09/22/2026
Some stories don't just move us. They change what's possible for the next family who walks through Riley Children's Health's doors.
The Crockett family holds a special place in the heart of Women for Riley. They have generously shared their story with us at several of our general meetings, and in August 2024, they joined the Riley Children's Foundation Board of Governors for a mission moment alongside Riley pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Jignesh Tailor. Their daughter Cecilia's courage throughout her fight with brain cancer has left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of hearing it.
Many of our members still remember her bright smile. When Cecilia came to Riley Prom, she spent the evening dancing the night away in her tiara, a chance to simply feel like every other kid.
In the wake of her journey, the Crocketts made the extraordinary choice to support pediatric brain tumor research at Riley, a gift that continues to fuel meaningful work in Dr. Tailor's lab today. Their story was recently featured by People, and it stands as a powerful reminder that today's discoveries become tomorrow's hope for another family walking this same road.
Read their full story here: https://people.com/girl-diagnosed-with-cancer-parents-donate-brain-to-research-12023870
Cecilia's courage, and the legacy of courage her family carries forward through this gift, remind us why we show up. We are grateful for every chance to help create a bright smile, a tiara moment, and a little ordinary joy for the kids who walk through Riley's doors today.