Welcome to Childhood Leukemia Warriors Foundation

Although cancer in children is rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children.  It is estimated that 15,780 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 years will be diagnosed with cancer.  Leukemia is the most common childhood cancers.  It accounts for 1 out of 3 cancers in children.  While the cure rate continues to rise the affect, it has on families is life changing.  Once a child has been diagnosed with leukemia, the child and family's life changes dramatically.  The child and the family are placed in a whirl wind time of decision making.   Their primary focus is seeing that their child gets better.  All other concerns take second place.  Once in treatment the family's attentions may then turn to questions about finances.  When a family has, a child diagnosed with leukemia it can affect the family's finances in the following ways:

• Over 75% of families with a child being treated will have at least one parent cut back on work or stop working.
• Increased child care cost for care of siblings when parent must be with their ill child.
• Travel costs from going back and forth to the hospital for treatments.
• Meals during travel of clinic visits.
• Lodging during treatments away from home.
• Cost of comfort items and foods to help child deal with the side effects of the treatment.
• Cost of prescriptions and insurance deductibles.

This process of curing a child who has been diagnosed with leukemia is not a short process.  It generally takes over 3 years to finish treatments and 5 years before a child is considered cured.  While being treated most of the costs above still effect the families.  While going through this life altering event with a child who is currently battling leukemia, we have become very aware of the stressors families are facing.  Our organization is determined to help these families when they need help the most. 

We would not be able to do this without all the help from our supporters.

Currently, Childhood Leukemia Warriors Foundation provides ongoing financial assistance to the families for the entirety of their treatment at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL, and Advocate Lutheran Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.    Our future goal is to provide the same financial assistance to children at all Chicago-land area hospitals.