‘Teens Fight Too’ group supports teenagers facing lengthy treatments, hospital stays
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A Sacramento-based nonprofit group continues to get the word out about its mission to support teenagers battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Talon Bonanno, who was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma at just 13 years old, came up the idea to start an organization called Teens Fight Too.
Talon died in 2021 at the age of 17, and since then, his family has carried on the effort to help families just like theirs.
During Talon’s four-year cancer battle, his family spent numerous days in the hospital — transforming his room to include familiar comforts and distractions of home like video games, streaming devices, favorite foods, and personal items that brought him joy.
The Teens Fight Too group now provides care packages — filled with age-appropriate items — to teens fighting for their lives. Each of the care packages includes an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick, gift cards for Netflix, gift cards for Talon’s favorite carry-out spots, a DoorDash gift card, and a pillowcase (Talon loved having his personalized pillowcase). They’re also working to include Starbucks gift cards and gas gift cards for the parents.
The organization also offers a space for parents as they advocate for their children’s medical care. Parents navigating the diagnoses alongside their children can ask questions of those who’ve been through similar journeys so that they know their voices and concerns matter.
Talon’s mom Christine Bonanno visited KCRA 3 Thursday to share how the community can help further the mission of Teens Fight Too.
The group has an Amazon wish list where gift cards can be purchased for the care packages. Find that wish list at this link.
The community can also lend a hand by attending or donating to the group’s annual fundraiser this fall. It’s the Rock The Yacht event on Saturday, October 3. It’ll be held at Jesuit High School in Sacramento from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit this link.
Watch the in-studio interview with Talon’s mom Christine Bonanno in the video player above.
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