Beyond the diagnosis

Join us for an evening of reflection and conversation to shed light on the realities of families navigating a cancer diagnosis of a child.

Approximately 1 in 285 children in the United States face a cancer diagnosis before the age of 20. Its more important than ever to bring this conversation to the forefront, because behind every statistic is a child fighting for their future and a family navigating the fear, uncertainty, and hope that come with it.

While science and medicine continue to make strides, the experience remains deeply personal and often incredibly hard. This gathering will bring together those living with the reality every single day, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and community partners to provide a glimpse behind the diagnosis, the emotional weight, the gaps in support and care, and the urgent need for resources and research. We’ll also shine a light on the incredible work happening right here in our own community from local efforts rooted in care and compassion, whose purpose is to walk alongside families, offering support, strength, and hope through every high and low.

Whether you’ve been personally touched by pediatric cancer or simply want to understand and learn more, this evening is for you.

This September, in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, in parallel with Beyond the Diagnosis we are hosting an art supply drive in partnership with Our Space Rocks - an organization that brings comfort, connection, and healing to children through the creative arts. Their free programs reach hospitals, community residences, camps, and even home and hospice settings offering moments of joy, expression, and hope when they are needed most. Every marker, sketchbook, glitter pen or paint set collected will go directly into the hands of a child navigating a diagnosis, giving them a way to express, heal, and simply be a child.

Here’s their wish list:

Gift cards to Michael’s Crafts, Playtime Crafts, or Amazon
Bling
New stickers
Glitter
Small bottles of acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Glue dots
Pom poms

Or click here to donate via their Amazon wishlist!

Richi is a fitness enthusiast, environmental activist, and dedicated animal rights advocate. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of six, in November 2011, and completed treatment in October 2012. During this time, art became an important outlet, helping him process challenges and express creativity throughout his recovery. Despite the lasting difficulties of treatment, he continues to pursue his goals with determination. After graduating from Holliston High School in 2024, he now devotes his time to the Richi Foundation, focusing on bodybuilding, exploring his interests through online study, and expressing his thoughts through painting.

With a strong passion for helping others, Richi supports the mission of the Richi Foundation by contributing to organizing monthly survivor sessions at the Richi House and assisting with fundraising efforts through Richi Catering and the Richi Gallery. He also has a deep love for the sport of bodybuilding, supported by certifications in the fitness industry — Certified Personal Trainer, Adaptive & Inclusive Trainer, and Certified Sports Nutrition Coach — along with a strong interest in nutrition and overall health. All of these reflect the discipline and perseverance he brings to every aspect of his life.

At the heart of his journey is a profound dedication to preserving the planet’s health and the animals that depend on it. He organizes monthly environmental sessions at the Richi House and is laying the groundwork for a new environmental initiative the foundation will launch, reflecting his commitment to long-term impact.

Dr. Anna (Nina) Muriel is a Child Psychiatrist and past Chief of the Division of Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is a graduate of Brown University and Tufts University School of Medicine, and trained at Massachusetts General and McLean Hospitals in Boston. She was previously on the staff of the PACT Parenting Program and the Pediatric Consultation Service at Mass General Hospital. Her clinical and research interests include understanding the psychosocial impact of medical illness on children and families, and the delivery of mental health services in oncology. She is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and is co-author of the book “Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child When a Parent is Sick,” and recently co-edited “Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology: Textbook for Multidisciplinary Care.”

Sue Morris, PsyD, is a Senior Psychologist and Director of Bereavement Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. She is also a member of Robert's Program on Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Morris studied Clinical Psychology specializing in adult mental health and cognitive behavior therapy. She has worked in bereavement for the past 25 years in both Sydney and Boston and is the author of Overcoming Grief and An Introduction to Coping with Grief, published in London by Constable Robinson. Dr. Morris also lectures on the topic of bereavement for the Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care continuing medical education courses and teaches medical students, residents and fellows about grief and loss. She currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Ricardo is a natural-born entrepreneur. Passionate about taking on new challenges and with a background in computer engineering and management and business administration, he sold his first company at the age of 22. This led to the creation and development of various companies, predominantly in the field of technology with a strong bent towards innovation.

His son Richi’s brain tumour diagnosis in 2011 forced him to abandon all his plans and move to Boston to save his life. Thankfully that battle has been won, but the fight continues.

Ricardo discovered the obstacles that existed, as well as the lack of provision and support in this field through his own personal experience, and decided to create the Richi Childhood Cancer Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization established in the US and with links around the world.

Doug and Jen are pediatric oncology parents. Their world was turned upside down when their 2 year old daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April 2023. Hallie endured intense treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, including several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. Tragically, she relapsed shortly after her BMT. Additional treatment was not effective and Hallie passed away in January 2024.

While navigating Hallie’s loss, Doug, Jen, and their oldest daughter, Olivia, remain determined to keep Hallie’s story in the world and raise money for cancer research to help kids like Hallie - totaling $360K+ across Dana Farber, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Tera (pronounced teer-ah) is the Director of the People Strategy & Culture team. PS&C empowers the success, growth, and respect for all LabCentral employees. We craft meaningful learning and development opportunities, champion the talent acquisition process for new and existing talent needs, build HR programs that empower organizational and individual success for LabCentral to be a launch pad for personal growth as much as bio-tech and life science innovation. Prior to joining LabCentral, Tera held various positions in HR and Talent Acquisition at technology companies including Microsoft, Redfin, and most recently at AssuranceIQ (a Prudential acquisition).

In 2022 Tera started a non-profit named in memory of her late nephew, who passed from a rare form of AML leukemia just before his 3rd birthday. His namesake foundation raises money to support the care and treatment of pediatric oncology patients facing leukemia diagnosis at Boston Children’s Hospital and supports the grief and bereavement programming at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for families with surviving siblings when the unimaginable happens. May 2025 will mark their 3rd annual fundraiser!