About Us
Our Mission
We are a charitable organization created to continue the fight for Finley by providing hope, support, and financial assistance to local Chicago area families affected by cancer. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of young patients and provide their families with the care they need. Our organization has been helping families since 2021.
Finley's Story
Finley Claire Bracken, our beautiful two-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in October 2019. Through eleven challenging months, she displayed unwavering strength and bravery to fight against cancer.

During her journey, Finley united an entire community in support of her battle. The outpouring of kindness was immense, with countless acts of compassion that included prayers, fundraisers, gifts, meals, and so much more.
In January 2020, 99% of the cancer was removed from her body. Sadly, the cancer eventually metastasized. On September 11, 2020, just a few weeks before her third birthday, Finley became our angel.
This profound loss served as a poignant reminder of life's brevity, the power of gratitude, and the extraordinary compassion that exists in this world. In honor of Finley's memory, we established the Finley Forever Foundation to raise funds and provide support to families, like ours, affected by pediatric cancer.
The Foundation's Background
Driven by our own experience, we established the Finley Forever Foundation in July 2021 to pay forward similar compassion and benevolence that our family received. Through generous donations, we offer financial assistance to families facing neuroblastoma, allowing them to prioritize their child's well-being. Our goal is to secure funds to support more families in the Chicago area.
We partner with Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, offering support for neuroblastoma patients and the dedicated staff caring for them. We also supply Stem Cell Courage Kits to patients undergoing stem cell treatment. These kits include goodies and gift cards for both children and their parents. We supply coffee for the staff break room on the inpatient oncology floor. In collaboration with other foundations, we founded the Lights and Ladders Brigade, an annual event where volunteers decorate the homes of families facing cancer during the Christmas season.
If you know someone diagnosed with neuroblastoma, please review the eligibility page and have your loved one’s healthcare team contact us.
Who We Support
Children and Families
Our foundation supports individuals up to the age of 18 and their families fighting neuroblastoma in the Chicagoland area. Our assistance includes financial support, Stem Cell Courage Kits containing helpful items, gift cards, and more.
Hospital Staff
We appreciate the incredible oncology staff at Lurie Children's Hospital and thank them by providing coffee for the break room on the oncology floor. This small, but meaningful, gesture acknowledges the exceptional care and commitment they demonstrate in their vital roles.
How We Make a Difference
Financial Support for
Families Battling Cancer
We provide financial support to families battling neuroblastoma so they can focus on the well-being and care of their loved ones rather than economic concerns through difficult times.
Spreading Holiday Cheer by Decorating Houses
The Lights & Ladders Brigade unites volunteers to bring joy to families battling cancer during the holidays by decorating their homes with festive decor.
Stem Cell Courage Kits
Full of Goodies
Our Stem Cell Courage Kits offer patients going through stem cell treatment and their families gift cards and goodies during their hospital stay, providing comfort and encouragement.
Our Members
Our board members and volunteers are all amazing people that loved Finley like she was their own. Many of them helped us through the toughest of times.
Info coming soon...
Kelly Bracken
Board Member
Info coming soon...
Dan Bracken
Board Member
Info coming soon...
Dave Scanlan
Secretary
Info coming soon...
Justin Bracken
Board Member
"I was born and raised on the southside. There is no better place to live. The neighborhood rallies during the good and the bad. The Finley Forever Foundation is an example of this. Finley will forever leave her legacy with the people she touched throughout her short life."
Meg Nolan
Board Member
Info coming soon...
Rich Stack
Vice President
This is a charitable organization created to continue the fight for Finley by providing hope, support, and financial assistance to families and children affected by cancer. This is a charitable organization created to continue the fight for
Lacey Bracken
President
Info coming soon...
Nikki Scanlan
Volunteer
Info coming soon...
Pat Nolan
Volunteer
Watch our Videos
PODCAST
Paying it Forward with the
Finley Forever Foundation
Hear our story with Lacey as a guest on the Joy in the Journey podcast.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
The Finley Forever Foundation Engine
Image360 Mokena partnered with General Formulations to create this beautiful fire engine wrap for the Finley Forever Foundation!
NEWS STORY
Lights & Ladders Brigade
Chicagoland firefighters and volunteers bring Holiday cheer to families with children fighting cancer.
NEWS STORY
Lights & Ladders Brigade
Chicagoland firefighters and volunteers bring Holiday cheer to families with children fighting cancer.
Reccurring Business Support
We are grateful to our valued recurring business sponsors who play a vital role in sustaining the impactful work of the Finley Forever Foundation.
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