Together, We Fight
Champions of Childhood Cancer: Raising Awareness and Driving Change
Every year, more than 10,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Despite advancements in treatment, many of these children won’t survive the next five years. For those who do, the journey is long, painful, and life-altering.
Children’s Cancer Fund is committed to fighting back. Through strategic investments in research and care, particularly in North Texas, we stand shoulder to shoulder with organizations like Children’s Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center—national leaders in pediatric cancer treatment and research. By working together, we can improve survival rates. We also advance treatment options and provide support to children fighting all types of pediatric cancer.
Our efforts go beyond treatment—we are here to support families in their darkest moments. Our events, including fun and social gatherings throughout the year, bring families together to connect and share strength.
The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala is a key event, drawing significant attention to pediatric cancer. With Honorary Chairs Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott, the gala features pediatric cancer patients who take center stage. Izzy loved this event, and we honor her legacy by partnering with her family to keep her memory alive.
The TeamIzzy Foundation: Fueling Osteosarcoma Research
In honor of Izzy, the team created the TeamIzzy Foundation Research Endowment. This special fund champions research on pediatric osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that impacts children. The funds from this endowment will drive vital research efforts, pushing for breakthroughs in treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
Izzy participated in the Children’s Cancer Fund fashion show just months before she passed, where she expressed how much she cherished the support of her healthcare team. Here, she first envisioned a way to honor the incredible healthcare workers who went above and beyond for her.
At the 2024 fashion show, organizers presented the TeamIzzy Healthcare Award for the first time. This award recognizes the healthcare professionals who not only provide expert care but also take the time to understand and connect with their patients. The award is a testament to Izzy’s wish to honor those who make a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients.
Advancing Osteosarcoma Treatment: The Dallas Osteosarcoma Institute
The Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI) in Dallas is a leader in improving treatment options for osteosarcoma patients. They work hard to increase survival rates for those affected by this disease. Through funding promising clinical trials and breakthrough research, the OSI is working to identify new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for osteosarcoma. In addition, OSI Connect provides a free service to help patients and their families connect with physicians and access vital local resources for care.
OSI’s leaders are deeply committed to fighting osteosarcoma. They work with urgency and creativity to make a difference. By removing obstacles and accelerating research, OSI is raising awareness and pushing for progress in Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond.
Honoring Izzy’s Legacy: The TeamIzzy Osteosarcoma Science Fund
In February 2021, on her birthday, Izzy launched the #TeamIzzy Osteosarcoma Science Fund in partnership with OSI. With her dedication, she raised $100,000 for osteosarcoma research. By March 2024, the TeamIzzy Foundation had contributed a total of $450,000 to advance research at OSI. To honor Izzy’s impact, her fund was renamed the TeamIzzy Foundation Research Fund, a lasting tribute to her legacy and the community that supported her fight.
Giving Back: Supporting Homeless Populations and Cancer Families
Izzy’s commitment to helping others extended beyond cancer. She was passionate about supporting the homeless and those transitioning out of homelessness. At the Austin Street Center, we continue to honor Izzy’s belief in giving back by providing essential services to vulnerable populations. Austin Street helps those in need find shelter, food, and resources to break free from the cycle of poverty.
The North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization dedicated to closing the hunger gap in North Texas by providing access to nutritious food. Founded in 1982, NTFB collaborates with a network of nearly 500 partner agencies and organizations across 13 counties to distribute donated and purchased foods to children, seniors, and families in need. Through these partnerships and direct feeding programs, NTFB provides access to approximately 400,000 meals daily, striving toward a hunger-free, healthy North Texas.
Thrive Causemetics
We are proud to partner with Thrive Causemetics through their Giving Partnership, bringing their vegan and cruelty-free beauty products to the TeamIzzy Foundation community. With their support, we’ve been able to donate Thrive Causemetics bags to oncology departments at Cook Children’s Fort Worth, Children’s Health Dallas, and Children’s Health Plano, showing appreciation for the medical teams who provide unwavering care to patients and families. Additionally, these beauty bags have been included in teen toiletry kits delivered to local CASA organizations, offering comfort and confidence to those in need.