“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.”
— Desmond Tutu

For years, the Rady Children’s Health Auxiliary – Del Cerro Unit has come together with our community each Fall for a treasured fundraising tradition. This year, we’re taking a pause from our usual event to reimagine and rebrand – so that we can come back stronger, more impactful, and more connected to the children and families we serve.

In the meantime, our mission remains the same and just as urgent.

This year, instead of a large gathering, we are launching a heartfelt letter campaign to support something incredibly meaningful: Palliative Care at Rady Children’s Hospital.

A serious medical condition or injury can alter the course of a family’s life. Palliative care at Rady Children’s is a long-term partnership with patients—infants, children, teens, and young adults—that begins at diagnosis. The team provides an extra layer of support that honors each family’s personal values and focuses on the child’s quality of life—managing pain, easing symptoms, and supporting the emotional and spiritual well-being of the whole family.

When families face the most difficult moments, hospice care is available as part of this continuum—ensuring children and families receive compassionate support at the end of life. At the Bernardy Center, we are creating a dedicated End-of-Life Space where families can find privacy, comfort, and dignity in their child’s final days.

Your gift will help make all of this possible. Palliative and hospice care are not about giving up—they are about giving everything we can to make every moment count. With your support, we bring light to families in their darkest times and strength for the journey ahead. Every child deserves comfort, dignity, and care that honors their values—especially in their most fragile moments. Together, we can be the hope they need.