The MyMusicRx team frequently jams with Austin and his four siblings when Austin is in the hospital receiving treatments for his cystic fibrosis and diabetes. (His dad Joshua even joins in on trumpet sometimes.)

Continuously surprising and astounding us with their generosity, volunteers are the backbone of the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA), helping our programs to run smoothly and providing top-notch event experiences.

It’s our honor to announce Danielle York as the new President and General Manager at the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA). In this newly created role, York will partner with CCA’s Founder/CEO and Board of Directors to advance our mission of creating transformative moments of joy for kids and families facing cancer and other serious illness. York joins CCA at a time of significant organizational growth and will lead all business lines for our Portland-based non-profit.

Ten-year-old Hayden is a poised, polite young lady who is wise beyond her years. She loves art, reading, classical music, her mom’s snickerdoodles, and climbing in the trees around her house.

On a beautiful sun-filled afternoon, more than 100 family, friends, and CCA staff gathered at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) to honor 11 kids and teens at the Celebration of Courage. The event, now marking its 20^th year, recognizes the remarkable achievements, endurance, optimism, and strength that these Heroes face each day as they fight cancer and other serious illnesses.

You might recognize McKenzie as one of our 2016 CCA Heroes, a title which she still embodies today. She’s known as a prankster with the medical team, playing tricks on them and working her sassy charm. She’s also a kind, thoughtful girl, whose positive outlook inspires everyone who meets her.

Summer is festival season and MyMusicRx kicked things off in style at the Sasquatch! Music Festival this Memorial Day Weekend.

Catlin is easy-going, an all-around sports fan and always ready to make a joke. He’s also a police officer, serving the area of West Linn. His job requires him to face intense situations and he often sees people during their lowest moments. Despite so much experience, nothing prepared Catlin for both the joys and sorrows of being a Chemo Pal Mentor.

MyMusicRx once again invited Austinites to “feel the music and feel better” during the world-renowned SXSW Festival. They responded with a resounding “yes!” turning out for live music events that helped us raise nearly $10,000 to fuel the upcoming launch of MyMusicRx bedside service at St. David’s Children’s Hospital, filling a critical gap in arts and music program services for Central Texas kids and families.

The hardships of cancer are not limited to the physical treatment. Cancer also affects a person’s social life, emotional wellbeing and financial stability.

Princess alert! Emma Baker is a sparkly girl with a passion for pink and all things princess related. She’ll eagerly sing at the top of her lungs upon request, and even throw in a few twirls for good measure.

Wendy is an enthusiastic volunteer in the Children’s Cancer Association’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program. When she retired in 2014, volunteering was a priority and working directly with people facing cancer was near and dear to her heart.

D.J. completed treatment last month and is starting to reclaim the life that cancer forced him to put on hold. He spent his spring break in Mexico —not working on his tan but helping build houses for families in need with his church youth group. He’s working hard to get his strength back and discovering new ways to be physically active during his recovery.

Like most high school seniors, D.J. had big ambitions for his last year of school—spending time with friends, applying for college, celebrating graduation…but life had other plans for him. Right after football season, D.J. started getting sharp headaches.

11-year-old Chrystalyn is a polite and poised young lady who loves a good DIY project. She’s constantly whipping up her very own custom-scented soaps and perfumes, and even has a secret formula for colorful slime.

The holidays are a time for reflection, gratefulness, and family. While many families with kids facing serious illness focused on their child’s health, we at the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) turned our attention to their happiness.

When Bill Grange walks into the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA), he greets just about everyone in the office on a first name basis. He’s easy-going, understanding, and a great conversationalist. He loves his job as a Portland realtor and finds joy in golfing, music, gardening, and his family. He’s also a CCA Chemo Pal extraordinaire, having been matched with five Chemo Pals over the past eleven years.

The holidays are a time for reflection, gratefulness, and family. While many families with kids facing serious illness focused on their child’s health, we at the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) turned our attention to their happiness.

Dawson is an inspiring seventeen-year-old with a complicated diagnosis. Over the years he’s been diagnosed with Diabetes, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Left Ventricle Noncompaction, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Stage 4 Kidney Disease.

Teri and Brock have been married for 15 years and have two children, eleven-year-old Jack and six-year-old Oliver. The family considers themselves fortunate in many ways. They enjoy traveling, all things outdoors and are dedicated Star Wars fans. But Teri and Brock are no strangers to hardship. Four years ago, Teri was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, completely changing their family’s day-to-day life.