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About the Will Irwin Fund
Where' there's a Will, there's a way.
– Joanna Irwin, Will’s mother
Will's Story: A Legacy of Courage
At just three months old, Will was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He fought relentlessly for five months, enduring treatments and surgeries. Despite the efforts of his incredible team of doctors, Will passed away in his parents’ arms on May 31, 2019. Will’s cancer was incredibly aggressive, and the lack of available treatment options for pediatric cancer left his family with few choices.
Will’s story is the heartbeat of the Will Irwin Fund, and his parents are committed to honoring his legacy by ensuring that no other child faces this disease without the hope of a cure.
$2.5 Million+
Raised
Fueling breakthrough research and progress toward a cure for pediatric cancer.
20+ Research Initiatives Funded
Backing pioneering projects and clinical trials that offer real hope for a cure.
3 Leading Doctors Supported
Partnering with top researchers across the country to advance cancer treatment and care.
The Journey Behind the Will Irwin Fund
Mike and Joanna Irwin started the Will Irwin Fund with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) six years ago in memory of their son, William (Will), who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when he was only three months old. Despite a fierce five-month battle with cancer, Will passed away in the arms of his parents on May 31st, 2019. His cancer was too aggressive for his little body, and because of his young age and the lack of research dedicated to pediatric cancer, there were limited treatment options available.
Since Will’s passing, Mike and Joanna have made it their life’s mission to ensure that no other child faces a cancer diagnosis without hope for a cure. Through the Will Irwin Fund, they are raising money to fund vital pediatric cancer research that brings us closer to a cure. Their dedication to this cause is driven by Will’s legacy — a legacy of courage, resilience, and the desire to ensure that every child diagnosed with pediatric cancer will one day hear the words, "We have a cure."
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A Note From Joanna
Thank you so much for supporting our quest in creating a cancer-free future for all children. It is my son, Will’s legacy, that every child diagnosed with cancer will hear the words, “We have the cure.” Despite his short life, Will left a huge impression on the hearts and lives of so many. Mike and I are honored to celebrate our son’s life with all our family, friends, and supporters who help us make a difference in the 400,000+ children diagnosed with cancer each year.
Will would have been turning 6 years old this October, and the fact that we can’t celebrate with our son is devastating. However, we are blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support as we grieve our loss. The money we raise in memory of our baby boy funds life-saving research that provides the best hope for a cure to childhood cancer.
We have seen first-hand the importance of new innovation and treatment options for our children. The toxicity of current childhood cancer treatments leaves children with lifelong debilitation that takes away from their quality of life. This is why funding pediatric cancer research has never been more important. In partnership with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, we’ve been able to fund groundbreaking research in Will’s legacy. Together, our mission is that every child facing the challenges of pediatric cancer will not only survive, but thrive!
Please join the Will Strong team and help us find a cure. When we come together as a community, great things can happen!
Who We Fund
The Will Irwin Fund supports cutting-edge research through partnerships with top researchers across the country. Here are some of the amazing doctors we’re helping support in their quest for a cure:
Will's Beads of Courage
Jo Irwin shares Will's Beads of Courage at The Culinary and Musical Experience event in February of 2023