The Emilio Nares Foundation Launches ‘Ride with Us’ Fundraising Campaign through May 23
The Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF), a non-profit organization focused on supporting families navigating their child’s journey with cancer or other life-threatening disease treatment, has launched ‘Ride with Us,’ a new fundraising campaign. The campaign will run from March 25 to May 23 and hopes to raise $350,000 to further help families access resources. All funds raised through the campaign will directly impact six core programs at ENF, all focused on providing a continuum of care from diagnosis to recovery.
The theme of the campaign reflects the help ENF provides to families on their “Road to Healing” by ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Additionally, the campaign will focus on free, safe, and reliable transportation for children battling cancer through their established, Ride with Emilio program.
“We are thrilled to launch the ‘Ride with Us’ campaign,” said Elsa Morales Roth, Executive Director of the Emilio Nares Foundation. “The need for our services is ever-present, and we are committed to helping families through their toughest times. Our goal is to continue providing them with the care, support, and resources they deserve. We encourage everyone to contribute, whether through donations or simply spreading the word and together, we can make a real difference.”
The campaign will support six of ENF’s programs including:
- Family Resource Center – ENF provides multilingual, wrap-around support—including shelter, food, mental health services, childcare, and bedside assistance—to families of children in medical treatment.
- Ride with Emilio – The organization offers free, reliable transportation to ensure no child misses life-saving medical treatment.
- Snack Bags – The organization combats food insecurity by providing free, hospital-approved snack bags, ensuring children in oncology units receive essential nutrients after fasting for therapy.
- Creating for Hope – ENF provides one-on-one and group knitting and crocheting sessions in the hospital, offering a therapeutic outlet that fosters community, peer support, and mental well-being.
- End of Life Program – The organization provides financial assistance, emotional support, and education against predatory practices to families facing the unimaginable loss of a child.
- Healing Through Nature – ENF offers outdoor activities for families of children in cancer remission, using nature’s healing power to strengthen emotional and physical well-being while fostering a supportive community.
In 2024, ENF made significant strides, serving over 168 families through its Family Resource Center—a 50 percent increase from the previous year. The Ride with Emilio program provided 2,521 rides, covering a total of 101,664 miles across San Diego. Additionally, the Emilio Snack Bags program distributed 2,600 nutritious snack bags to children at Rady Children’s Hospital, and 45 one-on-one and group therapy sessions were held to offer support to families.
Thanks to these programs, ENF has touched the lives of thousands of families at every stage of their cancer journey. Through the ‘Ride with Us’ campaign, ENF aims to extend its reach, ensuring even more families can access the crucial support they need.
The community can support the Ride with Us fundraising campaign by donating ($100 provides a ride for a child to their medical appointment), starting a peer fundraiser, and spreading the word by following ENF on social media (@EmilioNaresFoundation) and using #RideWithUsENF to raise awareness.
To learn more about the Emilio Nares Foundation, visit ENFHope.org.
Category: children, Donations, Events, family, Health & Fitness, Local News, Nonprofit, Volunteers
