About Us

#tjstrong

#TJSTRONG

"During TJ's treatment, I asked him what his perfect day would look like..He said I'd go fishing"

On May 6, 2016 our lives were turned upside down.  Our 12 year old son at the time, TJ, was diagnosed with ALL- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after weeks of being sick.  It was an AWAKENING on ALL levels, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. 

 

Just a few months into his treatment cooped up in his new home away from home- 7 South at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, he turns to his dad and tells him he knows what OUR purpose is for this life changing situation.  That this is so much bigger than us.  This is when the idea RIIF - Reel It In Foundation was born, and since then has been slowly put into action.  

 


We pray that our foundation will help open everyone’s eyes to the reality that only 4% of cancer research funds go to pediatric cancer.  That if one treatment fails a child, there are no other options available for the children of our future.  We pray that our foundation will be able to be there and help out other families fighting this battle like so many have helped us in our battle and continue to do so.  For these are big battles these children and families are facing and RIIF wants to help be their army of support, no matter in what shape or form. 

  • We pray that RIIF will be here for the children to let them feel normal again, to do normal kid things. 
  • We pray that RIIF will give the  family members options of support, whether spiritually, emotionally, or financially because we know all too well how hard this FOREVER journey really is. 
  • We pray we can give back to other foundations that have graciously reached out to us so they will be able to continue to help other families in need.  

RIIF wants to be here through the WHOLE journey for these kids and their families.  You see, life just does not stop when your child is diagnosed with cancer.  It continues to move forward but in a much harder and different way.  After the initial outpouring of love and support has settled, these families still need and deserve even more love and support.  Our mission is to provide that and more.