“Your child has cancer.”
The words that are heard by 15,000 families each year.
In 2002, our founders heard the same words.
Mitch had been experiencing some strange symptoms and wasn’t himself. His family never expected an osteosarcoma bone cancer diagnosis.
Immediately, their lives were turned upside down. This calendar is a good example of how overwhelming childhood cancer is.
Chemotherapy treatments replace school and sports games, surgeries have to be planned according to treatment plans, leaving trips and vacations to be rescheduled.
Mitch’s parents felt this exactly. Parents of kids with cancer are forced to make tough money decisions, what happens with work, and, for most, other kiddos’ care and future.
Having a cancer support community is crucial in these moments. Mitch experienced this during his treatment. He had lots of family and friends visiting and giving him gifts. He also saw firsthand how unfair it was that not every family had this experience. From his hospital bed, he overheard a family next to his room talking about not having enough money for Christmas presents. They are the reason Pinky Swear exists to this day.
Mitch wanted to help lighten the burden and make sure that the family next to him had money for presents during a really hard time. Pinky Swear Foundation is proud to keep his promise to help kids with cancer to this day.
For those families hearing those words for the first time, we are here for you. For those who are reading this who want to help, thank you. It takes everyone. Together, we can say “Yes!” to every family who hears those words, “Your child has cancer and reaches out for help.