Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation: A Lifeline for Families Facing the Unthinkable

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes in an instant. Families are thrown into unending hospital visits, medical jargon, and unimaginable stress. That’s where the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) steps in—not just as a charity but as a true lifeline for families navigating one of the hardest journeys of their lives.

“We’re there from the moment of diagnosis, through survivorship, and—when the worst happens—through bereavement,” said Tiffany Kress, who has been with NNCCF since March 2023. “We make sure families never face this battle alone.”

NNCCF is the only nonprofit in Northern Nevada solely dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. It’s not just about financial assistance, though that’s a huge part. They offer emotional support, scholarships, and even small joys, like letting kids pick out a toy from their Cas’s Closet after a rough day of treatment.

“Sometimes it’s the little things,” Kress said. “A new toy, a warm blanket—something familiar and comforting when everything else feels out of control.”

For families in Reno and Carson City, NNCCF is well-known. But in rural Nevada? Not so much.

That’s something Kress is working hard to change.

“We have families in places like Elko, Fallon, and Winnemucca who don’t always know we exist,” she explained. “And they need our help just as much as the families in Reno.”

Unlike larger cities with major hospitals, rural families often receive treatment at small clinics, meaning they miss out on the traditional social worker referrals that connect families with NNCCF.

“If they’re not walking through Renown’s doors, they might not know we’re here,” Kress said. “That’s why outreach is so important.”

Her goal? Make sure no child in Northern Nevada fights cancer alone—no matter how far off the beaten path they live.

NNCCF is there to celebrate victories and for families facing the worst loss imaginable.

When a child passes away, they become part of what NNCCF calls an “Angel Family.”

“This year has been tough,” Kress admitted. “We’ve had an uptick in angel families. But even in their grief, these families stay connected to us. We’re still here for them, whether it’s emotional support or helping them honor their child’s memory.”

One mother once told Kress that she and her family had to move to Nevada for work. Three months later, their son was diagnosed with cancer.

“She told me, ‘I truly believe we were brought here for a reason. Because without you guys, I don’t know what we would have done.’”

NNCCF’s support doesn’t end when treatment does. One of their biggest initiatives is the Inspire Scholarship, which has provided over $1 million in scholarships to childhood cancer survivors.

“These kids have already been through more than most adults ever will,” Kress said. “We want to make sure they have the opportunity to chase their dreams—whether that’s college, trade school, or another path.”

And it’s not just about education. Former NNCCF scholarship recipients have gone on to become nurses, doctors, and even childhood cancer advocates themselves.

“One of our past scholarship recipients is now a pediatric chemo nurse,” Kress shared, smiling. “And a lot of our kids recognize her—because she was once in their shoes.”

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of the Northern Nevada community. From small businesses donating proceeds to families baking cookies for fundraisers, the generosity NNCCF receives is staggering.

“Even in tough economic times, local businesses are still willing to give back,” Kress said. “We see restaurant owners, many of whom are struggling themselves, say, ‘Yes, absolutely. I’ll donate a portion of my sales for the night to NNCCF.’ That kind of community support is incredible.”

Fundraising events like Natalia’s Night, the St. Baldrick’s Shave for the Brave, and community-led CrossFit tournaments have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for families in need.

NNCCF’s St. Baldrick’s team consistently ranks among the top in the world, raising nearly $200,000 in 2023 alone.

“We joke that we have bragging rights,” Kress said, laughing. “But really, it just shows how passionate our community is about supporting these kids.”

So, what’s next for NNCCF? Expansion. Awareness. More families reached.

“We want every family in Nevada to know we’re here,” Kress said. “And we want them to know there’s no red tape, no hoops to jump through. If your child has cancer, we will help you. Period.”

Families don’t have to prove financial need. They don’t have to be U.S. citizens. There are no complicated forms to fill out. If a family in Northern Nevada needs support, NNCCF is there.

“We just want families to focus on their child—not how they’re going to pay their bills,” Kress said. “And as long as we’re here, they won’t have to do it alone.”

For more information, visit www.nvchildrenscancer.org or reach out to NNCCF directly.