Since 1980, WOKC has offered comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs
serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and
treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. The WOKC approach features three primary
initiatives.
WOKC funds novel pediatric cancer innovations that lead to advancements in treatment
outcomes. Furthermore, the WOKC Science and Medical Research Committee carefully
analyzes, scores, and selects cutting-edge research projects that might not initially receive
traditional funding. WOKC has significantly impacted the pediatric cancer space by funding over
$8 million in pioneering research. This seed money has yielded more than $22 million in grant
money from large cancer organizations like the National Cancer Institute. While we are
relentlessly searching for a cure, the significance of increased survival rates, less invasive
treatments, and prevention of harmful side effects are also reasons why research is critical.
WOKC refers to pediatric cancer patients as “warriors” and the WOKC Warrior Family Programs
are designed to allow Warriors and their families an opportunity to connect and share
information, challenges, and victories with other families who are facing the same pediatric
cancer challenges. These opportunities allow important emotional support bonds to be formed.
The Warrior Family Programs also foster re-connections within each family by providing fun
and unique opportunities that serve as a brief respite from their battle with cancer. Between
hospital visits, families enjoy amusement venues, sporting events, concerts, parent nights out, a
holiday party, and other social engagement activities. WOKC recently launched two new Warrior
Family Programs – Parent Socials (parent “date nights” with other parents also enduring a
pediatric cancer journey) and the Kids Beating Cancer podcast (a global initiative designed as a
support component for kids when a cancer diagnosis is given).
The Buddy Bag Program has been a WOKC hallmark for decades. A Child Life Specialist at Cook
Children’s recently stated, “Giving a Buddy Bag is the best part of my job.” Many times, a cancer
diagnosis is suspected at a doctor’s office or in the ER. The parent(s) and child are immediately
sent to a children’s hospital to begin tests – which can take several days. There is no time to
return home to pack a bag, so there you are – in a hospital room with your child, a pediatric
cancer diagnosis, and not much else. When a child is sent to a WOKC partnering hospital, that
changes the moment the Child Life staff member rolls a Buddy Bag (a sturdy canvas rolling
suitcase) into the room. The bag is strategically filled with hygienic, comfort, and entertainment
items designed to ease the transition from home to hospital. While parents are thankful for the
toiletry items, blanket, and pillow, the kids are ecstatic when they pull out the new iPad and
wireless ear buds. The iPad allows for the patients to Facetime friends and family, download
school assignments, and download entertainment to watch during cancer treatments.