Runway to Hope Booklet by runwaytohope

So no family has to battle pediatric cancer alone. So no family has to battle pediatric cancer alone.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CARE?

41% of the families we serve, live below the National Poverty Threshold due to their diagnosis.

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Oftentimes, at least one parent must in order to become a full time care taker quit their job

88% of the families we serve, experience work disruption.

300,000+ children per year are diagnosed with cancer worldwide

95% of childhood cancer survivors will have a significant health related issue by the time they're 45 years old

*Facts sourced through the following: Runway to Hope Trends & Demographics Tracking, National Cancer Institute, National Children's Cancer Society, Cure Search, and St Jude's Children's Research Hospital

pediatric cancerFAMILY WELLNESS PROGRAM

Together,weprovide assistancetofamiliesbattling

850+

Who we helped: Applications Approved

TotalFamilyWellnessDollarsGranted: $1,426,000+

TREATMENT & RESEARCH FUNDING PROGRAM

$4.3 Million granted to Treatment & Research Funding.

An additional $1.5 Million has been pledged, to be paid over the course of five years. Programming to be announced.

$4.3 Million granted to Treatment & Research Funding. An additional $1.5 Million has been pledged, to be paid over the course of five years. Programming to be announced.

Car T-Cell Therapy Program Creation

$10,000 Completed

$1 Million Completed Funded the Pediatric Palliative Care Program

$500,000 Completed Funded a portion of the renovations for the Pediatric Oncology Floor. The new floor grew to include 12 large patient rooms, a family lounge, & a play room

$1 Million Completed Established the Community Children's Oncology Program & helped create a Pediatric Interventional Radiology Program

$200,000 Completed Funded the Pediatric Cancer Survivor Program of Excellence

$105,000 Completed Funded new Microwave Ablation Technology for the interventional radiology department

$195,000 Completed Funded Precision Medicine, which is a revolutionary approach for disease prevention & treatment

$1 Million Completed

Funded the establishment of Central Florida's first ever comprehensive Pediatric Neuro-oncoloy Program

$382,824 Completed

Funded the establishment on a Neuro-oncology Laboratory complete with a full time research technician and additional equipment

A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

At Runway to Hope, our mission is rooted in the belief that no child or family in Central Florida should face the battle against pediatric cancer alone. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of unity within our community: whether by connecting families so they can share their experiences, delivering essential resources directly to their doors, or partnering with organizations that share our commitment to compassion and care.

We take our responsibility to be careful stewards of the generous contributions entrusted to us very seriously. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth & impact of Runway to Hope Our commitment for the future is clear: to continue funding innovative and local treatment options, to provide immediate and direct financial relief during times of crisis, and to expand our focus on the overall wellness of each child and family.

The needs in our community are significant and our resources are dependent upon philanthropy The programs we have supported have, in some cases, extended the lives of children and given families precious additional time together Through strategic partnerships and a dedication to avoiding duplication of services, we ensure our efforts are both efficient and impactful

Our mission to support families, primarily in Central Florida, fighting pediatric cancer while seeking a cure guides every decision we make It is both our foundation and our inspiration as we work together to bring hope, compassion, and meaningful change to the lives of those who need it most Thank you, sincerely, for joining us

LauraLockner ExecutiveDirector

CO-FOUNDERS MESSAGE

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

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 In addition to our Hospital Programming, our Family Wellness Program has grown from solely providing emergency financial relief to these families in crisis to providing holistic support covering seven health initiatives including financial support, mental health counseling, and physical rehabilitation The emotional and financial strain these families endure can be overwhelming often requiring one parent to leave their job to care for their child full time, while the family’s income decreases and expenses skyrocket In these moments, we cut through the bureaucracy and provide immediate help when it’s needed most

Words cannot express the depth of our respect, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who has supported Runway to Hope’s mission We are inspired by the stories of triumph and survival, yet humbled and heartbroken by the unimaginable loss of those we could not save. As we look forward, our commitment remains unwavering: to walk hand in hand with our community, to bring hope to every child and family we serve, and to fight until the day we find a cure for childhood cancer.

Mark & Josie NeJame Co-Founders

HOPE TESTIMONIALS HOPE TESTIMONIALS

Runway to Hope has helped us breathe a little easier, allowing us to focus on what truly matters helping Leo fight this battle Their support goes far beyond just financial help it’s about making families feel seen, cared for, and uplifted during the most challenging moments of our lives.

- Rikki Ottney | Mother of Leo Pasch, recipients of Runway to Hope's Family Assistance Program

Runway to Hope has made this process bearable. [They] have made this process easier for us because a diagnosis like this one for a child so young is heartbreaking. In that moment, what mattered most was the emotional support... even more than the financial support and Runway to Hope was there We never felt alone at any moment.

- Leynise & Gabriel Zambrano | Parents of Alejandro Zambrano, recipients of Runway to Hope's Family Assistance Program

Runway to Hope has truly helped our family The weight is less heavy when you have a team of individuals who care about your family’s well being even after treatment ends. They realize the bell does not end your cancer journey Our family is forever changed and Runway to Hope became part of our family.

- Darren Chase | Father of Landon Chase, recipients of Runway to Hope’s Family Assistance & Total Wellness Programs