The Emilio Nares Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children battling life-threatening conditions, is currently engaged in its annual Ride With Us fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $350,000 before the month ends.
Named after a young boy who lost his battle with leukemia at just five years old, the foundation has been providing vital services to families for over two decades.
Emilio Nares would have celebrated his 30th birthday this year.
Founded by his parents, Richard and Diane Nares, the organization has grown substantially, offering comprehensive support, including transportation to and from critical medical appointments, nutritional snacks during chemotherapy, and various other services.
The Emilio Nares Foundation has positively impacted the lives of thousands of families across Southern California, encompassing areas such as San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.
Executive Director Elsa Morales Roth emphasized the importance of the transportation program, particularly for families who face logistical challenges while balancing work and treatment schedules.
“For families with a single vehicle, juggling work commitments with medical appointments can be particularly challenging. Our transportation services provide a safer alternative to using public transport or rideshare services, especially for immunocompromised patients,” Roth explained.
According to the foundation’s annual report, the Ride With Emilio program has provided over 2,500 rides, covering an impressive 101,000 miles for families in need.
In addition to transportation, the foundation is expanding its efforts to address the educational gaps faced by children during their treatment times.
Roth recounted a poignant experience involving a young girl diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of eight, who, after completing her treatment, revealed that she could not read.
“That’s when we realized we had to expand our services to connect her to education and literacy,” Roth stated. “It’s one of many stories that reflect our mission: not only to provide access to treatment but also to ensure these children thrive after their ordeal.”
In addition to transportation and nutrition, the foundation offers other key programs, including a family resource center that provides shelter, food, and mental health support, therapeutic knitting and crocheting sessions, and an end-of-life program that assists families with grief and funeral planning.
The foundation recently launched the Healing Through Nature program in partnership with the San Diego River Park Foundation, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of nature for healing children.
Currently, the Ride With Us campaign has raised about $55,000, and Roth expressed optimism, stating that they are
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