From Hospital Hallways to a Parent’s Fight for Hope
My experience with Children’s began 40 years ago as a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. We cared for the sickest children—from open-heart surgeries to severe traumas and life-threatening illnesses. I was proud to be part of a team that provided such extraordinary care. But nothing prepared me for the agony of facing a life-threatening illness in my own child.
Thirty years ago, our 5-year-old son Matthew was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, an aggressive cancer. The tumor in his abdomen was doubling in size every 48 hours. I was no longer the nurse—I was a terrified parent. Despite my medical experience, the fear of losing our child was overwhelming.
Matthew endured grueling treatments—surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, transfusions, infections, and complications. Our younger son, Bradley, just three at the time, struggled with the sudden shift in family attention. Cancer affects the whole family—not just the patient.
More Than Medicine: The Need for Psychosocial Support
Back then, psychosocial support was limited. Insurance didn’t cover it. Child Life Specialists helped when they could, but staffing shortages left playrooms closed. While teen support groups like SOMBFAB existed, younger kids and siblings often had no outlet or support.
The Birth of the Parent Liaison Program
Living through cancer as a parent gave me a new perspective. I realized the power of “been there” support. That’s how the Parent Liaison Program began—parents walking alongside parents, offering practical advice and empathy rooted in lived experience.
Celebration of Champions: A Turning Point
To fund these initiatives, I learned of a special event in Long Beach. With help from my mother-in-law Nancy, who was active in the La Playa Unit, we brought the idea to San Diego. In 1995, the first Celebration of Champions launched—94 young champions participated, and $124,000 was raised.
In 2023, we celebrated our 28th year: over 350 champions and $700,000 raised. Altogether, the event has generated more than $15 million to support psychosocial care for patients and families.
Why This Matters
These funds support psychologists, Child Life Specialists, parent liaisons, support groups, school reintegration, and bereavement programs—services not covered by insurance. They also help families in crisis with essentials like food, rent, gas, and transportation.
“It is like every birthday, Christmas and anniversary wrapped up into one special day,” one father said of the event.
Full Circle
Today, Matthew is healthy, cancer-free, and emotionally whole. He’s married to Abbey—who now works at Rady’s—and they have two sons. The nightmare turned into a mission of hope, healing, and legacy.
Thank you for helping make this possible. Every child deserves the level of care Matthew received—both physically and emotionally. Your support continues to change lives.