Background Statement

"Mommy, why do kids get leukemia?" This simple question by her son John Voight created the legacy of Kids Beating Cancer. In 1992, Margaret Guedes began the John Voight Memorial Foundation, now Kids Beating Cancer, in her son’s memory after losing him to leukemia at age 9. John’s courage and compassion for other kids with cancer, and his tenacity in trying to beat his disease, inspires Kids Beating Cancer daily.

Kids Beating Cancer has served over 5,400 children and families fighting pediatric cancer over the past eighteen years and we remains committed to its mission. 96.5% of all income received goes directly towards achieving Kids Beating Cancer’s objective.

The treatment period for children and families diagnosed with cancer is approximately 100 days to three or more years. This often requires one parent to give up their job, reducing the family income. Financial distress is further compounded by the out-of-pocket costs necessary to begin the donor matching process when transplant is determined the only treatment for the child’s disease. These costs are not covered by insurance. Kids Beating Cancer removes these barriers to care.

Over the last eighteen years, this grassroots organization has provided consistent and life-saving opportunities impacting the Central Florida community and beyond. Kids Beating Cancer has received many prestigious awards from such companies as the Walt Disney Company, Orlando Magazine, America’s Charities, and Lifetime's Speaking of Women’s Health.