Stories of Joy

Discover the joy your support helps create. For 10 years, LivFree has created moments of hope, joy, and connection for children and families navigating pediatric cancer. Across the country, thousands of lives have been touched by these moments. Here, we share the stories, memories, and smiles that make up those moments of joy.

  • Nine-year-old Declan is a huge Blue Angels fan, so when he dreamed of attending the NAS Air Show in Virginia Beach, LivFree helped make the day extra memorable. Declan and his family were treated to a VIP experience filled with special access, incredible cars, and unforgettable moments. His mom shared, “Thank you for giving us time together as a family, putting a smile on Declan’s face and letting us all forget about cancer for a day.”

  • In November 2025, Felix was diagnosed with a Ewing sarcoma (tumor on his spine). Félix lives for sports and during a normal year, he would have various sports activity every day after school. Thanks to our supporters' generosity, Felix was able to see his team (France) play in a World Cup match. Felix watched his favorite players score right before his eyes. His mom shared, "Although this has been a very difficult period, this was most certainly a bright point for him and he spreads that positivity with everyone around him."

  • For Nico and his family, feeding the giraffes at Southwick’s Zoo was more than just the “BEST day ever” — as his mom put it. It was a full-circle moment. Years ago, his parents got engaged right there, in front of the giraffes. Coming back with their children turned joy into something truly unforgettable.

  • At just 2 years old, Noa already has a favorite sports team, the Savannah Bananas! LivFree secured tickets to a Banana Ball game when the team came to play in Atlanta this year. Through the last year LivFree has built a relationship with the Savannah Bananas and they have been so welcoming to our families this year. It is so important for LivFree to be able to partner with organizations that put family and community first. Noa had “the most AMAZING time!” her mom shared. A beautiful family day amidst the ins and outs of hospitals and doctor appointments.

  • LivFree provided Dugan and his family a weekend away to see an Adam Sandler, complete with a special meet and greet! In a few short days Dugan went from a week of in-patient chemo treatment to getting to meet his favorite actor and comedian. His dad later shared, “he is still smiling ear to ear. This has been the best two days for this kid in a long time. He also got to swim, something he loves to do. I cannot thank enough, the people who helped make this happen. We are truly blessed.”

  • Throughout his treatment, 11-year-old Kyler found comfort in singing Crowder’s song “Good God Almighty.” So when he had the chance to meet Crowder and see him perform live, it became an especially meaningful Moment of Joy. His mom shared, “It was wonderful watching Kyler singing and dancing to his favorite song...Thank you again for a special day out with family that we will always remember!”

  • Kharizma was preparing for a bone marrow transplant, with her young brother serving as her donor. The weeks ahead would bring isolation, recovery, and time apart for their family. Before that journey began, Kharizma’s mom wanted to give her family something simple but meaningful: time together doing the things they loved—going to the movies and enjoying some of their favorite food at home. A little normalcy before a difficult road ahead.

  • Michael has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 14, with a dream of one day becoming a career firefighter. As his 27th birthday approached, he was facing the added stress of losing his insurance while still undergoing treatment. His social worker reached out to help his girlfriend make his birthday extra special. Michael had been dreaming of having his own professional firefighting helmet, but it wasn’t something he could afford. We were thrilled to make that dream a reality and bring a little joy and hope to his birthday—and his future—replacing some of the fear and uncertainty he had been carrying.

  • Riley Quinn and her family came out as honorary guests to a LivFree Hockey Marathon in Arizona. There the family enjoyed part of the game, some VIP treatment and a special gift of a custom hockey helmet made by one of LivFree's players. Later that weekend Riley and her big sister visited Legoland to close out their joy-filled family weekend. An important break from doctors appointments and treatment.

  • The Reiter family lost their daughter, Jazmine, to infant leukemia and created Jazmine’s Journey in her memory. LivFree provided the family with a fun-filled trip to iFLY, giving them a chance to honor and celebrate Jazmine’s life together. LivFree is proud to support the whole family impacted by pediatric cancer, no matter where they are in their journey. For families honoring a child they have lost, creating moments of joy can help keep their child’s memory, spirit, and place in the family alive.

Joy and Hope, One Smile at a Time

580

Families Helped in CT

$2.5

Million Raised

948

Families Helped Nationwide

Your Impact in Their Words

  • “It was amazing. More amazing than I expected. And seeing Maddy with her siblings just made our hearts feel so full. It truly was an experience she will remember forever. Seeing the kids together, completely transfixed and holding each other was ....I have no words. It was just wonderful.”

    Maddy’s Mom - Billie Eilish Concert

  • “Thank you for this opportunity. Cayden had surgery last week on his legs and to remove his port. It’s been a bit more recovery than we expected so this was a really nice outing and a nice way to celebrate him being done with all procedures and treatments!”

    Cayden - Cirque du Soleil

  • “Thank you for coordinating such an amazing experience for Carter and our family. We sang along to songs, danced, and cheered for the Red Sox! Best of all, we made memories separate from Carter’s cancer diagnosis. Steven asked Carter if he had a good time last night and he replied, “I think I had the time of my life!”

    Carter’s Mom - Red Sox Game

  • “The best day of his life!!!! He got to get an autograph from Steph Curry and even shake his hand!! He didn’t want to wash his hands! lol Thank you sooo much!!!”

    Adam’s Mom - Golden State Warriors

  • “What a weekend! We had such a blast at the game. We truly appreciate everything you did to make this experience possible. Life has its ups and downs - this was definitely a high point for us!

    Lucas’ Mom - 49ers Game

  • “We are grateful and thankful for the generous gift especially at this time of the year. It feels great to see Alyssa and her brothers enjoying the time that they used to enjoy especially now that Alyssa is capable in doing all the fun.”

    Alyssa’s Mom - Disneyland

  • “Our hearts are FULL! After we got checked into our room yesterday Judah broke down into happy tears. He’s so relieved. To him this feels like the milestone that proves he can do big things he couldn’t do when he was sick, and like we are past the hardest part. We are watching emotional healing happen right in front of us as he swims.”

    Judah’s Mom - Great Wolf Lodge

  • "It was so special to meet Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks. Liam asked us all the questions about E’s diagnosis and treatment. He seriously was the sweetest man!"

    Emmanuel’s Mom - Red Sox Game

  • “We had the most MAGICAL time! It was 10 hours of rides, corn dogs and family time! Literally no melt downs, no bad vibes. I’m brought to tears even thinking about it. After 2 years of Delilah fighting Leukemia, being given the gift of a day as a family, where everything goes “right” is just the most magical experience anyone could ask for!!!”

    Delilah’s Mom - Universal Hollywood

  • “Thank you for providing such a special time for our whole family. With our size, we would never be able to do something like that all together.”

    Levi’s Mom - Brandon Lake Concert

  • "My 15yo said it was the best sporting event he has ever been to in his entire life! None of this would've been possible without your organization so I am so grateful for you and what your foundation does. Thank you so much for allowing my family to be able to create these memories that we will cherish forever! “

    CJ’s Mom - Celtics Game

  • "We really had a lovely getaway and she had so much fun thank you guys so very much for an incredible getaway during such a hard phase of life!!!! This was such a great gift to all of us, we are so grateful for you”

    Abigail’s Mom - Galvenston

Visit Our Wall of Smiles for more Moments of Joy

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