Bonnie Freeman Story

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, participated in launching Stop Children's Cancer by writing and stuffing letters, TV appearances, helping with bake sales and doing whatever was needed to create awareness about childhood cancers.


Bonnie was very self-motivated and always spoke from her heart. With paper in hand, she wrote a letter to encourage 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 dollars 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 funding specific childhood cancer research of over $23 million 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. 

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