Who We Are

Who We ARe

Our Story

“Your child has cancer.”
Nothing can prepare you for these devastating words.

At only 18 months old, my daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer. For over 3.5 years we traveled across the United States seeking the best care. During that time, Ava endured more toxic treatments than most adult cancer patients. Due to the extreme nature of her treatments, her teeth slowly disintegrated, her hair was gone and eventually her kidneys failed.

In her final days my family and I watched as her fragile body shut down. She looked at me and said, “Mommy I don’t want to feel like this anymore.” Two days later she passed away.

At age 5, cancer took Ava from our family, friends and loved ones.

When I lost Ava, I didn’t give up hope. I knew my story wasn’t unique; all cancer families face the same struggles. That’s what inspires me to create hope by providing direct assistance to local families who have children with cancer.

Navigating the hospitals, lending an ear, providing financial assistance; I will do whatever it takes to support these families. They depend on the support provided by Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. It is my personal experience and our passion for going the extra mile that I believe truly differentiates Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children from other non-profits.

Thank you for your support,

Chrisie Abramo
President and Founder

Meet Our Team

All ACFC staff are HIPPA, CPR and First-Aid Certified and comply with all CDC Guidelines.

Chrisie Abramo

Chrisie Abramo

President
and Founder

Email Chrisie

Meg Dufour, MA, LPC

Meg Dufour, MA, LPC

Director
Of Events

Email Meg

Cristina Atabala

Cristina Atabala

office
manager

Email Cristina

Stephanie Pham

Stephanie Pham

program
director

Email Stephanie

Mabel Ramirez

Mabel Ramirez

Bilingual Case Coordinator

Email Mabel

Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith

Director of Development

Email Andrea

Cara Woolery

Cara Woolery

Administrative Assistant

Email Cara

Leo

Leo

Certified Therapy Dog

Bailey Finch

Bailey Finch

Family Assistant

Alyssa O'Brien

Alyssa O'Brien

Family Assistant

Leadership

Executive Board

Justin Dufour
Bill Finch
Chrisie Funari
Benjamin Hayes
Jennifer Mackay

Advisory Council

Phil Beasley
Belinda Blumenthal
Vicki Bobrow
Caitlin Bronsky

Payal Doshi
Bill Floyd
Ginnifer Giallella
Urmi Jani
Alex Kjellsen
Jim Larson

Matt Londen
Laurie Sandau
Sneha Seth
Kendall Torrejos
Kelly Vinger
Glenn Zeldin