News Summary
The Phoenix Children’s Foundation has initiated the ‘Step Up. Stop Cancer.’ campaign to support pediatric cancer patients at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign encourages donations to provide critical resources. With a matching donation opportunity of up to $100,000 from Credit Unions for Kids, community support is vital. The campaign features young survivors’ stories, like Isabella Melgarejo, highlighting the real impacts of childhood cancer. Local engagement is crucial in helping families navigate the challenges associated with a child’s cancer diagnosis.
Phoenix Children’s Foundation Launches Campaign for Pediatric Cancer Support
The Phoenix Children’s Foundation has announced the commencement of the “Step Up. Stop Cancer.” campaign, aimed at raising funds to support pediatric cancer patients treated at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. This initiative is particularly significant as it coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness and support for childhood cancer initiatives.
Donations made to the campaign before the end of this month will be matched by Credit Unions for Kids, who have pledged to contribute up to $100,000. This matching opportunity provides an incentive for donors to participate and enhance the overall impact of their contributions.
Highlighting Survivor Stories
A young cancer survivor, Isabella “Isa” Melgarejo, is featured in the campaign, illustrating the real-life impact of childhood cancer. Isa has bravely battled Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that primarily affects children, and is now in remission. Her story emphasizes the resilience and spirit of young patients fighting this disease.
After enduring a lengthy treatment process, Isa is preparing for her first day of kindergarten. Her milestone is particularly poignant, having spent a significant portion of her early years facing health challenges. Isa’s mother, Amanda Lopez, expressed deep pride in her daughter’s progress and the challenging journey they have navigated together.
Ongoing Health Journey
Currently, Isa is healthy and attends follow-up check-ups every three months. She has regained her mobility and vitality, with her hair having grown back following her treatment. As the family reflects on their experiences, they embrace a renewed zest for life, making the most of every day post-treatment.
Campaign Goals and Community Support
The “Step Up. Stop Cancer.” campaign serves not only as a fundraising effort but also as a platform for raising awareness about pediatric cancer and the families who experience its challenges. It seeks to foster community engagement and encourage individuals to contribute to a cause that affects many families across the nation.
In addition to financial support, the campaign aims to provide resources and assistance for families dealing with pediatric cancer, helping them navigate the emotional and logistical challenges that come with a child’s diagnosis. By raising awareness of pediatric cancer, the Phoenix Children’s Foundation hopes to bring more focus to the needs of these young patients and their families.
How to Contribute
As the campaign unfolds throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, community participation and support are crucial in amplifying the message and maximizing the financial contributions critical to expanding treatment options and support services available to pediatric cancer patients.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Organizations Boost Back-to-School Support
Fountain Hills Raises Over $437,000 for Pediatric Healthcare
Additional Resources
- ABC15: Phoenix Children’s Wants You to Step Up & Stop Cancer
- Wikipedia: Childhood Cancer
- PR Newswire: Mito Red Light Pledges 3% of September Sales to Pediatric Cancer Charities
- Google Search: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- 12 News: Corey LaJoie Visits with Kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
- Arizona Sports: Phoenix Rising FC to Wear Gold Kit in Honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness
- Google News: Pediatric Cancer Initiatives

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.