We help families of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer.
The enormity of childhood cancer cannot be known until one goes through this ordeal.
From a parent needing to leave work to care for their child, to siblings dealing with the trauma of having a brother or sister with a life-threatening disease, to the stress and fear of the unknown, and the unexpected financial challenges and medical bills that occur - the need for support is great, and Sophia’s Fund strives to do that even in ways big and small.
We understand it because we have been through it.
Sophia’s Story
Sophia Donnarumma was just under two years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on August 14, 2002.
Sophia received five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor in her abdomen, two autologous stem cell transplants, radiation to her tumor sight and her orbits, experimental antibody treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and 6 months of Accutane (cys-retinoic acid). She was finally off treatment in December 2003.
Sadly, Sophia relapsed in March 2004 with several lesions in both legs. She had six rounds of various types of chemotherapy and had an Allogeneic Bone Marrow transplant the first week of September 2004 in hopes to save her life. She tragically died from this awful disease on December 23, 2004.
Sophia remains present in the hearts of her family, of those who knew her, and most importantly, through the work has inspired through Sophia's Fund.
Our mission at Sophia's Fund is derived from a simple question, "What would Sophie want?
How We Help
-
Sophia's Support
From food assistance to household expenses and even gift of wish fulfillment, Sophia’s Support makes it possible for families to focus on their child’s care and well being.
-
Sophia's Smile
Toys, arts and crafts, gift cards, parking passes and more, these seemingly small items make all the difference for parents and children who call the hospital home for an extended period of time.
-
Sophia's Quest
In order to support more successful and less harmful treatments (and ultimately a cure), we help fund research that specifically treats pediatric cancers and brain tumors.