Hello Reader,

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, we're taking our message beyond awareness.

We're taking it to Washington, D.C.

The Royer family will be heading back to the nation's capital to join families, survivors, researchers, organizations, and young advocates from across the country who are coming together to make pediatric cancer a national priority.

Because right now, only about 4% of federal cancer research funding goes toward pediatric cancer.

Our kids deserve more. So we're going to Washington for CureFest to stand with the others who believe that that number is far too small.

🎗️CureFest: A Weekend of Advocacy📣

• The weekend will begin Thursday September 17th with the Childhood Cancer Caucus, followed by the Night of the Golden Toast, hosted by the Carson Leslie Foundation. Childhood cancer survivors will be honored, and Senator McCall, who has championed childhood cancer legislation and is retiring, will be there as the community looks toward the next generation of leaders who will carry this work forward.
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• On Friday September 18th, Avery and Jamison will join other youth advocates at the Capitol for Climb the Hill, hosted by Kids v Cancer. They will meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to share their stories, advocate for new legislation, and ask our nation's leaders to care more deeply about pediatric cancer research and funding.
  Avery will be leading a group of 10+ youth advocates and will also be sharing McKenna's story. Jamison will also have the opportunity to share about McKenna and the impact her life continues to have.

We couldn't be more proud of them. 💛

• While Avery is advocating on Capitol Hill, Janell will be with Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, meeting with researchers and leaders from across the country to learn, connect, and continue building relationships that can help move pediatric cancer advocacy forward.
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• Then Saturday, September 19th, organizations, families, and children from across the country will gather for the Rally to the Capitol. There will be thousands of people standing together with signs and powerful voices asking our government to do more for children with cancer.
  Saturday night, the community will gather to honor survivors and remember those we've lost, including McKenna, through a tribute wall and performances.

What a deeply emotional and powerful weekend this will be.

And there is no doubt it will serve as a reminder for why Brave Like McKenna exists and why awareness alone isn't enough to create change.

Yes, Awareness matters.
But awareness needs to fuel action.
Action should inspire change.
Change is what we're fighting for.

💛 You Can Be Part of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Too!

You don't have to travel to Washington to make your voice heard.

On Saturday, September 12, we'll gather in Kansas City for our 3rd Annual Brave Like McKenna Glow Walk.​

We'll fill Gamblin Park by Mill Valley High School with light as we honor children fighting pediatric cancer, remember the children we've lost, and celebrate McKenna, who would have turned 14 this year.

Come be a part of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month by joining us at the Glow Walk!🎗️

📅 Saturday, September 12​
📍 Mill Valley High School​
⏰ 6–9 PM | Walk begins at dusk

Whether you're walking at the Glow Walk in Kansas City, advocating in Washington, sharing pediatric cancer stories, or simply helping spread awareness, your voice matters and we appreciate you standing with us.

Our kids deserve more than 4%. And we're going to keep showing up until they get it. 💛