5 Ways Wipe Out Kids' Cancer Is Redefining The Fight Against Pediatric Cancer In 2025

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer (WOKC) continues its decades-long crusade, demonstrating a relentless commitment to pediatric oncology research and crucial family support as of December 15, 2025. The Dallas-based non-profit, founded in 1980, is not just funding research; it is actively creating a holistic ecosystem of comfort and hope for children and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.

With childhood cancer remaining the leading cause of disease-related death among children and adolescents, WOKC’s dual mission—to fund innovative research and provide emotional and financial support—is more critical than ever. This comprehensive approach ensures that while scientists pursue a cure, the 'Warrior Families' have the resources and community they need to face their daily battles.

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer (WOKC) Leadership and Organizational Profile

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer (WOKC) operates with a dedicated leadership team and a clear, focused mission to bring comfort, hope, and support to kids with pediatric cancer and their families, while relentlessly pursuing a cure through research.

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• Organization Name: Wipe Out Kids' Cancer (WOKC)
• Founded: 1980
• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Founder: Cindy Brinker Simmons
• Current Leadership: Kris Cumnock (Chief Executive Officer), Gavin Worthy (Chairman of the Board of Directors), Linda Randall (Secretary)
• Mission: To offer comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and fund innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments.
• Total Research Investment: Over $12 million invested in novel pediatric cancer research nationwide to date.
• Key Entities & Partners: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Dallas Foundation, AutoNation.

1. The $230,000 Push for Novel Leukemia Treatments

The pursuit of a cure is the bedrock of WOKC's efforts, guided by its Scientific Medical Research Committee. In a significant recent achievement, WOKC committed over $230,000 to support two Dana-Farber Cancer Institute leukemia researchers. This substantial contribution is aimed directly at advancing novel treatments for childhood leukemia, the most common form of pediatric cancer.

While the overall 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer has dramatically improved—climbing from 10% to over 85% in the last four decades—leukemia remains a formidable challenge, especially in its more aggressive forms. WOKC's targeted funding at institutions like Dana-Farber and UT Southwestern is crucial for supporting high-risk, high-reward studies that traditional large grants may overlook.

The innovative research focuses on developing new combination therapies and understanding the molecular mechanisms behind drug resistance, aiming to increase cure rates and reduce the long-term side effects that often plague cancer survivors.

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2. Comprehensive Support through Warrior Family Programs

WOKC understands that a pediatric cancer diagnosis impacts every member of the family, not just the child. Their solution is the highly-regarded Warrior Family Programs, a multi-faceted support system designed to assist the entire family unit emotionally, financially, and socially.

These programs provide immediate relief and long-term community, ensuring families feel supported at every stage of their journey. The services are meticulously designed to address the unique stressors of a cancer diagnosis, which can often put families at risk of financial hardship, food insecurity, and income loss.

Key Components of the Warrior Family Programs:

• The Buddy Bag Program: This program fulfills a family's immediate needs upon a hospital admission. The bags are packed with essential items, comfort objects, and useful resources for parents who often arrive unexpectedly and unprepared for a prolonged hospital stay.
• Warrior Family Support Fund Program: Recognizing the financial strain of treatment—from lost wages to travel costs—this fund provides direct financial aid, including grocery and gas gift cards, to struggling families.
• Family Fun Events: WOKC hosts numerous free social events throughout the year at amusement venues and other locations. These vital social opportunities allow children ("Mighty Warriors") and their siblings to enjoy a sense of normalcy, bond with other families, and escape the constant stress of the hospital environment.

3. Securing Major 2024 and 2025 Grant Funding

WOKC’s operational strength and impact have been recognized through significant recent grant awards, solidifying its position as a trusted and effective non-profit in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The organization was named a recipient in The Dallas Foundation's 2024 Spring Grants Cycle and again for the 2025 Summer Grant Cycle.

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This consistent funding is a testament to the organization's transparent allocation of resources, which saw WOKC provide over $681,000 in grants in 2023 alone. These funds are critical for sustaining both the Warrior Family Programs and the ongoing investment in pediatric oncology research projects nationwide.

4. High-Profile 2024/2025 Corporate and Community Partnerships

The fight against pediatric cancer is a community effort, and WOKC has leveraged powerful corporate partnerships to amplify its reach and fundraising. A major highlight of 2024 was WOKC's benefit from the 8th Annual DRV PNK Across America campaign launched by AutoNation. This nationwide initiative, which has raised millions for cancer research, included an event in Fort Worth, Texas, specifically benefiting Wipe Out Kids' Cancer.

Furthermore, WOKC has been the beneficiary of other significant community events, including sponsorships like the A Walk Among Stars Gala and Fashion Show, demonstrating a broad base of support from the corporate and philanthropic communities. These partnerships are vital for ensuring a steady stream of resources to keep pace with the estimated 9,600 children (ages 0-14) and 5,300 adolescents (ages 15-19) diagnosed with cancer in the US each year.

5. Engaging the Community with Flagship Events

Community engagement is a cornerstone of WOKC's strategy, creating awareness and funding opportunities through fun and accessible events. The upcoming "Run for the Kids 2025" is a highly anticipated event that mobilizes the Plano and broader Dallas community. These events not only raise essential funds but also serve as a powerful platform to celebrate the children and families they serve, often referred to as "Mighty Warriors."

From the annual Run for the Kids to other unique fundraising galas, WOKC continually provides stimulating and fun events that drive results toward their mission. By keeping their community updated through recent communications, such as their December 2025 newsletter, WOKC maintains a transparent and dynamic relationship with its donors and supporters, ensuring the fight against pediatric cancer remains a front-of-mind priority.