After building relationships with some families battling pediatric cancer through various fundraising efforts, Sarah-Beth Janssen founded Strike Out Cancer Day in 2005. After learning how difficult it was for many families to find a sense of normalcy at a time when family life was disrupted and finances were tight, she decided to organize an event that allowed families to come together for a day of fun at the ballpark without having to spend a dime. Even if it was just for a day, she wanted them to relax and enjoy some genuine family time while forgetting about their family’s fight with cancer.

In 2013, the Sherwood and Peters families attended Strike Out Cancer Day for the first time. Casual discussions at the event led to greater discussions in the subsequent years. Through various fundraisers and events, Mona Sherwood and Sue Peters continued to make a difference in the pediatric cancer world after their children, Hannah and Luke, had finished their cancer treatment. Sarah-Beth, Mona, and Sue had a passion for helping families battling pediatric cancer, and in 2016 they decided to join forces and create Children’s Cancer Family Foundation of Northeast Wisconsin, Inc.

Today we continue to work together and think outside the box on how we can support families who have walked a similar path to the Sherwood and Peters families. Strike Out Cancer Day is now one of many events put on throughout the year to bring families together. Additionally, we’re working diligently to fundraise so we can better support families financially while they are in the midst of their treatment.