Empower Sick Kids to Become a Boss for aCause

Boss BeCause was launched in September 2022 to empower kids facing life-threatening medical illnesses by helping them start their own nonprofit or business free of charge. In short order, we have already awarded three grants to our first round of grant recipients. Every dollar received will go directly toward covering direct out-of-pocket costs to form the nonprofits for each kid, and help power up our organization for the next round of grant recipients.

Read their amazing stories and their passion for forming their charities. These brilliant, dedicated, selfless warriors deserve the opportunity to be their own Boss for a CAUSE!

Sophia

During the summer of 2021, Sophia was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at the age of 7. She underwent 14 cycles of chemo and 31 doses of radiation. Recently when the family attended a follow-up visit, it was discovered that her cancer has returned. After receiving this heartbreaking news, Sophia asked her parents if she could host a lemonade stand to raise money to donate to four Western New York charities that help fight pediatric cancer. She raised $7,000.

Sophia’s family has to travel many times to many different places to receive the care that Sophia needs for her relapse treatment. One of the top things that has helped Sophia and her family navigate this difficult journey is the love and support that has been shared with them by many foundations. Sophia has a passion for giving back and helping other kids like her. Her nonprofit, Sophia the Fierce, will help provide an outdoor getaway experience for kids and their families battling pediatric cancer. When a child is stuck inside undergoing countless chemo treatments and radiation, there is nothing more freeing than getting to spend time outside, driving four-wheelers, and feeling free.

Keeley

When Keeley was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year at 8 years old, she was comforted by an outpouring of love and support including many gifts and blessings. Thankfully, Keeley is in remission today.

Keeley wants other kids like her to feel special too, so she came up with the idea of gifting them tote bags filled with toys, games, journals, and coloring books. She started holding lemonade stands and cookie sales over the summer and was able to raise enough funds to assemble and drop off 7 totes to kids at Roswell Park. Keeley’s nonprofit, Keeley Kares for Kids, will continue to raise money to provide kids and young adults diagnosed with cancer or other critical illness tote bags and comfort items during their treatments and hospital stays. Keeley plans to be a support system for these young warriors, by sending birthday cards and other surprises to let them know they are still thought and cared about throughout their journey.

Annie

Annie was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease in 2009. This disease has caused many complications for her and serious medical problems. She lost the majority of her vision, is completely deaf, has kidney problems requiring daily twelve-hour infusions through a central line, has a g-tube for daily liquid feedings and medications, has type 1 diabetes, and experiences regular fatigue. Annie has spent many weeks in the hospital, causing a financial strain on her family.

Through her journey, Annie met a close friend at the age of 13. She fondly remembers having “a day of fun” with her friend, where they did simple every-day things together, that many people take for granted, like going out to eat. Shortly after their day of fun, her friend passed away.

Annie started making and selling bracelets to raise enough funds to provide a “day of fun” for other kids battling lifelong severe medical illness. Through the Annie Leeds Adventure Foundation, Annie will provide free, accessible adventures to families with a member with a chronic illness. As she knows from first-hand experience, a day of fun without financial or medical stress is a priceless memory. When individuals with chronic disease experience so much from a young age, it’s a gift to be able to bring them a day of joy. Now at 18 years old and a freshman in college, Annie is more passionate than ever about making sure her foundation helps as many as possible, in memory of her friend.

To learn more about Boss BeCause, visit: https://bossbecause.com/