteer Week is still going strong! We spoke with Kurt Kaczor, the Pro Bono Director of the Financial Planning Association, to highlight our Financial Planning for Cancer program and the critical part it’s playing in the lives of families fighting cancer. Making strides Developed by Family Reach, the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) and […]

To continue our volunteer blog series, we are excited to highlight Jean Monopoli. Jean is a proud Women's Council member and Family Reach volunteer. In addition to the council meetings Jean attends, she regularly visits our Boston-based office to lend a hand wherever needed.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re highlighting a few of the individuals who make our mission possible. Amy Madden is the first volunteer to kick this week off!

Nicole Ackerman and her brother, Peter Merrigan, strive for greatness every single day as they make family connections and push limits to bring our mission to life. Together, they are a powerful duo fighting to change the face of cancer and we are proud to have them representing Family Reach.

Many of our cancer warriors say a positive attitude helps carry them through the trying times. Ruby, a 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in June 2017, embodies this mindset every day. “She sees the best in her situation and always looks to make friends and have as much fun as she can when […]

Our Family Reach team is expanding! We’re excited to introduce you to Emily Dodd, our new Partnerships Manager. She had the pleasure of meeting cancer-fighter Grant and his parents at Massachusetts General Hospital during her first week.

On Monday April 16, Rusty Bilodeau will be running in our country’s most historic marathon, the Boston Marathon. This will be his second time running on behalf of Family Reach to raise money for families battling cancer. To help inspire our Reach Athletes during their training, we match them with one of our cancer-fighting heroes! It’s one of the many ways we love making donor - patient connections. Rusty is proudly running in honor of [...]

This Social Work Month, Family Reach is honoring our dedicated team of social workers for the important role they play in the lives of both families fighting cancer and the healthcare professionals that stand by each family’s side. We partner with over 400 social workers across the country to understand each family’s unique needs as they navigate the financial side of a cancer diagnosis.

Like many 14-year-old boys, Isaac loves basketball, football and the outdoors. His enjoyment of everyday life was shaken when he was diagnosed with leukemia last May.

Babies are known for bringing joy to everyone they encounter. Twelve-week-old Karalyne, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in February 2018, is no exception. “Karalyne does love to smile. She would rather look at your smiling face than any baby toy waved in front of her,” says her mom.

Ten-year-old Antonio and his family choose a different cause to support each holiday season. When Antonio expressed interest in helping children with cancer this past December, his mom reached out to Family Reach CEO and old friend, Carla Tardif.

Our Reach Athlete team is full of passionate, fearless and downright driven runners, and we’re excited for you to meet them. They’ve set the bar high – raise $75,000 for families fighting cancer – but we’re confident they can reach it. Click here to help make that happen.

Maui is a bright little girl who is always full of life. She was gearing up for her fifth birthday when a routine eye exam revealed optic nerve glioma – a brain tumor that arises in or around the optic nerve.

We sat down with our CEO, Carla Tardif, in honor of her 10 year anniversary at Family Reach. Find out what the early years were like and the moments that have made her journey so special.

In honor of National Donor Day, we're sharing the story of tight-knit siblings Vanessa and Luis. Vanessa is a bright 6 year old who loves playing hide and seek, going to school and swimming at the beach near her California home. This Family Reach hero has not had an easy path.

B&W Quality Growers is a 145-year-old grower, packer and shipper of distinctive baby leaves like watercress and arugula. B&W’s unmatched dedication to sustainability and community has driven their passion and success as an industry leader. That’s why we’re excited to announce that B&W Quality Growers has decided to join Family Reach at the table as a corporate partner.

Reach Athletes are a force to be reckoned with. They push limits. They raise the bar to new heights. "Quit" is not in their vocabulary. Why? Because they know they have the power to cross that finish line and together make a real, tangible difference in the lives of families battling cancer.

When 2-year-old Kimorah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her family dropped everything and moved from their home in Anchorage to Seattle for treatment. The high cost of travel Kimorah first came to Seattle Children’s for a bone marrow transplant in the fall of 2017. She has since been readmitted to the hospital repeatedly for cardiology […]

Cancer-related financial toxicity (CRFT) is a national crisis hiding in plain sight. Our team has published a comprehensive white paper to change that. Developed in conjunction with our Medical Advisory Board and partners at Xcenda, Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity and it’s Pervasive Effects on Patients and Families: Solving a National Health and Economic Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight – is the first consolidated report providing an [...]

High school seniors usually spend the months before graduation gearing up for college or a job. It’s both an exciting and daunting time. That’s exactly how Tyler was feeling when his life took a turn he could have never expected. Tyler was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at just 19 years old.

CJ is a very active 3-year-old boy who loves soccer and running around in his Super Mario Brothers’ costumes! His energetic demeanor and ever-present smile have been especially helpful during the past year. CJ was diagnosed with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in October 2016.

Family Reach is at an exciting tipping point! Our team, partners and community grew rapidly in 2017. Experts from across industries - healthcare, finance, retail and beyond - took a stand with us at key conferences. Athletes, cancer survivors and avid supporters held countless events to raise awareness and funds for our families. Together, we are stronger than ever!

The holiday season is in full swing! As you begin your shopping, consider finding ways to give back and help those in need. Our programs and partners make it easy. With just one purchase or a few clicks of a button, you can make a difference in the lives of families fighting cancer.

What is GFC? Golf Fights Cancer (GFC) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization based out of Norton, Massachusetts. GFC taps into the passion and generosity of all golfers to raise much-needed funds for cancer-related organizations and families living with the diagnosis. Recognizing the tremendous fundraising potential in the golf community at-large, Jay Monahan, Brian Oates and […]

Leslie is not a cancer fighter herself, but she is no stranger to the disease. She has been in the thick of things as a cancer caregiver since October of 2014 when her husband, Mike, was diagnosed with stage IV Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Surrounded by his mom, dad and two sisters, life growing up in San Jose, California, was pretty good for 5-­year-­old Angelo. Things took a turn Angelo’s parents never expected when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2015. The family jumped into action, but things have not been easy. Angelo’s spleen had to be removed before he could begin chemotherapy.

I was a 21-year-old college junior when my mother’s cancer returned. With metastasis to the bone and lungs, the prognosis was grim and our lives changed forever.

Luke is an active 13 year old and huge Boston sports fan. His personal favorites? The Patriots and Tom Brady! He also enjoys practicing the guitar and finds inspiration from his favorite bands, the Beatles and Pearl Jam. Luke was also diagnosed with leukemia in 2011.

On Monday, November 6, we broke all of our fundraising records, earning more than $700,000 to help families fighting cancer at this year’s Cooking Live! New York! Created by celebrity chef Ming Tsai, the fundraiser brought Worst Cooks in America’s Anne Burrell, Chopped’s Amanda Freitag and The Chew’s Carla Hall together to prepare a five-course meal live in the center of the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park ballroom.

Michele’s journey began in January 2017 when the results of her annual mammogram came back abnormal. After a second mammogram and biopsy, the doctors gave her the news – breast cancer. It was her 48th birthday.

Mason is a kind-hearted 16-year-old with a great sense of humor. In June of 2015, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed him from the chest down. It was later discovered that the stroke was caused by glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Travis may seem like a typical 5-year-old boy on the outside. He is loving, energetic and not afraid to speak his mind. He enjoys playing Minecraft and watching American Ninja Warrior, even trying to practice his skills in hopes of doing the course when he gets older. But Travis had to give up some of the normalities of youth when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in December 2015.

We’re committed to being more than just a bandaid for families facing the financial burden of cancer.  That’s why we’re always looking for ways we can do more, dig deeper and maximize our impact. We’ve learned over the years that the best way to do that is through collaboration. On September 28, 2017, Family Reach […]

Collective Next, an organization dedicated to helping groups come together, think better and move forward, joined us at this year's Imagine Session. Through graphic storytelling, they captured each of our panel's ideas, experiences and goals. Take a peek at these dynamic visuals.

A World Series champion and three-time All-Star, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is more than an athlete. Anthony is a hero both on and off the field. He always has a positive attitude and smile on his face. Committed to giving back to his community, he founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honoring Olivia, whose bright, bubbly personality touched so many. Olivia was 11 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia in February 2016.

At 8 years old, Weronika was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was in and out of Lurie Children’s Hospital for the next year, managing the disease and receiving frequent transfusions.

My name is Kya, and I’m a 13 year old from Brooklyn, New York. In the fall of 2014, I started fifth grade and discovered I was going to be a big sister. Soon after that exciting news, I began to experience consistent pain in my thigh.

Timothy is 17 years old and an avid basketball fan. He is also a fighter of advanced metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma. He receives cycles of both chemotherapy and radiation and must go to the clinic at least once a week, oftentimes more, and has faced multiple urgent hospitalizations for various issues throughout his treatment.

Isaac is an adorable, happy and energetic two-year-old little boy originally from the Caribbean island of Antigua. Life was good until his mother began noticing blood in his urine when he was only 12 months old. After receiving proper assessment, Isaac’s family received the devastating news that their baby boy had embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder.

We are excited to have such a motivated group of Reach Athletes running on behalf of the families we serve at the 45th annual Falmouth Road Race! Our runners will join more than 11,000 racers weaving their way through seven miles of picturesque Cape Cod.

Jaslene is a sweet seven-year-old girl who is suffering from renal medullary carcinoma. It is a rare cancer of the kidney that is associated with sickle cell trait, which Jaslene has. Her cancer has not taken well to treatment and she remains in severe pain that limits her ability to walk.

Madelyn is a two-year-old girl whose vigor and goofy personality has earned her the nickname “Little Bulldog.” She loves wearing superhero capes and building forts with her older sister, Callie. These activities were put on hold when Madelyn was diagnosed with stage three neuroblastoma in October 2016.

Juan is a nine-year-old boy who loves spending quality time with his family and playing with his sister. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2016 and is currently receiving treatment at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Illinois.

Family Reach is the proud distribution arm of JUST TRYAN IT, a nonprofit that raises awareness and funds for families battling cancer through children's triathlons.

Oliver was diagnosed with multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare cancer, as a baby in 2011. He completed treatment in 2013, but sadly relapsed only three years later.

Brendon is a very active two-year-old. He loves to run around with his older sister, Kimberly, and spend quality time with his newborn baby brother, Matthew. Brendon was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma last January and is in the midst of a two-year treatment plan that requires frequent inpatient stays and clinic visits.

A brilliantly creative little girl, Lauren loves to paint, sing and use her imagination. Her family recognized that something was wrong when the normally energetic girl was becoming less tolerant of activity. Not long after, six-year-old Lauren was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma, a very rare cancer often found on the adrenal glands.

In honor of Sarcoma Awareness Month, we are sharing the story of Daletzi, a beautiful and strong-willed young cancer survivor. Daletzi was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from skeletal muscle cells, when she was only eight years old. She was treated at the University of Arizona Medical Center with a rigorous care plan and usually hospitalized at least once a month.

Tiago is a passionate family man who loves to fish and is always willing to lend a hand to help others. In October 2015, things changed for his family. iago was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and has had to undergo numerous procedures and treatments. This has added a considerable amount of financial stress to his family’s life.

Family Reach is honored to work with dedicated social workers at over 200 hospitals nationwide. This remarkable group ensures that families undergoing financial hardship are connected to Family Reach and receive the assistance they need to get back on their feet.

In January 2016 at the age of 15, Molly was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. This kind and beautiful teenager had previously focused her days on her passion for figure skating.

In honor of Father’s Day, we are featuring the story of Michael, an admirable father of three and cancer fighter. Michael is a hardworking, loving 32-year-old father of three who lives with his wife, Leslie, and their three young children. In December of 2014, Michael was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Following a grueling and extensive treatment plan, Michael experienced a brief period of remission, sadly relapsing [...]

Jude is a bright and vibrant five year old who is a self-described “gamer” and dreams of becoming a scientist when he grows up. He has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since 2013 and has undergone two bone marrow transplants and three relapses.

Kyle was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in December 2009 at the age of 13. His difficult treatment regimen included multiple surgeries and chemotherapy at the Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center in Boston, approximately one and a half hours from his home.

In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, read how Bethany has overcome cancer and her impact on Family Reach. Bethany’s cancer journey began in 2008 at just six years old. It started with a series of minor illnesses and back pain that triggered her parents’ concern. They went to the doctor and soon received the devastating news that their daughter had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

As the funder of our partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, we’re humbled to have CVS Health by our side as an engaged, innovative corporate partner. They play an essential role in the work we do day in and day out to change the face of cancer for patients like Aidan.

Jevon was diagnosed with leukemia after persistent swollen glands revealed an underlying cancer diagnosis in 2014 at just 12 years old. With his single mom, Janet, by his side, Jevon set out on the road to recovery.

On May 8, we hosted our sixth annual Cooking Live! Boston fundraiser at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston. Celebrity chef and Family Reach National Advisory Board President Ming Tsai was joined by renowned chefs Steve DiFillippo (Davio’s), Jamie Bissonnette (Coppa, Toro and Little Donkey) and Robert Bruce (The Ritz-Carlton, Boston).

Instead of attending high school in the fall of 2016, 14-year-old Jessica entered the world of doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy treatments. Before being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, she spent her days dancing competitively, playing violin and doing typical teen activities, all while maintaining a successful academic record.

In the winter of 2014, at just six years old, Gavin was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Before his diagnosis, both mom and dad worked full time and were living comfortably in Connecticut with Gavin and his younger sister.

Seven-year-old Amelia is the youngest of Chris and Kathryn’s three children. This cheerful little girl was diagnosed with high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia two years ago.

Family Reach is lucky to have many corporate partners who have stuck with us through the years and we continue to meet new and inspiring organizations that want to collaborate. But there’s one partner that really stands out, and I feel compelled to tell you there’s more to this story around our partnership with AmerisourceBergen!

Lily is a spunky five-year-old girl with Down syndrome. She loves to dance, sing, paint and dress up. Last September, she was diagnosed with an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia.

As Boston's Marathon Monday quickly approaches, we asked our runners a few questions to help our community get to know them!

Nathan was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma one month shy of his seventh birthday and just one month into first grade. Before his diagnosis, he loved going to the park, practicing taekwondo, swimming and biking. He’s had to adjust his hobbies due to his disease, but his positive outlook has remained the same.

What do a 14-year-old osteosarcoma patient and a comedian with red lipstick have in common? An unbreakable bond formed over their love of laughter and desire to bring awareness to the financial burden of cancer.

On August 7, 2015, just two days before hitting the field for senior year football practice, Gabriel received the news no teenager should ever have to hear, "You have leukemia."

Chef Eric has cooked professionally for more than 36 years. He’s worked all over the world, from France to Italy, Japan and beyond and now runs EXQ Consulting. Here he works directly with hotels, restaurants and catering companies helping to prepare menus, concepts and operating procedures. He’s also the owner of the extremely successful Morris Tap & Grill in Randolph, New Jersey.

Known as Daya, three-year-old Dayanara lives in Sunnyvale, California, with her mother, father and two brothers (ages 11 and 19) in a home the family rents. Daya is full of life and personality. She is described by her mom as a, “diverse little lady” whose interests vary greatly. Daya loves tutus and big dresses, but also enjoys playing sports and wrestling around with her dad and brothers. Daya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic [...]

Grayson is a bright, ambitious 12 year old and an avid lover of all things camouflage. He’s also courageously battling stage III Hodgkin's lymphoma.

It was August of 2015 when Sydney received the heartbreaking news that she had a grade III inoperable brain tumor. Instead of starting a new school year in her hometown of Nashville, Sydney immediately began radiation followed by a year of bi-weekly chemotherapy. This took the family in a direction they could have never expected and forced them to look at life with a new lens.

In honor of sister's birthday, Nicole Ackerman, our Family Coordinator, shares her family's story and how they became a part of the Family Reach community.

A ballet teacher and aspiring interior designer, Amy is also a 37-year-old single mother of two beautiful children, Isaiah, eight, and Esther, six. Both are full of energy, and music-loving Ester follows closely in her mom’s creative footsteps.

In honor of National Donor Day, we share the story of the Taveras family. The Taveras family began their cancer journey in 2004 when eight-year-old Leandro was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. After enduring two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy and radiation, Leandro was declared cancer-free.

At Family Reach, we’re thrilled to announce the latest member of our family, JUST TRYAN IT. Through children’s triathlons, this distinguished nonprofit empowers communities to raise awareness and funds for families struggling with the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis.

Ben is a 35-year-old father, husband, son, brother and nephew. Needless to say, he means a lot of things to a lot of people. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys everything from hunting and fishing to camping with his friends and family. He’s also got a love for cooking – whether it’s by the campfire or in the kitchen. But more than any of this, Ben says his favorite thing of all is being a dad to his three kids – 12-year-old Zackery, 11-year-old [...]

Family Reach is thrilled to announce that we’ve received a $50,000 CVS Health Community Grant, as part of CVS Health’s commitment to building healthier communities. The support from CVS Health will fund the Family Relief Direct Assistance Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to provide financial support and education to families who have a child or young […]

A sweet and bubbly 12 month old, MeleAna was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare type of liver cancer, this past spring. She currently lives with her mother, Kiley Iona, great-grandmother and 15-year-old uncle. MeleAna’s 22-year-old aunt will soon join the family as well. Needless to say, she is surrounded by love and support. Upon diagnosis, […]

An expressive, independent young girl, Antoinette possesses a natural talent for most things and is very motivated – she even taught herself ballet by watching online tutorials. So in 2015, when she became tired, covered in bruises and had a fever, her family knew there was cause for concern. They contacted a doctor, who thought […]

The Leigh Sakoda Foundation is a California-based memorial fund in honor of Leigh Ashley Sakoda, who died at age 34 from a rare and aggressive cancer. The foundation aims to inspire research, improve diagnostics and provide treatment options for young women facing rare cancers. Since 2010, the Leigh Sakoda Foundation has helped support more than 50 […]

A beauty inside and out, three year old Julissa has remained strong since her journey with acute lymphoblastic leukemia began last December, changing the family’s entire life in the blink of an eye. Julissa stopped attending school and underwent three weeks of intensive inpatient treatment at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The […]

Known to many as Effy, five-year-old Elizabeth loves being outside and running around with her little brother Harry. She is currently thriving in kindergarten, learning to ride a bike and has decided she wants to be a firefighter when she grows up. This happy, spunky, “old soul” has come a long way. In 2013, her […]

Ella’s mother, Larissa, shares how cancer has impacted her family’s past, present and future.  On June 14, 2014, after her last week of kindergarten, Ella was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I will never forget that day. Ella was battling strep throat and it just wouldn’t go away. Her strep, paired with excessive fatigue, made me worry. […]

As 2016 comes to a close, we reflect on the many ways our partnerships with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have impacted our reach and scope this year. From foundation funding for our programs to advocacy partnerships that expand our mission, we are sincerely grateful to those companies who demonstrate their commitment to alleviating the financial burden of cancer. Over the past […]

We went into 2016 with an ambitious agenda – elevate awareness surrounding the financial toxicity of cancer and expand our reach in a way like never before. Rallying our community, we set out on the road to success. We hosted knockout fundraisers and stimulating industry events, joined our families in the trenches with new financial tools […]

Guest blogger, Ida, shares her son Michael’s battle with pediatric brain cancer in part two of this mini series. For part one, click here. Before his diagnosis, Michael was a very energetic, funny and athletic boy that could almost always be found shooting or throwing any type of ball he could get his little hands on. […]

As many of you know, I recently had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak at the White House alongside Vice President Joe Biden at his Cancer Moonshot address. What many of you don’t know is the driving force that got us there. Earlier this year, I packed up my bags and headed to San Francisco for […]

Guest Blogger, Ida, shares her family’s experience during her son Michael’s battle with pediatric brain cancer. A few months before Michael’s cancer diagnosis, his older brother, Stevie, began asking what it would take for him to become a scientist. After explaining all of the hard work required, I questioned him on his sudden interest in this. […]

Be a lifeline this season. Through Hope for the Holidays, 100 percent of your donations go directly to families in need in the form of gift cards they can use to buy presents, food and everyday necessities. If you are interested in supporting families struggling with the financial burden of cancer, please visit familyreach.org/holidays. Here are some […]

Guest blogger Danielle shares the story of her battle with cancer and the path it has helped pave for her.  When I was a senior in high school, my friends and I went to Six Flags during our April vacation. Soon after, I started experiencing what I would  realize were symptoms of my diagnosis. After […]

Our Hope for the Holidays program is in full swing and we need your help. Through this giving initiative, 100 percent of donations go directly to families in need in the form of gift cards they can use to buy presents, food and everyday necessities. If you are interested in supporting families struggling with the financial burden of […]

Presented in front of an exclusive audience, Cooking Live! is a dynamic, interactive fundraiser prepared by an all-star lineup of chefs with the help of celebrity guests and local pediatric patients. On Monday, November 14, we broke all of our fundraising records, bringing in nearly $600,000 at this year’s Cooking Live! New York, where we welcomed […]

Mission Monday: Small Can Be Big  Small Can Be Big is a Massachusetts-based non-profit that strives to connect with other local non-profits to help families across the nation who are on the brink of homelessness. They use small donations to make a big difference in the lives of those in need. Since 2009, Small Can […]

For many, the holiday season is a much-anticipated time of joy during the cold winter months. But for families fighting cancer, this time of year brings with it a new layer of worry. Through our Hope for the Holidays campaign, we’re helping families like the Montijos have the bright holiday season all families deserve. A […]

For eight-year-old Madison, it’s the outpouring of love and support she receives that keep her strong. When Madison was 18 months old, her mother, Shauna, noticed that her daughter’s stomach was swollen. Shauna took Madison to the doctor, where she discovered that the inflammation was a result of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a blood cancer […]

To accomplish what we need to at Family Reach, you have to be fearless. The stakes are high, the system is broken and families with cancer are dealing with the unthinkable. As the President of our National Advisory Board, Ming Tsai has what it takes to be fearless and it’s contagious – there isn’t a […]

Here at Family Reach, we’re not simply Cubs fans. We’re die-hard supporters, and we’re proud of that – for many reasons. After Anthony Rizzo’s own battle with cancer, he established the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. For years, the foundation has worked tirelessly to raise money for cancer research and support children and their families battling the […]

With their line of stuffed animals, books, blankets and apparel, Pillow Pets is an iconic name within many households. For more than a decade, this generous company has partnered with Family Reach, providing monetary and in-kind donations that bring comfort, love and financial relief to thousands of families facing the financial burden of cancer. Starting this week, Pillow Pets […]

Alayna is an extremely sweet two-and-a-half-year-old girl receiving treatment at New York-Presbyterian Hospital for metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer found in the muscle tissue. While the treatment is tough on Alayna’s tiny body, she goes through each day with a huge smile on her face.  Alayna’s mother, Tresha, first knew something was wrong when she […]

  For more than two decades, Family Reach has remained dedicated to eliminating the financial burden of cancer for patients and their families. This year we joined Vice President Joe Biden as he announced findings from his  Cancer Moonshot Task Force, an initiative announced at President Obama’s State of the Union Address earlier this year. […]

Guest blogger Heather Von St. James shares the story of her battle against mesothelioma – a rare and often misunderstood cancer – and the financial toll that it took on her family. Thank you for sharing your story, Heather.  Cancer is an expensive diagnosis, no matter the type. But if you happen to see the […]

In January 2015, Landon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just eight years old. His parents, Heather and Richard, could not begin to imagine the financial strain that their family would endure. Described as articulate and gregarious boy, Landon began treatment in El Paso, Texas, an hour away from their home in New Mexico. […]

I don’t know how many times a week I say, “Let me put you in touch with our Director of Special Events and Outreach, Dianne Lynch.” After all, events and special programs make up 70% of our fundraising income at Family Reach. Those are funds we turn around and use to help families who have […]

On Thursday, September 22nd, Family Reach hosted IMAGINE 2025: A Solution Generation Session on the Financial Burden of Cancer. This is the first time Family Reach has united such a diverse group of stakeholders to look for new ideas – and the outcome was fantastic. Sixty healthcare, advocacy, pharmaceutical, finance, communication, technology and transportation professionals […]

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing stories from the many families we’ve served over the past twenty years. Childhood cancer leaves a lasting impact on every family touched by the disease. This month we honor their many unique journeys through childhood cancer and ask you to stand with us by joining our monthly […]

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing stories from the many families we’ve served over the past twenty years. Childhood cancer leaves a lasting impact on every family touched by the disease. We honor their many unique journeys through childhood cancer and invite you to stand next to them by joining our monthly giving program.  Paul is a 22 […]

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing stories from the many families we’ve served over the past twenty years. Childhood cancer leaves a lasting impact on every family touched by the disease. This month we honor their many unique journeys through childhood cancer and ask you to stand with us by joining our monthly giving program.  […]

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing stories from the many families we’ve served over the past twenty years. Childhood cancer leaves a lasting impact on every family touched by the disease. This month we honor their many unique journeys through childhood cancer and ask you to stand with us by joining our monthly giving program.  […]

On September 7th, Jonathan Leuchs embarks on a 40-mile swim around the island of Nantucket in support of Family Reach. Jonathan’s commitment to the Family Reach mission is personal. In 2005, he lost his mother to brain cancer after a difficult two year battle. His grandfather also passed away after fighting lung cancer while Jonathan was in high […]

Gregory is an 18-year-old living in a Boston suburb with his parents, his twin sister, Kat and his older brother, Mac. In March of his senior year of high school, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the muscle tissue. Instead of getting ready for college alongside Kat, Gregory began an intensive 42-week treatment […]

In Boston, if you ask someone who their hero is, they will likely rattle off the name of one of our professional athletes. Boston takes its sports teams very seriously.  The next time you’re here, sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, look around at the team stickers on the cars. Some of them even cover the entire back windshield. […]

Before cancer struck the Thocher family, mom, Tracie worked full time as a restaurant manager while dad, John, worked as a military trainer. They had three healthy children that brought them immense joy. When Tracie was pregnant with her fourth child, Emma, she was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her cancer grew quickly, causing both […]

When Felecia Cook was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in May of 2015, her family was hit hard by the overwhelming financial and emotional side effects of the disease. She and her loving husband had become the primary caretakers to their six grandchildren two years earlier, following the incarceration of two of their children. The couple took […]

At Family Reach, we are proud of our ability to step in and provide families with tremendous, tangible relief by directly paying a mortgage, car payment or rent, stabilizing their basic human needs while they focus on fighting cancer. But there is a quieter need faced by thousands of cancer caregivers across the country that Family Reach […]

Raylan Montijo is a brave two-year-old boy who was diagnosed with bi-lateral retinoblastoma, an aggressive cancer in both of his eyes, at ten months old. Since diagnosis, Raylan has endured an intensive treatment protocol including the removal of his eye, traditional chemotherapy, and specialized laser and cryo therapy of his eye. Many of these treatments must […]

Adin is an 11-year-old boy from Illinois who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in November 2014. Two days after diagnosis, Adin and his mother, Kathy, relocated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, leaving behind Adin’s father and three older siblings. The sudden move to Tennessee was difficult for the entire family. […]

We spend a lot of time raising awareness about the widespread effect of the financial burden of cancer. Our passionate community understands there are thousands of families unable to access care because of lost income and overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses. To some of our supporters, this knowledge can be overwhelming. Our community continues to ask: How Can I Help? and […]

Family Reach is proud to partner with 300 social workers at over 145 hospitals nationwide. This incredible team helps ensure that Family Reach funds go to support families facing real financial hardship when they need it most. Today we spotlight Elyse Levin-Russman, LCSW, OSW-C of Massachusetts General Hospital. “Cancer is expensive,” Elyse says. “For some families the diagnosis is only […]

11-year-old Eulalia, fondly known by her family and friends as “Lala,” has been fighting pre-B-cell ALL leukemia since May, 2014. Lala’s mother Ingrid, a single mom with four children, lost her job as a cab driver at the time of her daughter’s diagnosis. This sudden reduction of income left Ingrid unable to stay on top of […]

At just 22 years old, Alexander Ouellet is pushing athletic limits for families fighting cancer as a Reach Athlete and now he’s taking on the world. A Boston native and engineering student at Northeastern University, Alexander has been elected Mr. World America 2016 and will travel to the United Kingdom this July to compete in the 20th Edition of […]

Mya had just turned 12 when she began experiencing pain in her left femur during day-to-day activities. When the pain began to worsen, her mother Michelle took her for a check up and was stunned to learn that her youngest child had osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Mya’s parents were overwhelmed with how quickly their lives […]

For twenty years, Family Reach has been catching cancer families before they fall through the cracks. We’ve stabilized housing, transportation and kept food on the table by paying bills quickly and efficiently. We’ve kept families afloat during their most difficult times. But recently we’ve been asking ourselves, what broader impact could we have if we […]

We had the pleasure of attending the American Society of Clinical Oncologist's Annual Meeting in Chicago. This meeting unites 40,000 oncologists, researchers, nurses, patients, advocates and pharmaceutical and biotech representatives from across the globe to discuss the future of cancer care; It's the largest conference of this type in the world. The theme of this year’s meeting was Collective Wisdom: The Future of Patient Centered Care. We [...]

Emma is an adorable and outgoing baby girl who was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma at only 8 months old. The firstborn child to loving parents, Lindsey and AJ, Emma’s fight to survive has been truly remarkable. Her first year of treatment was extremely difficult, filled with significant and unexpected complications. During Emma’s first chemotherapy […]

2016 marks a number of firsts for Family Reach! We are celebrating our twentieth anniversary, we have expanded our network of hospitals to over 145 institutions nationwide, and this weekend at the national American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference we launched a Financial Handbook for cancer patients and their families (more to come on that […]

Family Reach recently launched a new program to help supporters like you create a greater and sustainable impact for cancer families. Our new monthly giving initiative, the Key Holder Program, harnesses the generosity and compassion of our entire network to provide significant, long-term support for families facing the financial burdens of cancer. Families fighting cancer can’t put their […]

Damian is an adorable and outgoing 3-year-old boy who was originally diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the eye, when he was less than a year old. Despite enormous efforts on the part of his parents and his treatment team at Miami Children’s Hospital, Damian’s cancer continues to spread. Family Reach has worked closely […]

Kyle is a very sweet and polite 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma right before Christmas last year. Kyle lives at home with his mother, Patti, his father, Jerry, and two siblings. Before Kyle’s diagnosis, both of his parents worked full-time, Patti as a project manager and Jerry as a corrections officer. Since the day he […]

Ella had just started kindergarten when she was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in 2014. She experienced numerous complications during her first year of treatment. She remained inpatient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital (DFCI/CHB) for the first three months following her diagnosis. Chronic fevers, infections, weight loss and neurological incidents were common throughout her first two rounds […]

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, we wined and dined Family Reach supporters and special guests at Cooking Live! Boston. We celebrated with amazing food, entertainment, chefs and friends – all while supporting children and families battling cancer. Event founder and Family Reach National Advisory Board President Chef Ming Tsai invited his talented chef friends, including Michael Mina, Ken Tominaga, Frank Kassner, Tiffani […]

It’s unlikely that you would expect to read about eggs on the Family Reach blog, but we have some very egg-citing news to share with you this #MissionMonday! (We couldn’t resist.) Our partners take many shapes and sizes, but what unites them is a commitment to families fighting cancer. They each provide Family Reach with critical […]

Parker is just over a year old, and he is battling leukemia (ALL). His diagnosis has had a significant impact on his family. They quickly faced the difficult realities of cancer from the intensive medical treatments to the financial challenges. After his diagnosis, Parker was immediately admitted to the hospital for several months. Parker’s mother was forced to leave her job to […]

Seamus is a smart and outgoing 9 year old boy who was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in the spring of 2012. At the time of diagnosis, Seamus was living with his mother and father, Dan and Eugenia and his younger brother, Danny, in New Jersey. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a toddler, Seamus faced […]

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to introduce you to the first half of the Family Reach Boston Marathon Team. Each member of our team has been matched with a child and family who’s been supported by Family Reach. Everyone is gearing up for a race to remember! We are grateful for John Hancock’s […]

Anya is a bright, sweet five-year-old girl who lives in Florida with her mom Heather, her teenage brother, and her seven-year-old sister. In November 2014, Anya was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL). When Anya was diagnosed, Heather made the hard decision to leave her job as a schoolteacher to be by her daughter’s side during an […]

As we turn our focus back to the Family Reach mission this #MissionMonday, we’d like to stop and recognize the vital role that our social workers play in what we do for the children and families we serve. We asked Family Reach Social Worker Jackie Lake to share some insight on her role and the incredible impact that our […]

This year, we are grateful to have a dedicated group of runners representing Family Reach in the Boston Marathon. Each runner has been paired with a Family Reach family who has faced the financial burden of battling cancer. We are grateful to John Hancock, who provides over 1,000 Boston Marathon bibs to select non-profits throughout the community. In 2015, John Hancock & […]

Katherine is a devoted, single mother of three beautiful daughters (ages 15, 18 and 21), a new grandmother, and a crusader against cancer. Diagnosed in 2012, she continues to show a proactive, can-do spirit that won’t be broken. Despite three years of nearly constant chemotherapy and having to remain in-patient for extended periods of time, […]

Last year, Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was only six years old at the time. Since then, his road through treatment has been rocky. His parents, Stephen and Ida, have rallied around him as a loving and dedicated support system. Despite many setbacks related to his treatment, their commitment to his care has […]

Pictured above: Family Reach CEO, Carla Tardif with our National Advisory President, Chef Ming Tsai, Anthony Cervone and his son Lucas. Carla and Ming hosted a healthy cooking demonstration for the patients and families at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Pictured above: Chef Ming Tsai with a child receiving care at […]

Ottavio is a 6 year-old boy who just happens to be battling cancer. In September of 2014, he was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called Medulloblastoma. Since then, he has become a warrior against his illness, fighting as hard as he can for his own recovery at Tufts Floating Hospital in Massachusetts. Ottavio […]

It wasn’t my plan to dedicate my life to solving the issue of the financial crisis caused by cancer. I didn’t even know it was an issue. This month, 13 years ago, I lost a very dear friend who has continued to inspire and give me strength and courage as we continue to fight for […]

In 2013, 11 year-old Camille was diagnosed with an extremely rare type of bone cancer called Osteosarcoma in her right tibia. Now Camille, a competitive Irish dancer, faced a new challenge: fighting her cancer. Her diagnosis forced her to stop dancing to focus on her aggressive treatment. Camille’s battle with cancer had many complications, but […]

Each year, Family Reach is honored to bring together a special group of supporters to celebrate the year, connect with the families we serve and Family Reach staff, and share about all of the exciting things coming up next. We had an incredible evening and are grateful to everyone who came out for a wonderful […]

Jesus is 10 years old and was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma in 2007. In 2014, the cancer spread to his left foot. While Jesus is facing an uncertain future, he refuses to give up. Since his diagnosis, Jesus and his family have had to confront the realty of extensive treatments like chemotherapy, right eye enucleation, […]

Alex is only one year old, and he has been seriously ill with what is known as Juvenile Myelomocytic Leukemia. In just a short period of time, his life and the lives of his family have been turned upside down. Alex is currently receiving inpatient care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where he has received chemotherapy. […]

As we celebrate 20 years of helping children and families fighting cancer, we wanted to take a look back across two decades of Family Reach milestones, memories and service. Since 1996, Family Reach has been helping families with a child or parent afflicted with cancer deal with the overwhelming financial and emotional burdens of the disease. […]

Isabella was diagnosed just over 3 years ago with ALL Leukemia; she was only three years old. She did very well for 18 months of her treatment. Even though her life was turned upside down, she kept her head up, continued to fight, and pulled though. Isabella’s mom had to resign from her job in […]

Today’s #MissionMonday story is about a 7-year-old boy named Julio. He lived in Brooklyn, New York, and battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma since he was just 3-years-old. He underwent treatment, relapsed and had a bone marrow transplant. He and his mom spent many months at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Julio lived at home with his mom and younger sister. […]

Delilah S. has been fighting a rare liver cancer (Hepatolblastoma) since she was only six-months-old. At 16 months old, her family has already been through a lot. Her mother, Elizabeth, is now a single parent who despite many obstacles and sacrifices is dedicated to her daughter’s medical needs. “I am continually in awe of the strength and resilience of Delilah and her mom Elizabeth,” wrote their hospital […]

Chef Eric LeVine, author, Food Network Chopped Champion, and chef/partner at Morris Tap and Grill and Paragon Tap and Table and Chef Ariane Duarte, seen on Top Chef, winner of Beat Bobby Flay, and chef/owner at Ariane Kitchen and Bar are coming together to host “Two Nights, Two Chefs, One Cause.” Both evenings promise delicious […]

As 2015 comes to a close, I invite you to join me in celebrating and reflecting on a momentous year as we look forward to 2016. We’re grateful to everyone who has jumped on board to the Family Reach team. You’ve helped us thrive and grow our impact in serving families battling cancer nationwide. With your […]

Our Reach Athletes train and compete in various athletic and endurance events to generate support for Family Reach. They seek to challenge their own stamina and determination in order to support families as they struggle to overcome the obstacles they face each and every day as they battle cancer. Whether it is a death race, […]

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the tremendous generosity of the donors and partners who continue to make a difference for families fighting cancer through supporting Family Reach. In 2015, one group in particular exceeded our expectations by sharing an unprecedented amount of time, talent and treasure with Family Reach: members […]

We still have a great need for families participating in our Hope for the Holidays program. We need your help in providing critical relief to families struggling with the financial burden of cancer. 100% of your donation goes directly to families, providing gift cards that will be used for presents, food and essentials. If you are interested in supporting […]

On Monday, November 2, 2015, Family Reach celebrated an exciting milestone in our history. Through the generous support of our streaming partners, Cooking Live from New York (as seen in People, Yahoo! News, Boston Magazine and US Weekly) was broadcasted via live stream. We brought the food, entertainment, chefs, celebrities and Family Reach mission into homes […]

What if you could prevent a family fighting cancer from going bankrupt today? With Family Reach Give, you can.  This is Thomas Lipani. In recent months, his parents face a daily battle with the decision on whether or not to file bankruptcy. How did they get here? Three years ago their eight-year-old son, Thomas, was diagnosed with Stage […]

At Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Joe Chabot understands the financial devastation that too often comes with a cancer diagnosis. “Caring for and worrying about a child with cancer should be enough,” Joe writes. “Many of our families however, struggle to keep up with their financial obligations, which makes a very stressful situation even […]

Unique is a teenage cancer survivor who aspires to be a writer and public role model for young adults with cancer. One of her biggest influences is Suleika Jaouad, an accomplished writer and member of the Family Reach National Advisory Board. Here, you will find an excerpt from Unique’s personal story, when she first found out she […]

Scott Spitz is an adventure seeker. He lives for a challenge and can endure more pain than most “normal” people can even fathom. This quality about him is not only character defining, but life-saving. Scott has lived through the trials and tribulations of a rare form of appendix cancer, powered through a number of surgeries […]

Save the date for this year’s Heroes 5k & Family Festival on September 27, where we will honor all of the heroes who support and stand behind our mission of helping families fight cancer. About 20 years ago, Rick and Marilyn Morello lost their daughter Kristine to cancer, and to honor her passion for helping others, […]

Senior Program Manager Christina McCarthy is willing to do whatever it takes to help kids get through cancer, and she certainly proved that at this year’s One Mission Buzz Off For Kids With Cancer. On Sunday, June 7, Christina joined more than 1,000 buzzees and their supporters at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., to shave […]

Boston got Ming’d on Monday night.   “Ming is a verb,” Carla Tardif, Family Reach Executive Director, told the audience at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. “It’s to give 110 percent at all times. It’s to leave your mark.” Chef Ming Tsai introduced the Cooking Live! series in 2012 as a way for him to leave […]

After two years of brainstorms, meetings, focus groups, and endless research, our new website has officially launched, thanks to one of the many brilliant teams at Harrison and Star. The global healthcare marketing agency, based in New York City, has donated countless hours of their time to create a virtual world for Family Reach, where we now can tell our story in a clear, engaging and honest way.

From the success of our annual Oldies Night to Remember, we will help approximately 100 families in their fight against cancer! Because of supporters like you, patients around the country with a cancer diagnosis will stay securely in their homes, keep food on the table and make it safely to and from cancer treatment while they fight their […]