Executive Summary

At Jacob’s Heart, we understand the immense financial, logistical, and emotional burden that a cancer diagnosis can have on a family. In the community of families we serve, 100% are impacted by pediatric cancer, 80% are living at or below the poverty line, 84% are Latino or multi-racial, and many are disenfranchised by larger systems of care. We fully empower families by providing wraparound attention and support - ensuring that families leverage every available resource, for every family member.

What sets Jacob’s Heart apart is the deep psychosocial support and connection our staff and compassionate volunteers offer families from the outset - and for as long as it is needed. Our staff is 80% Latino and our Family Support Specialists (FSS) and Behavioral Health team are bilingual/bicultural, reflecting the diversity of our community. The Executive Director and members of our Board of Directors have survived cancer, have lost a precious child to cancer, or are professionals in the field of pediatric palliative care.

Since 1998, we met over 4,000 families right where they are to:

1. Prevent immediate negative outcomes by alleviating practical and financial concerns and building trust and connections to services, programs, and groups that can meet each family's unique needs.

2. Restore a sense of safety and security by empowering parents to access life-changing resources and build confidence in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

3. Restore emotional health and well-being following the diagnosis or death by engaging individuals in counseling sessions and referrals, thematic support groups, expressive arts, and family day events.

The long-term goal at Jacob’s Heart is the opposite of most organizations.

We look forward to a day when our services are no longer needed, and we can close our doors - a day when there is no more childhood cancer. Unfortunately, the need for Jacob’s Heart continues to grow. Until there is a cure, Jacob's Heart is here.

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