EACH YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES, NEARLY 10,000 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. For those families, the diagnosis is life-altering—a devastating collision of fear, uncertainty and hope. In Central Florida, a powerful network of hospitals, researchers, nonprofits and families is working tirelessly to ensure that pediatric cancer patients not only survive, but also thrive.
From innovative clinical trials and precision medicine to holistic family support and fierce local advocacy, Central Florida is becoming a national leader in pediatric cancer care. At the heart of this movement is Runway to Hope, a nonprofit that bridges the gap between treatment and day-to-day life for families in crisis.
Laura Lockner, executive director at Runway to Hope, believes that Central Florida’s success lies in its shared purpose: “We don’t just give help—we give hope.”
Laura Lockner takes the podium at Rosen Shingle Creek
A Triad of Innovation: Central Florida’s Pediatric Cancer Research Powerhouses
Central Florida is home to three nationally recognized pediatric hospitals: AdventHealth for Children, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Nemours Children’s Health. Though technically competitors, these institutions collaborate extensively through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a nationwide network for clinical trials, contributing to groundbreaking studies that shape national treatment protocols.
AdventHealth for Children houses the region’s only pediatric stem cell transplant program and actively participates in multicenter trials to improve transplant outcomes. Meanwhile, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer is breaking new ground in brain tumor treatment through the Haley Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders and its POETIC lab, which specializes in advanced radiation therapies including proton beam therapy. At Nemours, researchers are exploring the use of the Zika virus to shrink neuroblastoma tumors and conducting genetic research aimed at difficult-to-treat conditions like DIPG and relapsed leukemia.
“Together, these hospitals form a powerful triad of research and innovation,” says Lockner. “They don’t just treat cancer—they’re redefining how we understand and fight it.”
Clinical Trials and Precision Medicine
One of the most promising frontiers in pediatric oncology is precision medicine—tailoring treatment to a child’s genetic profile. In Central Florida, hospitals are leveraging genomic research to develop targeted therapies that are both more effective and less toxic.
For example, Nemours’ Pediatric Tumor Lab uses genetic markers to identify high-risk patients and match them with experimental treatments through clinical trials. Orlando Health’s POETIC program has similarly made strides in tailoring protocols for aggressive brain cancers, significantly improving long-term survival prospects. AdventHealth’s contributions to donor-matching trials for pediatric blood cancers are helping doctors refine best practices for stem cell transplants.
Families interested in accessing clinical trials can typically do so through referrals from their primary oncologist or by working with hospital-affiliated research teams.
Kelly Lyons with Kids Beating Cancer.
Beyond Medicine: Holistic Pediatric Cancer Care
Fighting cancer is about more than chemotherapy and surgery. Central Florida’s pediatric hospitals embrace a holistic model of care that supports the emotional, psychological and developmental needs of both patients and their families.
Each hospital employs child life specialists trained in therapeutic play, emotional coaching, and medical education for children. Teams of psychologists, social workers and therapists work alongside oncologists and nurses to create individualized care plans that extend from diagnosis through survivorship.
This multi-disciplinary approach is crucial according to Jennifer Rice-Palmer, board member at Runway to Hope and vice president of guest contact at Rosen Hotels & Resorts: “Childhood cancer affects the whole family. It impacts siblings, disrupts schooling and changes the rhythm of daily life. The care model has to reflect that.”
Local nonprofits also embed themselves in this ecosystem, delivering in-hospital programs that offer relief and moments of joy. The Give Hope Foundation provides electronics and toys to distract children during treatment, while organizations like BASE Camp and Brittany’s Wish offer everything from milestone celebrations to family retreats.
The Role of Runway to Hope
Runway to Hope has become a beacon of comprehensive support for pediatric cancer families in Central Florida. Its Total Health & Wellness Program addresses mental health, physical rehabilitation, bereavement support and survivorship care. Its Family Assistance Program provides financial aid for expenses like rent, groceries, utilities and travel—relieving families of everyday burdens during the most difficult times.
“Every dollar we raise stays right here in Central Florida,” say Mark and Josie NeJame, co-founders of Runway to Hope. “We help families pay for gas, keep the lights on and make sure there’s food in the fridge. That way, parents can focus on what matters most—helping their child get better.”
The nonprofit also provides care packages, organizes therapy sessions and connects families through support events. Runway to Hope works closely with hospitals, social workers and other coalition members to ensure no family falls through the cracks.
Stories of Resilience: Leo and Landon
Leo Pasch with Conner Edson at Bloomingdale’s.
Leo Pasch was just two years old when he was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia in 2023. What began as a low-grade fever and unexplained bruising led to a terrifying ER visit and a life-changing diagnosis. Since then, Leo has endured grueling treatment regimens, hospital isolation and painful procedures.
“Runway to Hope has been with us every step of the way,” says Leo’s mother, Rikki. “They helped us stay afloat financially and emotionally when everything else felt like it was falling apart.”
Leo is expected to ring the bell and complete his treatment in October 2026. While the journey is far from over, his family holds fast to the hope that organizations like Runway to Hope have helped instill.
Landon Chase walks the runway with Kay Fitzsimmons at a Runway to Hope Spring Soiree.
Landon’s story offers another perspective. Diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age five, Landon has now been in remission for two years. But survivorship brought new challenges: long-term side effects, osteoporosis and ongoing medical treatments.
“Runway to Hope didn’t just help us during treatment,” says Landon’s mother. “They stayed—through the recovery, the aftermath and everything in between.”
A Community of Support
The Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition (CFPCC) brings together dozens of nonprofits, each filling a different role in the pediatric cancer journey. From Kids Beating Cancer’s transplant support program to Rosie’s Adventures’ joy-inspiring care packages, this coalition ensures that support is comprehensive and compassionate.
Grassroots organizations are especially crucial in meeting immediate, personalized needs. Whether it’s delivering a sibling’s birthday cake or hosting a spa day for a child in remission, these smaller nonprofits provide emotional warmth that larger systems sometimes miss.
Civic groups, churches and schools have also stepped up. Lake Highland Preparatory School’s Thanksgiving Basket Project with Runway to Hope is one such example, where students assemble baskets full of holiday food and care items for families in treatment.
Awareness, Advocacy and the Road Ahead
In 2022, Orange County officially proclaimed September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and in 2023, designated September 10 as Runway to Hope Day. These declarations reflect growing public recognition of pediatric cancer as a community-wide cause.
Visibility during September is more than symbolic. Events, awareness campaigns and gold-themed fundraisers across Orlando help families feel seen and supported. They also amplify a critical message: pediatric cancer isn’t rare—it’s underfunded.
Only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes toward pediatric cancers, despite it being the leading cause of disease-related death among U.S. children. Advocates like Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Foundation are working to change this through direct research funding and legislative advocacy.
“People think kids get the same treatments and research dollars as adults, but that’s just not true,” says Lockner. “That’s why we push so hard for more trials, more funding and more understanding.”
Erin Booth speaks to the audience at a Runway to Hope—Central Florida Pediatric Cancer Coalition event at Rosen Shingle Creek. Landon Chase and his family are in the background.
Survivors as Advocates
Survivors often become some of the most powerful advocates in the fight against pediatric cancer. Runway to Hope’s Hope Ambassador Program invites survivors to support newly diagnosed children through mentorship and peer connection. Their stories inspire hope and help shape future programs, ensuring care remains family-centered and emotionally responsive.
“Survivors remind us why we fight,” says Jenny Totcky, director of operations and marketing at Runway to Hope. “They’re the living proof that hope works.”
Unsung Heroes
Behind every child’s journey is a network of quiet heroes—nurses, social workers, child life specialists and volunteers—who bring normalcy to chaotic days. Pediatric oncology nurses become like family, offering calm reassurance during the hardest moments. Social workers ensure families have access to resources, while child life specialists ease trauma through play and education.
Volunteers and hospital partners provide food, distraction and care packages, proving that healing often comes from the smallest gestures.
Call to Action
As Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month approaches, Mark and Josie NeJame hope the message is clear: “Every child deserves a future. Every family deserves hope. And it’s going to take all of Central Florida—hospitals, nonprofits, schools, businesses and neighbors—to make that possible.”
Pediatric cancer doesn’t wait. It doesn’t care about schedules, income or zip codes. With each new clinical trial and family supported through treatment and beyond, the message is clear: our community is not only aware—it’s engaged, mobilized and determined to rewrite the story of childhood cancer, one brave child at a time. Here’s how you can help:
Donate: Give to local organizations that support families directly.
Volunteer: Offer your time at local hospitals, nonprofits or events. Even a few hours can lift a child’s spirits.
Advocate: Contact legislators about increasing federal and state funding for pediatric cancer research.
Fundraise: Organize a bake sale, 5K run or online campaign in honor of a child fighting cancer.
Spread Awareness: Wear gold in September, share survivor stories and help educate others about the realities of pediatric cancer.
Support Families: Offer a meal, run errands or simply check in—small gestures make a huge difference.
When our community stands together, we don’t just raise awareness—we raise each other.