There’s an interesting oxymoron that we in the cancer community know well: you meet the best people under the worst possible circumstances. Though we see deep loss and sorrow as we advocate for children fighting cancer, we also see beautiful generosity and hopeful stories. Rally supporter Michael Mendelssohn was the top fundraiser at CrossFit Dynamo’s 5th annual 24 in 24, a fitness and fundraising challenge benefitting Rally. He also happens to be a member of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) and is in a Facebook group with many other DVC members. Another DVC member, Gerald, was looking to donate a Disney Beach Vacation to a deserving charity. Michael immediately advocated for Rally. Gerald selected Rally. And this is where dreams really do come true. Rally Kid Bella and her family had never been to the beach and Gerald made that dream come true. Bella is a tough-as-nails 8-year-old who...

“There’s no handbook when your daughter is diagnosed with cancer,” sighed Matt, Rally Kid Caroline’s Dad. When Matt and Jamie were starting their family, Jamie gave Matt a book called “How to Be a Dad,” which taught him how to change diapers and take care of a baby. But nothing could prepare him to hear the devasting words: Your 3-year-old daughter has brain cancer. Cancer is Caroline’s norm, it’s really all she’s ever known. She’s grown up in hospitals and greets nurses and Rally staff like old friends. She has fought cancer five times. “At first, going to the hospital was a game. But as she’s gotten older, she’s starting to realize the emotional weight,” her dad says. “She’s dealing with adult issues. Kids shouldn’t have to deal with this.” Today, Caroline is a spunky 7-year-old. She loves goofing off with her brothers, spending time with her parents, and eating her mom’s mac and...

Rally Kid Caroline Brewer wears two bracelets around her tiny wrists. The bracelets are made of rainbow beads and strings, one says “Warrior” and the other says “Courage”, fortifying her arms like Wonder Woman’s golden cuffs. These bracelets remind her to be strong and courageous as she fights cancer for the fifth time. Diagnosed with brain cancer for the first time at the age of 3, Caroline has grown up in the cancer world. She’s been a Rally Kid since her journey began. Cycles of chemotherapy, pokes and scans, remission to relapse is all she’s ever known. Outside of treatment she acts like a normal 7-year-old because she’s never known anything different. Caroline is quick to laugh, quick to tease and quick to create mischief at home. Her oldest brother, Will, succinctly describes her as wild, and her other brother, Jack, joins her antics, chasing her around their Atlanta home with a...

If you've heard of Ed Bastian, you probably know him as the CEO of Delta Air Lines, the leader who led the rescue when they faced bankruptcy and a takeover by rival US Air. He knew the airline's comeback would be a long and arduous affair, so Bastian came up with a visionary proposal. "We told our people that when we succeed — and we were going to succeed — we would share the first fruits of those efforts with them," he said. Bastian delivered on his promise and, on Valentine's Day 2020, paid $1.6 billion in bonuses to all Delta staff — 15% of all profits for 2019. Bastian and his leadership team built the world's top airline on their belief that the tougher the times your organization faces, the closer you need to stick to your purpose. And a huge part of Ed Bastian's personal purpose is found right here at Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally). In a fascinating...