Battling cancer brings countless challenges, both emotional and physical. At the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, we are committed to easing the burden of cancer treatment for children and their families. Our programs are designed to enhance their quality of life and provide much-needed support during this difficult journey.

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation developed the Wish Basket program to bring joy and encouragement to hospitalized children battling cancer. Each Wish Basket is thoughtfully filled with gift items specifically chosen to support essential skill development and promote ongoing growth. These items are designed to challenge, engage, comfort, and provide entertainment during and after the extended hospital stays that often accompany cancer treatment.

The Keeping Kids Connected iPad program focuses on providing emotional support to young cancer patients by helping them maintain meaningful connections during treatment. Launched in 2011, this groundbreaking initiative gifts iPads with protective covers-completely free of charge-to children hospitalized with cancer.

For children facing life-threatening illnesses, missing out on regular schooling and social activities can make it difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy. The Keeping Kids Connected program bridges this gap by offering a critical communication lifeline. It enables young patients to stay engaged with family, friends, and teachers, helping them retain a sense of routine and connection to the outside world.

The program also promotes technological literacy, offering children hands-on learning experiences that support their education even while in the hospital. By collaborating with healthcare professionals, the initiative ensures that each iPad serves as both an emotional support tool and an educational resource.

Recognized by health experts nationwide, the Keeping Kids Connected program has become a vital source of encouragement, cultivating resilience and providing a positive impact on the lives of children throughout their cancer journey and beyond.

To better support children with cancer, we have combined two of our most beloved programs-the Keeping Kids Connected iPad program and the Educational Wish Basket-into one innovative initiative: the STEAM AHEAD INITIATIVE.

Launching in January 2025, the STEAM AHEAD WISH BASKET program is rooted in STEAM principles: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. These core disciplines open doors to new learning opportunities, foster critical thinking, encourage scientific curiosity, and inspire creativity, nurturing the next generation of innovators even in the face of challenges.

The program is tailored to four developmental stages: preschool, elementary, intermediate, and high school/postgraduate. By incorporating learning through play, the STEAM AHEAD INITIATIVE promotes cognitive development and maintains brain plasticity - critical for young, developing minds.

This initiative provides school-age children with meaningful, engaging tools that offer significant educational and emotional benefits during their cancer treatment, allowing them to stay connected to their passions and potential while fostering hope for the future.