OUR STORY
In 2007, Nellie lost her grandmother, Goldie, to cancer. As a teenager passionate about changing the world around her, Nellie was determined to do something to help others experiencing a cancer diagnosis. She quickly put her love of fashion and family together and hosted what she thought would be a one-time fashion show fundraiser for cancer patients.
One model who participated this first year was nine-year-old Eden, who was battling cancer for the second time. At the conclusion of the fashion show, Eden enthusiastically told Nellie: “I can’t wait for next year!” In that moment, Nellie knew that this “one-time” fashion show was meant to be something much more.
IT ALL BEGAN WITH A SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD WHO WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
GOLDIE & NELLIE
EDEN
In 2009, Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the goal of supporting children like Eden during their battle with cancer through an annual fashion show fundraiser.
As the years progressed, Nellie began to engage with pediatric cancer families in order to understand their unique experiences and where they needed additional assistance. What she discovered is that there are a number of organizations dedicated to pediatric cancer research, but far fewer organizations that provide support for families and their lives outside of treatment. Nellie learned about the ways in which pediatric cancer families experience financial strain, emotional burdens, and isolation from their community. These findings built the foundations for NC4K’s three main pillars of service: financial support, emotional support, and events for play.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
is distributed in response to family requests for payment towards their mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, and gas. This type of funding means that rather than worrying about keeping the lights on or filling up the gas tank, families can focus their energy on fighting cancer with their child.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
is given in the form of a family gift, intended to lift their spirits as they navigate the highs and lows of their childhood cancer journey. Unique to the family’s circumstances, these gifts include toys, arts and crafts, and gift cards to order takeout, allowing families to feel a sense of comfort and normalcy during their hospital stay.
EVENTS FOR PLAY
are opportunities for families to spend the day together and have fun while surrounded by a community of people who understand the challenges they are facing. During these events, families can be completely comfortable knowing that as they share in a light-hearted, joyful experience, their child is just like everyone else in the room.
With the establishment of support services reaching beyond the annual fashion show, NC4K was renamed, as we know it today, Nellie’s Champions for Kids.
In 2017, after serving as executive director of NC4K for ten years, Nellie stepped down from her position and began serving on the board of directors. With the hiring of a new executive director and the creation of additional roles, Team NC4K and the breadth of services we provide continued to expand, guided by a values-driven approach focusing on three core ideas: Family, Community, and Small Moments Matter.
“The idea of ‘Small Moments Matter’ is a fundamental part of NC4K,” says current executive director Mandy Powell. “It describes the way that so much can be conveyed through a warm hug or an understanding smile. It also reflects NC4K’s founding story. What started as a one-time fashion show has grown into something much bigger, and something that’s so meaningful to hundreds of families. As NC4K continues to evolve, our team stays fiercely committed to making sure that our families have what they need to navigate their overwhelming journey, while adding brightness and fun as often as possible.”
As the number of NC4K families increases each year, so do the amount of financial support requests. In 2023, NC4K distributed a total of over $120,000 in financial support alone. Requests for emotional support also continue to rise; since the 2020 pandemic, NC4K has seen a surge in requests for clothing, bicycles, and safe family outings for immunocompromised children. From 2022 to 2023, we were able to increase the number of gifts provided for emotional support by 29%.
In addition to the annual fashion show, NC4K now has two more signature fundraising events: our spring Gala and our Reindeer Run 5K in December. In 2023, these three events generated a total of over $260,000 in funds raised. Families also continue to enjoy unique events for play, which in 2023 included our Back-to-School Bash, OSU Marching Band Night, and our Reindeer Games Holiday Party.
The most recent addition to NC4K’s offerings occurred in late 2023, when NC4K incorporated the mission of Wheels for Aiden into our family support services. Founded in 2018, Wheels for Aiden carries on the legacy of Aiden Welling, who passed away from neuroblastoma at the age of seven, by providing motorized vehicles to children with medical and mobility challenges.
Today, NC4K has welcomed a total of more than 800 registered families. It is because of Heroes like Eden, their families, and the steadfast support of our Champions that NC4K is more than just a fashion show. The dedication of our team, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors to the pediatric cancer community has allowed us to continue our efforts to ensure that No Kid Fights Cancer Alone.
If you feel inspired by NC4K’s mission, we invite you to be a part of our story by getting involved today.