As we close another remarkable year at The CarsonStrong Foundation, we want to express our deepest gratitude to YOU, our generous donors. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind our mission to positively impact children and families facing cancer and other life challenges. Because of you, we’ve achieved significant milestones in 2024, creating meaningful impacts and cherished moments for those we serve. Here’s a look back at the difference you’ve made possible this year.
Programs That Made a Difference
Gift of Time Together: Thanks to your contributions, our Gift of Time Together program has expanded to serve families in 18 states, offering personalized experiences that create lasting memories. From local cabins to sunny Florida getaways, your generosity has given families moments of joy and relief during their most challenging times.
Holistic Support: Your support helped us fund a new therapy horse at Victory Gallop, enhancing the therapeutic experiences for children who benefit from these confidence-building rides. Carson’s love for these moments inspired this initiative, and your kindness continues his legacy.
Literacy: Because of you, we’ve strengthened the CarsonStrong Book Club at Stewart’s Caring Place, providing invaluable resources and opportunities. With your help, we’ve hosted book drives to keep Carson’s Corner stocked with diverse literature for readers of all ages, championing education and empowerment.
Innovative Technology: Your generosity enabled us to partner with Augment Therapy, introducing their gamified physical therapy program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This innovative approach motivates young patients to engage in rehabilitation, offering a blend of fun and healing.
Successful Fundraising Events
Purse Bingo: Thanks to your enthusiasm, our second annual Purse Bingo was a red-carpet success, raising $40,000 to fund memorable experiences for families. Over 300 attendees celebrated the evening, making a tangible impact on our mission.
Night of Hope Weekend: Your participation turned the Night of Hope Gala and Concert into a magical weekend. Together, we raised over $300,000 for the Gift of Time Together program, ensuring more families experience moments of connection and joy.
Sip & Shop: Because of you, our first Sip & Shop event at Crocker Park was a warm and successful evening. With generous contributions from shoppers and stores, we raised $2,500 for our general fund—a testament to the power of community.
The Carson Higgins Memorial Golf Outing: Your support made the 8th Annual Golf Outing our most successful yet, raising $180,000 for our initiatives. Two shotgun starts, engaging course games, and your generosity fueled this incredible achievement.
Heartwarming Stories
Every family we serve is a reminder of the impact your kindness creates. This year, your contributions supported families like Jaxon’s, Shawn’s, and Trenton’s, who found hope and comfort through our Gift of Time Together program. These stories are a testament to the profound difference you make.
Shawn courageously fought stage 4 esophageal cancer, but sadly passed away on July 30 at the age of 37. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Kelly, and a wonderful father to his two young children, Landon and Madeline. In addition to his family role, Shawn served as an 8-year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department, truly exemplifying heroism in every aspect of his life.
Before he passed away, the CarsonStrong Foundation was able to give his family time together at a beautiful cabin. This trip allowed them to spend quality time as a family, including extended family members as well. They had a great time playing games, swimming, and enjoying nature. Shawn’s story illustrates why we work hard to provide the Gift of Time Together to so many families. We are grateful that we were able to give them this time together before he passed away.
Jaxon is 5 years old and battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He is undergoing tough treatments and often stays in the hospital away from home. Jaxon’s mom expressed how much time away from the hospital would mean for their family as they had never been on a family vacation before. Jaxon has always wanted to fly on a plane and loves Legos, so the decision was clear: fly to Florida and spend a few days at Legoland! After their trip, Jaxon’s mom said, “The vacation was the most incredible gift we could ever receive. Jaxon was healthy and energetic while we were in Florida, and I can honestly say we almost forgot his cancer diagnosis for a few moments here and there. What a wonderful feeling!”
Trenton, a healthy 20-year-old, was enjoying his outgoing lifestyle when he was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a form of cancer. Fortunately, he was eligible for the AYA program at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. His diagnosis was a shock for him, as well as for his parents and siblings.
Trenton had expressed to his mom his desire for the entire family to go camping in winter, and shortly after, she found our Gift of Time Together program. They all traveled to a beautiful, secluded cabin where they spent quality time together in the game room, by the fire pit, and taking long walks around the property. Trenton was even surprised by an alpaca-gram from a local farm. With tears in her eyes, Trenton’s mom expressed her gratitude for being able to spend this time together with her entire family during this difficult journey.
Thanks to Our Supporters
None of this would be possible without you—our amazing supporters. Your generosity transforms lives, providing children and families with moments of joy, relief, and togetherness. Whether through donations, volunteer time, or advocacy, you are the heart of our mission.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter the new year, we’re excited to announce initiatives made possible by your continued support. These include an expanded scholarship program and new partnerships to reach more families. Together, we’ll bring hope and healing to even more children and families.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of the CarsonStrong family. Here’s to a bright and impactful 2025!
