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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.

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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.

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The Foundation's Background

Finley holds a paper cutout of a hand near a wall full of cutout paper hands.

Driven by our own experience, we established the Finley Forever Foundation in July 2021, aiming to pay forward similar compassion and benevolence that our family received. Through generous donations, we provide financial assistance to families battling pediatric cancer. Our goal is to offer a sense of relief and comfort, so families can prioritize the well-being of their child. As we continue to secure funds, we aim to expand our reach to more families in the Chicagoland area and are committed to extending our support as far as our resources allow.

 

We partner with Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, with specific support for oncology patients and workers. In addition to financial contributions, we provide patients going through stem cell treatment with Stem Cell Courage Kits – bags filled with goodies and gift cards for both children and their parents. Furthermore, we organize gift card drives and multiple fundraising events. We also supply coffee for the staff break room on the inpatient oncology floor. In collaboration with other foundations, we founded the Lights and Ladders Brigade. This annual event brings volunteers together to decorate the homes of families facing cancer or other illnesses during the Christmas season.

 

If you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, please review the eligibility page and have your loved one’s healthcare team contact us.

Who We Support

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Children and Families

Our foundation extends support to patients up to age 18 and their families in the Chicagoland area who are battling cancer. We provide various forms of support, including financial support, Stem Cell Courage Kits filled with helpful items, gift cards, and more!

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Hospital Staff

Our foundation has a deep admiration for the incredible staff at

Lurie Children's Hospital. We provide coffee for the break room of the dedicated oncology staff working tirelessly on the inpatient oncology floor. This small, but meaningful, gesture shows our appreciation and acknowledges the exceptional care and commitment they demonstrate in their vital roles.

Lurie's social workers holding coffee

How We Make a Difference

Finley and her father snuggling in the hospital.
Financial Support for 
Families Battling Cancer

We provide financial support to families battling cancer so they can focus on the well-being and care of their loved ones rather than economic concerns through difficult times.

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Spreading Holiday Cheer By Decorating Houses

The Lights & Ladders Brigade is a collaboration that brings together volunteers who enhance the holiday season of those fighting cancer by adorning their homes with festive decor.

Group of Stem Cell Courage Kits ready to be delivered to children.
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 thoughtful 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.

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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
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Info coming soon...

Rich Stack
Vice President
Meg Nolan - Secretary

"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
Secretary
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Info coming soon...

Justin Bracken
Treasurer
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Info coming soon...

Kelly Bracken
Board Member
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Info coming soon...

Dan Bracken
Board Member
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Info coming soon...

Dave Scanlan
Board Member
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Info coming soon...

Lauren Glennon
Board Member
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Info coming soon...

Nikki Scanlan
Volunteer
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Info coming soon...

Pat Nolan
Volunteer

Learn More About Us

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PODCAST

Paying it Forward

Hear more about our story with Lacey as a guest on the Joy in the Journey podcast.

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.

Reoccurring Business Support

We are immensely grateful to our valued reoccurring business sponsors, who play a vital role in sustaining the impactful work of the Finley Forever Foundation. Visit our recurring sponsors' websites by clicking the logos below.

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