In April of 2020, just five weeks into the pandemic, my 13 year old daughter Adeline was diagnosed with leukemia. Without us even having to ask, our community showed up, anticipating our needs before we were aware of them. With it being the beginning of a global pandemic and the world in isolation, they had to get creative! Car parades, front porch drop-offs, and Zoom calls let us know that we were not alone. And then there was the financial support. Donations came flooding in, again without us even asking. It was such a relief to have the burden of finances lifted so we could focus on getting Adeline well. Georgetown poured into our family so richly. They lined the course of the "marathon" we were "running" and cheered us along, every step we took. I knew that when I was able, I wanted to pay it forward, and I began dreaming of the day when that could become a reality.

Fast forward to the fall of 2022. Adeline was at Georgetown High School now, and active with the marching band. What if, I thought, we had a football game dedicated to childhood cancer awareness? That one idea, a "gold out" football game in September, soon turned into something bigger. Alongside other cancer moms in our district and with the support of many community members, we created the GISD Goes Gold Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting the families affected by pediatric cancer in our community. The importance of the support of one's community, especially in the face of a cancer diagnosis, cannot be overstated. It is our goal that ALL families will feel as deeply loved and supported on their cancer journey as mine did.

-Katie Jansson, Founding Member, President

The mission of the GISD Goes Gold Foundation is to support families of Georgetown ISD, both emotionally and financially, as they are facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. As cancer parents ourselves, we know the profound effect a supportive community can have on a pediatric cancer family. The funds we raise go directly back into supporting these families of our community. We are able to provide financial support at diagnosis, relapse, high school gradation, or bereavement. We also work to raise awareness, especially during the month of September which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Over 15,000 children per year are diagnosed with all types of cancer ranging from blood cancers to solid tumors in the United States alone, and each cancer type has its own awareness ribbon color. One thing that all of these children have in common is their resilience and strength in the face of adversity. These children are more precious than gold. The gold ribbon is the international symbol for childhood cancer awareness and represents all cancers that affect children.