Chicago area charity gives families of kids with cancer new hope

Chicago area charity gives families of kids with cancer new hope

In this morning?s Good News Guarantee, a Chicagoland charity is giving families facing childhood cancer new hope and unwavering support.

CHICAGO - A Chicagoland charity is giving families facing childhood cancer new hope and unwavering support.

It's the subject of this morning’s Good News Guarantee.

Giving hope to families

The backstory:

"It is a very lonely place when one child has cancer," said single mother Katie Shipley of Plainfield.  

Her daughter Brynly was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2 years old. 

That’s also the time she was introduced to Childhood Leukemia Warriors, a nonprofit that meets families where they’re at, giving them what they need, so they can focus on their child. 

"I don't know if there's a magical timeline that Ron has, but it's when my bank account has 27 cents in it, I magically get a gift card for gas," said Shipley.

Ron Rodasta and his family started the charity after his son was diagnosed with leukemia 10 years ago.

"After seeing how I had to go through it, other families in the clinic all the time, we decided that we wanted to help other families out," said Rodasta.  

Making an impact:

Since then, Childhood Leukemia Warriors has helped 200 families, donating $400,000 dollars in gift cards for gas and school supplies.

"I’m not reaching out to them saying ‘Hey, I need this.' They already know, and that is, that's truly special," said Shipley.  

Brynly is now in remission and Shipley is forever grateful to the organization that provided so much comfort during such a difficult time.

"Looking back, it's positive that came out of my son being diagnosed. It’s a wonderful feeling to help other families out," said Rodasta.

What you can do:

Natalie Bomke will be hosting their annual gala at Harry Carry’s in Lombard on March 1. 

For tickets, go to clwarriorsfoundation.org/gala-1.