Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Expands Education Services with Learning Pod for Critically Ill Children

Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation supports success in education for critically ill children, their siblings, as well as for children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer.

In 2008, after much research, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF) created the first education program for children diagnosed with cancer and other life- threatening illnesses in Southern Nevada. The Brett Torino Education Services Program, named for its benefactor, serves the education needs of critically ill children, their siblings, as well as children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer.

The Brett Torino Learning Pod at Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation will provide in-person education support, Monday through Thursday, for immune compromised children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses who will not be able to return to the classroom due to the threats of COVID-19. Mrs. Nicki Klein-Richter, M.Ed., is NVCCF’s newest staff member and multi-lingual licensed teacher who will facilitate the Learning Pod and lead NVCCF’s education program.

The program provides tutoring, advocacy, special events, and The Brett Torino Foundation In-Patient Classroom at Sunrise Children’s Hospital to ensure that critically ill children, grades K through 12, receive accommodations to achieve their academic success.

“Before NVCCF began providing tutoring (in-patient and out-patient,) bedside teaching, and advocacy, critically ill children were missing school and falling behind in their education due to illness,” said Jeff Gordon, NVCCF president and CEO. “Now compounded by emotional stress, anxiety, and isolation due to COVID-19, kids fighting cancer, sickle cell, HIV/AIDS, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases need NVCCF’s education support even more as school is many times the only constant normal for a child fighting a daily battle against disease.”

NVCCF is a local non-profit organization that works year-round to assist hundreds of families whose children are stricken with life-threatening illnesses as well as adults diagnosed with cancer by offering support and helping them cope with the financial, emotional, psychological and educational challenges of fighting a tragic diagnosis.

For additional information about NVCCF and details regarding participating, volunteering, or donating to the education program, annual events, or the more than 40 programs and services offered, please call 702.735.8434 or visit www.nvccf.org. Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation is located at 3711 E. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89120.