Warrior Highlight
Meet Gordon!
Gordon was diagnosed at just 5 years old with Ewing’s Sarcoma. He bravely endured fourteen rounds of chemotherapy and a below-the-knee amputation of his right leg. Adjusting to life with a visible disability has not been easy, yet Gordon continues to face each day with strength and determination. Gordon is a HUGE Arizona Diamondbacks fan, loves getting lost in a good book, and enjoys backyard blitzball.
ACFC events have become a safe and comforting space for Gordon and his family, a place where they are surrounded by people who truly understand the physical and emotional toll of childhood cancer.
Families like Gordon’s navigate incredibly hard roads, and your support helps provide comfort, community, and care when it matters most.
Program Highlights
ACFC Holiday Shopping
Throughout the month of December, we opened our doors to our warriors and families for a holiday shopping experience, bringing smiles and a little holiday magic during an often-stressful time of year. Families were invited to come in and select their favorite toys and gifts, not only for themselves, but also for siblings and loved ones.
As warriors explored and picked out special items just in time for the holidays, laughter and gratitude filled the room. For some families, the experience was made even more meaningful as they were also able to take home a Christmas tree, helping create a warm and festive space to celebrate together.
With your support, ACFC can continue creating moments like these – lifting financial stress, spreading holiday cheer, and reminding families facing childhood cancer that they are not alone.
Donor Highlights
Sixth Annual Ava's Tree House Gala
We had such an incredible time at The Phoenician Scottsdale for our sixth annual Ava’s Tree House Gala! From a moving story shared by Wilson, an ACFC warrior, to an incredible performance from our Kids’ Choir made up of warriors and their siblings, the evening was full of standout moments and holiday spirit. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour before moving into the ballroom for the evening’s program featuring FOX10’s Dominique Newland, a live auction with Anna Aja, and after-party entertainment featuring singer-songwriter Tyler Dial.
A big congratulations to our 2025 Goldy Award recipient, Desert Mountain Health & Desert Cove Recovery and a huge thank you to our donors, sponsors, and co-chairs Caroline & Matt Londen and Ashley & Justin Upton. Your generosity brought the evening to life!
3rd Annual ACFC Golf Classic
Blue skies, great golf, and even better company! We had a blast at the third annual ACFC Golf Classic at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. Guests enjoyed breakfast, swag bags, a raffle, bloody mary & mimosa bars, and a lively post-golf reception.
A huge thank you to our presenting sponsors Nolan & Madison Gorman, our co-chairs Laurie Sandau, Alex Kjellsen, and Carrie Bailes, and our amazing supporters: Red Commercial Flooring on the Links Course, Boondocks Pub on the Estates Course, Foothills Bank for breakfast, Holder Construction for lunch, AZ Highground at the mimosa bar, and The Dahmen Family Foundation & Joel Dahmen at the bloody mary bar.
The day concluded with lunch, the announcement of raffle winners, and an inspiring speech from ACFC warrior Hailey. From every laugh and cheer on the green to the excitement of the prizes, your support made this day truly unforgettable!
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Lori!
Lori has been volunteering with ACFC since the spring of 2025 and has been a proud member of our Heartwood Society since March 2025. After attending our 2024 Ava’s Tree House Gala, she knew she wanted to contribute to the organization in a meaningful way. Following a visit to the facility, she immediately felt this was a place she wanted to spend her time and began volunteering just a few days later.
“I visited the facility and instantly knew this was where I wanted to be. Seeing the mission in action made me want to get involved right away.”
One of Lori’s favorite parts of volunteering is witnessing the direct impact ACFC has on families facing the most difficult moments of their lives. She appreciates how welcoming and grateful every staff member and volunteer is and says nothing compares to hearing the kids’ excitement and joy when they visit the facility or attend an event.
We’re so thankful for Lori and the generosity and compassion she brings to ACFC!
Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children is a Qualified Charitable Organization!
Your gift may entitle you to a tax credit of up to $495 as an individual or $987 as a couple on your 2025 Arizona State taxes!