The Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer
A six-year-old boy who lost his battle with cancer eleven years ago is the story behind a Dallas, TX foundation.
The Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer is an outreach program which has helped over 500 families and distributed approximately $750,000 in last wishes, gifts, and financial assistance to terminally ill children and their needy families.
Children in the last stages of terminal cancer get help creating everlasting memories with the agency’s help.
Clayton Dabney, 6, passed away in 1995 and the foundation was organized by friends and family. He suffered from a rare form of cancer that destroys tissue cells.
The foundation, which celebrated ten years last year, anonymously provides assistance to those in need so that terminally ill children receive the gifts from their parents.
“We want the parents to take the glory,” said Shelby Dabney, Clayton’s mother who formed the foundation with the help of her husband, Scott, among others. “The relatives bring pictures and beam, saying it made their child happy.”
Clayton had a unique spirit and personality according to his parents who chose to turn their hearts outward after their loss. The Dabneys have two other children.
They said when he was three he almost drowned but an angel told him it wasn’t his time yet as he saw a bright light.
They added that he saw several angels when he was in the hospital with cancer.
The sad fact remains that not all children are as fortunate as Clayton with regard to finances, according to the foundation’s website.
Some examples of families the agency has helped include an 11-year-old girl who dreamed of being an artist as she continued to paint daily, a 14-year-old boy who always wanted to see the ocean and fly in a plane, and a 15-year-old boy who longed to see his artwork but couldn’t display it in the hospital, among others.
When a nine-year-old girl requested a video camera and tickets to the zoo the foundation came through for her, too.
They also helped parents of a 13-month-old girl when they were laid off from their jobs because of missing too much work to be with her.
Many children also dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist.
The foundation accepts cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard donations which are all tax deductible.
You can also send a donation as a memorial gift for a loved one or friend or join Clayton’s Wings, an exclusive donor group.
Some people sponsor a case request which will be fulfilled in your name or an honoree of your choice.
You can also sponsor a gift basket boy designating your financial contribution or donating specific gifts to be included.
To make a contribution or send a donation, mail to: Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids With Cancer, 8150 N. Central Expressway, Suite 795, Dallas, TX 75206.
For more information, call John Owen at 214-361-2600.
