Mission Statement

Stop Children's Cancer is committed to the prevention, control, and cure of childhood cancers.

BONNIE'S STORY 

Click to Read Bonnie's Full Letter

One Child's Inspiration

Provides Hope

In 1981, after being diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 10, Bonnie R. Freeman shared with her parents, "Let's do something so others do not have to go through what we are going through." Following this vision, Bonnie, her family, and two family friends founded Stop Children's Cancer.

Always with a smile, Bonnie, for 2.5 years, helped launch Stop Children's Cancer by writing and stuffing letters, making TV appearances, helping with bake sales, and doing whatever was needed to raise awareness of childhood cancers.

Bonnie was very self-motivated and always spoke from her heart. With a pen in hand, she wrote a letter encouraging others to give to Stop Children's Cancer. She lost her battle 1 week later. (Click here to read letter)

How does funding makes a difference? 

In 1983, interest rates were high; $1,000,000 sounded good! With everyone’s help, Stop Children's Cancer would continue making a difference for many children and families. She was right!

Her selfless vision resulted in over $27 million and growing in funding for specific childhood cancer research for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine. (Refer to Research History)

Several childhood cancers have higher success rates because of specific research projects funded by Stop Children's Cancer. Today, many children with cancer have the opportunity for a hopeful future and have the ability to enjoy a long life!

Although Bonnie lost her battle with cancer, her parents, Howard and Laurel, her sister Carolyne R. Freeman, and many friends and supporters continue her mission. 

47 children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the USA, and only 4% of federal research dollars go towards research for childhood cancers.

In 1981, at age 10, Bonnie realized the word "cancer" was not only traumatic but terrifying. She wanted to make a difference by creating an organization raising money to help other families! 

Today, her family, friends, and community continue her dream and vision. Stop Children’s Cancer was created to fill a critical need by funding research directly for cures for childhood cancers. 

Stop Children's Cancer impacts outcomes! When Bonnie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the cure rate was about 35%.

Today, the cure rate is over 90%! Learn More About Clinical Trials and Research.