Summary of Services
- Helps families cover household expenses and costs related to cancer treatment
- Provides professional cleaning to maintain a sanitized and safe environment for children with compromised immune systems
- Offers care packages, games, gift cards, and other items to support and uplift siblings of children with cancer
- Brings encouragement, activities, and gifts to children and families during hospital stays
- Provides comfort and emotional healing through interactions with therapy dogs
- Creates opportunities for families to relax, reconnect, and build lasting memories away from treatment settings
- Ensures birthdays, milestones, and special events are recognized, celebrated, and cherished
Walking Alongside Families to Bring Comfort and Joy
The Katheryn Rudder Foundation was established to honor the life and memory of Kathryn Rudder, carrying forward her spirit by offering hope, compassion, and practical support to children who are bravely battling cancer. Guided by faith and a deep commitment to service, the foundation provides financial assistance, professional cleaning services, sibling support, hospital outreach services, retreats, birthday services, and more.
Compassionate Care That Eases Hearts and Homes
One of the primary ways the foundation serves families is through its financial assistance program. Cancer treatment often creates overwhelming medical expenses, and on top of that, families still have to manage the cost of daily living, which includes groceries, utilities, transportation, and other household bills. The foundation steps in to help alleviate some of these financial pressures, allowing parents to devote their attention to their child’s care rather than being consumed by financial worries.
The foundation also understands that maintaining a safe and sanitized home is important for children with weakened immune systems. To meet this need, it provides professional home cleaning services that reduce exposure to harmful bacteria. This service not only protects the health of the child but also offers parents peace of mind.
Cancer affects more than just the child receiving treatment; it deeply impacts the entire family, especially siblings. Watching a brother or sister endure treatments and surgeries can leave siblings feeling overlooked, anxious, or even isolated. To address this, the foundation created Addison’s Sibling Support, a program designed to make brothers and sisters feel recognized and cared for. With thoughtful care packages, games, gift cards, and other small acts of kindness, siblings are reminded that their emotions matter, their voices are heard, and they are an important part of the journey.
Hospital visits are another cornerstone of the foundation’s outreach. Being in the hospital for extended periods can feel lonely and discouraging, but the Katheryn Rudder Foundation brings warmth and comfort into these spaces. Through hospital outreach services, members visit children receiving treatment, bringing gifts, engaging activities, and encouraging words that help lift spirits. The foundation also offers dog therapy, giving children the chance to spend time with therapy dogs whose unconditional affection provides joy, calm, and emotional healing.
Facilitating Positive Memories Through Retreats and Celebrations
Beyond the hospital setting, the foundation recognizes the importance of creating positive family memories. Retreats and camp experiences provide opportunities for families to step away from the daily challenges of cancer treatment and reconnect in a supportive, peaceful environment. These retreats allow children and their families to rest, recharge, and share moments of happiness together.
The Katheryn Rudder Foundation also believes in celebrating life’s milestones, no matter how big or small. Birthdays, graduations, and other special events are given thoughtful attention to ensure that every child feels honored and celebrated.