Inspired by his late daughter who bravely fought brain cancer, Mike Clark, a general agent for MassMutual Northern California, and his family started the Rylee Grace Foundation to provide compassionate support for children battling pediatric cancer and their families.
In the face of loss and grief, Clark and his wife Michelle wanted to build a legacy for their daughter Rylee that would bring joy to children with cancer and extend care to their loved ones.
Rylee Grace Foundation is committed to raising awareness of pediatric cancer and supporting families impacted by the disease. Through partnerships with the community, the Rylee Grace Foundation provides personalized gifts, fulfills meaningful wishes for young patients, and offers financial assistance for mental health services — bringing relief, hope, and dignity during their most challenging times.
“It was complete and utter devastation,” said Michelle. “We had to do something; we couldn’t let Rylee’s legacy be for nothing. We looked at each other and said, let’s start a foundation.”
The MassMutual Foundation presented a $25,000 Community Service Award donation to the nonprofit in recognition of the Clark’s dedication to this cause.
Clark says he got choked up thinking about how the money will affect these children and their families.
“When you have a child with the dreaded ‘C’ word, cancer, the only thing that you have to live by daily is hope,” said Michelle.
And that’s the hope they now give to other families. Rylee Grace Foundation plans to use the donation to fund several more wishes for children and their families over the next year.
Children like Elias Razo, who has battled a brain tumor since age three, benefit from the foundation's support.
“I just want to thank the Rylee Grace Foundation for everything they have done for my family and for my Elias. It means so much to see him so happy and full of light in such a dark time,” said Elizabeth Razo, Elias’ mother.
While granting wishes is fulfilling, Clark and his wife say providing therapy resources has had a huge long-term impact. Using therapy to better cope with the challenges can help families stay whole as a unit, supporting each other through the hard times. The Clark's are grateful to see the impact of the foundation and their daughter’s story on the lives of others.
Each year, the MassMutual Foundation awards donations — ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — to help nonprofit organizations with which MassMutual financial professionals are involved.
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