18 MARCH 2024 By Kylie de Best The Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) has a beginning embedded in heartbreak. Founder Chrisie Abramo learned that her daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma at just 18 months old. Ava fought as hard as her little body could, but the cancer was too strong, and at just five years old, she succumbed to the disease. Abramo grieved in ways only a mother knows and decided that Ava’s name would live on in more ways than one. This inspired ACFC, an organization celebrating 10 years of care for Arizona families going through similar situations. “Losing a child is immeasurable pain that never leaves you. Ava fought for three and a half years, and during that time, we did not feel supported,” Abramo said. “We were lucky to have amazing family and friends who stepped in when we needed help.” Her grief guided her to the organization, starting with raising the bar in pediatric cancer support. By catering to the entire family, nobody is left out or feels alone. Determined to make a change in the lives of families whose children are battling cancer, ACFC is dedicated to providing timely and comprehensive assistance to pediatric patients and their families. “Operating from our purpose-built facility, we offer essential services ranging from financial assistance to emotional and engaging social programs,” Abramo said. The community has also worked to help ACFC grow. Individuals, companies, and other nonprofits have stepped up to assist – Abramo said that every donor and volunteer plays a crucial role in making a difference. “The staff is small but mighty, stepping up in any way they can to provide for families,” she said. ACFC started at Abramo’s kitchen table and has grown into a 12,000-square-foot building that offers multiple programs to children and their families. “The programs have grown over the years based on need,” Abramo said. The organization will commemorate the milestone at Ava’s Tree House Gala, an annual event held at the Phoenician – but they plan to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished all year long. “Our mission is clear: to serve as a centralized hub, offering relief and guidance to families navigating the challenging journey of pediatric cancer,” Abramo said. “We’re committed to expanding our reach, aiming to support 600 Arizona families in their time of need.” ACFC also plans to unveil an Education Center and a Counseling and Wellness Center in the future, further enhancing their ability to provide holistic care. “We are so proud and thankful for all of the amazing work that has been accomplished over the past ten years, and are looking forward to the next ten!” Abramo said. azcancerfoundation.org A mother’s nightmare becomes a purpose to help others ACFC volunteers help run various programs to financially and emotionally support Arizona families. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIZONA CANCER FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN         REAL ESTATE REAL RESULTS relentlessly lo cal™ real estate experts • Combined Real Estate Experience of 36+ Years • Concierge Style Service • Arizona Natives • Arcadia Residents DALLAS PEAGLER, REALTOR® 602.821.9494 | Dallas@TheBrokery.com BREENA WESTFALL, REALTOR® 480.266.8313 | Breena@TheBrokery.com