Our program was developed and funded through a $1 million endowment established by Iris S. Wolstein in memory of her late husband Bert L. Wolstein. Bert was a lover of sports, experienced cancer himself and was long animated by a powerful desire to help others. Inspired by her husband to give back, Iris spent two years working in close collaboration with doctors and staff from Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital to build a comprehensive program that would benefit children with cancer.

In 2006, they launched the Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein’s Kids Kicking Cancer program which focused on building a healthy and active lifestyle through sports and fitness. As the program has branched out into other aspects of wellness, it now offers a wider range of activities to enjoy, including cooking classes, art and social gatherings. In addition to serving children with cancer, it has extended resources to children with blood disorders as well. In 2020, the program was renamed to Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein’s HOPE Healthy Outcomes, Positive Energy to reflect its variety of offerings and inclusivity.