Chicago area charity gives families of kids with cancer new hope

CHICAGO – A Chicagoland charity is giving families facing childhood cancer new hope and unwavering support.

It’s the subject of this morning’s Good News Guarantee.

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Giving hope to families

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The backstory:

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“It is a very lonely place when one child has cancer,” said single mother Katie Shipley of Plainfield.  

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Her daughter Brynly was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2 years old. 

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That’s also the time she was introduced to Childhood Leukemia Warriors, a nonprofit that meets families where they’re at, giving them what they need, so they can focus on their child. 

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“I don’t know if there’s a magical timeline that Ron has, but it’s when my bank account has 27 cents in it, I magically get a gift card for gas,” said Shipley.

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Ron Rodasta and his family started the charity after his son was diagnosed with leukemia 10 years ago.

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“After seeing how I had to go through it, other families in the clinic all the time, we decided that we wanted to help other families out,” said Rodasta.  

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Making an impact:

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Since then, Childhood Leukemia Warriors has helped 200 families, donating $400,000 dollars in gift cards for gas and school supplies.

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“I’m not reaching out to them saying ‘Hey, I need this.’ They already know, and that is, that’s truly special,” said Shipley.  

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Brynly is now in remission and Shipley is forever grateful to the organization that provided so much comfort during such a difficult time.

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“Looking back, it’s positive that came out of my son being diagnosed. It’s a wonderful feeling to help other families out,” said Rodasta.

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What you can do:

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Natalie Bomke will be hosting their annual gala at Harry Carry’s in Lombard on March 1. 

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For tickets, go to clwarriorsfoundation.org/gala-1.

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