Meet Kimberly McCullen of Sophia’s Fund in Worcester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly McCullen.

Kimberly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While I always knew children got cancer too, seeing commercials of happy, bald children running down hospital hallways – it wasn’t until I started volunteering at Camp Sunshine that I truly understood the harsh, cruel, and yes, even beautiful, realities of childhood cancer.

In 2011, I applied through my high school to volunteer at Camp Sunshine in Casco, ME, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to attend, that combines respite, recreation, and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy. At my first camp session, I met so many incredible families affected by childhood cancer, including the Stoddard and Kelly families.

My life was forever impacted within just one week at camp, mostly spent with Troy and Cole Stoddard on the mini-golf course and Charlotte Kelly in the craft room and on the swings. I left camp knowing it was a unique place of hope, strength, and community, that allowed families to cope during an impossible time.

I also truly became aware of the harsh realities of childhood cancer, as, within 6 months of meeting them at camp, both Cole and Charlotte passed away from neuroblastoma, now forever 5. For me, it was never a question of if I would return to camp – but when – and since then, I have had the privilege of regularly volunteering at camp’s oncology, brain tumor, and bereavement sessions, where friends have turned into family.

Meeting the amazing children and families at camp made me realize I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to support the childhood cancer community, as I witnessed parents, siblings, and fighters themselves having to be their own advocates for better funding, awareness, and treatment option.

One of those parents, Tony Stoddard, became the executive director of Sophia’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Ben Donnarumma, in memory of his own daughter Sophia who passed away from cancer. Knowing my passion for raising awareness for pediatric cancers and brain tumors, Tony approached me about joining the board of directors for Sophia’s Fund so that we could “fight childhood cancer on all fronts.”

I am so grateful for the privilege to help support families affected by childhood cancer and to honor Cole by helping him to do “something big.” Currently, I am enrolled in Northeastern University’s Master of Nonprofit Management graduate program and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn invaluable information about succeeding in the nonprofit sector.

Along with sitting on the board of Sophia’s Fund, I continue volunteering at Camp Sunshine, participating in fundraising efforts such as camp’s Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge, and look forward to pursuing a career with nonprofits that uniquely understand the needs of families affected by pediatric cancers and brain tumors.

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s impossible to imagine what my life would have been like if I had not met the incredible people in childhood cancer community, where there is immense hope, passion, and heart, along with several struggles and heartbreaks. I have had the privilege of watching children reach remission, overcome major surgeries and setbacks, and thrive beyond compare.

With this, however, there are children who have passed away from their cancer or effects of its treatments, whose families are left forever missing them. There are no words to describe how unfair it is for these kids, innocent and filled with potential, to not have the chance to grow up. I cannot fathom the unimaginable pain and grief that bereaved parents, siblings, and their families face, but will always try to acknowledge it and honor their kids.

While I wish more than anything childhood cancer didn’t exist – and I had no reason to discover these families, survivors, fighters, and angels, I know that my life is undoubtedly better because they are in it. For our organization, and the childhood cancer community, one of the greatest challenges is raising awareness and increasing for pediatric cancer and brain tumors.

In the United States alone, 1 in every 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer before they are 20 years old, that comes to almost 43 kids diagnosed and at least 5 who die every day from cancer or its harmful treatments. It’s important to remember that these alarming numbers are more than just statistics – and represent children – with lives full of potential and families who love them.

Currently, the National Cancer Institute only allocates 4% of its research to pediatric cancer and brain tumors, resulting in harmful and toxic treatments that even when “successful,” cause life-long chronic illnesses and side effects to survivors. In fact, only three drugs have been approved by the FDA for pediatric cancers in over the last two decades.

Overcoming these struggles is one of our main priorities at Sophia’s Fund, and especially during September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we will “Go Gold,” and advocate for greater awareness and research funding, and participate in events such as CureFest, in Washington DC, where families, kids, and other members of the childhood cancer community unite to raise awareness.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Sophia’s Fund exists to answer the question, “What would Sophia want?” In December 2004, 4-year-old Sophia Donnarumma passed away after more than 2 years of enduring numerous chemotherapies, stem cell transplants, and surgery. Her father Ben Donnarumma founded Sophia’s Fund with the mission to be “dedicated to helping families in their crusade against cancer; either financially or otherwise.

We assist with life changes, raising awareness to gain greater support in the local and national communities, and ultimately strive to allow families to focus their energy on the battle.” With our organization being run by parents who have been through these struggles first-hand, there is a unique understanding of the emotional, financial, and physical struggles of childhood cancer.

What sets us apart from other organizations, is our ability to “fight childhood cancer on all fronts,” by raising awareness, increasing research funding, and supporting families who have a child on treatment. Our executive director Tony has been extremely successful getting major buildings, structures, and landmarks, such as Prudential Tower, the Zakim Bridge, and the TD Garden, to “go gold,” in September to raise awareness.

While raising awareness and increasing funding are crucial to finding a cure, supporting families throughout this difficult journey is also a priority. Alleviating financial stresses, such as bills, food, and transportation costs, allow families to focus on their child(ren), and the numerous aspects of treatment. S

Sophia’s Fund is extremely proud of our ability to bring joyful moments and life-long memories to families affected by childhood cancer through “Project Smiles.” Whether it’s tickets to sports games or fun events, or donations of toys and games to children impatient at hospitals, creating lasting memories for these families will always be an essential part of our organization.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
One of the great things about Sophia’s Fund is our ability to help families over all over New England. Although we officially work out of Marlborough, MA, growing up in Sutton, right near Worcester, has allowed me to see the advantages that this often underrated city has to offer.

Along with its own network of hospitals, Worcester is a central location between Boston and Providence, where many children receive treatment for their cancer or brain tumor. Being able to have a network of resources so closely connected to one another, is one of the greatest benefits of Worcester’s central Mass location.

This community is filled with many compassionate people and a strong network of successful small businesses which we hope to partner with in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness month. With an ideal location and excellent community involvement, Worcester is a great area to find support and reach families affected by childhood cancer.

Contact Info:

• Address: 329 Maple Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752
• Website: www.sophiasfund.org
• Phone: 508-320-8989
• Email: tony@sophiasfund.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SophiasFund/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophiasFund/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiasFund/

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.