Local Families Battling Childhood Cancer Face Additional Challenges

Childhood cancer doesn’t discriminate, nor does it recognize borders. Recently, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF), a local comprehensive childhood cancer support center, has become a lifeline for families facing both the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and the fear brought on by recent events affecting their daily safety and mobility. For some of the 140 Latinx families served by TBCF, increased uncertainty in their communities have made them afraid to leave home for critical wellness visits, support groups, or even routine outings, precisely when they need them the most.

Already among the most vulnerable populations, these families now face an added layer of fear and isolation, making TBCF one of their few reliable sources of care and connection. TBCF walks alongside families through every high and low of their journey, ensuring they can respond to unexpected challenges with added resources and helping to make the childhood cancer experience as manageable and stress-free as possible.

Since its founding in 2002, TBCF has supported 1,169 local families, including more than 100 families so far in 2025.

Childhood cancer is symbolized by a gold ribbon and during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month TBCF is proud to begin their annual Gold Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness and critical funding for local families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.

Beyond their medical battle, families face overwhelming challenges. TBCF is the only organization in the tri-counties providing direct financial aid, emotional support, and educational advocacy from diagnosis, through treatment and after remission.

Local businesses and community members are invited to “Go Gold” this September by displaying gold ribbons, hosting fundraisers, or purchasing custom “I Go Gold For…” T-shirts and yard flags to honor a child or loved one. One hundred percent of proceeds directly support TBCF’s mission.

“TBCF is committed to ensuring that no local family faces childhood cancer alone. The Gold Ribbon Campaign is not just about raising funds, it’s also about compassion, solidarity and hope,” said Brittany Avila Wazny, TBCF’s Executive Director.

Natan’s mom, a TBCF recipient, shared, “Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation has been with us from the very beginning. Their support has ranged from financial assistance, which eased the stress of bills during the hardest moments of treatment, to help with lodging, gas, and holiday gifts, all invaluable support that kept us afloat.”

Community members can get involved by visiting TBCF’s website to explore the many ways to join the campaign, attending a business partnership fundraiser, or by making a donation. Throughout September, many local businesses are showing their support, and the full calendar of events is available on TBCF’s website. Supporters are also encouraged to share their gold ribbon stories on social media using #IGoGoldFor and tagging @teddybearcancerfoundation.

Until there’s a cure for cancer, TBCF will be there for every local family battling childhood cancer.