What We Do

ONE

child a day is diagnosed with cancer in Arizona

1 in 5

children diagnosed with cancer will pass away

76%

of the families we serve are low income

VIEW | DOWNLOAD 2022 Annual Report

Our Programs

Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children provides critical support to families who have a child battling cancer.

PROGRAMS
— 3 Pillars of Support

SOCIAL

ACFC offers a place where kids with cancer can be kids. Having a child with cancer can be very isolating for the entire family. Inside our 12,000 square foot facility we offer families an escape from cancer. When families visit ACFC they are offered —

Toy Store

The toy store is a special space designed to bring joy and comfort to cancer warriors and their siblings. Filled with a variety of toys, games, and activities, the toy store provides children undergoing treatment with an opportunity to choose items that bring them happiness during their hospital visits. It serves as a cheerful and uplifting environment where children can explore, play, and forget about their medical challenges for a while.

The toy store is made possible through generous donations and serves as a symbol of the community’s support and care for children with cancer.

The Paint Splatter Room

Room is a vibrant and interactive space designed to ignite creativity and bring joy to the entire family.

Upon entering the room, families are greeted by a colorful and inviting atmosphere, filled with walls adorned with splashes of paint in various hues. The room is equipped with protective gear, including aprons and goggles, allowing children to freely express themselves through art without worry.
Children are encouraged to unleash their imagination and creativity as they dip brushes into buckets of paint and splatter vibrant colors onto canvases or designated areas within the room. The experience is not only therapeutic but also empowers children to embrace their artistic abilities and express themselves in a fun and uninhibited manner.

The Paint Splatter Room serves as a joyful escape from the challenges of pediatric cancer treatment, providing children with a safe space to explore their creativity, connect with others, and create lasting memories with their families. It embodies the spirit of resilience and hope that defines the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, offering moments of laughter, inspiration, and healing for all who enter.

The Imagination Station Play Area

Area is an engaging space designed to spark creativity, exploration, and joy for cancer warriors and their siblings.

As you enter the Imagination Station, you’ll be greeted by a colorful and inviting atmosphere, filled with interactive play elements, educational activities, and imaginative play areas. From sensory stations and hands-on learning activities to pretend play zones and interactive games, the Imagination Station offers a variety of experiences to engage children of all ages and interests.

Children are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild as they explore the different play areas, embark on imaginative adventures, and interact with fellow cancer warriors and siblings. The play area is designed to promote social interaction, stimulate cognitive development, and provide a fun and enriching experience for children during their time at our facility.

The Family Room

The Family Room is a warm and inviting space designed to provide comfort, support, and respite for cancer warriors and their families.

The room is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable seating areas, soft lighting, and soothing decor, creating a peaceful environment where families can relax and unwind while their children play.

The Family Room serves as a sanctuary for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer, offering a place to gather, connect, and find solace amidst their journey. Whether it’s sharing stories, offering support to one another, or simply enjoying a moment to sit down the Family Room provides a safe and supportive space for families to come together and lean on each other for strength and encouragement.

The Teen Center

The Teen Center is a dynamic and inviting space designed specifically for teenage warriors and their siblings to connect, relax, and engage in age-appropriate activities.

As you enter the Teen Center, you’ll notice a modern and comfortable atmosphere, complete with lounge seating, gaming consoles, board games, and other recreational activities tailored to the interests of teenagers. The center provides a welcoming environment where teens can socialize with peers, participate in group activities, or simply unwind and recharge during their time at our facility.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen is a warm and welcoming space designed to provide nourishment, comfort, and support for warriors and their families.

As you step into the Kitchen, you’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly prepared meals and the sound of laughter and conversation. The kitchen is equipped with seating for 40 people to be served buffet style. Families have the opportunity to take pre-made meals home to provide convienence and peace of mind.

The Family Pantry

The Family Pantry is a vital resource that provides essential household items and groceries to families in need during their cancer journey.

Stocked with a variety of pantry staples, toiletries, and household essentials, the Family Pantry offers families access to items that help alleviate financial burdens and ensure their basic needs are met. From non-perishable food items to cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and more, the pantry is designed to provide practical support and assistance to families. Whether they need ingredients for a home-cooked meal, toiletries for personal care, or basic household supplies, the pantry is available to provide assistance and support to families during their time at the facility.

The Art Studio

The Art Studio is a creative and nurturing space designed to inspire artistic expression, promote healing, and provide therapeutic support to cancer warriors and their families.

As you enter the Art Studio, you’ll be greeted by a colorful and inviting environment filled with art supplies, materials, and workstations. From canvases and paints to clay, markers, and other artistic mediums, the studio offers a wide range of materials for children and their families to explore and create with. The Art Studio serves as a sanctuary for creativity, allowing children to express themselves through various forms of art and unleash their imagination in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or engaging in other creative activities, the studio provides a therapeutic outlet for children to process their emotions, reduce stress, and find moments of joy and inspiration amidst their cancer journey.

Events

ACFC hosts special events such as birthday parties and end-of-treatment celebrations to honor and support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Birthday Parties: We believe that every child deserves to celebrate their special day, even while undergoing cancer treatment. Our organization arranges personalized birthday parties for cancer warriors, complete with decorations, gifts, and activities tailored to the child’s interests. These parties provide an opportunity for families to create cherished memories and celebrate milestones despite the challenges they may be facing.

End-of-treatment Celebrations are a joyous occasion that mark the completion of a child’s cancer treatment journey. Our foundation organizes and hosts these celebratory events to recognize the strength and resilience of pediatric cancer patients and their families. These parties typically include music, food, entertainment, and special activities to commemorate this significant milestone and honor the bravery of the child.

Special Events: ACFC hosts a variety of special events throughout the year to provide support, encouragement, and enjoyment to pediatric cancer patients and their families. These events may include holiday celebrations, family outings, arts and crafts workshops, movie nights, and more.

Each event is designed to create opportunities for families to bond, connect with others facing similar challenges, and find moments of joy and respite during their cancer journey. These special events play a crucial role in uplifting spirits, fostering a sense of community, and providing much-needed support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Through these celebrations and gatherings, we aim to create lasting memories and bring moments of happiness and hope to families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.

EMOTIONAL

Counseling

Counseling is a crucial support service that provides emotional and psychological support cancer warriors, their siblings, and parents/guardians.
Our counseling services are provided by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and families affected by cancer. These compassionate and skilled counselors offer individual and family counseling sessions tailored to the unique needs of each family member

Individual counseling sessions provide children and adolescents with a safe and confidential space to express their feelings, fears, and concerns about their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Counselors utilize age-appropriate therapeutic techniques to help children cope with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges related to their illness.

K9 Therapy

K9 Therapy is a heartwarming program that brings comfort, companionship, and joy to cancer warriors and their families through interactions with certified therapy dogs.

Our K9 Therapy program features specially trained therapy dogs, such as Leo and his furry volunteer friends, who visit our facility to provide emotional support and companionship to children undergoing cancer treatment. These gentle and affectionate dogs offer unconditional love and companionship, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation among patients and their families.

During K9 Therapy visits, children have the opportunity to interact with the therapy dogs in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it’s cuddling with the dogs, playing fetch, or simply enjoying their presence, these interactions provide children with moments of joy.

The Respite Room

The Respite Room is a peaceful and comforting space designed to offer relaxation, rejuvenation, and respite to parents/caregivers during their time at the facility. As you enter the Respite Room, you’ll immediately feel a sense of tranquility and serenity. The room is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable seating and massage chairs, soft lighting, and soothing decor, creating a calming environment where families can take a break from the stresses of treatment and appointments.

The Respite Room serves as a sanctuary for parents/caregivers, providing a quiet and private space where they can rest, recharge, and find moments of peace amidst the challenges of pediatric cancer. Whether it’s taking a nap, reading a book, or simply enjoying a moment of solitude, the room offers a welcome escape from the hustle and
bustle.

The Wellness Program

The Wellness Program is a holistic and supportive program designed to promote the overall well-being of cancer warriors, their siblings, and parents/caretakers.

Our Wellness Program offers a variety of services and activities aimed at supporting physical, emotional, and mental wellness, including sound bowl therapy, meditation, yoga, and wellness events.

The Wellness Program is dedicated to empowering cancer warriors and their families with tools and resources to enhance their overall wellness and quality of life amidst the challenges of pediatric cancer. Through a combination of supportive services and activities, we aim to foster resilience, promote healing, and improve the overall well-being of those we serve.

FINANCIAL

Financial Support

Financial support is a critical program that offers assistance to families facing the financial burdens associated with pediatric cancer treatment.

Our financial support program aims to alleviate the financial strain on families by providing assistance with a variety of expenses related to cancer treatment. This support may include covering costs such as medical bills, hospital stays, medication expenses, transportation costs for treatment appointments, and other out-of-pocket expenses that families may encounter during their child’s cancer journey.

Our financial support program is designed to ensure that families can focus on what matters most – the health and well-being of their child – without having to worry about the financial burdens that often accompany a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and our goal is to provide personalized support and assistance to meet the individual needs of each family we serve.

End-Of-Life Financial Support

End-of-life financial support is a compassionate program designed to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families during the challenging time of caring for a child nearing the end of their life.

Our end-of-life financial support program offers assistance to families in various ways, including medical and funeral expenses, counseling and support services. We understand the financial strain that end-of-life care can place on families, and our goal is to provide support and assistance to help alleviate some of the financial burdens they may face.

The Education Center

The Education Center is a specialized facility dedicated to providing academic support, resources, and advocacy for pediatric cancer patients and their school-age siblings.

Our Education Center offers a range of services and programs to ensure that children affected by cancer can continue their education and academic progress while undergoing treatment. These services will include tutoring, educational advocacy, and school reintegration support.

The Education Center is dedicated to ensuring that cancer warriors and their siblings receive the academic support they need to thrive academically and reach their full potential despite the challenges of cancer treatment. Through personalized support, advocacy, and educational resources, we empower students to continue their education and pursue their academic goals with confidence and success.

{We are beyond grateful for all that you do. Your entire team truly cares so much and we really feel supported. Your organization was exactly what we needed through this hard time. The emotional connection and knowing someone is there to have our back has been amazing. You have been so kind to us! Thank you!
—Susan, Mom to Cancer Warrior Erin
{You all made my week!! I couldn’t even think of any words how grateful and thankful I was. When I entered the building, I could feel positive vibes and happiness radiate from both the place and people. I can tell how much you all care form your actions and sayings, so I am sure that you’ll make so many other kids and parents happy from your surprises.
—Cancer Warrior Emily, after Sunshine Experience
{"Thank God for your guys! Thanks again for being wonderful and helping us out!! It really does take a lot of stress off us."
Danielle

Proud Partner