Mission Statement
The Izzy Foundation is a national nonprofit located in Providence, Rhode Island whose mission is to design, fund and IZspire creative projects and programs for families whose children have cancer or other life altering medical conditions to LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and PLAY.
The inspiration for The Izzy Foundation came from Isabelle Marie Wohlrab (Izzy), who was diagnosed with Stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma cancer two weeks after her first birthday. Izzy maintained an incredible spirit over the next 2 1/2 years and spread joy and happiness to everyone who met her. Through her grace and determination, she showed everyone that she reached a glimpse of just how beautiful life can be. Even after Izzy earned her angel wings, she has inspired her parents, family, friends and countless others to continue with her philosophy to LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and PLAY through The Izzy Foundation. Initially created to defray the costs of Izzy’s stem-cell transplant in Germany, the Foundation now seeks to design spaces, provide services and support to children with cancer and their families by implementing inpatient and outpatient services for pediatric patients at Hasbro Hospital, in Providence, Rhode Island and nationwide.
Since 2011 when we began our IZspirational journey, we have raised over $1,000,000 through fundraisers, donations, merchandise sales and various other initiatives.
Together we have made it possible to provide many services for the families of pediatric cancer patients. Your contributions help with our many projects including: the building, design and creation of IZspiring spaces like the Izzy Family Room, a special playground in Pinecrest, NC, and the Izzy Surgical Waiting Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI, as well as The Izzy Family Room programs and activities, scholarships for pediatric cancer survivors and their siblings, and our Angel Families holiday program. Through the continued support of our donors and friends, we hope to provide even more services in the near future!
Izzy’s Story and The Izzy Foundation….
Izzy was diagnosed with Stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma two weeks after her first birthday. She was able to earn her angel wings in just two short years. During those two years, Izzy inspired her parents, her family, her friends and countless others to live, love, laugh and play. Through her grace and determination, we saw a glimpse of just how beautiful life can be. Izzy has inspired us to continue with that philosophy through the Izzy Foundation. Initially created to defray the costs of her own stem-cell transplant in Germany, the Foundation now seeks to provide services and support to those families with children who have debilitating diseases. The Izzy Foundation is a non-profit organization [501(c)(3) designation] founded in Providence, RI. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
A little more about Izzy
Isabelle Marie Wohlrab has an older brother, an older sister, and ‘a baby brother.’ Despite chemotherapy, radiation and three surgeries, her first year of treatment was rather ‘normal.’ Izzy grew and played just like any other 18 month old. By her second birthday, Izzy had developed a sense of self and awareness typically seen in children much older. The word ‘no’ was seldom heard from her lips. Soon after her second birthday, Izzy had memorized a few of her favorite books and was able to recite them back to us. In addition, she would sit at a table, tongue sticking out of her mouth in concentration, and color within the lines for an hour at a time. By her third birthday, Izzy had undergone more surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation than many adults can tolerate. Despite the battle within her body, Izzy continued to smile, laugh, and entertain. She had the uncanny ability to create a dance party with groups of people from all ages and backgrounds on the spur of the moment. Nobody was immune from Izzy walking over, grabbing their hand, and pulling them up to dance….usually to Justin Bieber! ‘Inspired by Izzy’ became a rallying cry for people all over the world. It is because of her life that we hope that everyone is IZspired by Izzy.