Our Mission
Providing Moments of Hope and Joy to Kids and Families Fighting Pediatric Cancer
LivFree is Hope and Joy in Action
LivFree is a childhood cancer nonprofit organization that brings families together through a moment of joy. These moments may be small in scale, but the scope of their impact is great.
As an organization, LivFree stands poised to react and offers kids and families a break from trauma when they are ready through a Moment of Joy and create a memory that is connected to a smile.
These static moments are valuable in a dynamic and beautiful way. They are demonstrative of hope, joy, strength, and will. They may seem small, but they are as mighty as the young warriors who inspire them.
The LIV of LivFree
A Message from the Founders of LivFree
Lauren Irene
Lauren Irene Vieira was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) on February 11, 2015, at just 16 months old. Before her diagnosis, she was an energetic toddler who loved playing with her older brother and our dog. But sudden changes—lethargy, fevers, and bruising—led us to seek answers, and we soon received the life-changing news that 75% of her blood was cancerous.
During her treatment, Lauren couldn’t participate in the simple joys of childhood—baseball games, birthday parties, or even the circus. Medically, her body couldn’t handle these outings, and financially, they were out of reach. It felt like childhood was being stolen from her, and we realized how much families like ours needed a break—something to look forward to in the middle of their struggles.
“Being on the front lines of pediatric cancer and its effects on daily life gave us a special perspective.”
That’s why we created LivFree. Our goal is to give families navigating pediatric cancer a chance to enjoy life’s little joys, whether it’s a movie theater visit, a sporting event, or any activity that lets them take a break. Today, Lauren is thriving, and her strength inspires everything we do. LivFree exists to bring moments of joy and create lasting memories during the toughest times.
LivFree Team
Meet the Passionate Team Behind LivFree, Dedicated to Creating Moments of Joy for Families Battling Pediatric Cancer.
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Daniel Vieira
Chief Morale Officer
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Jim McCaffrey
Chief Inspiration Officer
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Katrina Lage
Chief Hope Officer
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Courtney Bragg
Chief Joy Officer
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Eileen Buleza
Marketing Coordinator
LivFree Moments of Joy
These moments are structured regionally and a family will work with the Chief Joy Officer, Courtney to go to: a ball game or a concert if there is a window in treatment that allows the whole family to be together. Perhaps a cycle of treatment has come to an end and the family is prepared to spend the day together at a Broadway show or at a local aquarium or museum. If a family who has lost their child wants to come together to celebrate that child’s life at an amusement park or special night out.
LivFree Programs
LivSports Platforms for Hope
LivSports events bring athletes of all ages together to use their love of sports as a platform for hope. By inspiring their communities, these athletes help support LivFree’s mission to bring moments of hope and joy to families battling pediatric cancer. Additionally, these events allow for awareness as they will support the childhood cancer community as a whole.
