About Sophia's Fund
Our mission at Sophia's Fund is derived from a simple question, "What would Sophie want?" Sophia's Fund is dedicated to helping families in their fight against cancer, financially and beyond. We assist with life changes, funding critical research, and raising awareness to gain greater support in the local and national communities. Ultimately, we allow families to focus their energy on what matters most - their child and family.
About Sophia
Sophia Donnarumma was just under two years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on August 14, 2002. Sophia received five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor in her abdomen, two autologus stem cell transplants, radiation to her tumor sight and her orbits, experimental antibody treatment at Sloane Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, and 6 months of accutane (cys-retinoic acid). She was finally off treatment in December 2003.
Sadly, Sophia relapsed in March 2004 with several lesions in both legs. She had six rounds of various types of chemotherapy and had an Allogeneic Bone Marrow transplant the first week of September 2004 in hopes to save her life. She tragically died from this awful disease on December 23, 2004. Sophia remains present in the hearts of her family, of those who knew her, and most importantly, through the work has inspired through Sophia's Fund.
The enormity of childhood cancer cannot be known until one goes through this ordeal. From a parent needing to leave work to care for their child, to siblings dealing with the trauma of having a brother or sister with a life-threatening disease, to the stress and fear of the unknown, and the unexpected financial challenges and medical bills that occur - the need for support is great, and Sophia’s Fund strives to do that even in ways big and small.
Take a look back at WCTV's news coverage of our WHY: