22 MAY 2023 G rowing up around entrepreneurial parents, Chrisie Funari always knew she wanted to own her own business. What she didn’t know then was that it would be a nonprofit organization providing support to families coping with a child who has cancer. Unfortunately, she has first-hand experience in such a circumstance. She lost her 5-year-old daughter, Ava, after a long battle fighting stage four neuroblastoma. “The most shocking words a parent can hear are ‘your child has cancer,’” Funari said. “It immediately turns your world upside down, and all of a sudden, nothing else is important.” Funari struggled mightily through the ordeal as she was eight months pregnant when Ava died and went through a divorce while the baby was sick. She lost her job because she couldn’t work while Ava went through treatments, and she wound up living with her parents. “They almost went broke helping me pay for all the medical expenses,” Funari recounts. “It’s strange, but no one ever asked me, ‘How are you doing?’ From that lonely experience, I wanted to help other families avoid having to go through the same thing.” In 2014, Funari launched the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children at the kitchen table in her home. Today, the organization offers information on navigating hospitals, financial assistance, and social, emotional and moral support. The 12,000-square-foot facility is meant to be a home away from home for families who would otherwise be isolated and left to deal with everything by themselves. “Our program is meant to help the entire family, and we want them to feel that some of the weight of what they are going through is being lifted off of their shoulders,” Funari said. Most parents accessing the foundation’s family center are low-income families. They benefit from a well-stocked food pantry, ongoing educational tutoring and job training, a play area and toy store, a boutique center and art studio, and even a movie theater. A chocolate lab named Leo is the mascot. He provides an extra dose of affection to everyone he greets. Funari and her sister grew up in Minnesota. She found her way to Arizona when deciding to attend ASU, where she majored in marketing. Her parents soon followed her to the Valley and have volunteered at the center since it opened. “We are an extremely close family, even before our loss, and I love my parents and children very much,” Funari said. She as two children: a 17-year-old son, Eli, and a 10-year-old daughter, Eve. When she isn’t working – which is much of her waking hours – she likes to hike Pinnacle Peak, attend her kids’ sporting events, or escape with a good book. “Our community has been extremely generous in supporting the foundation, and because we receive no state or federal money, we couldn’t do it without all the kind individuals and companies that donate to us,” she said. Funari is proud that she can meet with any family going through what she did and have an immediate connection, providing understanding and empathy. Little wonder her self-titled autobiography would be called “ Nothing She Wouldn’t do for Others.” called “ Nothing She Wouldn’t do for Others.” called “ Chrisie Funari Our community has been extremely generous in supporting the foundation. We couldn’t do it without all the kind individuals and companies that donate to us. Chrisie and Ava. PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES A to Z Tree & Turf provides homeowners with an exceptional outdoor living experience. We design and build some of the most prestigious landscapes in the Valley. Our unparalleled attention to detail and excellent customer service ensures your outdoor living space is exquisite year-round. WE CAN CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOU! CALL 480-549-0590 FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! Serving Arcadia and surrounding areas for over 10 years. ¥ Design - Build - Install ¥ Planting & Hardscapes ¥ Irrigation & Lighting ¥ Artificial Turf ¥ Plant Health Care ¥ Beautification & Enhancements ROC #313230 Licensed I Bonded I Insured Member of AZ Landscape Contractors Association Your Personal Landscape Experts atoztreeandturf.com

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