A celebration of hope: Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day brings joy and connection
7/1/2026
When 7-year-old Arnulfo knocked on 24-year-old Esteban's hospital room door last July, he had a simple message for his friend: "You made me get up yesterday, so you have to do the same today." It was the kind of moment that defines the pediatric cancer journey—not just the medical treatments and clinical milestones, but the unexpected friendships and profound connections that sustain families through their darkest days.
This past June, Arnulfo and Esteban reunited at Banner Children's Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day celebration, held at Fat Cats entertainment complex in Mesa. They were among 57 survivors and about 250 total attendees—including family members, care teams, and volunteers—who gathered for what felt like a joyful reunion.
"It was incredible to see everyone come together," says one team member. "Survivors, patients currently in treatment, their families, and the care teams who've walked alongside them—all celebrating life and resilience."
An unlikely friendship forged in adversity
Arnulfo and Esteban's friendship began on July 24, 2025—a date Esteban remembers because it's his mother's birthday. Both had just been diagnosed with cancer the same month: Arnulfo with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Esteban with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. While Esteban was past the typical age for general pediatric medical care, research shows that young-adult cancer is closer to pediatric cancer in how it behaves—especially acute leukemias, sarcomas and brain cancer—meaning they respond best to pediatric treatment protocols.
Walking down the hospital hallway that day, Esteban encountered Arnulfo's mother, Margarita, crying outside her son's room. When he asked what was wrong, she opened the door to reveal Arnulfo curled up on his side, exhausted and overwhelmed by his treatment regimen.
"My heart broke," Esteban recalls. "I went into the room and started talking to him. I told him I was also taking so many medications but that we needed to do these things to get better."
The next day, their roles reversed. When Esteban was struggling to get out of bed, Arnulfo came knocking. They went for a walk and played in the teenage room, cementing a bond that has only grown stronger. "I will always be very thankful for Esteban because he helped me get Arnulfo back to himself," says Margarita. "He helped him take his medications, he motivated him to move forward, and I will always carry that with me. There were nights when Arnulfo didn't want the nurses to do anything with him, and as soon as I told Esteban about the situation, he was there by his side—even if it was 2 a.m."
Arnulfo finished treatment in October 2024 and continues follow-up care at the clinic. Esteban, who went into remission in October 2024, still has over a year of treatment ahead. At the Survivors Day celebration, the two friends enjoyed a spirited bowling match—with Arnulfo claiming victory.
A community united in support
The June celebration offered full access to Fat Cats' amenities, with special stations featuring temporary tattoos, Beads of Courage activities, and patient assistance tables. Marvel characters delighted young attendees, while seven local cancer foundations—Children's Cancer Network, Armer Foundation for Children, Hope Kids, Parker Project, Beads of Courage, Lily's Pad, and September CHAMP—provided resources and support. Adding to the day's significance was the presence of volunteers from Cox Communications, including Jose de Alba, Supervisor of Field Operations.
"Thank you so much for the opportunity to spread joy with all of the survivors and families," says Jose, himself a cancer survivor. "This hit home, and it was a huge honor to be part of this celebration. The Banner Health and Foundation teams were incredible and a joy to work with. It takes special, kindhearted people to do what you do each and every day, and you all have that!"
The Cox Communications team's involvement reflects an ongoing commitment to pediatric cancer care that began with a transformative $5 million donation from the James M. Cox Family Foundation in 2024. This generous gift created the Banner Children's Blood & Cancer Center at Banner Children's at Desert in Mesa.
State-of-the-art care for our youngest patients
The Banner Children's Blood & Cancer Center provides comprehensive care for children and young adults up to age 19 with blood disorders or cancer. The state-of-the-art facility integrates the previously separate pediatric hematology oncology clinic and outpatient pediatric treatment center in one location, enhancing the delivery of high-quality, coordinated care.
Equipped with advanced medical technology and designed specifically for the needs of young patients, the center represents a significant advancement in pediatric cancer care in the East Valley. For families like Arnulfo's and Esteban's, it's a place where cutting-edge treatment meets compassionate, kid-connected care.
Join us in supporting young cancer fighters
Events like Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day remind us why this work matters. Behind every statistic is a child like Arnulfo, finding the strength to take his medications. Behind every treatment protocol is a young adult like Esteban, showing up at 2 a.m. to encourage a friend. Behind every family is a community of supporters making moments of joy possible.
Your gift to the Banner Children's Advanced Pediatric Cancer Center helps provide the specialized care, advanced treatments, and supportive environment that give children and young adults the best chance to not just survive, but thrive.
Support pediatric cancer care at Banner Children's by making a donation—simply select "Advanced Pediatric Cancer Center" from the dropdown menu—or contact us to learn more about giving opportunities
Together, we can ensure that more children ring the bell marking the end of treatment, more friendships are forged in hospital hallways, and more families celebrate at events like Pediatric Cancer Survivors Day for years to come.