Meet Benjamin, a strong little boy who was diagnosed with ALL in June of 2023. Prior to his diagnosis, Benjamin enjoyed playing baseball and lots of outdoor activities, but has since developed a passion for video gaming and Lego sets. He is proud of how far he has come through his cancer journey — one of the things he looks forward to after treatment is over, is bringing his port to school for show and tell, once it’s removed. Read our interview with Benjamin’s mom below:

Tell us about your warrior and their journey: 
Ben was diagnosed in June of 2023 with b-cell ALL. This came of course as quite a shock. Prior to his diagnosis, Ben enjoyed playing baseball and lots of outdoor activities. Since being diagnosed and having to be more cautious of injury, he has developed a passion for video gaming and building Lego sets. Occasionally we look back at pictures we’ve taken so far on this journey, to show him how much progress he has made and you can see that he is proud of himself. He tells us how strong he is and how much he has been through and how he can’t wait for all of this to be over.

How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?
NNCCF has helped our family immensely with holidays and eased the stress of regular life. As a family we love that we are always welcomed there with a warm smile and a friendly atmosphere.

Is there anything you would like to add?
One of the things Ben looks forward to after treatment is over, is bringing his port to school for show and tell, once it’s removed (since he’s now grown comfortable with his battle scar).

On this #WarriorWednesday we’re celebrating Rosemarie! This fierce little girl was diagnosed when she was just two and a half years old where she was taken to UCSF in Oakland via helicopter. Rosemarie stayed in the hospital for roughly a month to begin her treatment journey. Through the ups and downs of treatment, she has been a strong fighter with her baby doll right by her side. Read our interview with Rosemarie’s mom below:

Tell us about your warrior and their journey: 
Rosemarie was diagnosed when she was just two and a half years old where we were taken to UCSF in Oakland via helicopter. We stayed in the hospital for roughly a month to begin her treatment journey. Through ups and downs as well multiple hospital visits she has always had a baby doll near her and been our strong, fierce little girl!

How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?
We have been able to feel like we are part of a community as well as be able to experience events we didn’t think would be possible during a tough situation, such as movies! We have been able to be less stressed, and ALWAYS feel cared for anytime we are around a member of NNCCF.

Is there anything you would like to add?
She loves Disney princesses! She has always been fierce.

Please help us congratulate our September Community Member of the Month, Jared.  Jared was introduced to NNCCF through “The Big Dig,” which eventually became “Dozers & Dirt,” and has since become one of our strongest advocates.  Jared has served as the Committee Chair for Dozers & Dirt since 2021 and is proud to be a partner in Help. Hope. and Courage.  Read Jared’s interview below:

How did you first get connected with NNCCF?

Mike Soukup from Granite Construction invited me to “The Big Dig” 10 year ago and I had so much fun operating the machines with the kids. Then I met Jeff from the Sheriff’s department who introduced me to NNCCF and we moved “The Big Dig” to “Dozers and Dirt” which I now serve on the committee as chair.

What is your NNCCF “why”?  What makes you want to continue supporting NNCCF?

Because it’s one of the best organizations in Reno! They truly care about local families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and I will do whatever it takes to support them!

What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?

Helping to grow Dozers & Dirt to be the best event in Reno, Nevada!

If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?

Craig Kelly – because he was the best snowboarder in the world!

Celeste Esquivel was born and raised in Winnemucca, Nevada, where she grew up raising pigs and developing a strong work ethic that carried into her adult life. After graduating high school, she moved to Reno and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Truckee Meadows Community College. With over a decade of experience in customer service and the service industry, Celeste is a true people person who thrives on building genuine connections and relationships. She currently lives in Sparks with her fiancé Grant and their beloved French bulldog, Stitch. In her free time, she enjoys sketching, cooking, reading mystery novels, going to the gym, and savoring a good cup of coffee—often while snuggling with her pup or spending quality time with her loved ones.

Why I started working at NNCCF:
I joined the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation because I was seeking a more purposeful path. After spending years in the service industry, I realized I wanted to give more of myself to my community, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. When the opportunity with NNCCF came along, it felt like the perfect fit—a place where I could make a meaningful impact and be part of something bigger than myself. I’m honored to support a mission that brings comfort, hope, and strength to families who need it the most.

Ask me about:
My fiancé Grant, my favorite animals, raptors, and the current books I have my nose buried in!

What I think is amazing:
I’m endlessly fascinated by how bald eagles raise their chicks! Perched in the biggest of trees, braving brutal weather, yet steadfastly nurturing their young…. Their resilience and fierce devotion inspire me and remind me how powerful love and dedication can be, even in the toughest conditions!

Something quirky about me:
I have a secret storage in my couch where I like to keep snacks and sparkling water for those late night cravings.

My role model:
My older brother Marc, the most honest and genuine person I know.

My favorite quote:
“The true spiritual journey is stronger than the reasons that lead us to it.” ― Paulo Coelho, Hippie

Please join us in congratulating our August Community Member of the Month, Victoria! For many years, Victoria has been a dedicated advocate for northern Nevada’s young cancer warriors. Her contributions include supporting NNCCF’s annual family Holiday party, helping implement the “Caesar’s Makes Change” program at THE ROW to benefit NNCCF, and serving on our Dozers & Dirt committee. Furthermore, Victoria is always willing to lend a hand when we need it!  Thank you, Victoria, for all you do for NNCCF!  Read our interview with Victoria below:

How did you first get connected with NNCCF?

THE ROW began supporting NNCCF with their annual Children’s Christmas Party event several years ago. Upon that introduction, I was impressed with their continued work in our community over the following years. In 2019, I was invited to join the Dozers & Dirt Committee, and since then, I have enjoyed working closely with the NNCCF team and marveling at their tireless fundraising efforts.

What is your NNCCF “why”?  What makes you want to continue supporting NNCCF?

My daily work is focused on philanthropy and community relations. Seeing the NNCCF team’s dedication to children and families in need continuously inspires me and renews my commitment toward giving back and to ensuring our company continues to find and support those efforts; not only in conjunction with NNCCF, but with so many other deserving non-profits also doing great things in northern Nevada.

What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?

I’m so happy to have worked on implementing the pilot “Caesars Makes Change” program at THE ROW, naming NNCCF as one of the only two chosen beneficiaries in Reno. This change round-up donation program is now offered to all our patrons on every casino cash-out machine across our properties. The program has since been applied at Caesars properties across the country, benefitting local area non-profits in each region.

If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?

I would be so honored to meet and converse with Jane Goodall. Just to be in her presence would be inspiring. Her work encourages young people around the world to be agents of change by participating in projects that protect the environment, wildlife, and their communities. We all need a little more of that.

Please help us congratulate July’s Community Members of the Month, Nikki and Robert! When Nikki was five years old, she scraped her knee, and her worried dad rushed her to the emergency room. While there, they met a young cancer warrior, and it changed their world. He reached out to a friend to see how he could help the fight, and she directed him to NNCCF. Since then, Nikki and Robert have hosted the annual “Heroes & Hooligans” golf tournament and volunteered their time at many other NNCCF events. Read our interview with Nikki here:

How did you first get connected with NNCCF?

“My father took me to an emergency room when I had scraped my knee. :0) I was 5 years old, and after seeing a child there with cancer, his perspective on “real emergencies” changed. He asked our friend Barbra Pinocchio how we could help. She told us NNCCF.”

What is your NNCCF “why”?  What makes you want to continue supporting NNCCF?

“Children are innocent. They deserve a fair chance at life. If we can help NNCCF give them that chance, that is what we will do.”

What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?

“Our annual Heroes and Hooligans Golf Tournament.”

If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?

“My dad’s parents. My grandmother and grandfather on my dad’s side. They went to heaven before I was born.”

This month’s community members of the month are two of our esteemed founders, Shirley Folkins-Roberts and Doug Roberts. These dedicated philanthropists have been vital partners in NNCCF’s growth over the past 24 years, generously contributing their time and resources. Moreover, they have extended their philanthropic mission through Panattoni Development, where Doug serves as President, National Development Group and Shirley as Community Relations Director. Valued throughout the community, the Roberts are passionate about supporting northern Nevada and have committed both time and funding to numerous local organizations. We are thrilled to celebrate their significant impact on northern Nevada’s young cancer warriors! Read their interview with NNCCF here:

How did you first connect with NNCCF?

We are co-founders of Keaton Raphael Memorial (subsequently NNCCF)

What is your NNCCF “why”?

To be part of an organization and effort that brings our generous community together to support families during their darkest moments and brave journeys is without measure.

What is one thing you’ve done for NNCCF that you’re proud of?

Helping start an organization and watching it grow through incredible community support, a dedicated Board is amazing. It has also been rewarding to see some (but not enough) improvements in childhood cancer treatment which saves lives with less damage to growing bodies.

If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you meet and why?

Doug: Dwight Eisenhower
Shirley Sandra Day O’Connor

Tell us about your warrior and their journey: 

Braden is a shy but outgoing kiddo who loves to play video games on his Xbox with his cousin Noah in Arkansas, He loves to Skateboard and do tricks, and Play Pokémon GO.

At age 14, Braden was diagnosed with stage 2 nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkins lymphoma on April 3rd, 2024.
On March 1st, Braden was taken to Fernley Renown Urgent Care for concerns about 2 large, non-painful swollen lymph nodes on his neck. Dr. Hall was very concerned and had blood drawn, which sent us to Reno for an Ultrasound that day. The Ultrasound, however, didn’t give clear results, so a CT scan with contrast was done the next day.
CT scan results weren’t clear either, so we were then Referred to Dr.Zucker with Renown Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Braden then had a core biopsy done on March 14th, which actually came back negative for cancer. However, Dr.Zucker (Thankfully) said he wasn’t happy with that answer and suggested we take out one of the large lymph nodes and have it biopsied. So on April 2nd, Braden went in for his 2nd surgery and had a 6cm lymph node removed for testing, which unfortunately was malignant. We were informed Braden would need 3 cycles of Chemo. Braden has taken chemo so well and taken the news so well. We are so proud of him. He still has his bad days, and life has definitely changed for our family.

How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey? 

NNCCF has been so wonderful to our family; they didn’t even know us but took us under their wing and made us part of their family. We are forever grateful that we were told to contact them. From making our kiddo smile and showering him with gifts and love, to helping with medical bills, we cannot thank them enough. They truly make you feel loved and never judged.

Meet Zane, our #WarriorWednesday! After unexplained vomiting and weakness led to a pineoblastoma diagnosis, Zane has faced multiple brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite it all, Zane remains a bright light, spreading joy and smiles wherever he goes. His strength and positivity are truly inspiring.  Read more about his story as told by his mom below:

Tell us about your warrior and their journey: 

What started out as what we thought was unexplained vomiting turned into unexplained weakness, which in the end turned out to be Pineoblastoma.
On October 5th, we came into the ER at Renown and then were life-flighted out to Utah. We got to the ER doctor for a CT Scan and found a large tumor on his third ventricle. Within 2 weeks, he had 3 brain surgeries and another 1 by the end of the month. We then got the news from pathology that he also has the rare gene malformation called Dicer1, which is something that puts him at higher risk for multiple forms of cancer. We ended up testing his siblings and mother and found that they, too, have the gene.
Zane then went under 6 weeks of proton radiation and is now in the process of 6 months of chemotherapy. He is a ray of sunshine through all of this. He is a true warrior. He can brighten up every room he walks into. Even though he has had to undergo multiple surgeries and transfusions and has lost all of his hair and lots of weight, he still walks around with a big smile on his face, which is absolutely contagious.

How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?

Thanks to NNCCF, our family has been able to keep our focus on Zane and his needs and truly enjoy every moment with him. Without their help, I’m not sure how we would have gotten this far.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported my son and our family through all of this. I know we are nowhere done with this nightmare, but to have the amount of support we have by our side is absolutely incredible and much appreciated.

Meet Jully, a brave 4-year-old little girl who was recently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  She has been at Renown since the day of her diagnosis, where her brave mother has not left her side while waiting to be transferred to a specialty center for a bone marrow transplant.  Read more about her story as told by her mother here:

Tell us about your warrior and their journey: 

Jully is our brave 4-year-old little girl and definitely the toughest 4-year-old I know. She was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) & Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
We were at a routine dentist appointment to replace Jully’s spacer and remove a previously missed root. I had her put under Anesthesia, and when the anesthesiologist started to remove Jully’s breathing tube, her nose started bleeding and would not stop. We were then rushed to Renown Emergency, where we were told that the reason Jully wouldn’t stop bleeding was because she had anemia and then was diagnosed with MDS/AML. Since that day on March 29, 2024, we have not left the hospital and have now been here at Renown pediatric oncology for 38 days and counting.
I have since had to go on unpaid leave with my job, and my daughter and I have not been home since. She has definitely been a trooper going through 5 blood transfusions and 4 platelets transfusions. She has also had a chemotherapy port installed in her chest and neck. She has undergone 10 days of intensive chemotherapy, where she ended up losing the majority of her hair and a few other side effects like less energy and some nausea. Still, other than that, nothing stops this little girl from enjoying her life on a daily basis.
We are now waiting to be transferred to Stanford Medical, where Jully has to undergo a Bone Marrow transplant that will hopefully help her fight off the leukemia for good.
She has definitely livened up the place on the 4th floor of the Renown Pediatric Oncology department. She has become a patient favorite of some of the Doctors and Nurses here.
I would also like to add that if it was not for the WONDERFUL CHILD LIFE DEPARTMENT’s various activities and just being a person to talk to and vent about this entire process, I know our stay for these 38 days would not have been as painless as it has been going through something like this.
We are so thankful to all the DOCTORS, NURSES, CNA, and CHILD LIFE STAFF here at Renown; you have no idea how truly amazing you are.

THANK YOU!

How has NNCCF impacted your family’s journey?

Oh goodness, what is there not to love about NNCCF, ever since the moment I talked with your foundation on the phone, I have had a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. I was the only parent working in the household when all of this happened. When I found out I was not being paid even though I was on an emergency medical leave, I was stressing so hard about how to take care of my family’s rent, our car insurance, phone bill, and just various costs for being here in the hospital. I honestly didn’t know what to do, and all I could do was pray and leave it to God and when your foundation approved us for help with bills throughout Jully’s treatment, just writing this now it brings tears to my eyes, your foundation truly is a GODSEND because without you it would have been 10 times harder in this entire process and because of NNCCF you all have given my family hope to focus on what’s truly important and that is Jully’s care.
I can’t thank you enough from the bottom of my heart!