While traditional non-profits would throw fancy galas and events to attract donors, Milk Tyson and his team at Fighting All Monsters (FAM) are doing things differently by saving the luxury to those who genuinely need it. The non-profit recently launched a retreat for cancer moms, giving them the time and relaxation needed after years of battling childhood cancer with their kids.
Although a child battling cancer may sound like a one-in-a-million condition, considering that children that age are perceived to be healthy, childhood cancer is not as rare as everyone may think. It happens to thousands of children in the United States, and hundreds of thousands more across the globe. Behind every child battling the disease is a mother who spends day in and day out tirelessly offering and dedicating their lives to provide the best care. But the efforts of such selfless mothers are often eclipsed. Hence, Fighting All Monsters is committed to giving mothers a relaxing retreat to make them feel that they are not alone in the fight.
FAM recently threw an all-expense-paid retreat for cancer moms at the six Waterfront mansions provided by Keys Ocean Views in Islamorada, Florida. The getaway included catered meals prepared by private chefs, show tickets, fireworks, 24-hour beach massages, pedicures, manicures, facials, waxing, and more. The non-profit also gave the mothers opportunities to experience paddleboarding, sightseeing on boats, snorkeling, and shopping trips.
The retreat was provided to 60 mothers from 30 states across the country, over 11 of whom have lost their children to the battle. Besides childhood cancer, other beneficiary mothers have kids with other complicated childhood medical conditions. The getaway also included a lantern release night where the mothers who lost their children to cancer were given a chance to write Letters to Heaven in remembrance of their little ones.
FAM was built to declare war on childhood cancer in a more proactive way. Launched by Milk Tyson in 2018, the organization has created an impact in the non-profit scene ever since, and it is continually spreading awareness and light on childhood cancer. Last February, FAM flew 12 of its kids to Los Angeles to appear on The Ellen Show after going viral for dancing to Sean P Diddy Combs’ “Bad Boys for Life.” As Ellen Degeneres herself said, the dance video effectively gathered support for children battling cancer on the digital space.
Besides social media, FAM is continually making efforts to appeal to donors from all walks of life. Milk Tyson stresses that anyone can make a change, and non-profits shouldn’t wait or rely on elite donors to make a difference.
“FAM is appealing to donors who want to cut the red tape and get the donations directly to FAMilies. We have a slogan, ‘Shut up and do something.’ At FAM, it is not unheard of to receive an emergency request, have funds in that FAMily’s hands the very same day,” explained the founder.
Even amid the pandemic, FAM is breaking its own records and has consistently helped FAMilies, be it through financial, physical, mental, or emotional support. “The kids are excited to become FAMily, because the pity campaign is tossed aside, and the red carpet is rolled out,” shared Milk Tyson.
FAM aims to launch more events such as the mom retreat in the future, including a getaway for dads and a cruise ship experience for families under its umbrella.
Learn more about Milk Tyson and Fighting All Monsters on their website.
