10 Years Making a Difference, 10 Years Making it Better

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary

We are celebrating the Hugs for Brady Foundation’s 10th Anniversary!

That’s 10 amazing years of helping children with pediatric cancer in countless ways. And none of it would have been possible without you—our generous and loyal supporters. This very special milestone reminds us why we started Hugs for Brady and motivates us to honor Brady’s name each and every year moving forward so that children battling cancer know there is hope.


In honor of Hugs for Brady Foundation’s 10th Anniversary, take a look at some of the awesome achievements of our first ten years.

Click the tabs to read more.

Cutting-Edge Research and Treatments Devoted Solely to Children

In 2018, Hugs for Brady partnered with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to open The Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer Research Lab.

It is the Institute’s only lab devoted to its Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, which is critical because nationwide only 4% of cancer research goes to pediatric research.

Under the direction of Dr. Peter Cole, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Chair, the lab develops treatments for pediatric cancer and for reducing the toxicity of anticancer therapies—research that will benefit children worldwide.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Research Lab
Lab opening celebration in 2018

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Research Lab
The Hugs for Brady Foundation Pediatric Cancer Research Lab
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Research Lab
Sherrie Wells, HFB Founder and Executive Director, in front of the research lab

Sedation-Free MRI the First of Its Kind 

The use of MRIs as a diagnostic and follow-up tool in children is common, but typically requires the use of anesthesia to ensure an accurate scan. Because there are risks associated with the use of anesthesia, Hugs for Brady partnered with New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital to provide sedation-free MRIs to pediatric patients. 

A patient-centered plan tailored specifically to the needs and behaviors of the child in order to optimize the potential for a sedation-free session is developed involving a certified child life specialist (CCLS), the patient and his or her family, and preparation sessions to ensure the best possible experience for the child undergoing the MRI. Through various tactics including tours, a mock scanner, teaching videos, as well as movie goggles, music, or simply parent involvement, this patient-centered approach has resulted in overwhelmingly positive outcomes.

The success of sedation-free MRIs at NYP-MSCH is a very exciting development for future diagnostic and treatment options.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Sedation Free MRI
Kitten mock MRI scanner
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Sedation Free MRI
MRI used for sedation-free sessions
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Sedation Free MRI
Michael Wells, HFB Founder, trying out movie goggles that help children undergoing MRIs

Creating Spaces That Bring Smiles

There are few things more boring than being stuck in a hospital room, and for a child, their stay can be even scarier and overwhelming without the comforts of home. So Hugs for Brady came up with a solution—bigger, better, brighter hospital play rooms!

In order to help minimize the trauma that can accompany a hospital stay, Hugs for Brady donated televisions, video game systems, art and craft supplies, puzzles, games and party supplies to pediatric oncology floors.

More specifically, in:

It’s fun to bring children a bit of joy in an otherwise difficult time, and Hugs for Brady is happy to help.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary - Toy Donations
Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Playroom & Sunshine Room
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary - Toy Donations
Sherrie Wells, HFB Founder and Executive Director, delivering toys to a patient at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary
ēno Smart Board HFB donated to Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Playroom & Sunshine Room

Brady Buggy® Wagons Make Their Way Across the Country

To date, more than 500 Brady Buggy® wagons have been distributed throughout the United States and globally allowing for safe and easy transportation to chemotherapy and other treatments throughout the hospital.

These fun and innovative wagons have a special hitch that allows an IV pole to be attached, and children can sit in the Brady Buggy® and bring their favorite stuffed animal or a snack along for the ride.

Hugs for Brady has received so many stories about the happiness and convenience the Brady Buggy wagons bring, and we look forward to continuing to brighten the hospital stays of children for years to come.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Brady Buggy Wagon
Wagon donated to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Brady Buggy Wagon
Brady Buggy Wagons have a trailer hitch to tow children’s IV poles
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary Brady Buggy Wagon
Wagon donation at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Jersey

Sometimes the Best Way to Help is Simply to Provide Support

Support comes in many forms, and often when families are faced with normal, daily living expenses while trying to care for a child with cancer, that is the time Hugs for Brady is needed the most. Hugs for Brady has provided financial support to hundreds of families who cannot afford overwhelming medical bills along with rent or mortgage payments, food, electric, and other daily essentials. Direct financial donations have gone to families to help with funeral expenses, pediatric cancer-related medical expenses, and more. And we will continue to provide help to many more families in our next 10 years.

Hugs for Brady is grateful that we can help so many children and families like those pictured here. To read more visit our blog.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary -Providing Assistance to Families
Mariam and family
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary -Providing Assistance to Families
Caron and family
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary -Providing Assistance to Families
13-year-old Luke battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia

10 Years of Life-Saving Blood Drives

Hugs for Brady has made it a priority to sponsor dozens of blood drives to help pediatric cancer patients. And donating blood can help others as well.

  • 90% of people need a blood donation at some point in their lives–your child could be one of them.
  • Some children with certain medical conditions need one to ten units of blood per month.
  • Depending on the size of the patient, one unit of blood can be used for as many as four or five children.
  • Babies undergoing heart surgery need blood that is no more than five days old.
  • Countless numbers of children involved in accidents need blood transfusions almost immediately.
  • There is always a need for blood, especially type O. Donating is simple, generally requires little time, and can be done every two months.

These blood drives bring the hope of survival to hundreds of hospitalized children each year. Blood drives, along with food and clothing drives, are just some of the ways Hugs for Brady is helping families and kids with cancer make each and every day a little bit better.

Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary - Blood Drives
Sherrie Wells, HFB Founder and Executive Director, donating blood
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary - Blood Drives
Community member donating blood
Hugs for Brady Foundation's 10th Anniversary - Blood Drives
Micheal Wells, HFB Founder, donating blood

Hugs for Brady has accomplished so much in 10 years thanks to your donations.

  • We distributed more than 500 Brady Buggy Wagons throughout the United States and globally allowing for safe and easy transportation of children to chemotherapy and other treatments.
  • We made hospital stays less traumatic for pediatric patients by hosting parties, purchasing televisions, distributing video games, and donating craft supplies and other forms of entertainment.
  • We held blood drives, food drives, and clothing drives to help families and kids with cancer make each and every day a little bit better.
  • And we hope to do even more in the next 10 years!