September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and DUPR is proud to partner with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) to support the fight against childhood cancer.

Pickleball brings people together, builds community, and creates opportunities to make a difference. One great example is the Redwood Pickleball Club in Sonoma County, California, where players recently came together to turn their love of the game into meaningful support for pediatric cancer research.

A Tournament With a Purpose

Last spring, Redwood Pickleball Club hosted a Pickleball Funds the Cure tournament with an ambitious goal: to bring together 120 players and raise $3,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

By the time the tournament wrapped up, players, volunteers, and local supporters had raised an incredible $10,100, more than tripling the club's original fundraising goal.

The Power of Community

Club volunteers and local businesses played an important role in bringing the event to life and helping the fundraiser exceed its goal.

For clubs considering hosting their own fundraiser, the Redwood Pickleball Club has three simple pieces of advice:

• Start early - Give yourself plenty of time to organize the event and build momentum.
• Engage your community - Get players, volunteers, and supporters involved from the beginning.
• Ask for support - Local businesses can be valuable partners, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask.

Read the full story and learn what made their tournament a success: https://nationalpcf.org/programs/pickleball-funds-the-cure/

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Meet the Warriors Behind the Mission

Behind every tournament, fundraiser, and donation are children and families whose lives have been changed by pediatric cancer. This September, we're shining a light on some of the young warriors who inspire the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation's work every day.

Their stories are a reminder of why raising awareness, supporting research, and coming together as a community matters.

Meet Isabella

Isabella is four years old and battled hepatoblastoma.

At just 16 months old, Isabella was diagnosed with cancer after three tumors were found on her liver, the largest being 11cm.

She soon began her six cycles of treatment, which included four different types of chemotherapy. Halfway through her treatment, it was determined Isabella would need a life-saving liver transplant which she received a few months later.

One of the most meaningful moments during her cancer journey was when Isabella took her first steps after surgery. Even though she was in pain, she had a smile on her face the entire time.

Isabella is a sassy little girl who adores Peppa Pig and Spiderman.

Read Isabella’s full story.

Meet Kinsley

Kinsley is nine years old and battled retinoblastoma.

At just four years old, Kinsley was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer, retinoblastoma. Kinsley had surgery to remove her right eye and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy to combat this cancer.

Kinsley is caring and has the biggest heart. She likes to share tips she has learned throughout her journey with other children battling cancer to make their journey less scary.

Kinsley also bakes cookies to raise money for National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To date, Kinsley’s Cookie Cart has raised over $300,000 for pediatric cancer research! When she isn’t baking, you can find her playing outside with her cows, donkey, and horses. She loves to explore the great outdoors.

Read Kinsley’s full story.

Meet Mateo

Mateo is six years old and battled rhabdomyosarcoma.

His diagnosis in 2024 changed him and his family’s life completely. A planned trip to Disney switched to hospital stays, hard treatments, and many appointments. His journey to remission consisted of 40 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. Throughout everything, he showed remarkable strength, determination, and optimism. Mateo completed his treatments in early 2026, and he loves being able to live a more normal 6-year-old life.  

Mateo is an energetic, caring, and creative boy. His hobbies include riding bikes, collecting action figures, and playing with his brother and dog. He has an unmistakable joy and infectious smile that fills any room he enters. His dream is to become a cowboy when he grows up. Mateo’s bravery and hopeful spirit throughout his journey reminds us why our mission is so vital.  

Meet Vivian

Vivian is nine years old and battled brain cancer.

In August 2023, Vivian was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumor. She had just graduated from kindergarten and faced a journey full of fear and uncertainty. Vivian underwent two brain surgeries to remove the tumor in her head, and an additional one to have her port put in. She was then treated with 30 rounds of radiation to her brain and spine as well as four cycles of chemotherapy. Vivian met all her challenges with strength, bravery, and a fighting spirit immediately evident to everyone she meets.  

Vivian is a sweet girl who always wants to help others, especially animals. Now in remission, she is active and has fun spending time with her sisters. She is dearly loved by everyone around her.

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How You Can Help

The fight against childhood cancer needs all of us. Whether you're a pickleball club, business, player, or fan, there are many ways to support the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and help fund critical pediatric cancer research.

Here are a few ways everyone canget involved this September:

• Donate $1 for every match played in September through the DUPR September Challenge.
• Donate $43 in recognition of the 43 children who face a cancer diagnosis each day.
• Spread the word by sharing the cause with your community and on social media.

Here are a few ways pickleball facility or business owners can get involved:

• Host or co-host a Pickleball Funds the Cure tournament at your facility.
• Sponsor a tournament in your community.
• Support Pickleball Funds the Cure at the point of sale at your business.
• Round up purchases at your business's front register.

Every match played, dollar donated, and conversation started can help make a difference.

This September, let's come together as a pickleball community to serve up hope and support a future where every child has the chance to grow up, play, and chase their dreams.

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About the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation:

Since 1991, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation® (NPCF™) has been dedicated to funding clinical trials by collaborating with a network of more than 40 cutting-edge hospitals across the nation to fast-track less toxic and more targeted treatments to end childhood cancer. Since its inception, the NPCF has donated over $50 million to research and has funded over 28 project initiatives. The NPCF is a top-rated charity with a 100% score for financial transparency and responsibility and has received 4 stars for the past 14 years from Charity Navigator. To learn more about the foundation, visit NationalPCF.org. 

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