Taking Place in Oak Canyon Park on June 7, 2026, Event Will Offer Carnival Rides, Games, Music, Food and Free Mattel “Toy Shop” for Pediatric Cancer Patients, Survivors and Families
IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2026 – The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (“PCRF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on transforming pediatric cancer care by accelerating research breakthroughs, announced today that it will host its annual “Power of Play” community event on June 7, 2026, at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, Calif. Free to attend, the event brings together children in treatment, survivors and their families for a day of connection, celebration and support – honoring who patients are beyond their cancer diagnosis while building community with others who understand the challenges of the pediatric cancer journey.
Beyond the physical toll of pediatric cancer treatment, the emotional and psychological burden on young patients and their families is profound and increasingly recognized as a medical priority. Research from the National Cancer Institute indicates that treating psychiatric distress in cancer patients can reduce mortality risk by up to 30 percent in certain populations, as mental health support enhances quality of life and improves treatment adherence. Yet access to joyful, community-centered mental health resources for pediatric cancer families remains scarce. PCRF’s Power of Play was created to help fill that gap.
“We know these families personally, and we understand that the impact of pediatric cancer extends far beyond the treatment itself,” said Heather Arnold, Vice President of Development and Event Campaigns, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. “The Power of Play exists, because mental and emotional wellbeing are essential to a child’s healing journey – not an afterthought. As the only event of its kind in Orange County, every element is designed with one goal in mind: creating meaningful support, connection and joy for families navigating childhood cancer.”
“After our son’s diagnosis and 10 months of isolation during his treatment, Power of Play was the first pediatric cancer event that our family attended. It gave him a safe space to simply be a kid again – surrounded by families who truly understood what we were going through,” added Lisa King, whose family has attended the Power of Play event for the past three years. “From the thoughtful activities to the incredible sponsors and volunteers, every detail reflects the love, care and support that PCRF brings to families like ours.”
The event will feature carnival rides, games, live entertainment, music, food and interactive activities, along with exhibitor giveaways. Additionally, in partnership with Mattel, children will be invited to take part in a free “toy shop” experience, where they can select and bring home a toy at no cost. Families can learn more by visiting the Power of Play event page here.
About Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care by accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancers to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, immunotherapy/CAR T cells, osteosarcoma, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. Powering Cures, Realizing Futures, its inspiring motto, encapsulates the Foundation’s motivation and commitment. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
Media Contact
Michaela Fawcett / Reid Brown KCSA Strategic Communications mfawcett@kcsa.com / rbrown@kcsa.com