For 22 years Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has been a key resource for families battling pediatric cancer.
Since its inception in 2002, TBCF has provided financial assistance, emotional support programs, and post-treatment educational advocacy.
Recognizing the evolving needs of young adults, TBCF expanded its support last year to include individuals ages 18 through 21, provided they are treated on a pediatric protocol, which is common.
One of the first to benefit from the expanded program was a local teenager, Josue. Josue’s cancer journey was unpleasant and complicated but marked by hope when he entered remission and graduated high school on schedule.
In 2023, however, at age 19, Josue relapsed while he was working and attending college.
The setback led to the accumulation of credit card debt because he stopped work to resume treatment.
With TBCF’s newly expanded Financial Stability Program, Josue received immediate funding to help manage his living expenses and pay down his credit card.
Since its founding, TBCF has supported thousands of families in the Tri-counties, with 29 newly diagnosed families receiving assistance in 2024 alone.
Another program expansion now ensures all three core programs support families across all income levels, with additional financial aid for low-income households.
Recognizing that over 90% of the 200-plus families served annually must travel for some portion of their treatment, TBCF helps alleviate some of the hidden costs, such as gas and lodging, by providing upwards of $3,000 in gift cards for these expenses. This funding is available to families of all income levels.
In honor of September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, TBCF will host its annual Gold Ribbon Campaign, culminating in the Golden Gala fundraising event Oct. 5.
During September, the community is asked to support local families and “paint the town gold” by wearing a gold ribbon pin, volunteering, making a donation, or hosting a fundraiser.
The Golden Gala will be held at a private estate in Montecito. Tickets for the Golden Gala are available beginning Aug. 19 on TBCF’s website.
At the gala, the Pay It Forward Award will be presented to Danny Molina, whose efforts during his niece’s cancer battle showed his community spirit and generosity.
Sunstone Winery and winemaker Brittany Rice will be honored with the Humanitarian Award for their support and commitment to TBCF and the greater community. Rice, herself a pediatric cancer survivor, played a crucial role in introducing Sunstone’s owners, Teddy and Djamila Cabugos, to TBCF’s mission.
When Rice was battling cancer, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation had not yet been founded, and her family lacked a community and resources.
By the time Danny Molina’s niece Anaya, was diagnosed nearly two decades later, TBCF was established and able to provide support and emotional aid to her family.
A significant portion of the tangible support offered by TBCF’s programs are funded by events such as the Golden Gala.
The Golden Gala’s Presenting Sponsor is Earl Minnis, with a Gold Champion Sponsorship provided by Michael and Kathy McCarthy of Nurture Foundation.
Other sponsors are: Virginia Benson Wigle, Alan and Mary Jane Miller, Sansum Clinic now Sutter Health , the Leifur Thordarson Living Trust, AIMdyn, Inc., Ray and Michelle Avila, James and Vanessa Bechtel, Tom and Misook Burk, Kate and Art Coppola, J. Paul Gignac.
Martin & Kerrilee Gore, Herring Imming Family Law, Pati Kern and Andrew Pfeffer, Diane Kees, Peter and Kathryn Martin, Pacific Premier Bank, Studio Engineers Inc.
Mark and Nicole Romasanta, Village Properties, Arlington Financial/Michael Yang and Wells Hughes, Martin and Gina Bell, BrightStar Care, Cheryl DeSimone and Scott Goodman, Hearts Aligned, Sarai Anderson at Morgan Stanley, and Trudi Timm.
The Golden Gala organizing committee is led by co-chairs Jamie Hansen, Giana Miller and Angel Speier, alongside TBCF staff. Committee members include Brittany Arntz, Taylor Fuller, Sheela Hunt, Kerry Kelly, Terre Lapman, Gary Lapman, Debbie Neer, Stacey Polo, Susannah Rao, Lisa Solana, Brigitte Welty and Ely Wolfe.
For more about Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation visit TeddyBearCancerFoundation.org.