VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crissy Johnson said she understands what mothers go through when their families are faced with challenges. That's why she decided to create an organization that could have helped her when her son was diagnosed as a toddler.
"We're a wife, we're a mom, we're a sister, we're all these things all at one time," Johnson said. "It's like, we [have to] be the stronger person for the family."
When it comes to dealing with childhood cancer, she doesn't want any mom or family to face it alone.
"I realize the importance of community more than anything," Johnson said, "because community heals."
Johnson founded MomAdvocate Foundation in 2020 to support families impacted by pediatric cancer.
"I was always advocating on behalf of children as well as other parents to let them know that they have a voice in their child's journey," Johnson said.
It's something she and her family understand all too well.
"My journey started on April 3rd, 2017 when my son was diagnosed with cancer," Johnson said. "David spent his first four years of life in and outside of the hospital."
David was diagnosed with neuroblastoma around 18 months old.
Today, David is 8 years old, and doctors declared him cancer-free this year. Crissy documented her family's journey with childhood cancer in her book, Fighting for King David.
"Me writing things, how I felt, inside of my journal was a way for me to release all the tension and stress that I had," Johnson said. "And it was just a way for me to start spreading awareness about childhood cancer."
MomAdvocate Foundation is Johnson's latest effort to serve and advocate for families.
"Our main program is a Fuel For The Journey program," Johnson said. The program provides meal and gift cards to families with a child actively being treated for cancer.
The foundation also hosts King David's Costume Drive, where costumes are collected and donated to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters for patients.
"It's about the child being able to be normal, to imagine, to just forget about what's happening for that particular amount of time," Johnson said.
She said sometimes, it's the small things that help children and families keep fighting against pediatric cancer.
"There is hope," Johnson said. "You have a whole army behind you, speaking up for you. If you don't know what to say, we're here to help support you."
You can support MomAdvocate Foundation through donating or by volunteering. Contact the nonprofit for more information or to learn how you and your family can receive help.