Mission & Programs
At The Carter 44 Foundation, our mission is rooted in lived experience.
Everything we do comes from what we saw, felt, and learned while walking alongside our son during his cancer journey—and from the belief that families deserve meaningful support when they need it most.
Mission
The Carter 44 Foundation fuels hope for kids and families battling cancer by funding practical, immediate support where it matters most: resources for teens in treatment and direct aid to families confronting pediatric cancers that receive too little attention and funding.
What Does it Mean to Go Gold?
Gold isn’t just a color.
It’s a promise.
Gold is the national symbol for childhood cancer awareness — chosen because our children are more precious than gold.
When we Go Gold, we honor the strength of children fighting cancer.
We remember the lives that changed us forever.
We refuse to let rare pediatric cancers remain unseen.
Why This Work Matters
During our time in the hospital, we were provided with the best possible medical care. The doctors, nurses, and care teams were extraordinary. Read more about the Nurses Who Became Family here.
But it quickly became clear that when it came to supporting teens, families had to get creative.
There were very few resources designed specifically for adolescents.
The floor Carter was on had a small resource room, but activities were limited—and long hospital stays can feel isolating, especially for teens.
Carter’s phone became his main source of entertainment and connection. Eventually, we brought his Xbox from home so he could play games with his friends. Aside from the nurses, it was the one thing that truly made him happy while away from home.
More than entertainment, it was connection.
It was how Carter stayed involved, felt included, and didn’t feel left behind.
That experience shaped everything The Carter 44 Foundation exists to do.
How We Give
At The Carter 44 Foundation, we believe support should be practical, immediate, and rooted in real needs.
We focus on direct impact—meeting families, teens, and care teams where they are, and responding with empathy, intention, and care.
Programs
Programs
Support for Teens in Treatment & Their Families
When a teen is diagnosed with cancer—or when a family experiences loss—the emotional and financial weight doesn’t stop. Bills continue. Work is disrupted. Teens are often caught between two worlds, while families work tirelessly to hold everything together.
For teens, we help provide resources that bring comfort, connection, and a sense of normalcy during long hospital stays—whether that’s access to technology, entertainment, or other age-appropriate supports.
For families, we offer thoughtful assistance designed to ease financial strain and provide stability during incredibly difficult moments.
Are you a family in need- or know a teen in treatment- who could benefit from this support?
Raising Awareness and Honoring Carter's Life & Legacy
Support for the Carter Veilleux Memorial Scholarship, honoring Carter’s life and legacy.
Details on available scholarships will be posted on our Get Involved Page, otherwise: Contact us.
The Nurses Who Became Family
Boston Children’s Hospital and the Jimmy Fund provided extraordinary medical care—but it was the nurses who made the experience life-changing. From the moment Carter arrived, they met fear with compassion, uncertainty with reassurance, and pain with humanity.
They cared for him not just as a patient, but as a person—making him feel seen, valued, and deeply loved during the hardest moments of his life.
Very quickly, they became our family. We called them the Carter Crew.
Neurology Floor
Jeff
Connected with Carter immediately—talking sports, distracting him during difficult procedures, and reminding him again and again, “You’re a tough dude.” Those words stayed with him.
Paige
Always made sure we had answers and felt supported. Even after Carter transferred floors, she came down just to check on him.
Oncology Floor
Meghan
Her smile brought immediate comfort— she made the hospital feel like home.
Jackie
Made even the hardest days lighter with humor and warmth. Carter loved joking with her and she made him smile when no one else could.
Caroline
She was always warm and supportive. She was there for the difficult days that she somehow managed to make easier while providing comfort for all of us.
Maddie
Made Carter’s birthday special, even just days after surgery.
Gabbie
A quiet strength who offered calm during the late nights.
Mary
Steady and reassuring—bringing comfort exactly when we needed it most.
Sarah Basil
Cared deeply for our whole family—bringing coffee, and making sure we felt safe stepping away for a moment. She helped make sure all of our needs were met.
All of these nurses went above and beyond for our family. They would see us even when Carter was not their patient. They all stopped in to say hello and share stories. They made the hospital feel like home!
Jimmy Fund
Marnie
One of the nurses we requested whenever possible—her skill and calm presence bringing comfort during anxious procedures.
Dr. Collins & Dr. Kelly
We want to thank them for caring for Carter and giving us more time.
The care they gave created light in the darkest place imaginable. Their impact on our family is permanent.
If you ever wonder whether angels walk among us, we can say with certainty: we met them here.
