Kids Beating Cancer’s Story
How One Little Boy’s Life Sparked a Movement of Hope
The love for a child—and the profound sorrow of losing one—is the opening chapter in the Kids Beating Cancer story. Since 1992, the life and legacy of one brave little boy has touched over 14,000 children.
At just five years old, John was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), which progressed into a rare acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML with Monosomy 7)—a rare and often fatal disease. His only chance for survival was a bone marrow transplant. With no pediatric transplant centers in Central Florida at the time, John’s mother, Margaret, had to leave her home in Orlando to seek treatment in Seattle.
Over four years, John endured long hospital stays, painful procedures, and two transplants. Despite the fight, a cure was not to be—John passed away at just nine years old.
Although John couldn’t beat his disease, his story became the spark for change. In his memory, the John Voight Memorial Foundation was formed in 1992, just six months after his passing, later renamed Kids Beating Cancer with two clear goals:
-
To ensure that children can access life-saving treatments close to home—without sacrificing quality or outcomes, and support throughout their treatment journey.
-
To fund groundbreaking research in pursuit of a cure for childhood cancer
John’s journey began with heartbreak, but continues today as a legacy of hope for thousands of children still fighting.
The vision that fueled decades of tenacious, unwavering dedication became a reality with the opening of the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando in 2012—an 8-bed, state-of-the-art facility offering children access to life-saving care close to home.
That vision expanded even further in 2024 with the launch of the Kids Beating Cancer Cellular Therapy Facility, bringing cutting-edge treatments and new hope to families facing the toughest battles.
Margaret Guedes, CEO, President and Founder
The result every parent prays for is a cure—and the strength to keep their family whole throughout the long, difficult journey of treatment.
They all echo the heartfelt question once asked by John:
“Mommy, why do kids get leukemia?”
Even today, there is no answer to John’s question. But what has changed is the outcome.
Because of the efforts inspired by his life, thousands of children now have access to the care they need, and researchers are moving closer to the cure he never received.
John’s voice still echoes—not in despair, but in the hope he left behind.
Because all a family should worry about is the joy and love of raising their child!
Margaret’s Story
