Upstate woman launches campaign to help pediatric cancer patients

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate woman is on a mission to bring comfort to every child fighting cancer in the region.

Emily White is a childhood cancer survivor who launched the “Cuddles of Courage” campaign to provide stuffed animals to children currently fighting the disease.

“I thought about later on in life, how I could give back to the community because the Upstate community here in South Carolina really helped when I was going through cancer and treatment and helped with my family,” said White.

White launched the campaign through her non-profit KidsKicknCancer in mid-August. She’s partnered with local treatment centers to provide teddy bears and other fluffy items to child cancer patients.

White told 7NEWS she was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer at nine years old, and it’s important for her to help lift the spirits of those going through what she did.

“I want to be able to bring smiles to children’s faces that are going through the things that I’ve gone through before and let them know that you’re not alone. It might be a stuffed animal, but something they can keep near and dear to their heart,” White also said.

White said she was able to raise $1,500 in two days to support her initiative. Her goal is to raise $8,000 so she can help the families of child cancer patients get food and clothes.

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