Summer is in full swing at Lucy’s Love Bus, and the season has brought incredible energy, growth, and connection. With more families engaging in our programs than ever before and new adventures unfolding each week, we’re honored to continue delivering joy, healing, and relief to families navigating childhood cancer.
New & Ongoing Services
- Lucy’s Children: Candle Making for a Cause
Candle Making for a Cause was a hit once again! Seven children and three mothers came together to create beautifully scented, hand-poured candles—each label uniquely designed by the maker. The candles sold out at our Butterfly Benefit, spreading love and awareness with every purchase. - Climbing with Courage: Partnership with On Belay
On June 14th, Love Bus families partnered with On Belay Inc. for an unforgettable day at TreeTop Adventures. Despite pouring rain, participants embraced every challenge course with courage and joy—cheering one another on from the yellow course all the way to double black diamond. Huge thanks to On Belay and TreeTop Adventures for hosting a day filled with confidence, connection, and resilience.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Our Group Programming provides innovative opportunities that help children with cancer manage pain and anxiety, offer their siblings tools to cope, and give parents space to connect with others on similar journeys. To learn more about any of the activities listed below or to register, visit: www.lovebusprograms.org.
- Soccer Clinic with New England Revolution
Friday, June 27 | 12:00–1:30pm | Gillette Stadium
Kids ages 5+ are invited to play alongside professional players in a fun, adaptive clinic. - Equine Experience at Ironstone Farm
Saturday, June 28 | 11:00am–1:00pm
Hands-on horse interaction offers powerful therapeutic benefits for children ages 6 and up. - Virtual Monthly Mindfulness for Teens
Monday, June 30 | 4:30–5:30pm
Teens can tune in for a guided mindfulness practice to reduce stress and boost emotional wellbeing. - Barn Babies Animal Therapy
Saturday, July 12 | 10:00–11:00am | Amesbury, MA
All ages welcome to meet and cuddle therapy animals in a calming environment. - Whale Watch on Plum Island
Saturday, July 19 | 1:00–5:00pm
Join the waitlist for an exciting ocean adventure with other Love Bus families—email Kerry@lucyslovebus.org. - Gundalow Sail on the Piscataqua River
Friday, August 22 | 3:30–5:00pm | Portsmouth, NH
Set sail on a traditional wooden boat and enjoy a peaceful and scenic cruise. - Sunset Surf Camp with Levitate
Saturday, August 23 | 5:00–7:30pm | Rexhame Beach, Marshfield, MA
Children ages 7+ can catch waves and watch the sunset in this joyful coastal experience.
Program Milestones
While we’re heartened to see more families finding their way to Lucy’s Love Bus, each new application is also a reminder of the growing number of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Behind every statistic is a story of courage, resilience, and the need for healing support—and we are honored to be part of that journey.
Since January 1, 2025, we’ve welcomed 76 new applicants to our Lucy’s Children program, bringing the total number of active program participants to 365 out of an all-time total of 1,098. For our Sajni’s Siblings program, 60 new siblings have joined this year, bringing all time program participation to 312 siblings, of which 254 are still actively participating.
Our Spanish-speaking programming continues to grow, with 122 children and caregivers now receiving support in their preferred language.
And as of this summer, our Ilene’s Caregivers program has served 201 caregivers—offering them moments of rest, connection, and relief in the midst of extraordinary challenges.
While we wish these programs weren’t needed at all, we’re grateful to be able to show up for families with love, comfort, and consistency every step of the way.
Funding & Grant Updates
We are deeply grateful to the foundations and funders who make our work possible. Recent grants will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in meaningful ways.
The Evelyn S. and K.E. Barrett Foundation has awarded $15,000 in support of our Lucy’s Children and Sajni’s Siblings programs. This generous investment will empower approximately 30 children and their siblings across New England with healing therapies that reduce stress, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being. With this support, we can continue to provide essential emotional and therapeutic care—ensuring no child faces cancer alone.
The MGM Resorts Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant in support of our Healing Room at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, MA. This funding will help provide 52 sessions of weekly massage therapy for pediatric oncology patients and, when possible, their family members who are present during sessions. These shared moments of healing can ease stress, create connection, and offer meaningful relief to both children and caregivers during difficult treatment journeys.
We are also honored to receive two $10,000 grant awards from the It Kicks! Foundation and The Oliver S. and Jennie R. Donaldson Charitable Trust to support our overall operations in pursuit of our mission. Thanks to this growing community of supporters, more children and families are receiving the comfort and care they deserve.
Additional Resources & Partner Organizations
Above the Clouds is taking applications for their Dream Flyer Program. These private flight experiences offer kids and teens a new perspective—literally and emotionally. Dream Fly Days for ages 8–18:
- Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Saturday, July 19, 2025
- Saturday, August 23, 2025
Take Action
Tell Your Legislators: Cosponsor the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (AKACA)
Children with cancer often need to travel across state lines to receive the care they need—but outdated Medicaid rules can delay access to out-of-state providers. These delays are not only frustrating—they’re dangerous. No child should wait weeks or months for life-saving care. ➡ Ask your legislators to cosponsor the AKACA today and help us eliminate these delays.
From Our Families
“Thank you so much—the gym changed my life, my mind, my self-esteem. The changes that I had in just 3 months have changed my life 100%! THANK YOUUU!”
— Framlin, Love Bus recipient
“This gift has made such a positive impact in my life! The outpouring of love and support for my child with cancer has been awe-inspiring. As the sole caretaker of a child with cancer, I have been severely burnt out, and I am rarely recognized and given any respite. This gift from Lucy's Love Bus has been so wonderful, giving me a chance to focus on ME, and make myself stronger and refreshed, thereby helping me be a better caretaker!”
— Sara, Love Bus mom
These powerful words are a reminder of the deep impact our work has on the families that we serve. Thank you for being part of the Lucy’s Love Bus community. Your support delivers moments of relief, joy, and hope to families when they need it the most.
