Unfortunately for the families of pediatric cancer patients, the costs associated with treatment can be overwhelming. Even though the leading treatment and research hospital for pediatric cancer, St. Jude’s, treats children free of cost, not every family is close to or has easy access to this care.

Sometimes families just need extra financial help. While there are plenty of ways to raise money for pediatric cancer research, raising money for an individual family is a bit different. Here are just a few ways you can help ease the financial burden placed on cancer parents.

5 Fundraising Ideas of Individual Pediatric Cancer Families

Method #1 – Start a crowdfunding campaign.

In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to not only set up a fundraiser but for it to reach people all around the world. Platforms like GoFundMe are designed for things like medical expenses and financial emergencies. In many cases, these campaigns are set up and initiated by friends and family of the beneficiaries.

When starting a crowdfunding campaign, it isn’t enough to just set it up. Start by posting a compelling story and reasoning for your campaign. Make the need clear. You’ll also need to share the campaign. Utilize your social channels and connections to get the word out. You never know who it will reach and who will be willing to give.

Method #2 – Host a charity event.

When we say “charity event” we don’t necessarily mean a black tie gala. That can get expensive to put on and overwhelming to organize. It can be more simple and just as effective. You could organize a chili cook-off where contestants pay an entry fee. Solicit donations for a charity auction. There are dinner theatres, bake-offs, dances, talent shows, bingo night…plenty of ways to raise money! Contributions can come from an entry fee or tickets for attendees.

It’s also helpful if the child with cancer or their family has a faith community to lean on. They are often more than willing to lend their facilities for events, particularly if they benefit a member of the congregation. In the same way, be willing to ask. You’d be surprised how many businesses and individuals are willing to lend time, talent, or money to a worthy cause.

Method #3 – Organize a traditional fundraiser.

There are countless ways to raise funds, from the more traditional to the out-of-the-box. Common (yet effective) ideas include bake sales, carwashes, coupon books with partnerships from local businesses, fundraising letters…the list goes on! Traditional fundraisers are popular partly because people know what to expect.

Method #4 – Utilize your passion.

There are so many ways to use your individual gifts and talents to benefit pediatric cancer families. If you like to exercise, host a walkathon or 5k where donations from sponsorships go to the family. If you are artistic or crafty, produce small gifts, from paintings and sculptures to ornaments and needlework, and sell them with a portion of the money going towards the family. If you like graphic design, put together a t-shirt design and sell it at a slight upcharge (to cover the cost of production) and donate the rest.

Method #5 – Strike up a partnership.

Local restaurants are often available to host fundraising nights for causes and groups. These benefits add up when you can get the community to turn out! Usually, the restaurant will agree to donate a percentage of sales on a certain day or evening to benefit the cause in question. It never hurts to ask – so see who’s down to help!

Beyond restaurants, local businesses are often more than willing to sponsor fundraising efforts that benefit kids with cancer.

While there are countless organizations you can donate to for pediatric cancer research, helping an individual family is often a grassroots effort. The community must come together. Importantly, before you initiate any fundraising effort, check with the family first. They may not want or need financial help. If they do, you’ll still want to speak with them to discuss financial goals, details they want to be shared, and the full knowledge that these fundraisers are happening.

Every effort counts. And when we pool our talents, effort, and know-how, we’re able to better support kids with cancer and their families!