THE HIDDEN COSTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER

Why Your Support Matters

When Zoey was just 12 weeks old, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Within hours, she was admitted to UNC Children's Hospital, where she began chemotherapy. What followed were seven months of hospital stays, PICU admissions, countless complications, and a bone marrow transplant that would ultimately save her life. Her parents spent every day traveling between the hospital and home, caring not only for Zoey but also for her five-year-old brother, Archer, who would later become her bone marrow donor. As medical bills mounted, Zoey's father left his job so one parent could always be at the hospital while the other cared for Archer. Every drive, every parking fee, and every meal away from home became another financial strain during the fight of their lives.

Because of generous supporters like you, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas was there to help. We assisted with travel, meals, and parking reimbursements, easing burdens that often go unseen but weigh heavily on families. Zoey's mother shared that those parking reimbursements made one of the biggest differences because no one thinks about paying to park at the hospital every single day until childhood cancer becomes your reality.

Today, Zoey is six months post-transplant. She's walking, smiling, laughing, and filling her family's home with joy again. Her journey isn't over, but thanks to compassionate donors like you, her family was able to focus on what mattered most—helping their little girl heal.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, another family is beginning a journey they never expected. More than 2,800 families across North and South Carolina will turn to CCP this year for help reaching life-saving treatment without the added burden of financial hardship.