How UCCF Started

UCCF's story is one of compassion and dedication. It was founded by a group of individuals deeply touched by the impact of pediatric cancer on their families and friends. Their shared vision was to create an organization that could make a difference in the lives of young cancer warriors. With unwavering commitment and a mission-driven approach, UCCF began its journey to provide support, raise awareness, and fund innovative programs in the fight against pediatric cancer.

History:

The United Children's Cancer Fund (UCCF) was officially incorporated in the year 2023, but its roots trace back to the early 2000s when a group of passionate individuals started volunteering their time to support families facing the daunting challenges of childhood cancer. Over the years, this group's dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families led them to gain invaluable experience within the nonprofit sector.

UCCF's founders and leadership team collectively bring more than 40 years of experience in the nonprofit world, having dedicated their careers to serving those in need. They have worked tirelessly, not only by volunteering but also by gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary to address the unmet needs of families affected by pediatric cancer.

Meet our founders here.

Mission:

UCCF is steadfast in its mission to provide unwavering support to children diagnosed with cancer, their families, and the healthcare community. Our mission is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face the challenges of pediatric cancer alone. We strive to:

1. Empower Families: UCCF aims to empower families with the resources, information, and financial support to navigate the complexities of pediatric cancer treatment, ensuring that they can focus on the well-being of their child.
2. Advance Research: We are committed to funding cutting-edge research aimed at improving treatment options and ultimately finding a cure for childhood cancer. We believe that research is the key to enhancing the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.
3. Provide a Supportive Community: We sponsor a compassionate and supportive community for families facing pediatric cancer, offering counseling, support groups, and opportunities for connection and shared experiences.
4. Educate and Raise Awareness: UCCF is dedicated to raising awareness about how to identify the early indicators of pediatric cancer, the impact of childhood cancer on families and communities. We provide educational resources and engage in outreach efforts to ensure that the voices of pediatric cancer patients are heard.

Values:

At UCCF, our values are at the core of everything we do. They guide our actions, decisions, and interactions with the families we serve, the community, and our partners. Our values include:

1. Compassion: We approach every interaction with empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of pediatric cancer patients and their families.
2. Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.
3. Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration to maximize our impact. We work closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other nonprofits to achieve our shared goals.
4. Innovation: We embrace innovation and creativity in our approach to addressing the unique challenges posed by pediatric cancer. We seek new ways to support families and advance research.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all families affected by childhood cancer feel valued and supported.
6. Hope: We are dedicated to instilling hope in the hearts of pediatric cancer patients and their families, believing that through collective efforts, we can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

The Financial Burden on Families

Pediatric oncology families face an immense financial burden due to the high costs associated with treating childhood cancer. These financial hardships can be overwhelming, as families must navigate medical expenses, loss of income, travel costs, and various other related expenses. The financial impact can have long-lasting effects on both the child and the family. One or both parents may need to take time off work to care for their child during treatment. Reduced income or loss of a job can lead to financial instability. In some cases, parents may need to stop working altogether to provide full-time care for their sick child.

The financial toll of pediatric cancer is staggering. Families often face significant out-of-pocket costs, even with insurance coverage. On average, out-of-pocket expenses for a family with a child diagnosed with cancer can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per year. These costs include:

• Medical deductibles and copayments.
• Travel and accommodation expenses for treatment at specialized hospitals.
• Prescription medications, some of which may not be covered by insurance.
• Home modifications or equipment to accommodate a child's needs during treatment.
• Loss of income due to caregiving responsibilities, treatment schedules, and hospital stays.

Pediatric oncology families face significant financial burdens due to the high costs associated with treatment, loss of income, and other related expenses. Programs like those offered by UCCF play a vital role in providing financial assistance, support services, advocacy, and research funding to help relieve these hardships and improve the lives of children and their families affected by childhood cancer.

UCCF's financial assistance programs help alleviate some of these burdens, ensuring that families can access necessary care without sacrificing their financial stability.

The United Children's Cancer Fund (UCCF) stands as a beacon of hope for families navigating the challenging terrain of pediatric cancer. From its inception as a mission-driven organization, UCCF has been dedicated to supporting families emotionally, financially, and through its commitment to funding innovative programs and research. As pediatric cancer continues to impact young lives, UCCF remains a steadfast ally, offering hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future.