PHASE ONE Community Grants Boost Walk With Sally and LAUSD’s Cancer Support & Education Programs

Photo courtesy of Walk with Sally

PHASE ONE Foundation is proud to announce the funding of two new Community Grants aimed at enhancing cancer support and awareness programs. The grants have been awarded to Walk With Sally and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to bolster their efforts in delivering comprehensive cancer support and education.

PHASE ONE’s Community Grants program emphasizes the importance of holistic support throughout the cancer continuum, including prevention, early education, and mental health services. 

“We are thrilled to support these initiatives that align perfectly with our mission. Walk With Sally and LAUSD are making significant contributions to cancer support and education. These grants will enable them to extend their reach and deepen their impact, furthering PHASE ONE’s commitment to advancing comprehensive cancer care and awareness.” –Lisa Woods, PHASE ONE Community Grants Chair.

Walk With Sally (WWS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lessening the burden of cancer for children and families. Sadly, the majority of children and families enrolled in the WWS program are living below the poverty line due to the many costs associated with cancer. The end of year holiday period can be an increasingly challenging time for children in grief or survivorship trauma, as this is either the first holiday period without their parent or sibling, or they are painfully reminded that this may be their last. The PHASE ONE Community Grant will support WWS’ November Grateful Giving workshop that includes licensed mental health professional guided animal and art therapy. WWS will also be able to provide holiday cheer through gifts and meals to 10 families of 4 in desperate need of support. 

“We are so grateful for the generosity of PHASE ONE and can't wait to share the impact with you! The holidays can be one of the most challenging times for children facing a parent or sibling’s cancer diagnosis, and we are thrilled to provide our community with additional support during this time of increased need.” –Tash Brooks, Walk with Sally CEO

LAUSD proposes a multi-pronged pilot in schools which includes the development and implementation of prevention education resources and media on cancer related to substance abuse. Students will be informed on the relationship of both cancer and drugs. The implementation will build skills and self-efficacy to delay or avoid the abuse of a substance like tobacco and cannabis that can have a negative effect on their bodies. Youth will also be linked to pre-intervention and intervention health services, such as screening, and treatment options.

"I am thrilled to collaborate with PHASE ONE on a project that resonates deeply with me. I have witnessed the tragic loss of friends to cancer linked to tobacco use, some of whom were young and had just embraced parenthood. Our students in Los Angeles navigate a landscape fraught with risks, and our goal is to empower them with knowledge so they can make informed and healthier choices throughout their lives. Also, as an uncle to 24 school-aged nieces and nephews, I take this responsibility to heart." –Tim Kordic, LAUSD Health Education Programs Project Adviser

By funding these vital programs from Walk with Sally and LAUSD, PHASE ONE aims to provide much-needed support to those living with cancer and their families, while also working to educate the broader community to reduce the burden of this disease.