September 2024 was one of the most impactful months in the history of the Fightstrong Foundation. As we marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we were reminded of why we do what we do—supporting families, recognizing courageous children, and expanding our outreach in meaningful ways. This month was packed with exciting developments and new initiatives, all centered around one mission: bringing hope and strength to those facing cancer.
The highlight of our month was meeting with four incredible families, each with their own journey of battling cancer. These families are the heartbeat of our foundation, and spending time with them was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in every fight.
Individual and Family Support
Meet Gail, a strong and resilient woman whose journey with cancer began in July 2019 with a diagnosis of a 9 cm mass on her left kidney, leading to surgery. Despite initial relief, a spot on her lung, which was thought to be scar tissue, was later found to be cancerous, spreading to both lungs by 2024. After multiple surgeries and a new mass detected in her right buttock, Gail is now preparing for further treatment, including immunotherapy. To support her and her wife, Dawn, Fightstrong Foundation donated groceries and essentials along with ShopRite gift cards to help them maintain their groceries in the future. Gail’s story is one of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
Meet Max, a resilient 25-year-old currently battling B Cell lymphoma. His journey with cancer began when he experienced severe stomach pain and a lump, leading to his diagnosis after collapsing and being rushed to the hospital. This is just the latest challenge Max has faced, having undergone a heart transplant in high school and living with progressing muscular dystrophy. Now, Max endures week-long chemotherapy treatments with short breaks in between. To lift his spirits, Fightstrong Foundation donated a $1,500 Xtreme Xperience gift card, allowing Max to indulge in his love for cars by driving luxury cars on a professional track. Max’s determination and passion inspire everyone around him.
Meet Christie, a 33-year-old pediatric occupational therapist, was diagnosed with young onset MSHI colon cancer. Despite having no family history and no symptoms, a routine blood test revealed severe anemia, leading to the discovery of a 3.3 cm tumor. Originally on immunotherapy, Christie’s treatment switched to chemotherapy after experiencing liver failure. Forced to stop working with medically fragile children, Christie’s journey has been difficult, but she remains determined to beat cancer and return to her profession. FightStrong Foundation donated an iPad and accessories to help Christie during her treatments, along with a T.J. Maxx gift card for her love of comfy clothes. Christie’s resilience and passion continue to inspire us all.
Meet Chris, a young boy diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in August 2023 after experiencing pain during a family vacation. Chris endured months of chemotherapy, supported by his loving parents and brothers, who stayed by his side throughout his hospital stays. Despite the challenges, Chris’s positive and joyful nature has been an inspiration to everyone. Fightstrong Foundation was thrilled to bring some extra happiness to his journey, helping to put a bigger smile on his face as he continues his courageous fight.
In addition to these visits, we made a donation to another family, ensuring they have the resources they need as they continue their battle. Every donation, no matter how big or small, represents our commitment to standing with these families through every step of their journey.
Leading the Charge for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
This September, we were honored to help lead the way in recognizing the brave children of the pediatric unit at Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ and the pediatric cancer unit floor at Children’s Specialized Hospital of Robert Wood Johnson. This initiative was especially close to our hearts, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of one of our recent patients, Shrey, and his mother. Shrey has been in and out of the hospital, and during one of his stays, he reached out to us, asking if we would be part of a week-long celebration to honor these young warriors. Without hesitation, we said yes!
For this special week, we designed and supplied 450 custom shirts, ensuring that every patient and staff member had something to mark the occasion. But we didn’t stop there—we also donated pizza for fun-filled pizza parties in both units. It was the first time an event like this had taken place, and we were thrilled to play a role in it.
In addition to providing these gifts, we were able to visit and spend quality time with both the patients and the nurses who care for them every day. These visits gave us the opportunity to share the Fightstrong story and our ongoing initiatives, which opened up meaningful conversations. Some families felt comfortable enough to ask for individual support, and we’re proud to say that we will be helping them in the coming weeks.
Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they enjoyed their shirts and pizza was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have. We are committed to making this an annual tradition, celebrating the resilience of these children for years to come.
New Initiatives: Expanding Our Reach and Connections
September also brought with it some exciting firsts for us at Fightstrong. One of these was meeting a patient online for the very first time. Although we deeply value meeting with each patient in person, the distance made travel difficult in this case. Instead, we shipped her a donation package and spent over an hour with her online. The virtual meeting allowed us to connect in a meaningful way, ensuring that even distance couldn’t prevent us from providing the support she needed.
In addition, we launched two new Facebook community groups, each with a distinct purpose. The first is open to everyone who wants to stay updated on the latest Fightstrong Foundation news and activities. The second group is exclusive to our patients, providing a safe space where they can share their stories, support one another, and stay connected. Our hope is that this patient-only group will become a close-knit community, helping our patients feel less alone on their journeys.
Looking Ahead
September was a monumental month for Fightstrong Foundation, filled with new beginnings, meaningful connections, and lasting memories. As we move forward, we are excited to build on this momentum, continuing to support families, recognize courageous children, and create spaces where our community can thrive. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many, and we look forward to what the future holds.