FY25 Children's Cancer Association Community Investment Report
May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
LETTER
FROM JACK PIPKIN
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As I reflect on my first year as CEO, I’m deeply moved by the community that powers our mission. The joy that we share is made possible because of your generosity and care: thank you.
This year, we reached over 40,000 children with our free JoyRx programs, the most kids ever in our 30-year history. Behind this milestone are the long days, the hard work, the events and gatherings, the innovation, the dedication, and the connections that we make together. Behind this number are our incredible volunteers, dedicated staff, engaged board members, generous donors, and exceptional partners who all continue to move mountains in the service of Children’s Cancer Association. It truly takes all of us.
This past year, we had much to celebrate: we launched our fiftieth JoyRx program site this year. We raised over $1.3 million at our Live from the Heart galas in Austin and Portland, achieving the highest net totals in the history of both events. We were honored with a Humanitarian Award at the Lee Steinberg Super Bowl Party in February. We brought music to the bedsides of pediatric patients in New York City, Austin, and Portland. We shared songs from music festivals and produced hospital concerts. We welcomed families to the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin and served 115 families with JoyRx Mentorship. We have surpassed more than 2.5 million JoyRx Interactions since 1995.
Thank you for keeping community support the heartbeat of this organization. Thank you for believing in the importance and power of joy. Thank you for making my first year as CEO a truly inspiring one. I hope you see the importance of your support as a champion of Children’s Cancer Association in the pages that follow.
Jack Pipkin Chief Executive Officer
OUR MISSION
At Children’s Cancer Association, our mission is clear: to empower all seriously ill children to express themselves, to play, and to make meaningful connections by enriching their treatment experience and improving their well-being through joy-based programs.
In the past year, we served 42,961 children and teens nationwide, representing a 17% year-over-year increase. We strive to provide equitable access to our no-cost programming for children of all diagnoses, abilities, languages, locations, ages, immigration statuses, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, and ethnicities.
JoyRx Interactions is informed by a thoughtful assessment of our relationships and service engagement, considering both the children and adults present, as well as the duration of time we spend with them. We are committed to measuring the reach of our programs to children, families, and healthcare professionals.
Due to the nature of our music programming, we are unable to track and report on the unique number of children served and some metrics include duplicate tallies.
Hello, Friends,
In 2025, we celebrate our 30th Anniversary — a significant achievement for Children’s Cancer Association. As the founding and current Board Chair, I’m proud of our work bringing joy to children who need our programs the most.
The past two years have presented significant financial challenges, but our team has responded with care, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our mission. We reduced expenses across the organization through a complete operational overhaul, while protecting and prioritizing uninterrupted JoyRx Music, Mentorship, and Nature services. Since then, our board, finance committee, and leadership team have worked closely to monitor trends, build capacity, and operate efficiently. I’m grateful for their dedication — and for CEO Jack Pipkin’s leadership during this pivotal time.
Today, we are strong. Demand for our programs has never been greater, and we are meeting it at 50 pediatric healthcare sites nationwide. We are also collaborating with strategic planning partners to chart our next chapter, with a focus on strengthening cash reserves and driving sustainable growth.
As you read this year’s Community Investment Report, I hope you see the powerful impact we’ve achieved together. Thank you for making this work possible.
Clare Hamill Founding & Current Chair, Board of Directors, Interim President – WNBA Portland Fire
$4,610,586
$3,962,763 $2,668,304
An Investment in Joy
Children’s Cancer Association provides JoyRx Music, Mentorship, and Nature programs at no cost to children, families, and pediatric partners — made possible by the generosity of donors, foundations, and corporate supporters. In FY25, the dedicated investment from our community funders resulted in record-breaking program growth – increasing the number of children served, our overall JoyRx interactions, and the number of pediatric healthcare partners compared to FY24.
At the same time, we continued to navigate very real budget challenges. This year, we exceeded planned expense reductions without impacting programs, but did not meet all of our ambitious budgeted revenue goals. Our leadership team, board, and strategic planning partners are developing both immediate and multi-year models and revenue plans for sustainable growth, including reserve targets.
We are committed to navigating our growth and the continued quality of our programs with transparency and care. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole McDonald, Vice President of Finance & Operations, at NMcDonald@JoyRx.org.
Going Big in Texas
After rising to meet the massive demand for services in our last fiscal year, we focused our work in Texas on sustainable growth and delivery to ensure the best possible interaction for every child we serve.
With two stellar JoyRx Music Specialists providing bedside music at seven JoyRx program sites in Austin (including our latest team-up with Texas Children’s Hospital — North Austin, which you can read about on our blog), we saw a 3% increase in the number of kids served since April 2024.
“I had the great pleasure of meeting and playing music for seven-year-old Miles and his familia. Little did I know, it was his last day in the hospital, and we got to celebrate with music! Mom, Grandma, and Auntie were all so appreciative, loved finding out about JoyRx, and enjoyed the music together as a family!”
— Texas JoyRx Music
Specialist Monica
JOYRX MUSIC: NATIONAL EXPANSION
Program sites now located in 20 states + DC
“The Brooklyn Hospital Center is so excited and honored to be one of the two NYC pilot locations. After being a digital live partner for the past year, I knew our patients and families would love having JoyRx Music in person. JoyRx has been a fantastic resource for our small child life program, and Gabby truly brings the joyful and healing power of music with her when she visits patients in our pediatric unit, PICU, NICU, and Children’s Health Center.”
— Taylor Brower, Child Life Specialist, Pediatrics, at The Brooklyn Hospital Center
Live from New York
KIDS SERVED BY LOCATION
Thanks to the continued support from the Taft Foundation, following an increasing need in the city, JoyRx Music expanded its operations in New York in October 2024. We launched live music at two children’s hospitals in Brooklyn, serving 223 children in the last half of our fiscal year
We intend to leverage findings from these initial two sites to better adjust, expand, and facilitate our music delivery in the Northeast. Learn more about this exciting update by reading the launch blog on our website
Since 1995, JoyRx Music has harnessed the universal power of music to help hospitalized children feel better during life’s most challenging moments. Our trained Music Specialists let kids choose experiences that match their mood — whether live at their hospital bedside, virtually via digital devices, or by accessing exclusive music performances on-demand through CCTV and YouTube.
In 2024-2025, we saw a 17% increase in the number of children served compared to the previous fiscal year.
24,240 On Demand Kids Served via In-Hospital CCTV
9,696 Digital Live Kids Served
94% of hospital partners report that JoyRx Music met the needs of their patients and families
8,869 Bedside Live Kids Served
100% of hospital partners report that JoyRx Music helps to create positive healthcare experiences for patients and staff
Hitting New High Notes
JoyRx Music grew stronger nationwide thanks to incredible collaborations that brought music to more kids than ever before. We welcomed visiting artists for hospital bedside performances, captured exclusive content at music festivals, continued our partnership with Seacrest Studios, expanded access to our music library through the national Get Well Network, and hosted concerts just for served families. One unforgettable concert (pictured above) was brought to Randall Children’s Hospital via a mobile stage from SoundsTruck NW. Nearly 200 people filled the courtyard to enjoy performances by our Portland-based JoyRx Music team, JoyRx-served patient Connor and his friends, and the vibrant duo Stella y Ricardo. Inspired by our popular Digital Live delivery method, we also streamed the concert into hospital rooms for children unable to attend in person.
98% of hospital partners report that they’d recommend JoyRx Music programs to other care providers
JoyRx Music Digital Live continued to thrive nationwide. The Digital Live Third Thursday livestream series had a successful year spanning 12 performances that included special events such as a virtual summer camp, a holiday livestream featuring the Oregon Symphony, and an interactive Arts in Health activity. These livestreams reached 367 kids and garnered 119 live engagements from participants, including song requests, trivia guesses, and Q&A submissions through the livestream chat.
Live from the Heart Portland
On October 5, 2024, we welcomed hundreds of guests to our annual gala. From an exclusive performance by Goapele to a mini-auction of artwork created by JoyRx-served kids (with help from renowned artist Gary Hirsch), it was a night to remember.
We also introduced the Purple Torch Award, our highest honor in recognizing leaders whose sparks of inspiration ignite our mission. The inaugural recipient was our current and founding board chair, Clare Hamill, celebrated for her decades-long contributions.
Our community came together in a big way, raising over $1 million to further our mission. Learn more about the night by visiting our website.
“I know that a small act of joy can change someone’s life. And I’m excited and humbled to be part of that — to help children know that they aren’t alone, that we’re here. That you believe in their joy, and I believe in their joy, and that no matter what, we are all here walking with them on this path.”
— Peter, served by JoyRx Mentorship & current JoyRx Mentor, Event Speaker
“Ford’s journey is a special one. He is resilient, and we are so proud of him. As he continues to grow up and make new memories with friends and siblings, I want him to know that the fact that he was sick isn’t what will define who he is. It is his joy that will. His joy and his love.”
— Allison, Ford’s Mom and Event Speaker
Live From the Heart Austin
On April 17, 2025, Live From the Heart, presented by Wells Fargo, celebrated the power of joy and music at the beautiful Brazos Hall alongside special guests The War and Treaty. Banding together, our community raised $340,000 for JoyRx Music.
We honored the second recipient of the Purple Torch Award: Bob Lum, a man whose dedication to JoyRx Music has paved the way for where we are today in Austin and whose belief in the power of music inspires us all. Explore all the highlights from the night by reading our recap blog now.
Gratitude to our VIP Sponsors: 360 MD, Tito’s Vodka, Henna Chevrolet
JoyRx Nature offers a vital connection to the natural world. Nestled in 24 acres of surrounding woods with plentiful wildlife and a serene lake, JoyRx Nature’s Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin at the Oregon Coast provides children in treatment and their extended families with a place of peace in a calming environment.
We filled nearly every available week with visitors to the Caring Cabin, ensuring JoyRx Nature reached as many families as possible.
41
Families Visited
410
Family Members Hosted
100% of parents agreed that their time at the Caring Cabin provided their family with a chance to connect with each other
697
Families Visited Since 2006
“Our trip was very healing and allowed an opportunity to relax and enjoy oneself. It was a nice break, especially after several years of treatment; the trip happened nearly on the day I was diagnosed two years ago.”
— Alan, JoyRx-Served Teen (pictured above)
A Pavilion of Peace
96% of parents surveyed said they felt their child had renewed energy after spending time at the Caring Cabin
100% of parents surveyed said they created positive memories at the Caring Cabin
This fiscal year saw the completion of a transformative project at the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin’s meditation pavilion, made possible through a matching grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund. In partnership with Design with Refinement, visual artist Meghan Catherine Dragon, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the pavilion received new interior design. A stunning mural now captures the healing connection to nature — weaving together the forest, lake, and coast.
The updated pavilion enhances the Caring Cabin’s welcoming atmosphere, creating a more accessible, relaxing, and beautiful space that helps foster joy. Learn more about the renovation on our blog
TEE-RIFIC FUNDRAISING
Last summer, golfers from the Pacific Northwest and beyond came together at our annual golf fundraising events to help continue the legacy of generosity and impact.
On June 24, 2024, we celebrated the fourteenth annual Golf for Joy Tournament, presented by Northwestern Mutual, at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. And then on August 5, 2024, we welcomed supporters to the sixteenth annual CCA Invitational at Willamette Valley Country Club.
Thanks to the efforts of our golfing community and their loved ones, we raised over $1M for our JoyRx programming between the two events. We are incredibly grateful and humbled by the continued kindness of our supporters.
Learn more about the events by reading our Golf for Joy recap blog and our CCA Invitational recap blog on our website.
“Sophia is someone who could make Hadley smile. She goes to the movies with us, the county fair, trick-or-treating, play dates, and more. With Sophia’s support and care, we know that Hadley will have brighter days. Sophia puts that twinkle in her eye and lets her enjoy being a kid. I absolutely know that Sophia will be part of our family forever.”
— Launa, Hadley’s Mom and 2024 Golf For Joy and CCA Invitational Family Speaker
you to our VIP
Thank
Sponsors: Hofmann Construction, Tion Cladding Systems, Western Pacific Building Materials
JoyRx Mentorship fosters trusted companionship to inspire friendship and provide distraction. The only program of its kind in the nation, our trained, adult volunteer JoyRx Mentors provide emotional support to children in treatment and to parents who endure the hardships of extended hospital stays or long term treatment with their child.
We saw a 13% increase in the number of children served compared to last year!
60
New Matches
1,294 Donated Community Experiences
97% of families and mentors reported a highly positive experience with the program during their match
93% of families and mentors reported experiencing a strong sense of community of support
115
Total Matches Supported
92% of families and mentors report having a strong strength of relationship with their mentor or mentee, a key indicator of quality for mentoring programs
“Evelyn is a little doll and just as sweet as can be. Wow, do we love running around Doernbecher [Children’s Hospital] together and having fun. Plus, it’s great to be able to give her mom a little bit of time with the doctor while Evelyn and I play and watch TV. Together, we do all the things two-and-a-half-year-old girls want to do!”
— Darci, Evelyn’s JoyRx Mentor and 100 Match Challenge Leader (pictured above)
100 Matches of Joy
In honor of 30 years of JoyRx programs — and to celebrate reaching 100 mentorship matches last year — we launched the 100 Mentorship Match Challenge.
This community-driven campaign invited our amazing mentors to lead peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, covering all JoyRx Mentorship matches for the entire year.
Thanks to the efforts of these mentors and matching donations from generous sponsors, we reached our $250,000 goal.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Elected and volunteer business and civic leaders with diverse backgrounds and decades of experience, our board manages fiduciary responsibilities, oversees the budget and policy, and develops a strategic vision for the organization. We want to celebrate our new members and the exciting energy they bring by highlighting their names in purple.
Board Chair:
Clare Hamill
Founding Board Chair, Interim President, WNBA Portland Fire
Members:
Suzann Baricevic Murphy
Owner & President, (w)here inc.
Ryan Beckley Owner & President, TerraFirma
Fred Buckman Jr.
Managing Director, Infrastructure & Capital Projects, Alvarez & Marsal
Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo, PhD Creative Strategy Consultant, Behavioral Neuroscientist, Author, Program Director
Rosemary Colliver
Board Chair Emeritus, 2017-2019, Head of Legal & Business Affairs, ShadowMachine
Aaron Cooper Founder & Innovation Consultant, Moonshot Molecules
Dennis W. Donley Jr. Partner & Attorney, Norman, Howell, Smith & Lee, PLLC
Cliff Ellis
Co-Founder & Honorary Member, Children’s Cancer Association
Regina Ellis
Founder & CEO Emeritus, Children’s Cancer Association
Cristina Gonzalez-Avram Director of Learning & Evaluation, Gates Family Foundation
Catherine Gonzalez-Lofgren, MPH
Certified Health Coach & Project Manager
Rob Goodman Owner & President of Sales, American Medical Concepts
Chief Medical Officer, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy
Emanuel
Nicolette Ryan
Independent Financial Executive / Former VP & CFO, Nike
Greg Tamblyn
Tour Manager, Pink Martini
Founder & Director, Pixie Dust Productions
Austin Leadership Council
This group of exceptional individuals leads the way to the long-term, sustainable growth of JoyRx Music in our south region. This advisory group comprises community members and executives from local businesses and firms.
Ben Browder
Zane Collins
Michael Friesch
Elena Garcia Slaton
Darin Klein
Robert Lum
Sarah Marshall
Brie McKinley
Caleb Noel
Brock Purslow
Bruce Romine
Frank Ward
New York Leadership Council
These leaders and executives from media companies, global consumer brands, and the music industry provide strategic insights and connections that support our music program operations in New York.
Jon Cohen
Emily Dondero
Michelle Edgar
Ana Garcia
Mara Frankel
Clare Hamill
Liana Huth
G. Brandon Levy
Kevin Lyons
Alex Moffat
Elektra O’Malley
Elizabeth Tillemans
PNW Leadership Council
These collaborative partners raise awareness of our mission and goals. They provide talent, passion, and expertise in marketing, fundraising, programs, and community engagement.
Co-chairs:
Jana Brott
Triston Dallas
Members:
Mark Aalto
Veronica Ahern
Brett Colton
Kim Corekin
Sarie Crothers
Alexis Dunn
Kristin DuVal
Alana Friedman
Kelsey Fuson
John Grothe
Andrea Haddad
Josh Johnston
Anna Kimmell
Tom Lien
Tyler Linn
Matt Lounsbury
Lara Magnani
Cory Mahaffey
Pat McCabe
Ashley McMullen
Chris Merz
Andy Peterson
John Powers
Mckenzie Raze
Chase Renton
Sabrina Rippy
Meghan Schemmel
Kristin Schmidt
Karis Stoudamire-Phillips
Raina Tamakawa
Ashley Vachal
John Warner III
Cameron Werschkul
Denise Wilson
Jake Withnell
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization: they mentor children, share their musical gifts, staff community events, host toy drives, serve on our leadership boards, and so much more. We are grateful for their generous contributions of time, talent, and passion.
We simply could not do this without them.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Children’s Cancer Association, email us at Volunteer@JoyRx.org or visit us online at JoyRx.org/Get-Involved.
4,718 Hours
266
$164,139 Equivalent Value Volunteers
Our incredible community of supporters makes the expansion of our empowering and joy-based programming possible. Each of you has contributed to this noteworthy year, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
We are especially grateful to the leaders who partnered with us during the year and those businesses who made our February Day of Joy campaign a success.
