Comfort, Support AND Encouragement for children with cancer

Guiding Principles The Why Me organization was conceived and created by 13 year old Sherry Shepherd during her four year struggle with cancer. She wanted to lift the spirits of her fellow child cancer patients as a means to ease their suffering and isolation. Since 1985, Why Me has provided hundreds of CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND children and families with the emotional and financial support they need to fight cancer. With the completion of Sherry's House, the Why Me organization is now able to provide eight bedrooms for families whose child is receiving treatment at Umass Medical Center in Worcester or at Boston area hospitals. Temporary housing is available to families from throughout the United States & Puerto Rico.

Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting
The Central New England region's only non-profit organization dedicated to the emotional well being of children and families with childhood cancer.

The Why Me organization was created (and is still managed today) by families who have had a child treated with cancer and wish to help other families who now face cancer. This deeply felt, personal perspective serves as a guiding light in delivering services that are essential, compassionate and life affirming.

• Lift Spirits - Create Memories Everlasting - help children reconnect to their innate sense of childhood wonder as a means to ease suffering.

   All assistance and support is tailor made to best serve the immediate and long-term needs of each child and family. Why Me has a lasting and personal relationship with each child and their family. 87% of ALL families served since 1985 remain active with the organization today.

•  Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help Central New England families cope with childhood cancer. Why Me is not affiliated with any national organization. All funds are raised directly by the Why Me organization and no funding comes from our hospital partners. Families may be referred to us through their child's hospital, physician or they may contact our Program Services Director, Margaret White, at mwhite@whyme.org or call 508 757-7734.   No further burden of proof is required.  All assistance and services are offered to the whole family, completely free of charge.

Since 1985, Why Me has provided direct support to more than 350 families.