Every day, nearly 800 children around the world are diagnosed with cancer. That adds up to an estimated 300,000 new cases each year, and yet childhood cancer remains vastly underfunded, receiving less than 4% of federal cancer research funding.

Today, the money you donate has the power to change lives. Your support fuels research into safer, more effective treatments and cures. It gives families hope. It gives kids a fighting chance.

I’m so incredibly grateful to be here today. I survived because strangers, people who didn’t know me but cared enough to give, made sure I had access to treatment. Their love carried me through the darkest part of my life, and I will never forget it. Now, all I want is to pay that kindness forward.

I want to honor every child fighting cancer today. I want to remember every friend I’ve lost. And in honor of all of them, I proudly take up the title of Captain Chemo, gathering a merry crew of fighters, supporters, survivors, and loved ones to grab cancer by the horns and push back with everything we’ve got.

From the very beginning of September, our voyage is set. We walk, run, cycle, every mile counts. We’re joining Alex’s Lemonade Stand’s Million Mile challenge, contributing to the collective goal of one million miles traveled to raise awareness and fuel childhood cancer research. And our team, Captain Chemo’s crew, is aiming to raise $5,000 along the way. Every mile ticked off is a fulfillment of our promise that no child fights alone.

Your donation matters. Your kindness matters. And together, we can build a future where every kid gets the chance to grow up, dream big, and live the life they deserve.