Welcome to "the page for all Brave Strong Lions"

A Message of Strength, Triumph and Courage:

Cancer: A disease and diagnosis parents never want to hear about their child. In October, 2009 at the age of 3, our brave, strong lion, Ari David, my wife Alissa and I (Dean Gould) heard those terrifying words – specifically diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, known as ALL. Our world turned upside down as we prepared to cope with this illness. Ironically we breathed a sigh of relief when we discovered that ALL has an average curable rate of 85% among pediatric patients, but as positive as that sounds, our journey through this painful and traumatic process was not easy. Ari had to undergo extensive chemo-therapy treatments and long stays at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miler Children’s Hospital. Alissa and I were still trying to grasp why this disease had to strike such a happy and healthy little boy.

Thanks to the incredible oncology team of doctors and nurses at JJCCC, Ari is currently doing well and back in school. While he has two more years of chemo, his prognosis is now at 95% for a complete cure. Alissa and I decided that it is not fair for anyone, no matter what age, to experience this dreadful disease. We wanted to do our part in the fight against cancer and raise funds to continue research and a cure. You can help in our quest by contributing towards our fundraising missions to support the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center and help treat all types of cancer patients. You can make a difference. Click here to make a donation.

Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center

The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach provides quality, compassionate care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders. The Center is known for its comprehensive psychosocial programs and multidisciplinary care teams that enhance patient care. JJCCC’s strong emphasis on integration new research efforts into treatment plans allows patients access to the latest therapies and technologies.

JJCCC’s specially trained multidisciplinary care team is available for patients from the day of admission, their time in the hospital and through follow-up treatment. When a young patient is diagnosed with cancer, the health team creates a care plan that is family centered – focusing on the child’s needs as well as the families – and follows them throughout childhood and into adulthood.

This continuity of care ensures that the highest quality of care is provided to patients and their families every step of the way. Patients and families gain peace of mind as they become familiar with the health care team and establish relationships that will last throughout their journey.