Strategic Plan 2026-2028 by runwaytohope

E X P A N D I N G

OUR WHY

Purpose

No family should fight pediatric cancer alone.

Mission

To support children & families, primarily in Central Florida, battling pediatric cancer, while seeking a cure.

Vision

Runway to Hope envisions a future where every child battling pediatric cancer is met with cutting-edge care, unwavering support, and boundless hope. Through dynamic community partnerships, we drive innovation in local treatment and research at our three local Central Florida children’s hospitals, empower families with comprehensive wellness services, and provide urgent financial assistance to those navigating the darkest moments of their journey all with a steadfast commitment to healing, dignity, and unity.

Core Values

OUR GUIDING STARS

A star-tegic plan for our future

2025 2025 2025 2026 2026 2026

Adopt and implement a new 3 Year Star-tegic Plan

Increase community engagement & organization annual revenue through a variety of initiatives and endorsed events to continue enhancing the lives of families impacted by pediatric cancer.

2027 2027 2

Generate a groundbreaking $2 million in gross annual cash revenue to enhance the impact of our services for the families we support.

Adopt and implement a 2029-2031 Star-tegic Plan 2028 2028 2028

HOPE STRENGTHENED

What began as a simple dream has blossomed into a beautiful reality In 2010, we envisioned a way to provide direct and meaningful support to the future generation of our world affected by pediatric cancer. With only a small fraction of the National Cancer Institute’s budget dedicated to pediatric cancer, private contributions have always been and continue to be essential. Our greatest hope is that one day, childhood cancer will be eliminated entirely, and every child will have the opportunity to live a long, healthy life free from this disease.

Over the years, Runway to Hope has proudly funded programs at all three of our local children’s hospitals. These efforts have supported new treatment options, provided access to groundbreaking technology, renovated hospital units, and fostered collaboration between hospitals as they care for children with cancer in our community By investing in these institutions, we are helping bring innovative therapies, specialized care, and life-saving research closer to the families who need it most, right here in Central Florida

In addition to our Hospital Programming, our Family Wellness Program has grown tremendously What began as emergency financial relief for families in crisis has expanded into a comprehensive support system built around seven key health initiatives Today, families receive assistance that extends far beyond immediate financial needs, including access to mental health counseling, physical rehabilitation, wellness support, and other services designed to care for the whole family during an incredibly difficult time. Pediatric cancer affects every aspect of a family’s life, and our goal is to help relieve the burdens that inevitably accompany a childhood cancer diagnosis.

The emotional and financial strain these families endure ca leave their job to care for their child full time, while the fam these moments, Runway to Hope steps in to cut through the bureaucracy and provide immediate help when it s needed most Whether it’s covering essential living expenses, supporting wellness services, or connecting families with resources, we strive to ensure that parents can focus on what matters most: saving their child’s life.

Words cannot fully express the depth of our respect, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who has supported Runway to Hope’s mission. From our donors to volunteers, partners, and advocates, every person who stands beside us helps carry this mission forward. We are inspired by the stories of triumph and survival, yet humbled and heartbroken by the unimaginable loss of those we could not save. If there is one thing we have learned in starting this organization, it is the true power of community. What happens when we all unite is a magical, powerful thing.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to walk hand in hand with our community, bringing hope and meaningful support to every child and family we serve And together, with compassion and determination we will continue the fight until the day childhood cancer is no longer a reality for any family

Mark & Josie NeJame Co-Founders

HOPE-STORY

Runway to Hope was founded in 2010 by Mark & Josie NeJame with a simple vision: to support children & their families battling pediatric cancer and keep dollars raised local to impact our Central Florida community. With a strategic approach, Runway to Hope established partnerships with our three local children’s hospitals Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, AdventHealth for Children, and Nemours Children’s Health fostering a spirit of collaboration that had not previously existed among these institutions. With $1 million pledges made to expand oncology care at each hospital, Mark, Josie, and Runway to Hope created what has become Central Florida’s largest charity gala, Runway to Hope’s Spring Soiree.

Our Spring Soiree has grown into a powerful and inspiring event, welcoming approximately 2,400 guests each year and raising over $1 million in a single night More than 120 children, between the ages of 2-18, who are currently battling pediatric cancer or within their five-year remission mark, take the stage in a heartwarming fashion show, walking hand-in-hand with national and local celebrity escorts These children model far more than clothing; they embody strength, courage, and resilience We continue to celebrate the overwhelming success of this event, but our commitment extends far beyond one evening Our mission remains clear: to ensure that no family battles pediatric cancer alone.

Runway to Hope’s investment in our local oncology departments has driven more efficient use of resources, eliminated duplication of services, and fostered unprecedented collaboration among pediatric oncologists This commitment led to the formation of our first Scientific Advisory Board in 2019, composed of leading oncologists in our community, ensuring the highest level of expertise in our hospital partnerships With a combined $4 3 million in completed funding and an additional $1 5 million pledged, we continue to enhance treatment options and multidisciplinary care, ensuring that families can access world-class care without ever having to leave Central Florida.

Recognizing the urgent financial and emotional challenges families face, we launched the Family Assistance Program in 2014, originally helping a little girl with a brain tumor receive a comfortable bed at home. Since then, this program has expanded exponentially, providing over $1.4 million in direct emergency financial assistance to more than 850 families. The program covers critical needs such as rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, and, tragically, funeral and end-of-life expenses. With pediatric cancer often forcing one parent to leave their job, financial burdens can become insurmountable. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Runway to Hope continues to be a lifeline for families when they need it most.

As our mission has evolved, we have taken bold steps to address the holistic well-being of pediatric cancer families In 2024, we introduced our Total Wellness Program, offering comprehensive support that extends beyond financial assistance Now, it is our goal to combine Total Wellness Program and our Family Assistance Program into one: our Family Wellness program With a total of seven initiatives that foster the overall well-being of each family we serve, ensuring that families receive emotional, psychological, and wellness-based resources to navigate their pediatric cancer journey with resilience

Additionally in 2024, we are proud to have spearheaded the creation of the Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition, uniting local organizations, hospitals, and advocates to amplify resources, share knowledge, and drive change in the pediatric cancer landscape This coalition strengthens our community’s ability to respond to the complex and evolving needs of families, providing a united front in the fight against childhood cancer

Together, we have made extraordinary progress but the journey is far from over. Let’s hold hands. Let’s walk together. Let’s end childhood cancer.

HOPE MARKERS

2011 2011 2011

Brenda Lounsberry hosted our first Spring Fashion Soiree at The

2012 2012 2012

2014 2014 2014

The Family Assistance Program was created after we learned that one of our models, Chloe, needed a bed at home to heal in

2021 2021 2021

Our Emerging Leaders Board, comprised of Central Florida young Professionals, was formed

The first $1 million dollar hospital pledges were made

2017 2017 2017

We completed our first $3 million pledges to all three local children's hospitals

Runway to Hope’s Impact Video won a Suncoast Regional Emmy Award 2023 2023 2023

Mall at Millenia

Our Spring Fashion Soiree was hosted at The Rosen Shingle Creek for the first time, thanks to Frank Santos & Harris Rosen

2019 2019 2019

Our Scientific Advisory Board was formed with representatives from each one of our hospitals

2024 2024 2024

Runway to Hope Day was proclaimed September 10 by Orange County & The City of Orlando

We spearheaded & launched The Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition

We received State Funding to launch our Total Wellness Program

2014 2014 2014

Bloomingdale's Orlando joined in our united mission by sponsoring our children's outfits for the runway

2020 2020 2020

Through the COVID pandemic, we strengthened our relationships and partnerships in the community to continue serving our families

2025 2025 2025

Runway to Hope Day was proclaimed September 10 by Seminole & Osceola County

We made new commitments to each hospital for specific treatment & research programming totaling $1.5 Million to be completed by 2029

HOPE EXPANDS

The following goals were created with our core values and our guiding stars in mind.

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY

Drive the long term success of Runway to Hope through strategic goal setting, comprehensive performance measuring, data-driven tracking, and disciplined execution

Further development of our Board of Directors Committees

Maintain annual operation plans and budgets that are strategically aligned with organizational priorities, including initiatives to grow the endowment and ensure long-term financial sustainability

Develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy, including the creation of a targeted donor acquisition plan to identify, cultivate and secure high-impact philanthropic support with key stakeholders who believe no family should face pediatric cancer alone

FAMILY WELLNESS FAMILY WELLNESS

Continue building Runway to Hope’s Family Wellness Program to focus on the total, holistic care of every family we serve

Continue to provide critical financial relief to families as part of the Fiscal Sustainability initiative

Invest in the continued development of the Hope Portal, an online application for families to receive the support from this program

Expand strategic partnerships across all seven total wellness initiatives to enhance programs available to families

HOSPITAL FUNDING HOSPITAL FUNDING

Invest in leading edge research & multidisciplinary care for pediatric cancer patients through partnerships at our three local children’s hospitals, allowing our children to receive exceptional care close to home

Review and monitor progress reports submitted by each hospital partner to ensure the successfulness of program funded by Runway to Hope Effectively communicate progress with Runway to Hope‘s Key Supporters

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

Advance Advocacy & Partnerships

Continue developing The Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition

Continue meeting with our Scientific Advisory Board, Social Workers, & Hospital Representatives

Continue advocating at the State level for funding for our programs

Unite and Expand Community Engagement

Unite the Central Florida Community behind the local families battling pediatric cancer

Increase endorsed events put on by the community in support of Runway to Hope

Invite our community members to participate in our initiatives

LOGIC MODEL - IMPACT MEASUREMENT MODEL

PROGRAMS BENEFICIARY OUTCOMES

Sustainability Runway to Hope

Family Wellness Families battling pediatric cancer in Central FL

A well-funded, resilient organization with sustainable funding sources, increased philanthropic and corporate support, and expanded programming that continues to meet the evolving needs of pediatric cancer families in Central Florida

INDICATORS

Improved overall wellness of families battling pediatric cancer through investing in the development & provision of our seven health initiatives

Long-term financial stability and operational efficiency, ensuring continued support for pediatric cancer families through diversified revenue streams & continued endowment investment

Supported by our Family Support Specialist, Runway to Hope will actively develop & maintain meaningful programming within each of its seven health initiatives, engaging community & business partners to provide holistic wellness opportunities & strengthen the support network for families battling pediatric cancer

MEASUREMENT TOOL

FREQUENCY OF DATA COLLECTION

Hospital Funding Hospitals, research programs, clinical trials, doctors, medical staff, patients in & out of our region

Advanced leading edge research & multidisciplinary treatment options available locally so families do not have to travel

Annual payments to fund our pre-determined children's hospitals pediatric cancer initiatives on a five year cycle with $100,000 per year

Documents Financial Reports Continuous

CommUNITY

1 Runway to Hope

2 Central FL Pediatric Cancer NonProfits & Families battling pediatric cancer in Central FL

1.Strong engagement from the CFL community on behalf of Runway to Hope

2 Strong collaboration among Central Florida pediatric cancer nonprofits to maximize resources, prevent service duplication, and ensure comprehensive support is available to all families in need

Success will be reflected in:

1 The number of endorsed events for RTH

2 The number of new coalition members, joint initiatives launched, and the percentage of families accessing expanded community resources

Documents Interviews Focus Groups Monthly

Case Studies Interviews Progress Reports from each hospital as agreed upon Quarterly

Observation Documents Focus Groups Annually

FAMILY WELLNESS HEALTH INITIATIVES

Livelihood Livelihood

Academic Support Academic Support

House & Home House & Home

Nourishment Nourishment

Fiscal Sustainability Fiscal Sustainability

Mental Resilience

Physical Rehabilitation

Runway to Hope’s Family Wellness Program bridges the gaps in community services by providing families facing pediatric cancer with comprehensive, hands-on support that prioritizes their total wellness The program is designed to continually develop and sustain active programming across all seven health initiatives, ensuring families receive the holistic care and connection they need throughout their journey

Supported by our Family Support Specialist, Runway to Hope delivers meaningful wellness opportunities and compassionate guidance, standing beside each family every step of the way.

THE HOPE PORTAL SOFTWARE

The Hope Portal® provides families with a centralized, user-friendly access portal for their Family Assistance Applications, which allows them to complete their forms digitally and upload forms to a secure place, with greater ease & confidence With the addition of the social worker element, this platform has a lot of potential for growth and we are using it as a daily resource.

THE C.F.P.C.C EXPLAINED

The Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition (The CFPCC) was launched by Runway to Hope in September of 2024 to unify local pediatric cancer organizations and amplify community impact

This coalition fosters collaboration, resourcesharing, and strategic initiatives to benefit children and families battling cancer The newly built website includes links and access to all the participating organization’s resources so that Central Florida families can go to one place to find all the information they need.

HOPE MEASURED

Now let's dream BIG for a second...

Runway to Hope dreams of having our very own space. A place we can call our own to expand our total wellness services, provide a home away from home and hospitals to our families, and to continue innovating new ways to help our constituents in need fight this insidious, relentless disease.

Over the next few years, we will research and prepare for a capital campaign to build ourselves a home. This building will be the ultimate uniting factor for the Runway to Hope community. It is an integral piece of the puzzle, one that we can't wait to place.

Building Hope

Runway to Hope is embarking on the most transformative initiative in its history: a capital campaign to fund, design, and construct a permanent home for our mission; a place that embodies healing, o-, partnership and empowerment support for families battling pediatric cancer

Primary Goal

Raise the funds required to acquire land, design, construct, and outfit a dedicated facility for Runway to Hope by 2029.

Key Objectives

1.Establish a Permanent Home: Provide an accessible, child-centered facility that supports daily operations, family services, and wellness programming.

2 Expand Family Support: Create spaces for family care meetings, therapy programs, and respite for families away from hospitals

3.Enable Community Engagement: Host volunteer training & initiatives, donor gatherings, and annual celebrations of hope within RTH’s own walls.

4.Preserve Organizational Legacy: Cement Runway to Hope’s impact with a long-term physical presence and endowment for sustainability.