Cancer Support Foundation in Youngstown, OH
CarsonStrong™ is proud to serve families in Youngstown, OH, the Mahoning Valley, and beyond with programs that bring strength and support to children and families affected by cancer. Rooted in Carson’s legacy of courage and generosity, our foundation provides experiences, therapies, and scholarships that make a real difference in the lives of families facing cancer.
What Does a Cancer Support Foundation Do?
We serve cancer-affected families in Youngstown, OH
Our cancer support foundation in Youngstown plays a critical role in the lives of families facing cancer and other serious challenges. While hospitals and doctors provide essential medical treatment, families often need far more—emotional support, opportunities to create lasting memories, access to innovative therapies, and relief from the day-to-day struggles of fighting a life-threatening illness.
For families in and around Youngstown, a cancer support foundation is more than just a charitable organization. It becomes a trusted partner during one of the most difficult journeys a family can face. From offering programs that restore a sense of normalcy and happiness to delivering resources that support families through difficult times, our foundation helps bridge the gap between treatment and quality of life.
At CarsonStrong™, our mission is to honor Carson’s legacy by making sure no family fights alone. Through donations, scholarships, regional partnerships, and life-changing experiences, we bring support and comfort to Youngstown families affected by cancer.
About CarsonStrong™
The CarsonStrong™ Foundation was founded in 2017 in memory of Carson Higgins, a courageous boy who fought Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. During his 12 years, Carson embodied joy, resilience, and generosity, inspiring everyone around him. While on his “Trip of a Lifetime” with his family, Carson passed away—but his legacy continues to inspire our mission every day.
Since our founding, CarsonStrong™ has grown from a family-led effort in Ohio into a nationally recognized foundation with local impact. Rooted in communities like Youngstown, we raise funds, create opportunities, and give children and families battling cancer the chance to experience life beyond hospital walls.
Our mission includes three key focus areas:
- Memorable family experiences – Through our Gift of Time Together program, families can take a break from treatment and enjoy vacations, trips, or local experiences that strengthen bonds and create cherished memories.
- Education and scholarships – By awarding scholarships to resilient students, we ensure that the next generation carries forward Carson’s values of compassion, perseverance, and strength.
- Funding therapeutic programs – CarsonStrong™ invests in programs like Augment Therapy at Children’s Hospitals, which turns physical therapy into a fun, game-like experience for children recovering from cancer treatment.
Every program, donation, and volunteer hour brings us closer to our vision of making life brighter for those facing cancer.
How CarsonStrong™ Helps Families in Youngstown and Beyond
The Gift of Time Together
For families fighting cancer, time together is the greatest gift. Our Gift of Time Together program has supported over 100 families from 27 states, allowing them to step away from treatment and enjoy time without the constant stress of hospitals.
For Youngstown families, this can mean a long-awaited family trip, a simple day of fun at Mill Creek Park, or an unforgettable vacation. We believe these experiences don’t just create memories—they also bring emotional healing and renewed strength.
Augment Therapy for Youngstown Families
Physical Therapy
CarsonStrong™ proudly helped launch Augment Therapy at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, an innovative program that uses augmented reality to make physical therapy more interactive and engaging for children.
$175,000 contributed
For many Youngstown cancer patients and others in the Mahoning Valley traveling for specialized treatment, traditional physical therapy can be tiring and discouraging. Augment Therapy turns movement into play, keeping them motivated and active during recovery. CarsonStrong™ has contributed $175,000 to this life-changing program, helping families from across Northeast Ohio.
Supporting Cancer Research and Care
While family-centered programs are at our core, CarsonStrong™ also invests in medical research. We’ve donated $75,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the leading institutions advancing cures for pediatric cancer. By contributing to research, we help ensure that Youngstown families and families across the country benefit from groundbreaking treatments and improved survival rates.
Regional Support for Youngstown – Stewart’s Caring Place
Stewart’s Caring Place
CarsonStrong™ has partnered with Stewart’s Caring Place in Akron, a vital nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families from across Northeast Ohio, including Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, who are touched by cancer.
Adult Book Club
With a $67,500 donation, CarsonStrong™ helped establish and expand their library, creating a welcoming space where families can access educational materials, reading resources, and a comforting community hub.
By strengthening key regional programs like this, we ensure that Youngstown families have accessible support systems to rely on.
Scholarships for Local Students
CarsonStrong™ provides scholarships to students who embody Carson’s values of kindness, resilience, and generosity. These awards recognize individuals who demonstrate perseverance, compassion, and a spirit of giving. To date, we’ve awarded $127,000 in scholarships, including recipients from Ohio who represent the heart of Carson’s legacy.
CarsonStrong™ by the Numbers
- $2 million+ raised for cancer programs
- 100+ families supported through the Gift of Time Together program
- 27 states reached with direct family support
- $175,000 invested in Augment Therapy at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
- $75,000 contributed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- $67,500 given to Stewart’s Caring Place in Akron
- $60,000 donated to Victory Gallop
- $22,000 granted to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
- $17,000 raised for the Boy Scouts
- $127,000 awarded in scholarships to deserving students
Each number reflects not just dollars raised, but the real impact on families in Akron and across the country.
Why Youngstown Families Choose CarsonStrong™
Youngstown is a city with a strong spirit of resilience and community, born from its “Steel Valley” heritage. Families here know the value of looking out for one another during difficult times. That’s why so many turn to CarsonStrong™—a foundation rooted in Ohio with a proven track record of helping families both locally and nationwide.
When Youngstown families partner with CarsonStrong™, they’re joining a network of encouragement and people who truly understand what they’re going through. Our programs—whether it’s scholarships, therapy support, or family trips—help Youngstown families reclaim joy, strength, and connection.
FAQs About Cancer Support Foundations in Youngstown
Get Involved – Join Carson’s Champions
One of the best ways to support Akron families is by joining Carson’s Champions, our monthly giving program. Regular donations provide steady funding for scholarships, family experiences, and therapy programs.
When you become a Carson’s Champion, you’re not just donating; you’re making sure that Akron families have ongoing support throughout their cancer journey.
Make a Difference for Youngstown Families Today
If you live in or around Youngstown and want to help families impacted by cancer, CarsonStrong™ is here to guide your generosity. You can:
- Donate Today to provide direct cancer support for Youngstown families.
- Partner with us to expand programs accessible to the Mahoning Valley.
- Share Carson’s story to inspire your Youngstown neighbors to give back.
Together, we can ensure every Youngstown child and family facing cancer feels supported and never alone.
