Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation

11/02/2026

💛 SHARE YOUR STORY: SAMMY 💛

When we created the Share Your Story section on our website, this is exactly what we hoped for - a place where young people affected by cancer could share their journeys, their strength, and the ways they’re turning incredibly difficult circumstances into something meaningful.

Today, we are honored to share Sammy’s story.

Sammy’s cancer journey began in 2022 when she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at just 15 years old. After months of treatment, she reached remission. In 2025, her cancer returned, and she found herself facing the battle once again.
Through it all, Sammy says she has learned that cancer is about so much more than treatments, scans, and hospital stays.
“It’s also about the people you meet along the way, the friendships you never expected, and the little moments that can make even the hardest days a little brighter.”

And somehow, while continuing her own fight, Sammy found a way to give back.
Inspired by her journey, she created Warriors 4 Warriors, which became a reality in July 2026 with the help of Dreams Come True. Today, she uses what she has been through to bring hope, connection, and kindness to other children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Sammy, you are an inspiration. Your strength is incredible, but the way you have chosen to use your own journey to lift up others is something truly special. We are honored that you trusted the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation with your story. 💛

Every story matters. Every journey matters. And you never know who may need to hear yours.

If you have been impacted by AYA cancer and would like to share your story with us, visit our website and click Share Your Story.

10/23/2026

🎨💛 Painting with a Purpose!

Not even Hurricane Isaias could stop this amazing group from making a difference! Through their creativity, generosity, and determination, they raised $242 for the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation! 🎗️

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Just Say It Designs & everyone who supported their efforts! It’s a beautiful reminder that small acts of kindness make a BIG impact! 💛

10/22/2026

🏆💛 A GOLDEN SPIRIT CUP , FOR A GOLDEN CAUSE! 💛🏆

This September, we challenged our local schools to come together for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, raising funds, spreading awareness, and honoring Will’s legacy, one gold bracelet and flag at a time.

But one school took that challenge and RAN with it! 💛

They kept asking for more bracelets, more flags, and more opportunities to make a difference. Their enthusiasm never slowed, and their hearts were even bigger than their efforts!

🏆 We are so proud to announce that Suwannee Springcrest Elementary is the FIRST recipient of WILL’S GOLDEN SPIRIT CUP!

With 317 bracelets, Springcrest went above and beyond to show what happens when an entire school comes together for something bigger than themselves.

For Will’s mom, Ashleigh, this trophy represents so much more than a school challenge. It represents her son’s legacy, a community that continues to carry his name forward, and children learning that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a tremendous difference for families facing childhood cancer.

A very special thank you to SSE Principal- Jennifer Beach, Bookkeeper- Danielle Brown, Stephanie Gray, Amy Williams, and Emily Murphy who went the extra mile to make sure children felt included, bracelets were shared, flags were displayed, and awareness reached beyond the classroom. Your dedication did not go unnoticed! 💛

And here’s where things get FUN! 👀🏆 Will’s Golden Spirit Cup is officially a TRAVELING TROPHY! Each September, our local schools will have another opportunity for a little friendly competition, all in the name of a cause that means so much to us.

Every bracelet purchased, every flag displayed, and every dollar raised helps the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation continue supporting families battling cancer.

Springcrest, enjoy your bragging rights! You’ve set the bar pretty high for next year! 🏆😉🎗️

Because where there’s a Will, there’s a way. 💛🎗️

10/19/2026

💛 A Mother’s Promise. A Son’s Legacy. A Potential Medical Breakthrough.

What began as Ashleigh’s promise to Will is now helping pave the way for groundbreaking cancer research at UF Health.

Through the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation, a significant investment in innovative cancer research could help change the future of treatment for countless families.

Will’s story was never meant to end at 19. And now, his legacy could help make history. 💛

👇 THIS IS A STORY WORTH READING. Please click the article below to discover how one mother’s promise is helping bring hope for a cure closer to reality. This is why we do what we do. 💛

With funding from the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation, Inc., the University of Florida College of Medicine will open a clinical trial focused on rhabdomyosarcoma.

10/18/2026

✨We were honored to attend the 2026 Business of the Year Banquet, celebrating the incredible businesses and organizations that make our community so special! We were grateful to be nominated, but what happened next left us truly speechless.

To learn that so many people in our community voted in support of the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation, and that we were selected by a panel as Nonprofit of the Year, was an incredibly humbling and emotional moment. 💛

This award means more to us than words could ever express. It is so much more than recognition. It is a reminder that Will’s legacy is alive, his story continues to touch hearts, and his purpose continues to make a difference. Every step forward, every event held, every dollar raised, every family helped, and every wish granted brings us one step closer to fulfilling Ashleigh’s promise to Will.

What began as a mother’s promise to her son has become a mission embraced by an entire community. And seeing that love and support reflected in this award is something we will never forget.

To everyone who voted, donated, volunteered, supported our events, or simply helped share Will’s story, this honor belongs to you, too. Thank you for helping us turn unimaginable heartbreak into hope for families who need it most.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners! We are blessed to be part of such an incredible community. Please enjoy this beautiful video by TJ Vickers, who did a phenomenal job capturing the heart, mission, and story behind Will’s Foundation.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. And because of all of you, his way continues. 💛

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/12/2026

💛 A BIG THANK YOU to Pizza Hut of Live Oak! 🍕

We want to give a special shoutout to Pizza Hut of Live Oak and Manager, Shantasia for generously providing pizza for our Suwannee High School swim team during the 3rd Annual Will Carpenter Memorial 24-Hour Swim-a-Thon! 🏊‍♂️💛

After putting in so much hard work in the pool, our swimmers were beyond grateful for the delicious pizza and thoughtful generosity!

Thank you for supporting our volunteers, our community, and the mission of the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation! Your kindness truly makes the difference! 💛

10/09/2026

Please read & SHARE! 💛☔️⛈️

10/09/2026

💛 A BIG shoutout to Brittney Kelley at Inside Out Nutrition!💛

Bright and early, she showed up with delicious hydration teas for our swimmers and coaches to help kick-start their morning during the 24-hour Will Carpenter Memorial Swimathon! 🏊‍♂️

Thank you, Brittney, for your kindness, generosity, and for continuing to show your love for Will in such a meaningful way.

🎗️Where there’s a Will, there’s a way.

10/06/2026

A huge thank you to Neal, Jayla, and the entire Chick-fil-A of Live Oak family for the incredible love and support you continue to show the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation. 💛

From sponsoring our swimmers & their families during the 24-Hour Swim-a-Thon and blessing them with a much-needed breakfast of chicken minis, to continuing to support us through Will’s Pumpkin Patch, you have truly shown up for our mission in so many ways. 🎗️

Thank you for believing in what we’re doing, loving on our kids and families, and helping us continue to make a difference. We are so thankful to have you in our corner! 🙏🏼🎗️💛🩵🫶

10/05/2026

A huge thank you to Elvis at Winn-Dixie of Live Oak and Investigator Jacob Williamson with the Suwannee County Sheriffs Office for supporting the Will Carpenter AYA Cancer Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Because of their generosity, we were able to serve our community for donations and feed our Suwannee High School swim team as they swam in the 3rd Annual Will Carpenter Memorial Swim - A- Thon.

Store manager , Elvis truly believes Winn-Dixie is more than a store. It is neighbors helping neighbors. His constant smile, generous heart, and commitment to this community and his store are proof of that.

And when there’s work to be done, you can always count on Investigator Jacob Williamson to roll up his sleeves and jump right in. Jacob believes in just doing the right thing - not because anyone is watching but because it’s the right thing to do!

Elvis and Jacob, thank you for loving this community so well and for believing in what we do. We are incredibly grateful to have you in our corner. 💛🎗️