Our 2024 Ambassador

About Joe

Joe is an 18-year old kid from Silver City, Iowa. He is a huge sports fan, especially for Michigan, and an avid golfer. Above else he is a kid of faith.
He was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma on August 21, 2021 a day after his first day as a Sophomore. On August 27, he went in for his first resection and stayed in the hospital for 87 days. Although there were some very tough nights, Joe was strong in his faith. He believes that God makes things happen for a reason.
In the last 3 years, Joe has endured countless treatments and has had 24 major surgeries. He is not currently cancer free, but he is strong in his faith and his recovery.
Joe recently represented as a Sunshine Kids National Spokeskids and spoke to over 5,000 attendees.
We are so excited to have Joe as this year’s Ambassador!

Our Purpose

Our Belief

We believe families should focus on healing, strengthening family bonds, and savoring every moment with each other. It is our hope that we lessen their worries over unpaid bills and ease their stresses of increased medical bills by helping where we can.

Our solution

Providing financial support to the families with children fighting pediatric cancer and being treated in Omaha hospitals by paying basic living expenses such as utilities, rent/mortgage, and other expenses related to daily living.

Supporting the two area summer camps devoted to providing a camping experience to those children with cancer and their siblings.

Our Impact

“The money, that the Autumn Smash provides, has a direct impact on the lives of our children and gives our families a chance to focus on healing, growing closer as a family, and savoring every moment they have together. As social workers, we are so thankful for the generosity. Your dollars are making a difference! ”

— Christina Chesters, PLMHP, PCMSW Neuro Oncology, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, NE

Our Proof

127 Families

we have helped in 2023

A recent request: “I’m asking for help with my rent bill. I’ve been unable to work due to my son’s recent diagnosis of Leukemia. All my time is spent with him here at the hospital.”

581

requests fulfilled in 2023

“My son has a brain tumor. It’s been a very long road for our family with lots of ups and downs. When we come to our downs, it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the MAYF.”

17 Years and counting…

children & Families Impacted

From a very humble beginning, MAYF has a given over $1,200,000 to families, special camps for children with cancer, and hospital oncology units since we started.

Who We Are

The Metro Area Youth Foundation (MAYF) is a 501c3 charitable foundation formed by Optimist Clubs in the Omaha area, eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. It has since expanded to include many additional friends and supporters who do not belong to the Optimist Club.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children and their families, focusing on financial assistance to those fighting pediatric cancer.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MAYF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Screen Shot 2020-04-01 at 9.57.35 AM.png