Heroes Helping Heroes

When a cancer diagnosis changes everything overnight, hospital social workers help families navigate each step by solving problems and simply showing up.

For our five-year-old hero, June and her family, that person has been their social worker, Alyssa.

When June was diagnosed with ATRT, a rare tumor of the brain and spinal cord, treatment had yet to begin as options of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation were to be considered pending more test results and scans.

Without warning, June suffered cancer complications every family fighting cancer knows all too well, but few people outside that world ever see: a blood clot, pneumonia, and a failed attempt at resuscitation. And while the medical crisis abruptly stopped, the storm raged harder for a family who lost their energetic, joyful, five-year-old daughter. Bills still arrive. The mortgage is due. Work and the start of school need attention. 

Although Alyssa had yet to build a tight bond with the family, she trusted her instincts to simply show up, offer hope, and be present. The only financial assistance June’s family offered up was a bill for one month of mortgage, just over $500.

Thanks to your abundant generosity to Jane’s Fund, we were able to pay off the family’s remaining mortgage balance of $62,439, allowing June’s parents and older sister to take a breath. 

Thank you to Alyssa and all the other hospital social workers who show up and fight daily for families battling pediatric cancer.  

*Names and photos may be changed to protect a family's privacy.