Our Story
From a child cancer survivor's dream to a foundation that has helped thousands of families globally.
Elana's Journey
Elana during treatment
Elana kicked cancer's butt
Elana today
Elana's Story
My name is Elana Koenig, and I am a cancer survivor, singer, and founder of Koenig Childhood Cancer Foundation.
I was only 7 when I was diagnosed with an aggressive rare childhood cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. I remember seeing my mother and father heartbroken, trying to hide it. I didn't yet understand the difficult journey that lay ahead.
Over the next one and a half years, I experienced firsthand the physical and emotional toll of spending 15 grueling months in the hospital, enduring 9 cycles of chemotherapy, and undergoing 15 surgeries. My parents put their own lives on hold to stand by my side every step of the way.
On the day of my final chemotherapy treatment, as I prepared to leave the hospital, I realized that while my own battle had ended, the fight countless children and families were facing was far from over. That motivated me to start KCCF in 2020 with $900 in my piggy bank to help other children battling cancer.
"No child should fight cancer alone."
— Elana Koenig, Founder
Mission
To provide life-saving financial and emotional support to children bravely fighting cancer, every step of the way.
Vision
To ensure every child confronting cancer is surrounded by compassion and unwavering support throughout their journey.
Why we do what we do!
Every day, 275 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide, roughly equivalent to the load of 7 school buses. The average age for these patients at diagnosis is 6. They often spend about half of their lives in the hospital. To embrace hope at specialized cancer centers, families frequently confront challenges of travel, lodging, living expenses and treatment costs. KCCF plays a vital role in alleviating the financial strain caused by this heartbreaking circumstance.
Book Elana Koenig
Invite Elana Koenig to your graduation, gala, corporate event, or media platform to share her powerful story of turning pain into purpose, bringing hope, resilience, and impact to every audience.
Join Our Mission
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer and their families. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of support brings hope to those who need it most.