We are a childhood cancer foundation, inspired by two-year-old Jacob. Jacob is a beautiful and wise boy who bravely fought cancer.

In 2012, we learned that Jacob, the son of a close friend of ours, had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma — one of the most popular cancers found in children and infants.

Jakub and his family live in Poland.

Jacob underwent intensive treatment, multiple chemotherapy, bone marrow autotransplant and radiotherapy. Parents were devastated when doctors informed them that all possible treatment options had been exhausted and the only thing that could save their son's life was antibody and interleukin (anti-GD2) therapy available at the clinic in Greifswald, Germany.

With anti-GD2 in the clinical phase and costs reaching €80,000 (US$106,000), the Polish NFZ refused to cover such treatment. My friends and I reached out to the Polish-American community in Chicago and helped raise funds for Jacob's treatment.

With our help, Jacob was cured in a German clinic and went to school for the first time in September!

During these activities, we realized that we had the potential to help other children in need. It is for this reason that YCBMAF was created -- because every child with cancer deserves every chance at life.

The purpose of the YCBMAF is to provide encouragement and support for children battling life-threatening diseases.

We invite you to become a volunteer, sponsor or to donate to our cause.

Whatever you choose, you help children with cancer provide their families with the necessary support they need.

Let them know that they are not alone!