About Cancer Kids
Cancer Kids of San Joaquin County (CKSJC), formerly Lodi Cancer Kids, began in 1999 with a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to assists six families from Lodi who at the time had children at UCSF Medical Center in treatment for cancer. The fund was established by a group of Lodi families who had all experienced the challenge of having a child diagnosed and treated for cancer.
WHO WE ARE
CKSJC provides financial support to approximately 65 families each year with children in treatment for cancer.
CKSJC is recognized by medical social workers at pediatric oncology hospitals throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento as a trusted and reliable resource to families of San Joaquin County.
CKSJC is unique in that our primary mission is providing financial support to directly offset the expense of traveling distances for pediatric oncology care.
CKSJC is run entirely by volunteers. There are no paid positions. With the exception of minimal outside fundraising and bookkeeping expenses, all funds raised go directly to families of San Joaquin County in need of financial assistance.
Cancer Kids of San Joaquin County, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Federal Tax ID # 20 – 4448693.
THE NEED
We Stand in the Gap
Children who reside in San Joaquin County and are diagnosed with cancer must travel out of town for treatment. Hospitals that provide pediatric oncology care are located in cities such as Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and Roseville.
The commitment of continual care and treatment coupled with the expense and time of traveling out of town on a regular basis creates a tremendous financial burden on families. With some families, the commitment translates to a reduction in income in addition to the added expense.
Insurance may pay a portion of the medical expense. What’s left to pay are co-payments, the cost of gas, overnight expenses, and the added expense of everyday living such as groceries and clothing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Don Walters – President
Don and Peggy were part of the initial founding families of Lodi Cancer Kids. The fund was started after their youngest daughter Kelsey, 7 years old at the time, had finished nine months of chemo and radiation at UCSF for cancer. Don is primarily responsible for financial management and oversight of the fundraising events.
Peggy Walters – Secretary
Peggy’s is responsible for hand delivering gift cards that fund the families receiving financial assistance from CKSJC. She travels to all parts of the county to meet with families. As a mom who’s experienced having a child with cancer she often listens to their stories and shares hope to families going through a very difficult time. Peggy is the primary coordinator of the fundraising events.
Robert Fowler
Robert brings a keen sense of business skills to the Board. Robert is a partner in Frank C. Alegre Trucking. He and his wife Amy live in Lodi.
Susan Ring
Sue has extensive experience as a board member including recently serving as president of the World of Wonders Children’s Museum in Lodi. Sue is a cancer survivor and lives in Lodi with her husband John.
Christina Moreno
Christina understands the work of CKSJC having experienced a time when her son “AJ” was treated for cancer in 2023. Christina is mom to 4 sons and lives with her husband Armando in Woodbridge, CA.