When Carson was only 18 months old, his family received a cancer diagnosis: Leukemia. In an instant, their daily lives were transformed. Overnight, life became a blur of hospital rooms, treatment schedules, and the constant, fierce determination to protect her little boy.

Every day since, his mom, Adriana, has fought beside him; holding him through procedures, learning medical terms she never wanted to know, and doing everything in her power to keep him safe, comfortable, and strong.

For Carson’s mom, transportation quickly became one of the biggest challenges. Without a reliable way to get to the hospital, even the most critical appointments felt uncertain. And when your child is fighting cancer, uncertainty is the last thing you can afford.

That’s when Compass to Care stepped in.

Transportation support became an indispensable resource. The ability to get Carson to chemotherapy safely and consistently wasn’t just a convenience, it was a lifeline. It meant treatments weren’t missed. It meant hope.

With deep gratitude, she shares:

“Your support has not only helped us get to treatment, it has given us stability. Thank you for showing up for families like mine. Thank you for helping my baby boy continue his fight. We are forever grateful.”

Her story is a reminder that compassion, even in the form of a ride, can change the course of a family’s journey. And it’s a testament to the extraordinary strength of a mother who continues to rise, every single day, for the little boy who is fighting so bravely.

In July 2025, at just 4-years-old, Ricky was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma—DIPG/DMG (H3K27M)—an aggressive pediatric brain tumor. Despite this heartbreaking news, Ricky has remained remarkably positive. He completed radiation therapy in September 2025 and has continued care through Lurie Children’s Hospital, even participating in a clinical trial. He’s truly a little fighter that all the doctors and nurses love; every time he has to go through anesthesia, scans, blood draws, or take medications, he never resists. Instead, he faces it head-on and cooperates bravely with the team.

In January 2026, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted their annual “Hockey Fights Cancer” night at the United Center. Here, 5-year-old Ricky was invited to stand with the team during the national anthem to raise awareness and bring hope to those fighting cancer! He was rooted on by an arena full of people, bringing Ricky so much joy, and truly symbolizing just how important and powerful unity and community are.

“Being invited to this game means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for a night that celebrates kids fighting cancer and the community supporting them.” – Fangfang (Ricky’s mom)

Ricky’s family is happy to share that his first MRI after radiation showed a 50% reduction in the tumor! Getting to and from the hospital for his treatments to get him to this point wouldn’t have been as easy or reliable though without the support of Compass to Care and the generosity of our donors—providing 94 trips, and counting, of gas and parking. Ricky’s mom expresses her gratitude by sharing:

“Your help and support truly make a difference—we feel less alone in this journey because of the kindness and consistency you provide. Our family is so thankful for Compass to Care. The support with transportation has made it possible for us to focus on Ricky’s treatment instead of worrying about how to get to the hospital. Every trip brings us hope.”

Remington—lovingly known as Remi—is a brave 3-year-old little boy facing more than any child ever should. He and his mom, Payton, are a strong duo navigating treatment days with courage, resilience, and a whole lot of love.

Payton is a single mom and a self-employed hairstylist, which means that when she isn’t behind the chair, there’s unfortunately no income flowing either. Additionally, Remi’s treatment requires frequent trips to Columbus which is a more than 2 and a half hour drive each way, making it nearly impossible to maintain normal work hours. Between missed appointments at work, Remi’s amount of necessary treatments, and rising cost of gas, the financial strain quickly became overwhelming.

Obviously treatment days are non-negotiable, but the constant travel and added expenses quickly became overwhelming. Still, like any mom, Payton always puts Remi first, and Compass to Care was honored to be able to step in and offer support.

Through the generosity of our donors, Remi and Payton receive a gas card, reloaded weekly, and free parking for appointments. Something that may seem small to some has made an enormous difference—Payton even sharing,

“Having this one thing covered makes me feel so much more secure. It allows me to focus completely on Remi and his health instead of worrying about how we’ll manage another long trip or another week of appointments.”

Support like this brings peace of mind during an incredibly overwhelming time and helps this family breathe a little easier, focusing on what matters most—Remi’s health and healing.

Thank you to our donors for another year of making moments like this possible. Your generosity ensures families like Remi’s can continue showing up for treatment without the added burden of travel costs. Your support truly makes a life-changing difference, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion and care you share with every family we serve.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!

Why Your Support Matters: Nora’s Journey and the Hope You Help Create

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes in an instant. Families are thrown into a world of medical decisions, emotional overwhelm, and financial strain they never expected. One challenge many families face—but few people think about—is simply getting their child to treatment.

At Compass to Care, we see this every day. And every day, we witness how powerful it is when someone steps in to help.

Nora’s Story: A Family Doing Everything Right, Then Everything Changed

Kayla had been in her new nursing job for just three months when a severe back injury left her unable to walk. She applied for disability, but it was denied. Bills piled up. In just six months, the family’s savings disappeared.

Then came the diagnosis no parent is ever prepared to hear: Two-year-old Nora had leukemia.

Her treatment required weekly trips to the hospital, 100 miles each time. With no income and no savings, those drives were impossible to afford.

That’s when Compass to Care stepped in.

“Compass to Care has completely taken away the stress of (traveling to) weekly visits at the hospital and allowed us to focus on caring for Nora as she endures chemo.” — Nora’s dad, Kyle

Today, Nora continues her treatments surrounded by love, courage, and hope. And behind that hope is a community of people who make sure children like her never miss the care they need.

The Need Is Growing, And So Is the Impact You Can Make

This year, demand for transportation support has reached an all-time high. More families than ever are facing impossible choices between paying bills, putting gas in the car, or getting their child to the hospital.

We believe no parent should ever have to make that choice.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re asking our community to help ensure every child can reach life-saving treatment, no matter the distance, and no matter their family’s financial situation.

You Can Turn a Child’s Journey Into Hope

If Nora’s story moves you, you’re not alone. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, hope can be found in the kindness of others.

Your year-end gift will:

• Fund rides, fuel, lodging, and flights for families in crisis
• Remove the financial barrier standing between a child and their treatment
• Bring immediate relief to parents who are doing everything they can to save their child
• Ensure children like Nora can continue receiving the care they need in 2026

We All Need Help Sometimes. Today, Your Help Can Become Hope

If you’re able, we invite you to make a year-end gift to Compass to Care. Your support directly fuels the journeys that lead to healing, and means the world to the families who depend on it.

👉 Give hope this season. Make your year-end gift today.

At just 17 years old, Star has already faced more than most her age. After losing her mother to cancer a few years ago, Star is now bravely battling Leukemia herself. Throughout it all though, she has shown remarkable strength, resilience, and grace, largely thanks to her support system, specifically her grandma Deneen. 

Deneen described Star as an introvert who tends to keep to herself, but is also incredibly smart, observant, and determined. She’s an Honor Roll student who loves football, basketball, Roblox, and YouTube. Additionally, as a foodie by nature, Star finds joy in her favorite meals, like chicken and tacos, and lights up most when she’s enjoying good food and good company. 

Star is currently participating in a clinical trial for her Leukemia that has been truly transformative. It has made her stronger, more resilient, and even more focused on the future ahead! Now a high school senior preparing to graduate next year, she’s working closely with her school counselor to set short-term goals and take first steps toward college – something she’s both nervous and excited about, as she’s never been away from home before. 

To date, Compass to Care has been able to provide 158 Uber rides for Star and her grandmother, ensuring they can safely travel to and from the hospital for her treatments and trials. Deneen shared how much this journey – and the support they’ve received from Compass to Care, specifically generous donors like you, has meant to them: 

“I just wanted to take out the time to thank you for all the help with transportation for families with a sick child, words can’t express my gratitude.” 

Through every challenge, Star and Deneen continue to draw strength from each other, holding on to love and hope about the future ahead!

Last month, Advocate Lutheran Oncology hosted a special picnic for child patients and their families packed with fun activities like a zip line, inflatables, a Lego tent, jewelry making, arts and crafts, therapy dogs, visits from the fire department, Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, and even an ice cream truck! A few Compass to Care families were able to join in the excitement, and we had the wonderful opportunity to meet Isabella and her family here.

Isabella is a bright and bubbly 3-year-old who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on May 16, 2024. Now, in her second year of treatment, Isabella only needs to visit the hospital once a month and is doing very well both physically and in spirit. Despite everything she’s faced, she’s such a happy child with a smile that shines wherever she goes.

This year, Isabella also began preschool, which she absolutely loves! Her teachers and family describe her as incredibly smart and full of personality. At home, Isabella loves being surrounded by and spending quality time with her family of five, frolicking at the park, swimming, or playing games, anything that lets her be active and share moments with the people she loves most.

At the picnic, Isabella wore her favorite Bluey dress, perfectly showing off her bubbly personality, love for the cartoon, and dogs in general. She had so much fun exploring the activities and spending the day with one of the things she loves most- her family. Her happiness and energy were a joy to see and a reminder of just how bright her spirit is, even despite the toughest situation one can face.

Through her journey, Isabella has continued to amaze her family with her strength, laughter, and love. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Compass to Care has been able to provide Isabella and her family with 46 trips to treatment thus far, ensuring she can keep receiving the care she needs while her joy and radiant spirit shine through every step of the way.

Anthony’s journey began in January 2023, when he was diagnosed with Leukemia at just 3 years old. Over the next two years, he and his family made a whopping 101 trips to and from treatment—made possible through Compass to Care and the generosity of our incredible donors. This past April, surrounded by his loving family, Anthony celebrated the completion of his treatment! 

At the Compass to Care Associate Board’s Annual Gold Ribbon Gala this past June, Anthony’s mom stood before a venue full of supporters and shared from her the bottom of her heart: 

“It has been a long, rough road for our family. And we couldn’t have done it without foundations like Compass to Care.  

Anthony’s treatment facility was about an hour away from our home, and at first we were just driving back and forth, until our social worker told us about Compass to Care and told us they could help with our travel expenses… Everyone has been so great. 

They’ve been able to take one more burden off of our family during this time, and it’s because of donors like you guys, who’ve been able to support them and donate to support families like us—because it truly, really means a lot to us. We’re so thankful; thank you for coming out, and thank you for showing support for kids like this.” 

Anthony is a bright, imaginative, now 5‑year‑old warrior. At home, he’s all about stuffed animals, the world of Roblox, Sprunki, and especially Sonic. Every morning, Anthony wakes up seeking a new adventure, and his mom truly cherishes how he lights up every room he walks into with his imagination when he plays. 

The family has a fun, bustling household filled with so much love and support with Anthony’s 2 big brothers Tyler and Jordan, and his older sister Kylee. All 5 of them are there cheering Anthony on every step of the way. 

Anthony’s mother offers a final message to other parents walking this path: stay strong and trust in God. “Your child is a warrior and stronger than we could ever be,” she says—and the strength she sees in Anthony every day is proof of that. 

 

Baby Abby lights up every room with her big smile 😊 and her warm, snuggly spirit. Despite braving Rhabdomyosarcoma and its challenges, Abigail remains a joyful, playful little girl whose strength and resilience inspire everyone around her.

Her family describes her as truly special, full of love, laughter, and a happiness that shines through even the toughest days. Whether she’s curled up for a snuggle or giggling on the floor with other children, Abby is always spreading joy.

Some of Abby’s favorite things include watching Cocomelon and singing along to “The Wheels on the Bus” 🚌 a tune that never fails to get her smiling and clapping along. She especially loves playtime on the floor, where she can explore, laugh, and bond with those around her.

Abby’s strength, happiness, and loving heart remind us daily why we do what we do. Her journey may not be easy, especially with the 120-mile trips to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, but with the support of Compass to Care, her community, and the unwavering love of her family, Abby continues to thrive… one snuggle, smile, and song at a time.

At just two years old, Nora is bravely battling Leukemia with the kind of strength and spirit that inspires everyone around her. Despite the long road ahead, her family describes her as their “princess warrior”—a little girl full of joy, resilience, and love for life’s simple pleasures like dance parties, story time, hikes, walks, and relaxing in her beloved hammock.

When Nora was diagnosed, her family’s world changed overnight. Living over two hours from the nearest children’s hospital meant weekly trips for treatment, often requiring overnight stays. That’s when Compass to Care stepped in.

Thanks to the support of our donors, Compass to Care has provided Nora’s family with financial assistance for 16 treatment trips, including weekly gas allowances and hotel accommodations. This support has helped lift the heavy burden of travel expenses and allowed Nora’s parents to focus on what truly matters—caring for their daughter through every step of her chemo journey.

“Nora’s treatments have been a tremendous success so far,” her parents share. “Compass to Care has completely taken away the stress of weekly visits and helped us stay focused on keeping Nora happy and healthy.”

Her big brother Nolan has stepped up as her biggest supporter, and the entire family continues to take things one day at a time, finding joy in the little moments and hope in the progress they’ve seen.

With the road to healing still ahead, Nora’s family dreams of one day giving back to the people and foundations who have stood by them. Until then, they remain grateful for every bit of help—and every bit of hope—that comes their way.