Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) announces local childhood cancer warrior Kai will become Washoe County’s Sheriff for the day on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 in honor of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Check out coverage from KOLO HERE

Over the course of their day as sheriff, NNCCF’s warrior Kai and their family will meet Sheriff Balaam and CHD Chance, get their fingerprints and photo taken, explore a SWAT vehicle, K9 Jett, ride in a patrol vehicle, and more.

Kai is an active four year old little boy who was diagnosed with liver cancer at the age of three. He and his family traveled from rural Nevada to Reno for chemotherapy treatment. When families like Kai’s have to travel for treatment, NNCCF helps cover those costs so families can focus on what matters most: their child’s health.  When he is not bravely battling cancer, he loves to play with his older brother, watch Bluey, and play with monster trucks. Kai recently finished treatment and we celebrated with a Bluey themed bell ringing.

The annual Childhood Cancer Warrior Sheriff for a Day is part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and NNCCF’s Know the Gold Campaign raising critical funds for local families facing childhood cancer.

Six-month campaign aims to raise awareness and critical funds for local children and families facing childhood cancer

Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) announced the launch of the Know the Gold Campaign beginning with National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

NNCCF’s annual Know the Gold Campaign is a six-month awareness and fundraising campaign funding financial, emotional, educational, and mental health support for local children and families facing childhood cancer running through February 4, 2027. The William N. Pennington Foundation is matching donations to this campaign dollar-for-dollar up to $1,250,000 through February 4, 2027.

This year’s Know the Gold campaign is inspired by children like Hope, a young NNCCF warrior from Winnemucca whose cancer journey began before she was old enough to understand the challenges ahead. At just one year old, Hope was diagnosed with cancer and spent six months in treatment, traveling far from home for appointments and care. During an already overwhelming time, her family faced an unexpected financial burden when insurance denied coverage for medication she needed following chemotherapy. “When insurance denied Hope’s medication after chemotherapy, NNCCF stepped in and covered the full cost,” said Hope’s mother.

“Families facing childhood cancer often encounter challenges that extend far beyond the hospital. NNCCF’s four pillars of support provide assistance to help families navigate treatment, manage expenses, access counseling and resources, and focus on what matters most: their child,” said Brigette Cole, NNCCF Chief Executive Officer.

Every gift helps families spend less time worrying about bills and insurance and more time being there for their child. Each year, NNCCF serves more than 160 local families affected by childhood cancer across northern Nevada, offering personalized support tailored to the unique needs of each family. To learn more about Know the Gold, view participating partners, or make a donation, click HERE or call 775-825-0888.

The William N. Pennington Foundation began supporting NNCCF in 2013 with a grant that provided the capital funds for the office space that they call home today. In 2016, they began a matching grant challenge for NNCCF’s Know the Gold Campaign and each year since, matched all donations dollar-for-dollar, up to the campaign goal. This year, they have generously agreed to partner again with our Know the Gold Campaign.

Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation (NNCCF) invites the public to purchase tickets to the September 9 Reno Aces home game against Albuquerque at 6:05pm. A portion of every ticket purchased at the link below through September 7, 2026 will benefit local families affected by childhood cancer.

NNCCF warriors will be participating throughout the game experience, including: Baseball Buddies, First Pitch, Honorary Umpire, “Play Ball” Announcement and NNCCF will have a table on the concourse where anyone attending the game is welcome to stop by and learn more about the organization. This game kicks off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the NNCCF’s Know the Gold Campaign raises critical funds for local families facing childhood cancer. NNCCF encourages all attendees to wear gold in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

“We’re so grateful to partner with Reno Aces and have the honor of throwing the first pitch,” said Brigette Cole, NNCCF Chief Executive Officer. “This is a fantastic opportunity to share what NNCCF does with our beloved Reno community and we can’t wait to see you there!”

Details:

When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 6:05 p.m.
Where: Greater Nevada Field | 250 Evans Ave, Reno, NV 89501, US
Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northernnevada40?r=99&purl=2e7f7ac59f02
Purchase Deadline: Sep 7 – 11:59 p.m

Regan Bellinger grew up in rural Glide, Oregon, where she was raised on her family’s cattle ranch and developed a deep appreciation for hard work and the outdoors. She attended Oregon State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Regan enjoys spending time outdoors year-round—Whether hiking, kayaking, or exploring new adventures with her family. When not adventuring, she enjoys crocheting and doing crafts with her daughter.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
I’ve always known I wanted to build a career centered around helping others navigate life’s ups and downs. I have found a lasting sense of purpose helping others to feel seen, heard, and held. Motherhood has only deepened my commitment to protecting and supporting kids and their families. Coming from a very small, rural town, the power of community has never been lost on me. I am so excited to help create that same feeling of connection for northern Nevada children and families facing cancer diagnoses.

Ask me about:
My crazy, silly, amazing toddler!

What I think is amazing:
Motherhood! Truly the coolest, most awe-inspiring thing I’ve ever done.

Something quirky about me:
I have a very specific bowl and spoon that I eat ice cream with; no other bowl or spoon will do! Also, I like my coffee at room temperature.

My role model:
All of the incredible women in my life, who have shaped the woman I have become.

My favorite quote:
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” – Stephen King