‘Fight with Faith’ event to honor and support children with cancer and their families
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
This September, the Catholic community will gather for a first-of-its-kind event in Colorado dedicated to honoring, supporting and praying for children battling cancer — and remembering those who have died from it.
“Fight with Faith,” hosted by the Mary Strong Foundation, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Frassati Catholic Academy in Thornton. The event coincides with Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and is designed to surround affected families with love, encouragement and prayer.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with a Living Rosary, where participants will come together to pray for healing, strength and hope. From 10 a.m. to noon, families can visit community tables, enjoy games and activities and share in fellowship over food. Local organizations are invited to bring informational tables and are encouraged to provide an activity or game to foster community engagement. The event will close with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the school’s chapel from noon to 1 p.m., offering a peaceful time of prayer and reflection for all who wish to participate.
The Mary Strong Foundation was founded in memory of Mary Stegmueller, a young girl whose courageous fight against pediatric cancer inspired many across the Archdiocese of Denver. Over the years, Denver Catholic has shared Mary’s story — her faith, her joy and how she touched hearts even amid suffering. Through the foundation, her family continues her legacy by supporting children with cancer and their loved ones.
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Families who have a child currently battling pediatric cancer, or who have lost a child to it, are invited to be honored during the event and to receive a Bag of Hope or Bag of Remembrance. These bags, prepared by the foundation, are filled with thoughtful items meant to comfort, encourage and remind families of the community’s prayers. To have a child honored and receive a bag, families can email Kristin@marystrongfoundation.org.
The organizers hope the event will draw not only families affected by pediatric cancer but also Catholic families from across the Archdiocese who wish to stand in solidarity.
Local parishes, ministries, schools and community organizations are encouraged to participate by hosting a table. It’s an opportunity to share resources, provide activities for children and be a visible sign of the Church’s commitment to walking with those who suffer. Those interested in hosting a table can sign up at https://forms.gle/8keYzqizc4ADYEfv6.
How to participate:
Attend: Bring your family, friends or parish group and join in prayer and fellowship.
Pray: Come for the Living Rosary or Adoration, even if you can’t stay for the entire event.
Host a Table: Support the event by providing a fun and engaging activity for families.
Honor a Child: Email Kristin@marystrongfoundation.org if you would like your child remembered and to receive a Bag of Hope or Remembrance.
Pediatric cancer affects thousands of children and families each year, often bringing with it not just medical challenges but emotional, spiritual and financial strain. Events like “Fight with Faith” are a reminder that the Body of Christ is called to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and to bear one another’s burdens.
