Wisconsin Nonprofit Aids Families of Children With Cancer
Newly diagnosed families can receive Hope Express backpacks stocked with practical support for long treatment stays.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Cancer
Pierce County, Wisconsin, family started the nonprofit Derail Childhood Cancer in memory of their son Bryson McGrath, who died of cancer at age 5 on September 26, 2025. The organization is launching Hope Express backpacks for newly diagnosed families, a resource aimed at Wisconsin families facing pediatric cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Pediatric cancer treatment often requires long stretches of travel and time away from work, and the McGraths quit their jobs and relocated to get Bryson care. Their nonprofit is designed to ease some of those practical burdens for families who receive a childhood cancer diagnosis.
This is a single patient's documented treatment history, reported by his family, rather than a controlled study. It details a 7-inch, 2-pound tumor and a course of 26 chemotherapy rounds, 42 radiation treatments, 17 immunotherapy cycles and 12 surgeries, along with four relapses before his death.
The players
Derail Childhood Cancer
A nonprofit founded by the McGrath family to support families facing pediatric cancer through resources such as Hope Express backpacks.
Mayo Clinic
A major academic medical center based in Rochester, Minnesota, that will distribute the Hope Express backpacks.
Children's Minneapolis
A pediatric hospital in Minneapolis that will hand out the Hope Express backpacks to families.
Masonic Children's Hospital
A pediatric hospital that will hand out the Hope Express backpacks to families.
The details
Bryson was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at age 2½, and his tumor ruptured during surgery, allowing cancer cells to spread through his body. His family says he was rushed to surgery after a 7-inch mass was found in his abdominal cavity. The Hope Express backpacks will hold towels, a laundry hamper, board games, a resource binder and more to support families during treatment.
Timeline
Bryson was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at age 2½.
Bryson died of cancer at age 5 on September 26, 2025.
Mayor declared June 18 Bryson's Silly Goose Day.
Health Landscape
Wisconsin has two major pediatric oncology centers, in Madison and Milwaukee, yet the McGrath family traveled to Minneapolis and then San Diego for Bryson's treatment. The story shows that access to specialized childhood cancer care can require long-distance travel even within a state that has established centers.
Families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis may find support resources such as the Hope Express backpacks useful as they plan for travel and hospital stays. Parents with questions about pediatric cancer screening or treatment options are encouraged to raise them with a pediatric oncologist.
The takeaway
Childhood cancer treatment can involve extensive travel and time away from work, so practical support for families matters. Parents who have concerns about a child's symptoms should consult a pediatrician promptly.
Further reading
Explore more Cancer coverage to see how families navigate pediatric treatment across Wisconsin.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Weau.
