At a Glance Executive Director’s Message
Latorra Garland Executive Director
"I am deeply passionate about supporting families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. We stand by them not just with financial resources, but with emotional support and community. No family should navigate this alone; together, we can provide hope and strength, ensuring every child has the chance to fight, heal, and thrive."
As we reflect on the incredible journey of 2024, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have achieved together at Jacob Way Organization. This year, we have not only expanded our reach but have also provided vital support to families of children battling cancer. Each story of resilience and hope drives our mission forward, reminding us of the impact we can make together.
Thanks to the support, we have been able to offer essential resources, emotional support, and financial assistance to those in need It is heartwarming to see our community come together, uplifting families during their most challenging times.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited about the opportunities for growth and innovation that lie ahead. Our goal is to support even more families and to continue to enhance our programs and services We are looking for partners to help us continue this work and we can’t do this without your support. Schedule a meeting today to become partners in hope.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your belief in our mission empowers us to keep fighting for families with children battling a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Foundation Spotlight
Our foundation’s story
Jacob Way Organization is a childhood cancer charity Our mission is to provide free, professional support services to parents and guardians of children affected by cancer. Our vision is for families to focus on creating memories with their children while we offer essential financial and emotional support throughout their journey
Jacob Way was founded in November 2022 in Arlington, TX, our organization was born from our Founder’s heartbreaking personal experience with childhood cancer In May 2022, her son Jacob, a healthy 13year-old, was diagnosed with bone cancer after experiencing knee pain Despite their hopes, Jacob lost his battle to Cancer just 77 days later. Witnessing his pain and the immense struggles their family faced during that time inspired her to create Jacob Way Organization, ensuring that no family has to navigate this journey alone
Our guiding values
Our goal is to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens faced by families of children battling cancer, allowing them to focus on what truly matters spending time together and creating lasting memories By providing financial assistance, practical resources, and comprehensive support, we strive to ensure that no family navigates this challenging journey alone. We plan to achieve our goals through these core services:
Pediatric Cancer Relief Fund
The Pediatric Cancer Relief Fund covers essential financial assistance for families facing the burdens of cancer treatment This service helps cover rent, household expenses and transportation alleviating financial stress so families can focus on their child's care and well-being. Our goal is to ensure that no family has to choose between meeting basic needs and supporting their child's treatment journey
Caring Hearts Initiative
The Caring Hearts Initiative provides practical care packages and mental health support services tailored for the entire family. These care packages include grocery gift cards, socks, card games, and other comfort items, while our mental health services offer mental health workshops, self-care activities, family outings and support groups Our aim is to nurture the emotional and physical well-being of families, helping them navigate the challenges of childhood cancer with compassion and resilience
Serenity Support Network
The Serenity Support Network is designed to assist families during the most difficult times. We provide financial assistance for funerals and celebration of life services, alongside financial literacy education to prepare for an unexpected medical crisis. Additionally, we help families cover a year ’ s worth of life insurance premiums for their other children, ensuring their financial security Our goal is to offer peace of mind and support during life's most challenging moments, allowing families to focus on healing and remembrance
Our Year in Pictures
MEANINGFUL CARE PACKAGES
We were able to distribute 80 Meaningful care packges to families of children going through cancer treatment.
Our Care Packages Included:
Funny Socks
Card Games
Grocery Gift Cards
Emotional Support Activity Journal
This annual Childhood Cancer Awareness event, the Healthy Connections Wellness Expo and Blood Drive, successfully brought the community together to focus on mental health and the critical need for blood donations. Attendees engaged in discussions highlighting the challenges faced by children undergoing cancer treatment and the vital role of blood donors in their recovery The event featured informative sessions, and all things to promote a healthy mind, body and soul, encouraging participants to support these young fighters through both emotional and practical means. We also had a financial education presentation that focused on the importance of preparing for an unexpected medical crisis Overall, the expo fostered a sense of unity and commitment to improving the lives of children battling cancer.
Healthy Connections Wellness Expo and Blood Drive 2024
Go Gold Holiday Bash 2024 The Go Gold Holiday Bash for Jacob Way was a heartfelt event aimed at raising funds awareness for families with children battling cancer The gathering not only focused on financial support but also provided a joyful holiday atmosphere, allowing these families to escape their challenges and enjoy festive activities Additionally, the event featured an Angel Tree project, through which two families were adopted, ensuring they received special gifts and support during the holiday season Overall, the bash combined fundraising efforts with community spirit, creating a memorable experience for all involved.
Testimonials From Our Families
“Your kind donation we are able to afford transportation to some appointments and we are more able to concentrate on our son Alexander's care instead of having to worry about which bills to pay and which bills to hold o on No matter what size gift we receive, we are forever grateful for the kindness of the people involved in the gift decision making process. We give a huge heartfelt thank you! ”Thank you, Melissa
“My son has been fighting cancer for almost 5 years now. In August of this year my son was put on hospice He was unable to do school work or leave home for a while As a single mom, and his caregiver I had to take time o work via FLMA- unpaid medical leave Jacob Way reached out to us and sent us a gift box containing some fun items and games as well as a visa gift card for food and gas. It is acts of generosity and kindness like this that make it possible for me to be with my son Thank you Jacob Way!” Ashley
“I just want to say that Jacob Way has always been right on time for me and me and my family appreciate the help lifting a few burdens o of our shoulder with dealing with our 5 year old daughter going through treatment and all the challenges we have to face at the same time while while fighting to make sure the cancer stays away We also were selected for the Angel Tree and was able to get some things that the kids wanted or needed it definitely came on time because my family wasn't prepared for the winter cold we really enjoyed making ginger bread houses and my favorite part was learning how to be make candles it be a blessing to learn new things my family definitely enjoyed their selves especially the kids Thank y'all for inviting us to the holiday bash, it feels good to know that people still do have caring hearts and very supportive ��” Erica
“Thank you for the help! This will help us keep our lights on for the month! Thank you so much! “ Destiny
Financial Summary
Jacob Way records higher cumulative funding for the year compared to the prior year.
In 2023, Jacob Way raised $20,874, and this year, we have reached an impressive total of $33,308! This represents a remarkable 59% increase compared to last year. This surge in funding has had a profound impact on our ability to support families battling childhood cancer. With these additional resources, we have expanded our programs, provided critical financial assistance, and enhanced emotional support services for families facing these challenges.
The majority of funds raised for this year came from Corporate and Foundation Grants.
Our Partners
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Thank you so much for your generous donation to Jacob Way OrganizationYour support means a lot to us and will make a real difference in our work to support the families of children battling cancer. We are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for believing in our cause and for being a part of our community.
VOLUNTEERS
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every volunteer who has dedicated their time, energy, and passion to support Jacob Way Organization. Your commitment and hard work have made a significant impact on our mission to support the families of children battling cancer. From lending a helping hand at events to spreading awareness in the community, your contributions do not go unnoticed. Together, we are making a difference and creating positive change. Thank you for being a vital part of our team and for sharing your talents with us. Your generosity and kindness inspire us every day.
KEY STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS
Latorra Garland-Executive Director
Garrick Garland-Secretary
Yeshorra Flowers- President
Helen Williams- Board of Directors
COURAGE CHAMPIONS
Thank you to all the businesses that supported Jacob Way through event sponsorships and in-kind donations. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of families facing the challenges of childhood cancer treatment.
Star Academic Services
Withnreach.org
Prosperiti Clerical Services
Foresters Financial Group
The T-Shirt Queen
Total Wine and More
Epic Waters
ODD SOX
Raising Canes
Texas Rangers Foundation
Frisco Roughriders
4Imprint
Dallas Wings
Impact Arlington
Grants and Sponsorships
Thank you for your generous support in 2024. Your contributions to the Jacob Way Organization have made a significant impact on families of children undergoing cancer treatment.
Garvey Texas Foundation
Childhood Cancer Statistics
14,910
1,590
1,700
In the United States, about 14,910 children and adolescents (ages 0–19) will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. This includes about 9,620 children ages 0–14 and 5,290 adolescents ages 15–19
About 1,590 children and adolescents will die from cancer in 2024
In Texas, more than 1,700 children under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer and almost 200 children die annually.
Here are some other Childhood Cancer Statistics:
The five-year survival rate for childhood cancer is around 85%, which is a significant improvement from the mid-1970s.
Leukemias and brain/central nervous system cancers make up more than half of childhood cancers.
The survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, is 92%.
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant (cancerous) bone tumor among children, adolescents and young adults, but it is still a rare disorder. This bone cancer affects approximately 400 children younger than age 20 every year in the United States.
Osteosarcoma occurs most often in children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20 and often during a growth spurt. It occurs more frequently in boys than girls.
Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer, but it can spread to other organs or tissues in the body, most commonly starting with the lungs.
Facing the Future
In 2025, Jacob Way plans to enhance its support for families of children battling cancer by expanding our reach, establishing a physical office, securing funding for a full-time Executive Director, and launching new initiatives like quarterly virtual mental health webinars and inperson self-care workshops.
Our future plans benefits include:
Quarterly Virtual Mental Health Webinars will offer accessible mental health resources, fostering resilience and well-being for families going through cancer treatment.
In-Person Self-Care Workshops will provide bonding opportunities and will build supportive networks among families
Physical Office Space will provide a central hub for operations that will enhance collaborations, and offer a welcoming environment for families.
Full-Time Executive Director Salary that will ensure leadership stability, improve program delivery, and expand our outreach efforts
Expanding our reach will enable us to build more relationships with potential donors, partners and funders.
Collaborating with Mental Health Professionals and Pediatric Oncology Providers to enhance our programs.
Providing vital support to an additional 50 Families through our programs
