775-825-0888
3550 Barron Way #9a • Reno, Nevada 89511
The Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation has decided to avoid potential exposure of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to our families, participants, and community. We serve many children with compromised immune systems and their health, and that of our community and staff, is our highest priority.
We are grateful for your understanding at this time, and want to make sure that your experience is as rewarding as it should be. Host your team or shave by yourself with your favorite hairdresser or barber. NNCCF staff will be contacting team captains on how to best help their team with a virtual shave. We encourage you to share your experience virtually on social media, by posting or hosting it live. Check out this guide on how to set up Facebook Live. Be sure to tag @nvkidscancer and @stbaldricks and use the hashtag #ShavefortheBrave #VirtualShave2020.
Your profile for Shave for the Brave on the St. Baldrick’s site is still active, and you can continue to receive online donations from your supporters. Please read the guidelines on sending your cash donations to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and please send all checks directly to St. Baldricks with the completed donation form. Remember to fill out the forms with Event Title: Shave for the Brave and Event ID# 45.
Thank you for your participation and efforts in fundraising. This event has made a significant impact on childhood cancer research in the last 15 years, and we want to make sure that your hard work and efforts are recognized. You have helped raise more than $2.8 million in research funds, and this year you have already raised more than $100,000. Please mark your calendars for our 2021 event, on March 5, 2021.
Every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and one out of five of them will not survive. Your support makes a difference for them. Your contributions and fundraising efforts will help researchers find safer treatments for growing bodies, and someday a cure for childhood cancer.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
*Update 3/18/2020 – Our office is working remotely. However, families can still call the office at (775) 825-0888 to receive assistance. At this time, our team is making every effort to ensure local children battling cancer and their families receive the financial support and resources they need today, tomorrow, and until they are cancer free. Thanks to our incredible community and their support throughout the year, we are able to continue to serve our families at full capacity.*
Dear NNCCF community,
We are modifying our open-door policy due to the recent development with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our office will continue to operate Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, however by appointment only for families, donors, supporters, etc.
We will not limit our services to families in any way, but our goal is to limit direct contact with families and children who may have compromised immune systems. The health of our families, children, staff, and community is our highest priority.
Please consult your healthcare provider and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for any additional questions regarding influenza or other respiratory illnesses.
It is our promise to keep you updated on any changes to our appointment-only policy as we continue to monitor the situation.
NNCCF families, please contact Brigette@nvchildrenscancer.org to make an appointment.
For all other appointments or questions, email Shirley@nvchildrenscancer.org or call the NNCCF office (775) 825-0888.
Thank you for your understanding,
Shirley Folkins-Roberts
Executive Director
The Covid-19 crisis has become the greatest healthcare challenge in modern history. As the number of people infected increases across the U.S., childhood cancer patients and their families are suddenly facing new challenges to an already devastating disease.
First and foremost, cancer patients are among those at the highest risk of effectively fighting a virus. They face the possibility of serious illness and complications compared to someone who is healthy because of weakened immune systems from treatment. The majority of families who have a child in treatment for cancer are on high alert and experiencing a surge of stress and fear for their child’s life.
Childhood cancer does not stop for Covid-19 and patients still need treatment. Doctors and patients are facing the difficult challenge of evaluating the risk of missing treatment against the possible exposure to the virus. If it is decided that treatment is necessary, families must leave the safety of their home and travel to hospitals and clinics. Travel has become increasingly difficult and can heighten the risk of exposure. With airline flights not an option at this time, some northern Nevada families are driving up to 10 hours, one way, to receive the specialty care necessary for their treatment.
If accommodations are needed while traveling for treatment, families have been struggling to find safe and affordable alternatives as many locations of Ronald McDonald Houses and hotels are closed due to the pandemic. Once patients are at the hospital, social activities and programs have been canceled and they are facing strict isolation and loneliness. Most hospitals are only allowing one support person to accompany each patient, so families are facing the difficult decision of who will stay with the child.
In northern Nevada, the economic strains families are facing due to Covid-19 is extremely high. Many families we serve are out of work due to the closures of casinos, bars, restaurants and other tourism fed industries. We have seen a drastic increase in requests for assistance with groceries, utilities, rents and mortgages.
NNCCF is also facing a severe decrease in donations due to the economic impact and stay at home order. In just one month, two of our most successful community partner fundraising events were canceled resulting in a $100,000 loss to the organization. With the uncertainty of the future, it is probable that more fundraising events will be forced to cancel and the organization’s revenue will be greatly reduced.
