Childhood cancer changes everything. I've had countless conversations with parents who express how their world is turned upside down by a phone call from the pediatrician or a glance from the doctor. Childhood cancer doesn’t slow down for the holidays. For families in a pediatric cancer journey, the emotional and financial hardships continue. As we reflect on the past year at Pinky Swear Foundation, the urgency of our mission has never been clearer.
Due to inflation and an unstable economy, requests for financial assistance have skyrocketed. Because of the increased demand, Pinky Swear can only keep its All-Star Fund application open for 6 hours per month. For families in a childhood cancer journey, this financial support is a lifeline. In the first 6 months of the year, the percentage of families with a child battling cancer who experience unstable housing doubled from 8% in 2023 to 16%. Furthermore, a staggering 65% reported income levels at or below the federal poverty level. These statistics are more than just numbers – they represent real families facing real challenges.
Despite this difficult reality, there is still much to celebrate. Because of your generosity, in 2024, Pinky Swear Foundation has said ‘yes!’ to 95% of all eligible requests, providing nearly 2,500 families with financial assistance to help with everyday essentials like housing, transportation, and food.
Your generosity brings families a sense of hope and immense relief. In fact, 98% of families reported reduced levels of stress after receiving an All-Star Fund gift, allowing them to focus on what matters most – their child. Research from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shows that direct financial support can improve the health outcomes from children with cancer, especially for those from underserved, underrepresented, and rural communities. The financial support you provide directly impacts a family’s chance for a successful treatment plan. Your impact matters.
So where do we go from here? As we look forward to 2025, I am fueled by the compassion and dedication of the Pinky Swear community. You inspire me with the meaningful ways supporters like you show up for families through hosting fundraisers, making Letters of Encouragement, supporting our on-site hospital pantries, and keeping the original pinky swear promise.
We can’t cure childhood cancer yet – but we can take action today to pay families’ mortgages, put food on their tables, and fill their tanks with gas. We can fulfill one piece of the ecosystem of support by providing critical financial assistance to families, allowing them to focus on what matters most. We can show up and support families and let them know they’re not alone. Today, tomorrow, and always we can continue keeping the pinky swear promise to always help kids with cancer and their families.
My request is this:
Make a promise to get involved. Make an introduction, host a fundraiser, or make a gift today.
Thank you for keeping the promise for kids with cancer and their families. Pinkies up!
Erica