Birthday Party Coalition Brings Joy to Tampa Children Fighting Cancer
Kids battling cancer and their brothers and sisters had a blast last month at a special event. Local nonprofits Celebrate Birthdays and 1Voice Foundation teamed up on Jan. 14, 2025, to make a day these kids won’t forget. While parents gathered at a nearby location for some much-needed support time, kids celebrating January birthdays enjoyed pizza, cupcakes, and fun activities. Ten-year-old Dylan Bartini, who’s fighting acute myeloid leukemia with amazing courage, brightened the room with his smile.
Celebrate Birthdays has made a difference in the lives of 6,200 children since it began. It all started when Belinda Leto met a family who couldn’t afford to throw their child a birthday party. COVID-19 made more people interested in “Birthday in a Box,” which brings parties to kids stuck at home due to health issues. Being sick shouldn’t mean missing out on birthday fun.
“These children all have pediatric cancer or their siblings. Many times, families have to stop working, right, family loses a job.” said Belinda Leto to abcaction news. “They can’t afford the cost that comes with a birthday or even worse the child’s not feeling well or they’re in a hospital,”
1Voice Foundation manages 25 different programs helping young cancer patients and their families. Their newest program, “Una Voz,” helps Spanish-speaking families connect through peer-led support groups.
“We’re very blessed when they’re in the hospital because they have translators, but once they get out in the community, who are they going to call at night? So our hope is that they call each other,” said Mary Ann Massolio to Spectrum Local News.
“This time she’s done radiation as well, after multiple surgeries, transfusions, things of that sort. We’re getting to the finish line. I think I feel it,” shared Jocelyn Vazquez, speaking with hope in her voice.
Through “Una Voz,” families help each other tackle challenges, from finding good pediatric care to overcoming language barriers. The program creates a support system that goes beyond hospital stays.
