The goal of Compass to Care is to help children fight cancer one trip at a time. What brings great joy though is being able to see the ripple effect in children’s lives after they won their battle of cancer. The meaning of hope changes from hopeful todays and tomorrows to hopes and dreams that extend further into the future.

Our December reflection is on a seven-year cancer survivor, Ally. Ally was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2016 just after her 12th birthday. She spent six months in treatment which included surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and proton therapy. Compass to Care provided over 40 trips to treatment during this time between Comers Children Hospital in Chicago, the Chicago Proton Center and University of Chicago therefore helping to relieve the expense of driving and parking.

Ally is now 19 years old and is in her sophomore year of college studying neuroscience and social policy. The beautiful ripple effect in this story is that Ally’s new life goal extends past present day. Ally now has hope for a bright future and dreams of giving back from what she once received. Ally stated that she was on the receiving end of medical research and now is studying a major in college that will allow her to do medical research to help others. The passion that was instilled in Ally was a ripple effect of what Compass to Care provided and what we stand for which is helping kids fight cancer.