Standing Behind WNY Families Fighting Pediatric Cancer

Childhood cancer poses a threat to every facet of family life. There is a tidal wave of hardship – physical, financial, and emotional – that can last a lifetime. That’s where we come in.

From the first day of diagnosis to recovery – and even in the unthinkable wake of a loss – this organization is honored to be the “go to” source of assistance in Western New York through our 6 distinct programs. We work beside hospital psychosocial partners to ensure every dollar we raise gets channeled where it is most needed.

By doing so, we ease burdens, bring relief, heal hearts, lift spirits, and allow parents to focus on what matters most: being there for their sick child.

And “we” means you. P.U.N.T. is a public charity that serves as a conduit for your compassionate generosity. With your help, families who must hear the words “your child has cancer” know that they don’t walk this journey alone, and the support they need most is ready and waiting for them.

P.U.N.T. Programs

Helping Hands

Financial Assistance to help make ends meet.

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Holiday programs

Spreading holiday cheer for WNY families facing pediatric cancer.

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Andrew’s Game Day

A private suite so kids fighting cancer can cheer on the Buffalo Bills.

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Dawson’s Locker

Distributing gas and grocery cards and hospital parking and cafeteria vouchers.

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Ultimate compassion

Support for bereaved families who have lost a child to cancer.

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Field of Dreams

Special experiences, items or opportunities to serve as a morale boost.

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Costs of Cancer

There are almost always hidden costs and challenges associated with a pediatric cancer diagnosis that may not be apparent from the outside looking in. One parent often stops working to help facilitate treatment and an income is instantly gone or wanes. Bills pile up quickly; nearly half of families facing pediatric cancer end up filing for medical bankruptcy.

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Off-Field Impact

Current and former Buffalo Bills players are the lynchpins of so many of our efforts. They show up when we need them. They add vitality and meaning to the work we do for kids and families facing childhood cancer. We’re thankful for the abiding embrace of our Buffalo Bills family!

Testimonials

“The day we heard, ‘your child has cancer’ our world changed. We lived in fear, terror, and confusion. But P.U.N.T. was there for us. They helped us in the most practical ways with grocery store gift cards, gas gift cards, and support for our boy, Jedidiah. Then the unthinkable day came when cancer stole our boy. We watched him die. And then our changed world, collapsed. But once again, P.U.N.T. was there. They have continued to be there for us to lean on with their ultimate compassion program. We have opportunities for therapeutic support, seminars, get together’s and Bereavement weekend. Through this, we have been connected with other bereaved parents that can truly understand us and our lives. They have been with us on this journey that no one wants to come on as we try to rebuild our lives without our Jedidiah.”

-Carolyn Woomer, Mom to Angel Jedidiah

“If you’re looking for an organization with the biggest heart and the strongest impact, choose P.U.N.T. When my 5 month old was diagnosed with brain cancer, they stepped in to support us emotionally, to show us empathy, to provide us with meaningful help that mattered, and to give us hope during some of our darkest days. They made a difference for us on day 1 of our journey, and continue to be there for us on year 5. There isn’t a family facing pediatric cancer in Western New York that doesn’t know the incredible impact of this life changing organization. I dream of a world where no parent has to hear their child has cancer, but until that happens, P.U.N.T. will be there for every family that’s life changes with those words.”

-Kelly Barnhart, Mom to Cancer Warrior Carson

“P.U.N.T. helps families navigate life throughout all of Childhood Cancer treatment. From diagnosis to beyond – they have been a constant partner of support for our family providing hope when we needed it and a place to lean on when we lost our child.”

– Jen Usiak, Mom to Angel Stella

“P.U.N.T. is a source of immediate financial relief in desperate times. The fact that we have this reliable support to offer families facing this nightmare is a major source of hope and comfort.”

-Kristen Fix, Medical Social Worker, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
“As a former NP who had the privilege of working with children with cancer in WNY for many years, I have seen first-hand the difference P.U.N.T. has made for children and their families. Before P.U.N.T., few resources existed to support these children and their families. P.U.N.T. helps relieve financial burdens by providing financial assistance for families on the difficult road of childhood cancer. The heartbreaking truth of Childhood cancer is that not all children win the battle. Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children, and 15% will lose their battle; however, P.U.N.T. is there, providing support through the Ultimate Compassion Program. Funeral costs are provided as well as emotional support and resources for coping with what will be lifelong grief for parent’s left with a huge hole in their hearts. They will never be forgotten.”
– Terrie Carbone, Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner & Board Member

“P.U.N.T. has been by my family’s side since April 23, 2016, when our sweet Isabella was diagnosed with leukemia, and continue to support us now as we navigate the waters of grief since Isabella went home to Jesus on June 25, 2021. Though our tomorrow will never be the same, P.U.N.T. is our shining light leading us through the darkness. All families dealing with pediatric cancer are financially supported by them- from grocery and gas gift cards and covering monthly mortgage payments during the journey, to the unfathomable costs of funeral expenses of our Angels; and that is only possible because of the generosity of our community. I don’t know where we would be without them…”

-Jamie Phelan, Mom to Angel Isabella
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