Sharonda Heiss, representing the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, told Farmington City Council the nonprofit serves families across New Mexico and currently supports about 40 families in the San Juan County area. "The last thing a family should worry about is when they're dealing with their kids, how their bills are gonna get paid," Heiss said, describing the group's practice of providing bill payments, gas cards, meal vouchers, toys at appointments, counseling and tutoring.

Heiss said the organization serves children and young adults up to age 25 and that services begin when a family completes an intake form coordinated with hospital social workers and clinicians. She cited programs including a performing-arts program, anti-bullying education and the Erin Trehecke scholarship, which provides $5,000 per semester to recipients who volunteer with the organization.

Council members thanked Heiss for the presentation and asked qualifying questions about eligibility and services. Councilor Rogers asked how people qualify; Heiss said an intake form at diagnosis and coordination with hospital social workers is sufficient. Heiss said staff are a small team of three in New Mexico but the organization offers travel and expense support when families must go to facilities in other states.

Why it matters: Heiss said families traveling for treatment can face months away from home; the organization’s financial and support services aim to remove economic barriers to care and daily needs. No formal action or city funding was requested or recorded during the presentation.