Claire's Army

Claire's Army strives to act as God's hands and feet by providing support for families fighting childhood cancer.

Claire’s Army was founded to support patient families in treatment for childhood cancer. We do this through one or more of our impact programs: Claire Packages, Meal Deliveries, and Emergency Assistance.

06/01/2026

While supporting our families financially is a huge part of what we do, we understand that support goes beyond money and medicine. Sometimes, creating moments of joy, connection, and normalcy can make just as big of a difference.

Meet Zoey Reid—an incredibly strong, beautiful, and brave young woman battling childhood cancer. We were honored to support her trip to Disney, a chance to make memories, explore, and simply enjoy being a young adult after everything she has faced. She was gracious enough to share the kind words below, and we are so grateful to have been a small part of her journey.

“Thank you so much to the Claire’s Army organization for helping go on my Disney Epcot Trip around the world. I am so appreciative and can’t thank you enough for the magical time I was able to have along with your help.” 🩷

05/30/2026

A few weeks ago, Claire’s Army had the honor of receiving a donation from Indian Land High School’s student council fundraiser. Led by the student council and staff member Jennifer O’Connell, the school organized a fundraiser for students to support a local nonprofit—and together, they raised over $2,000 for Claire’s Army.

But the reason behind their choice made this gift even more meaningful.

Sophomore Ava Pena, who serves as Student Council Vice President, bravely battled cancer several years ago and received support from Claire’s Army during her journey. Today, Ava is thriving in high school, leading in her community, and making a difference in the lives of others.

While so much of her cancer journey is behind her, Ava never forgot the support she and her family received—and years later, she was determined to give back so other childhood cancer families could receive that same love and support.

Thank you to the entire Indian Land High School community for supporting local childhood cancer families, and thank you, Ava, for sharing your story and turning your experience into something so impactful.

We are incredibly proud of you. 💗

05/28/2026

The fuel behind the mission 💗🍽️

Our meal program provides FREE dinners to childhood cancer families at Levine Children’s and Hemby Children’s Hospital four nights each week—bringing comfort, nourishment, and one less thing for families to worry about during incredibly difficult days.

These meals are thoughtfully prepared and generously provided by the incredible restaurant concepts within the FS Food Group family.
Behind every dinner delivered is a team working tirelessly alongside our staff and volunteers to ensure warm meals arrive to patient rooms night after night without fail.

The heart, manpower, and dedication behind this mission are powered by FS Food Group, and we truly could not do this work without them.

THANK YOU for helping us feed families and fuel hope. 💗

05/26/2026

Huge shoutout to the Sharks soccer team and their incredible coach, Corey Bauer! ⚽🦈💗

This spring season, Coach Corey wanted to inspire these girls not only to give their all on the field, but also to see the impact they could make together off of it. For every goal scored during the 2026 season, he pledged to make a donation to Claire’s Army.

Claire’s little sister, Sydney, is a member of the Sharks, and she and her teammates worked tirelessly all season long—scoring goals, supporting one another, and making a difference for children facing childhood cancer.

Thanks to their hard work and teamwork, Coach Corey donated over $6,000 to Claire’s Army! This team proved that when you work together, you can create an impact far beyond the game. 💗

05/22/2026

From the moment Claire was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma over Memorial Day weekend in 2011, the Ratliffs had an Army behind them. 💗

Friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family showed up in countless ways — through gift cards, meals, financial support, special experiences, and constant encouragement and love.

That unwavering support gave the Ratliffs the opportunity to focus on what mattered most: spending time together and making memories with Claire.

Claire lived every day to the fullest, and throughout their 9 months of treatment, the Ratliffs made every moment count.

Fifteen years later, following the weekend that changed their lives forever, the Ratliffs remain deeply grateful for the community that surrounded them and gave them the gift of time, memories, and moments that will always matter.

05/20/2026

HUGE shoutout to Miss Olivia and the entire Miller Street Dance Academy for hosting a fundraiser benefiting our Claire Package items! 💗🦋

These donations will go directly into our Claire Packages, which are delivered to newly diagnosed childhood cancer families here in Charlotte. Having these items donated is an incredible help as we work to keep our shelves stocked and packages ready to go the moment a family needs them.

One of our favorite things to see is kids helping kids. 💕 Congratulations to the students at Miller Street, and thank you to the parents and dance teachers who supported and encouraged this act of service. Your kindness is making a real difference!

05/15/2026

One of the many ways groups can support Claire’s Army is through our Claire Package Program 💛

Claire Packages are kept stocked at the hospital so staff can deliver them to newly diagnosed families right when they need them most. Filled with everyday essentials, these packages help make life in the hospital a little more manageable during an incredibly overwhelming time.

Over the years, volunteers and community groups have hosted donation drives, collected gift cards, sponsored packages, helped sort and stuff materials, and even built and delivered packages directly to the hospital.

Because of this support, we’re able to provide every newly diagnosed family with the comfort of a Claire Package within 48 hours of diagnosis — reminding them from day one that they have an army standing beside them. ✨

Interested in getting involved? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about supporting the Claire Package Program and other ways to serve Claire’s Army.

05/13/2026

Being there in the moments that matter most 🤍

From the day of diagnosis and every step after, our goal is to meet families right where they are—with support that doesn’t end after the first day, week, or even months.

Stories like Beau’s are why we do what we do. Watching families come full circle—and getting to celebrate moments like this—means everything to us. We can’t wait to cheer you on, Beau 💛

“Our world shook when our 2 year old at the time, Beau, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We checked into the hospital April 19, 2024. We will never forget that night when his oncologist told us he would begin chemo within days. We were in the thick of the weight of our grief and overwhelmed with our new reality, and Claire’s Army showed up to provide light and joy in the midst of our darkest days while our son started treatment. Within a day of Beau’s diagnosis, we received a duffel bag containing hospital essentials and other convenience items that we didn’t know we needed, especially at a time we weren’t in a mindset to pack accordingly. Not only that, but we were told Claire’s army would supply dinner for our family Monday through Thursday while we were at the hospital now and any overnight stay in the future. We needed that ray of light, and Claire’s army was there to provide it. We were so grateful to use those necessities provided and looked forward to those meals after long hospital days. We’re looking forward to August 2026 when our son, Beau, will ring the bell to celebrate the end of his Leukemia treatment. It’s the support of organizations like Claire’s army that aided us through this marathon of cancer treatment for Beau. We thank them for all they have done to take some of this burden off and provide light in a simple way that makes an incredible impact on families battling childhood cancer.

Thank you!”

05/11/2026

Claire’s Army runs on volunteers—and because of them, we’re able to show up for families week after week. 🤍

Four nights a week, volunteers deliver meals to inpatient families at two children’s hospitals here in Charlotte—making sure parents can stay by their child’s side without worrying about one more thing.

The Young family is a beautiful example of that heart in action. Anne Marie Young first began delivering meals while her son, Ben, was in treatment at Hemby Children’s Hospital. After Ben’s passing, she continues to serve other childhood cancer families each month—showing up with the same care that once surrounded her.

This month, her daughter joined her on a delivery—and has now signed up as part of our Young Ambassadors, with her own meal delivery already on the calendar!
Stories like this are why we do what we do. So many of our families stay connected and come back to serve alongside us—and we truly couldn’t do it without them.

If you’re interested in becoming a meal delivery volunteer, click the link in our bio to get started.

05/08/2026

This month marks the anniversary of Claire’s diagnosis—and the beginning of what would become Claire’s Army. 🤍

Over Memorial Day weekend in 2011, Claire was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. From that moment on, the Ratliff family was surrounded by an incredible community—friends, family, and neighbors who showed up with meals, essentials, and unwavering support. Because of them, the Ratliffs knew they weren’t facing this alone. They had an army behind them, giving them the space to focus on what mattered most: Claire.

Nine months into treatment, Claire went to be with our Father in heaven. But in that time, her family was able to be fully present—making memories, supporting her, and walking alongside her every step of the way—because others stepped in to help carry the weight of everyday life.

Claire’s Army was founded with one goal: to make sure every family facing a childhood cancer diagnosis feels that same support. So they can focus on their child, not the overwhelming logistics that come with it.

No family should have to walk this road alone. 🤍

Address

Charlotte, NC

Telephone

+17046044892

Website

http://clairesarmy.org/Contact

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Claire's Army posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Claire's Army:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Charlotte?