About CHAMP

Where it all began

When our son (then age 10) was diagnosed in 2009 with Stage 4 Lymphoblastic Leukemia, we were thrown headlong into the childhood cancer world. Over his 3 ½ year treatment, we were exposed to a variety of nonprofit organizations and eventually established a network of support for the family. Partly due to HIPAA laws, creating this network of support took hard work. Unfortunately, we discovered that many families found the support too late, or not at all.

Childhood cancer was not on our radar. We did not know that September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, or that the gold ribbon was the symbol. Through our personal experience with childhood cancer, the need we saw was twofold. We saw a deep need for families to form a network of support, get plugged into available resources, and rally the community into involvement. Cancer impacts not only the child, it changes the life of the parents, siblings, extended family and the surrounding community. The second need we discovered was for families to take a break from the rigors of treatment through a weekend retreat. To reconnect, relax, recuperate, restore hope, strengthen their family ties. To form friendships with others travelling a similar road, and develop a lasting support system in the midst of treatment for childhood cancer.

We have made it our mission to assist families in establishing a firm network of support. We provide respite to families in the midst of treatment. We provide the platform for non-profit organizations to collaborate and unite families with the community, and raise funds to help support and grow childhood cancer programs throughout Arizona and increase childhood cancer awareness.

What we do

CHAMP provides respite, support, and hope to children impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis and their families through weekend retreats and also the annual CHAMP Event in September.

CHAMP provides no-cost retreats to families of children currently in treatment. Taking a break from the rigors of treatment helps families to reconnect. Children on treatment are able to enjoy activities with no judgement or expectations. Siblings are to share stories and find strength and comfort amongst their peers. Parents are pampered, restored, and find community with other families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. These retreats restore hope, strengthen family ties, and develop a lasting support system for families in the midst of treatment for childhood cancer.

CHAMP is a unique organization which draws together non-profits passionate about the cause of childhood cancer. Through a collaborative annual event in September, we raise awareness, educate and empower the community to get involved, provide support and resources to families impacted by a childhood cancer diagnosis, and unite the community in the fight against childhood cancer.

The CHAMP event provides resources in one location to educate the community to the many resources available in the event of a new diagnosis. It also facilitates a smooth transition into the childhood cancer support system which families so desperately need. The CHAMP event is a fun, family event which includes a 5k Run/Walk, breakfast, booth fair, and a CHAMPION Walk (in which children on treatment, in remission, and kids who fought bravely and gained their wings) are celebrated, supported and honored.

“CHAMP is more than a one-day event: it is a community-building movement to empower local children and their families as they battle cancer.” – Erin Mowad
Join us in September to ‘Impact the Outcome of Childhood Cancer’.