As we recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we reflect on the profound impact childhood cancer has on families and communities. This month, two of our Fabric team members have graciously chosen to share their personal stories. One is a testimony of giving—a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement and finding ways to support people in need. The other is a story of resilience—navigating the challenges of a child’s cancer diagnosis and finding strength in the kindness and generosity of others. Through their experiences, we hope to inspire and bring awareness to the crucial role community support plays during such a challenging journey.
Rudy’s story
The last six months have been a rollercoaster of emotions. To bring your child to his pediatrician for what we thought was an ankle sprain and later finding out he has leukemia, completely flipped our world upside down. Luckily, with the fantastic oncologist team from one of the best children's hospitals in the state and the incredible resources that we have been provided, we are able to manage this rollercoaster a bit and our son is thriving and being the brave boy that he is.
Through this journey, we've received so much help we never knew was available. We've received numerous gifts from our daycare. We've been offered assistance from various resources. We've been offered wigs and other hair options.
My team at Fabric Health has been absolutely amazing from every angle I can imagine. My CEO personally called me to offer his assistance as we had a heart-to-heart conversation that brought me to tears. My New York team, whom I’ve never met, sent my son monster truck toys (his favorite) for him to build and play with at the hospital. My engineering team sent us baskets of books and toys while graciously taking over my work in my absence through this entire journey and all the doctor visits. It's been truly heartwarming to see those who hold you up when chips are down.
On behalf of my family, I would like to thank everyone involved who are providing us support and for the awareness of childhood cancer. We have been through so much in the last few months and we couldn't have done it without your support. Thank you so much Ariel (whose story is below), Fabric Health, and all of the organizations and staff that are making this possible. You all are making such a huge impact on our lives. Thank you for your warmth and kindness.
Ariel’s story
My grandparents immigrated to America with not much to their name. Despite not having financial security, they always prioritized community and giving back. In particular, my Grandma Lucy lost everything when she came to the states but purposefully volunteered at a local hospital. She taught me that “even when you think you have nothing to give, you always have something.” I carry these words with me every day.
As I grew older, balancing my education and career ultimately meant I had less time to devote to giving back. But I was still determined—I realized that even though I felt I had less to give (financially, with time, or otherwise), I still had something: my hair.
The first time I donated my hair, I decided to chop over 10 inches. I chose Locks of Love, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that converted my donation into a custom-made wig for a disadvantaged child experiencing hair loss due to a medical condition (e.g., cancer treatment, burn trauma, alopecia). My donation was thoughtfully done in my Grandma Lucy’s honor and to celebrate her selfless dedication to the patients at Maimonides Hospital. Since then, I have donated my hair three times and continue to volunteer, donate, advocate, and support communities in my personal life.
Fast forward to today, September 2024, and my fourth hair donation. Like all my prior hair donations, each is done to celebrate, honor and highlight worthy people and causes. With September marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), I intentionally want to honor a member of the Fabric community—Rudy Phaxay and his family. I hope my narrative, experience, and motivations help inspire our wider community to do one act of kindness this month and remember, “even when you think you have nothing to give, you always have something.”
