When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the impact ripples far beyond medical care. Families are suddenly navigating emotional strain, financial pressure, and an overwhelming need for support and community. NC4K steps into that space with a model rooted in compassion, stability, and joy, ensuring that no child and no family member faces childhood cancer alone. We connected with the NC4K team to learn more about their holistic approach, recent growth, and the challenges families continue to face across Ohio.
1. Every organization has its unique identity. What sets your organization or program apart from others working in a similar space?
NC4K stands apart because we support the entire childhood cancer family, not just the patient. Our model blends three pillars - financial assistance, emotional support, and events for play - so families receive stability, community, and joy all at once. We provide direct financial relief for essential needs, community-building events that foster meaningful relationships, and programs that create moments of hope when families need them most. This holistic approach ensures that no child, and no family member, fights cancer alone.
2. Reflecting on recent achievements, what has been your biggest success as an organization in the past year?
Our biggest success this year has been responding to the dramatic increase in financial support requests from families. From September – November 2025 alone, NC4K received more than $95,000 in financial support requests, representing 3 times the amount of support typically requested in a similar time frame. Despite this surge, we successfully expanded our support, strengthened our assistance pathways, and worked with partners to increase resources. We’re proud that even amid unprecedented demand, families received stability, hope, and the reassurance that their community has not forgotten them.
3. Turning to challenges, what is the most pressing issue your community or clients are currently facing in the coming year?
The most pressing challenge childhood cancer families face is the growing financial burden of treatment. Rising costs of living, hospital travel, food, utilities, and housing, combined with the loss of income due to caregiving, are putting families in crisis faster and more often than ever. Many families are navigating the impossible choice between paying bills and being by their child’s bedside. NC4K is working urgently to expand resources to meet this increasing need.
4. Community involvement is key. How can people who are inspired by your work get involved with your organization?
Community members can get involved in several meaningful ways:
- Volunteer at family events, programs, and seasonal drives
- Adopt a family during the holidays
- Attend or sponsor NC4K events like the Fashion Show, Gala, or Reindeer Run
- Make a recurring donation to support financial assistance for families
- Host a fundraiser or workplace giving drive
Every contribution, time, talent, or treasure, directly impacts a childhood cancer family in Ohio.
5. Collaboration is often essential in creating impact. Who are some of your favorite partners or collaborators in the community, and how do you work together?
We are grateful to collaborate with partners like Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Crew, Northwestern Mutual, local schools, fellow nonprofits, and countless community businesses. These partners help us expand our reach, host meaningful family events, provide essential resources, and raise awareness about the unique challenges childhood cancer families face. Together, we create financial stability, build community, and deliver joyful experiences that families remember long after treatment ends.
6. Becoming part of this network brings you to a new community and potential collaborations. Why did you decide to join Community Shares of Mid Ohio?
We joined Community Shares of Mid Ohio because we believe deeply in the power of collective impact. Being part of a network of organizations working toward a more compassionate and equitable community allows us to learn from others, share best practices, and build partnerships that strengthen support systems for families. Community Shares provides connection, knowledge, and a shared purpose, values that align directly with NC4K’s mission.
7. The heart of Community Shares’ work is to create a more just, caring and healthy Community for all. How does your organization contribute to this vision?
NC4K contributes to a more just and caring community by ensuring that no family navigating childhood cancer has to do it alone or suffer financially because of it. We reduce inequities by providing direct financial relief, supporting mental and emotional well-being, and creating community spaces where families feel seen and supported. By addressing essential needs and nurturing connection, we help families maintain stability and dignity during the most difficult moments of their lives.
8. Let’s end with something surprising. What’s an interesting fact or statistic about your organization that most people might not know?
Most people are surprised to learn that NC4K began as a high school student’s idea and has grown into a statewide nonprofit supporting thousands of childhood cancer family members every year. What started as one teen’s desire to help has become a movement of families, volunteers, and partners all committed to ensuring No Kid Fights Cancer Alone.
From easing financial strain to creating moments of play, connection, and hope, NC4K continues to show what it means to truly surround families with care. Through strong partnerships, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to equity and dignity, NC4K is building a future where every family facing childhood cancer feels supported, seen, and never alone
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