Photo of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus by Sonia Miller of Sure Wave Media

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation

An Ark of Love and Healing in the Desert

BY ELAINE HARRIS

Hearing the dreaded words from their health care provider that their child has cancer is one of the most devastating moments a family can face. It often catapults them into a tumultuous new world filled with extensive medical testing, emotional turmoil, and financial challenges. How does a family or individual navigate such life-altering circumstances?”

I recently met with one individual who provided answers to my questions. He, too, had cancer many years ago but has since transformed his life into a testament to healing by supporting families in Nevada who are facing the greatest challenges of their lives.

This extraordinary individual is Jeffrey Gordon, president and CEO of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF). The nonprofit organization recently celebrated 31 years since its inception. Through supportive, multifaceted programs, NVCCF provides a bright ray of hope.

NVCCF was founded in 1993 by Dr. Ronald Oseas, the first pediatric oncologist/hematologist in Las Vegas. It was established in response to the needs of suffering families and their critically ill children. Dr. Oseas realized that families needed far more than medical help. With the aid of other concerned caregivers, he spearheaded NVCCF by creating emotional, financial, social, educational, and psychological support services and programs.

Gordon joined several years later and has remained dedicated to providing support, love, and comfort to families and their children.

When I met Gordon, I was struck by his gleaming smile and effervescent energy—qualities that reflect the compassion of someone who has endured life’s challenges. Gordon exudes a sense of purpose and integrity, which have helped transform NVCCF into an organization known for excellence and heartfelt care.

Chic Compass: How did you meet Dr. Ronald Oseas, NVCCF’s founder? How did your role evolve within the foundation?

Jeffrey Gordon: I met Dr. Oseas late in 1996 through a pharmacist friend, Scot Silber, who worked with him. They started the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Dr. Oseas moved to Las Vegas, quickly realizing that his patients needed more than just medical care. He brought together a couple of families to support one another, eventually forming a board and developing plans for the foundation.

I was invited to attend a board meeting, thinking they would ask me to join. At the time, I had just sold an outdoor advertising agency I’d been running here in Las Vegas. They asked me about my plans, and I said, ‘I didn’t know.’ Then I suggested, ‘Let’s ask these families what they need.’ That was the beginning of my involvement.

I was given a small room to contact families at Dr. Oseas’ office. I asked them, ‘If there were one thing an agency or organization could do for you, what would that be?’ I received so many different answers that I knew we had to get busy.

They were already hosting Camp Cartwheel for children and their families. It was held at Mount Potosi for a weekend at a Boy Scouts camp. They had also been hosting a fundraising dinner, which I thought could be improved in certain areas, so I began building from there. We started with one program at a time—whether it was for education or psychological counseling. The most significant concern, however, was financial.

I quickly discovered that although many families had insurance, it only covered the tip of the iceberg.

I had the unique experience of going through cancer. I eventually became the executive director, as we needed someone full-time to oversee these programs. I had come to love these children and families, and when the board asked me to be the director, I gladly accepted. We started a financial emergency fund, which is what we called it in the beginning. It has grown into more than 40 programs and services that we offer to these families, not just to a child diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Oseas also addressed sickle cell, autoimmune disorders, and blood-related diseases, which we were happy to support, as we were among the first organizations to help those with sickle cell and all blood- and immune-related diseases.

As we built the organization, we developed Project A.R.K. (Aids & Resources for Kids), an extensive network of licensed and caring professionals who provide services to families of children diagnosed with life-threatening and chronic illnesses who live in or receive treatment in Southern Nevada.

Our care team meets with the families and conducts an assessment. We evaluate where they are financially, emotionally, psychologically and educationally—all the areas where we can help. At that moment, they become part of our family. We embrace and love each other and support each other. That is simply our purpose here.

Chic Compass: Can you tell me about NVCCF’s adult services program, The Caring Place, and how it evolved?

Jeffrey Gordon: That’s a rather personal story. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the prognosis was not good. Dr. Mary Ann Allison is someone I will love forever, as she helped save my life. She was wonderful and cared for so many people in this community. Dr. Allison has since retired.

As I was finishing my treatment, she mentioned to me that she had always dreamed of creating a place for adults affected by cancer. She even had a name for it: The Caring Place. I explained that she needed 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and insurance. I helped her with that, and she found a location. We started sending some of our parents and some patients to The Caring Place for healing arts. It became an oasis of healing in the desert, offering counseling, massage, reiki, yoga, and art therapy services.

One day in 2009, during the economic downturn, Dr. Allison called and said they were experiencing financial struggles. She asked if there was any way we could save The Caring Place and if I could speak with our board. I worked to secure financing and lock it in for a few years. Our friend and developer Brett Torino helped us, along with some funding from the wonderful Engelstad Foundation.

Years later, we met Britney Spears through her manager. She was in the process of moving to Las Vegas and beginning her residency at Planet Hollywood. She wanted to support a children’s charity. Her advisors planned to interview 10 charities; we were one of the organizations mentioned through the mayor’s office. Britney was not involved in the initial process.

It was a Friday when our wonderful vice president and director of marketing, Stephanie Parker, had 30 minutes to present to Britney’s representatives. However, the meeting lasted two hours because of the many questions they had. The following Monday, Britney selected us as her charity. She raised more than $1 million for our organization.

In 2017, we opened the Britney Spears Campus, which was made possible through her generous donation. The campus, located at 3711 E. Sunset Road, allows all of NVCCF’s services for children, families and adults, including The Caring Place, to operate in one location, supporting them as they deal with the psychological, medical and social ramifications of cancer.

Chic Compass: How do you engage community awareness of NVCCF and The Caring Place? Is it through social media, public service announcements, and fundraising?

Jeffrey Gordon: We host many events. We have our Saddle Up for Kids event in the spring, and in the fall, we have the Profiles of Courage Gala. The gala is one of our biggest fundraisers each year, honoring special children of courage, volunteers, and community angels. We also honor those who help us as we help others, along with the courage of several brave children and adults.

Stephanie does an incredible job with grant writing. It is important to note that we are not affiliated with any national organization or receive government aid. We are a local charity, which is reassuring for those who donate to us, as they know all the money goes to local programs. Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the programs, and we have been very transparent about that throughout the years.

Chic Compass: It sounds like you have a group of extraordinary individuals who have supported your mission. Is there a particular individual or group of individuals who have walked alongside you that you would like to mention?

Jeffrey Gordon: There are so many, but there are some special ones, with Brett Torino probably being one who has done as much or more than anyone for NVCCF. I had not been doing this for more than a month when FOX5 Vegas contacted me for an interview as a new startup, and Brett, a developer in town, was being interviewed right after me. Right before his interview, he introduced himself and asked me to wait for him because he wanted to discuss possibly doing some projects together. That began a friendship and brotherhood combining two hearts that have never ceased.
Whenever I needed anything, Brett was there, especially for the education program. Since our kids were missing so much school and needed assistance to maintain their education, I explained the program, and he funded it and continues to fund it. It is now known as the Brett Torino Foundation Education Services. Whenever I asked him for something, he was always there.

For example, Camp Cartwheel needed a larger facility. Brett had a beautiful ranch and opened it to NVCCF, developing it over the years to accommodate our kids and many others in our community. Various construction companies have also helped us tremendously—what a giving industry. The PENTA Building Group, SW Specialty Contractors, and McCarthy Building Companies are like family to us.

Al Marquis and our tremendous board of directors have been there for us. Rich and Claire MacDonald at MacDonald Ranch opened their clubhouse for our Saddle Up for Kids event. Garry Goett at Southern Highlands has also funded many children’s trips to camp over the years.

This community is full of wonderful people with giving hearts. Many outstanding individuals want to work here or sit on our board, but this is the real deal. We have always said to check egos at the door. These children know within two minutes if you are a caring individual. We are careful about who is involved in benefiting these special adults, children, and their families.

For more information, visit www.nvccf.org.