By Xhaxany Cuellar, Editor in Chief
September is childhood cancer awareness month. Big Love Cancer Care in Killeen, Texas, is committed to meeting the physical, emotional and financial needs of pediatric oncology patients and their families.
According to the Big Loves website, the organization serves hospitals in Texas, including McLane Children Baylor Scott and White, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, and many more. Since 2020, Big Love has provided 15,270 meals to families, delivered 748 inpatient homebound grocery requests, and granted 4,295 weekly wishlist requests for children in hospitals. A wish list is for either parents or children who can request toys or other essentials.
The organization was founded in 2007 by Jessica Philips and her family when her daughter, Brooke, at 3 years of age, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. When Brooke passed, they launched Big Love.
According to Jack Bailey, director of development for the organization, Big Love has launched 15 different programs since its opening. One of the programs, “Life in Fragile Times,” assists families whose children are at the end of their journey with cancer and can not afford medical, funeral, or food expenses.
After communications with the family social worker, the organization creates a package with essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, or laundry detergent. Bailey discussed the financial burden families face, saying, “ A lot of times these families are two-income families, and one of the parents has to quit their job, and there's a loss of income. The parking is not free, so they must pay for parking daily. Food, the hospital doesn't provide food for the family, so breakfast, lunch and dinner is all on them. The mom (of the patient) typically they're at the hospital. The dad is usually working, so they don't ever get to see each other and spend time with one another and build relationships.”
The group delivers weekly wish list items to patients as well. Bailey discussed a moment in his career during a wish list delivery request that has stuck with him, “ This boy was about 9 years old –- we went to his room and he was kind of lifeless and we put the bag on his bed and he slowly started to dig around in it and I guess he got something that he really wanted because his face just lit up and to see a child's face that's going through a situation i can't imagine it's really incredible.”
Big Love has served more than 100,000 patients and their families statewide, with testimonials from families to showcase the impact the organization serves. One family stated, “There are no words that can describe the help and much needed Big Love that you provide! Not only for the children but for the parents as well. Never forget that what you do matters, and Big Love is such a blessing. Thank you.”
To learn more about Big Love Cancer Center, visit About | BIG Love Cancer Care (bing.com)
