Nellie’s Champions for Kids gives assistance in the fight against childhood cancer

Nellie Corriveau only planned on putting together one fashion show as a fundraiser for young cancer patients. But when a 9-year-old participant told her how excited she was to do it all again the next year, she knew she had to keep it going.

Seventeen years later, the shows and so much more go on. Columbus-based Nellie’s Champions for Kids (NC4K) has become an entire support network for children battling cancer, their parents and families. Its services include financial assistance that helps alleviate some of the nonmedical worries families confront, toys and other gifts that boost children’s spirits and group events that bring together people who are on similar journeys.

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Graham Smith, the 2023 NC4K Hero, performed the ceremonial first kick before a Columbus Crew match against the Philadelphia Union.

Executive Director Mandy Powell said the focus of NC4K — you’ve probably seen its bumper stickers with that acronym in block letters of different colors and the message, “No Kid Fights Cancer Alone” — supplements the work of other organizations that support childhood-cancer research.

“It’s good to be a both/and, not an either/or,” she said of efforts to fund research, provide treatment and offer hope and support for people affected by cancer. “We hope and we think, and families say that it does make an impact along the way.”

In 2023, the organization reported, it provided more than $100,000 in financial support such as mortgage or rent payments or help with utilities, groceries or gas.

Nearly $500,000 in gifts were donated for children and families. Those helped by NC4K are either Ohio residents or being treated in the state; Powell said many are patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

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More than 70 children, including not just young cancer patients, but also their siblings, cousins, friends and classmates, will participate in this year’s fashion show on Oct. 5 at the Bridgewater Banquet & Conference Center in Powell. Tickets are available at the Nellie’s Champions website, NC4K.org.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Nellie’s Champions for Kids helps families battling childhood cancer