who we are

Welcome to Junior Pearls, an auxiliary of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation whose mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life for children with cancer. Junior Pearls is comprised of high school students throughout Orange County who are committed to getting involved in their community and donating their time to programs that enrich the experiences of children diagnosed with cancer.

Membership is open to all high school students. Currently, Junior Pearls has members who attend the following high schools:

• Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California
• Laguna Beach High School in Laguna Beach, California
• Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California
• Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California
• Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, California
• St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California

what we do

Junior Pearls supports and complements the programs of its parent organization, Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a unique combination of financial assistance and patient advocacy to victims of cancer who are in the midst of treatment and struggling to cope with critical survival needs, such as rent/mortgage payments, insurance premiums, medical co-payments, and food.

Junior Pearls supports the funding and program development of Beckstrand’s Pediatric Oncology Program, and provides care packages to teen cancer patients. The care packages include a lavender iPod Shuffle, iTunes music gift card, warm blanket and socks, age-appropriate magazines, Junior Pearls wristband and other special items tailored to boys and girls.

why we help

In the United States, 33 children are diagnosed with cancer each day. About 2,300 die from the disease each year. Thanks to advances in medicine and treatment, these numbers are beginning to decline, but the aggressive nature of existing treatments still produces devastating side effects for children. In addition to losing hair, nausea, vomiting and fatigue, patients often encounter emotional hardship and an unmet need for educational programs, activities and services to help them recover and maintain their well-being. Junior Pearls helps to fill this gap, and improve and enhance their quality of life.

upcoming events

• December : BELIEVE Christmas Program
• Monthly : Hospital Visits and Patient Activities

ways of getting involved

• Become a Member : Contact Junior Pearls today to learn more, or download a membership form here.
• Make a Donation : A donation of $100 will sponsor a care package for a special child. Donate here.
• Use GoodSearch and GoodShop : Enter Beckstrand Cancer Foundation as your verified charity and every Internet search you make helps raise funds for cancer patients in need. Want to spread the word? Download an informative one sheet here.
• Set up a Fundraising Page : Visit FirstGiving.com and set up an individual fundraising page under Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. Set a personal goal and then contact your friends and family for help.
• Purchase a Junior Pearls Wristband : For just $5, the multicolored Junior Pearls wristband is a great way for boys and girls to make a statement that says, "I Care." E-mail JuniorPearls@beckstrand.org.