When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness, everything changes instantly. Life becomes a blur of hospital visits, overwhelming decisions, and sleepless nights. That is where the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF) steps in, ensuring that no family, regardless of background, income, or lived experience, faces a medical crisis alone.
Founded in 2002 by Richard and Diane Nares after losing their son Emilio to leukemia, ENF began with a simple act of love: personally driving families to and from their children’s cancer treatments. That gesture grew into a powerful movement rooted in compassion, dignity, and community.
Today, ENF has helped more than 15,000 children and provides lifesaving support to families across Southern California, all completely free of charge. At the heart of ENF’s mission is the Continuum of Care, a comprehensive initiative addressing the practical and emotional challenges of childhood illness through six key programs.
Just ask Olivia, a 7-year-old from Imperial Valley diagnosed with leukemia last year. Treatment meant traveling over two hours each way to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, sometimes three times a week. The emotional and logistical toll was immense. Safe, reliable transportation is lifesaving for many families. In San Diego, public transit or rideshare can take hours and be unpredictable. Picture a child after chemotherapy: exhausted, immunocompromised, and exposed to germs in a crowded vehicle.
That changed when Olivia’s family connected with ENF’s Family Resource Center. Her mother was welcomed and guided to services in her own language. She received support with housing, food, emotional care, and transportation. Like nearly 50% of families facing childhood cancer, Olivia struggled to get to appointments. Through Ride With Emilio, she now arrives safely and on time. In 2024, ENF drivers logged over 101,000 miles, ensuring children never miss the care they need.
By the time families arrive for treatment, there is rarely time to eat. Emilio’s Snack Bags are hospital-approved, ready-to-eat, and packed with nourishing treats that offer comfort after 24 hours of fasting. Over 2,600 bags were distributed in 2024. While Olivia fights her battle, her mother finds strength in Creating for Hope, ENF’s peer support group for caregivers. Through knitting and conversation, she connects with others who truly understand her fears, hope, and fatigue. As Olivia enters remission, she will join Healing Through Nature. These outdoor adventures help children and their families reconnect with joy and movement. Whether hiking, animal encounters, or hands-on STEM activities, families rediscover healing, hope, and a renewed love for life.
Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children. In the most tragic moments, ENF remains by a family’s side. Its End-of-Life Services offer funeral stipends, protect families from predatory practices, and provide grief counseling.
Emilio’s legacy lives on in every ride, snack, and hug shared. His spirit reminds us what love and community can accomplish and that no family should ever face childhood cancer or any life-threatening illness alone.
Please join us at Harvest for Hope. You can also make an impact by donating or volunteering at www.enfhope.org.
