When Your Sister Has Cancer: A Sibling’s Journey of Strength and Heart
In this new podcast episode, Piper shares what it was really like to grow up as the sibling of a child with cancer. From feelings of jealousy and resentment to moments of strength and compassion, she opens up about learning to balance love and loss while her family’s world revolved around her sister, Lucy.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and then in 2024, breast cancer. Cancer became a new part of my vocabulary. I knew what it felt like to be scared, but also gain strength and develop the mindset that cancer will not define me. Loving kids and trying to find ways to stop cancer fueled my love for WOKC. Kids are innocent and so resilient, but they cannot escape the claws of cancer, and I want to do anything I can to help us understand the C word, but mostly stop the most innocent from being touched by cancer. I love working with the Warrior Families and spending time with the kids. I am so thankful WOKC came into my life and gave me a platform to try to make a difference in these families' lives.
Gina and Tom Landry have supported WOKC for many years. They have served as volunteer coordinators for the annual Run For The Kids 5K, and they are serving on the WOKC Gala Host Committee. The Landry name is synonymous with class and dignity, and those are certainly two attributes Gina and Tom exemplify daily. Thank you both for your dedication to the mission of WOKC!
Honoring Connor’s Legacy: Northwestern Mutual’s Annual Clay Shoot for Kids with Cancer
Fifteen years ago, Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner Tait Cruse turned personal loss into purpose after his son, Connor, passed away at just 8 years old following a courageous battle with cancer. To honor Connor’s life and help other children facing the same fight, Tait founded the Northwestern Mutual-DFW Clay Shoot, an annual event dedicated to raising funds for children battling cancer. This year’s clay shoot was held on Monday, November 3rd at the Dallas Gun Club, bringing together over 200 people in the form of sponsors, teams and volunteers for a day of camaraderie and competition- all in support of a cause close to so many hearts. We were honored that WOKC (Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer) was chosen as the charity partner for this year’s event. Two of our brave WOKC Warriors, both battling pediatric cancer, were on hand to greet the shooters and share their inspiring stories. We were also joined by former Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion Jay Novacek, who generously supported WOKC by participating on a team. Thank you, Northwestern Mutual-DFW, for continuing to celebrate Connor’s legacy and helping us fight for a future free of childhood cancer. We can’t wait for next year’s event!
Join Emerald City Band on Dec 31, 2025, at 7 PM to toast to the New Year and support our Warriors.
Fifteen percent of every ticket sold will directly support Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s mission, bringing comfort and hope to children and families facing pediatric cancer.
🎟️ Special Offer: Use code SUBSCRIBE for an exclusive 15% discount on your ticket order.
WOKC Warrior Families kicked off Halloween early with a special night of fun at Nerfies in Plano on Tuesday, October 28. The event featured glow-in-the-dark Nerf battles, arcade games, a bounce house, and plenty of pizza. WOKC reserved the entire venue, giving families the chance to play, laugh, and connect in a relaxed and joyful environment. Throughout the evening, kids and parents teamed up, challenged each other to Nerf battles, and even made new friends along the way. Our Warrior Family program is designed to offer moments like these—opportunities for families to take a break from the stress of treatment and to find community with others who understand their journey. We are grateful to everyone who made this special night possible.
On Saturday, October 18th, several WOKC Warrior Families enjoyed a memorable Fair Day thanks to the generosity of WOKC Board Member Michelle Peck and her husband, David. Their support allowed WOKC to provide free admission and coupons for 100 attendees. The Pecks joined the WOKC staff in welcoming families at Big Tex, where Little Tex stopped by to give everyone an extra-special greeting. The day was filled with smiles, connection, and much-needed joy. We are truly grateful for friends and volunteers like the Pecks, who help make experiences like this possible for the families we serve.
This fall, the Southlake Carroll Student Council once again led a successful drive to support WOKC Buddy Bags. Under the leadership of Student Council Advisor Lindsey Jacobson, the school has built a strong three-year partnership with WOKC, contributing both funds and much-needed items for families we serve.
Their continued generosity has made a meaningful difference in our ability to provide comfort and support to children facing cancer. We are grateful to Southlake Carroll High School and the entire Dragon Nation for their dedication and compassion. Thank you for standing with us!
Buddy Bag Needs
Another month to help
stock our Buddy Bags!
We are asking for $25 DoorDash gift cards
to include in our Buddy Bags. Items like these provide comfort and convenience for families during unexpected overnight hospital stays.
Offering comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funding innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer.
