Children’s Cancer Network brightens holidays for cancer patients and families
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CHANDLER – Children’s Cancer Network treated childhood cancer fighters and their siblings to a holiday extravaganza Dec. 10, at the 18th annual Holiday Surprises event.
What began as a small holiday party for five families has grown to become a celebration that provides everything needed to have a happy holiday for 65 deserving families.
The families involved all have a child in cancer treatment and are experiencing extreme financial need. They were recommended by hospital pediatric oncology social workers and given wish lists to complete in August.
Volunteers shopped, wrapped, and planned a festive holiday party at the Children’s Cancer Network office, 6150 W. Chandler Blvd. No. 1 Chandler, complete with games, crafts, a deejay and food trucks.
The event was sponsored by The Saguaros, the philanthropic organization (formerly known as the Scottsdale 20/30 Club), who awarded Children’s Cancer Network with a $50,000 grant this year. Members of The Saguaros also volunteered at the Holiday Surprises event ensuring everyone had a day to remember.
“Navigating the winter holidays takes on a whole new meaning when a child is battling cancer,” says Children’s Cancer Network Executive Director and Co-founder Patti Luttrell. “Physical and emotional exhaustion, financial distress, and outright lack of time make it difficult to create positive family memories for a cancer fighter and their siblings. This event gives these families the opportunity to smile, laugh, and just be a child experiencing the magic of the winter holiday.”
After enjoying the Holiday Surprises event, participating families took home wrapped gifts for their cancer fighters and siblings, a bountiful pasta basket (a festive way to receive a food box of non-perishable foods for dinners), needed household items like beds, linens, dishes and towels, and a decorated 4-foot Christmas tree.
“Children’s Cancer Network became a charity partner of ours for the first time in 2021,” says The Saguaros Charities Chair, Trent Hancock. “After volunteering at last year’s Holiday Surprises event, we knew we wanted to get involved in an even bigger way. We want to thank all of The Saguaros supporters and sponsors for donating so generously to the Saguaros Children’s Charities foundation through our signature fundraisers, NiteFlite and the Olympiad. Being a small part of the joy experienced by kids going through a very tough time are exactly why we do what we do.”
About Children’s Cancer Network
The network supports children and families throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, and creates an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer.
About The Saguaros
Founded in 1987, the philanthropic and social club known today as the Saguaros has raised millions of dollars for local Arizona non-profit organizations. Compriused of as many as 50 men younger than age 40, it proudly gives back to the community and support children’s charities through three main annual fundraising events.
