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, WNY 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.
PUNT Programs
Locker
Distributing gas and grocery cards and hospital parking and cafeteria vouchers.
Remembrance Weekend
Annual retreat for bereaved families who have lost a child to cancer.
Field of Dreams
Special experiences, items or opportunities to serve as a morale boost.
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.
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
“Words could never tell you how thankful we are. Your Foundation has had a very profound effect on all of us and I can never thank you for helping our son Nathan through the most difficult time in his life.”
– Angela Price, Niagara Wheatfield
“Thank you so much for giving my kids such a great Christmas as I wasn’t able to do much this year. My husband and I cannot thank you enough for being so kind and giving. It’s so nice knowing there still is loving and giving people out there.”
– Debbie (Adopt-a-Family Program beneficiaries)
“I just want to convey my sincere thanks for all your thoughtfulness and caring from my son and all the families on the pediatric oncology floors at Children’s and Roswell. I used to help raise money for P.U.N.T. when I worked for Ingram Micro and had no idea I’d one day be on the receiving end of this wonderful organization.”
– Nicole Paulus, Lancaster
“Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful weekend. It’s hard to put into words exactly what it meant. Just knowing we are not alone and being able to express our feelings means the world to us.”
– TJ Hirsch, Getzville (Remembrance Weekend guest)
“Just had to let you know, we had a nice night. Our daughter’s counts were good so we went to Red Robin’s with one of the gift card you so generously gave us for Christmas. It was so nice because we don’t remember the last time all four of us were in the car together without going to the hospital. It was so nice and normal it makes me want to cry. Thank you so much.”
– Kristin, East Aurora
“It is an amazing feeling to know that there are such kind, warm, generous people living in our community. Thank you is not enough to explain our gratitude. The gift of happiness you brought to us this Christmas will never be forgotten.”
– Marlee (Adopt-a-Family Program beneficiaries)
“Thank you once again for sending me on the hotel getaway. That did wonders for my morale and left quite an impression on me. Please extend my gratitude to Mr. Brian Moorman as well. He and his foundation go above and beyond to give a little sunshine on us who live in a world full of clouds.”
– Nick Bermudez
“There simply are not enough words to adequately describe the gratitude of the families who benefit from these programs or that of the support services team who work so closely with P.U.N.T. to meet the needs of these families.”
– Cate Flanagan-Priore, PhD; Licensed Psychologist at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
“Thank you so much for having such an amazing program available for local children fighting cancer, and for the people and families who able to sponsor and donate. We were so happy to meet our donors and share our story of our son, Waylon and what a remarkable, big hearted boy he is. Waylon and Allie (our 7 yr. old daughter) were absolutely delighted, full of smiles and squeals as they opened all their gifts. My husband and I were in complete awe over the generosity and the amount of gifts that were given. This Christmas has been extra special and extra blessed this year because of foundations and donors like you. And we are beyond blessed that Waylon is here with us this Christmas, and we pray for many, many more Christmases to come.”
-Worthington Family
“We thank you for the Remembrance Weekend. It was comforting to spend the time with other families who have shared our experience of losing a child to cancer. So many stories, so much heartache, all ending in loss. It was also amazing how we survived and continued to put our feet on the the floor and begin each day.”