Back in 2014, we hosted what turned out to be an incredibly well-received group outing for families with a child in cancer treatment. Given the overwhelmingly positive response, we have since put an increased focus on family within our program services.

The reasons why are many, but here are a few at the forefront:

• Going out and doing nice things is expensive. Many families with a child in cancer treatment have trouble simply making ends meet. Spending money on a non-essential family outing is not a realistic option for so many parents.
• Family members get neglected. We see it all the time: the child in cancer treatment receives so much of the attention and assistance but their siblings are so often left out.
• Families need to bond in hard times, not be ripped apart even more. Many of our beneficiaries had odds stacked against them before their child’s cancer diagnosis (low income, single parent household, etc.). But it is very common for families who started on the more fortunate side (dual parent and dual income household, multiple kids, comfortable life, etc.) to get hit hard as well. It is not uncommon for one parent to lose a job or be forced to quit working, income declines, expenses skyrocket, siblings get neglected, strain on the family unit ensues often resulting in divorces.

You get the idea: cancer ****ing sucks and its effects are much more broad, deep and complicated than just having to send a kid to the hospital for treatment.

Our programs do not provide the cure for cancer but they do provide an immediate source of hope, inspiration and assistance during a difficult time. And since August of 2018, we have been working very hard to build something special for our program services here in Chicago that will be sustainable in the years ahead.

With the help of Chicago Cubs, several incredibly generous donors, and some large corporate partnerships, we have been afforded the unique opportunity to treat beneficiary families to premium outings at Wrigley Field in 2019. Our beneficiaries have access to a fully-catered, climate-controlled, handicap-accessible suite where they can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience–together as a family.

As you can imagine, the families are absolutely loving it. The kids get a chance to be kids; the parents get a chance to see their kids having a blast and not have to worry about expenses or any other stresses. That is all in addition to special experiences like visits from Clark the Cub, watching batting practice down on the field, on-field photo ops, visits from Cubs front office to show off their World Series ring, and more. It is truly a gift.

Below are some select photos and beneficiary feedback from some of the games we have hosted thus far in 2019. At the conclusion of the season, we will create a video showcasing the entire season, which we believe will capture the experience for the families even better!

To continue growing this program over the next three years, we have set a goal of raising $270,000. 100% of your contribution will enable Endure to Cure to send 630 children in cancer treatment and their families to a premium experience at Wrigley Field for a Chicago Cubs game over the 2020-2022 seasons (21 people x 30 games plus the catering and dessert cart add-ons for each game). If you would like to join us in making this a reality, please click here or the button below.

THANK YOU! #BESOMEBODYSHERO

“From the time we arrived until the time we left, it is amazing to see how much positive energy this experience brought to our kids. Thank you so much for this gift to our family.”

“THANK YOU! This is one of the most amazing experiences our family has had together since the cancer diagnosis. We cannot thank you enough.”

“Getting to try on the Ben’s World Series ring was so cool! Thank you for hosting me and my family. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”

“We had so much fun here. Thank you! We particularly enjoyed being around other kids and families who are in a similar situation as ours. Thank you again.”

“Seeing all of the kids be so excited during such a difficult time in their lives and our lives is the best medicine. They cannot stop talking about how awesome it was to run around the bases of Wrigley Field. Thank you again to Endure to Cure’s programs and the people who support it. It means so much to families like ours.”

“WOW! Thank you to Endure to Cure and your supporters. This is overwhelming for sure. I cannot believe we are going to have an experience of this magnitude. Thanks so much for thinking of us.”

“This was such a fun and amazing experience for us all. It is just what our family needed. THANK YOU!”

“SIMPLY AMAZING. We are so grateful for this experience Endure to Cure and its supporters have given us.”

“So much fun for our family. Thank you Endure to Cure!”

“I start my final cancer treatment next week and this experience brought me some much needed excitement. Thank you.”

“A big thank you for the Cubs tickets for my son. He had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the fun that was had!”

“Thank you! Thank you! Our family had SO much fun today at the Cubs game. It was the perfect reprieve from everything else. We really couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you for helping us to create a fantastic memory with the kids! And thank you for caring so much.”