★ Gold Ribbon — Childhood Cancer Awareness

Every Child Deserves a Chance to Smile

The Nicolas Diaz Foundation fights childhood cancer through awareness, blood donation drives, and bringing joy to kids in treatment. Join us in making a difference.

Donate Now ➜ Nick's Story

13,500+

Children diagnosed with cancer each year in the US

35,000

Children currently in treatment for cancer

29%

Increase in invasive pediatric cancers over 20 years

25%

Of all kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive

Our Mission

The Nicolas Diaz Foundation was founded in memory of Nicolas "Nick" Diaz, who was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma at age 4 and fought bravely for nine months before passing at age 5.

Our mission is to raise awareness for the need for blood donations and to help children going through cancer treatment have a less painful experience. Nick loved to play games, sing, dance, and most of all — smile. That same smile is what we want to see on more children touched by cancer.

Read Nick's Full Story ➜
Nick playing in the grass with a ball

Nick — forever in our hearts

The Reality of Childhood Cancer

These facts highlight why our work matters and why your support is vital.

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Each year around 13,500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the US — that's more than a classroom of kids every single day.

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Cancer kills more children than AIDS, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and congenital anomalies combined.

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The average age of death for a child with cancer is 8, causing a child to lose 69 years of expected life.

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The death of a child is one of the most traumatic events a family might face. You can help make things a little easier.

Our Projects

Programs designed to bring joy, raise awareness, and save lives.

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Cure Through Play Motion

Research shows even mild exercise can help improve mood, boost confidence, and reduce fatigue. Using gaming consoles and their unique motion control systems, we bring improvement and joy to children in treatment.

Update: We are installing Xbox consoles in the infusion center to bring joy to those coming in for chemo.
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Holistic Approach

Listening to your doctor is the #1 priority during treatment. But new and exciting natural treatments are found every day for pain relief. Spreading information and awareness is critical in improving treatment success.

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Children's Cancer Awareness

We all know the pink ribbon in October — but how many know September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the ribbon is gold? Awareness must be raised if we are to meet the #1 killer of children and save more lives.

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Blood Donation Drives

Donating blood saves lives. The very therapy that destroys cancer cells lowers the body's ability to produce its own. Transfusions during treatment are often life-saving. We stage donation events to make a difference.

Latest News

March 12, 2026

Annual Fundraiser Announced

This year's fundraiser has been scheduled for April 9th, 2026 at the Miami Improv. Join us for a night of laughter and giving!

Buy Tickets ➜