How One Cancer Diagnosis Turned Into Hope for Others

When Cora was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), “High Risk”, at just five years old in January 2024, her world—and her family’s—changed in an instant. Suddenly, life revolved around hospital visits, treatments and the uncertainty that comes with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Her parents, Katie and Sean, along with her older sister McKenna, have been by her side every step of the way. In September of that same year, Roc Solid Foundation, along with generous playset sponsor, Hunt Brothers Pizza, stepped in to surround them with hope by building Cora her very own backyard playset.

Receiving Their Playset

“So many emotions came with our build day,” Katie shares. “We felt so loved, so appreciated and seen. From the Roc Solid team to the volunteers at Hunt Brothers Pizza, the kindness was overwhelming.”

Even months later, the impact has been life-changing. “It’s been so wonderful to just walk out our front door and have something for Cora to play on,” Katie says.

“I firmly believe having the ability to play and exercise has helped her do so well during treatment. Not laying around and watching TV, but moving her body, has helped her fight this—and it’s helping her beat it.” -Katie, Cora’s Mama Bear

Cora especially loves the swings. She recently learned how to swing on her own, soaring higher and higher with each kick. Thanks to the joyful memory of her build day, she often pretends the playset is her very own pizza shop, inspired by the Hunt Brothers Pizza volunteers, and “serves” pies to her family. 

But for Katie and Sean, their playset was only the beginning of their journey with Roc Solid.

Playing It Forward: Helping Another Family

In 2025, the Fuller family stepped into a new role—this time not as recipients, but as hope builders. They joined Roc Solid Foundation to help build a playset for another local child fighting cancer in their home state of Tennessee.

“For us, it’s really just about paying it forward,” Katie explains. “We know firsthand how heartbreaking and scary this journey can be. Roc Solid brought smiles and love to our family, and we wanted to do the same for someone else.”

The experience was powerful, not just for Katie and Sean, but for their daughters as well. “Seeing the smiles and appreciation on the other family’s faces was everything,” Katie says. “Teaching our girls to spread love and do their part to help others is important to us.”

One of the most meaningful moments for Katie was connecting with another cancer parent. “Sometimes you feel so alone in this,” she shares. “To have another mom to talk to and cry with was good for my soul. Then seeing the little boy’s face when he came out and saw his playset—it made every single part of the day worth it.”

Full Circle: Hope that Multiplies

For Cora, what started as a backyard playset has become so much more—a place to laugh, play and grow stronger throughout her treatment.

For her parents, it’s a reminder of community, faith and the power of hope. Now, as they serve other families walking the same difficult road, the Fullers are proof that hope doesn’t stop with one playset—it multiplies.

Their story is a testament to what happens when families not only receive love but choose to give it back. It’s a reminder of why Roc Solid Foundation exists—so no family fights pediatric cancer alone.

If you are interested in making a donation to help provide Roc Solid Ready Bags and backyard play structures to families like Cora’s, click here. 

To learn about sponsorship opportunities for Ready Bag Packing Parties and play projects, go to our website to learn more. 

If you or a family you know is fighting pediatric cancer and interested in receiving a Roc Solid Ready Bag or play structure, let us know by clicking here.

Key Takeaways from Cora’s Story

• Play matters: Cora’s playset has given her strength, joy and a way to keep moving through treatment.
• Hope multiplies: By helping another family fighting pediatric cancer receive a playset, the Fullers turned their own gift into something even bigger.
• Connection through community: For Katie, meeting another cancer parent during the build reminded her that no family fights pediatric cancer alone.