Our Ambassadors
We are dedicated to bringing critical resources to the Southwest Virginia region so kids battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders can win their fight, while staying close to home. Save the date for July 17-19, 2026 at Ballyhack Golf Club for the 4th Annual Charlotte’s Play Yellow Celebrity Invitational, where 100% of the funds stay local.
Because of you, your generosity, your heart, and your belief in the mission, Charlotte's Play Yellow Celebrity Invitational continues to be a force for impact. Check out our highlight video from the 2025 event!
Who We Are
The Life Ring Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Roanoke and Southwest Virginia region. Our primary focus is improving the trajectory of the next generation. Our children are the Valley’s future.
Founded by Jessica and Kelly Woolwine, The Life Ring Foundation operates with a fraction of the administrative and infrastructure expenses of other comparable charities. We pride ourselves on constructing the shortest distances possible between means and needs.
Why We Do This
We are dedicated to bringing critical resources needed to win the fight in pediatric cancer and blood disorders to Southwest Virginia. 100% of the money raised towards the Fighting Kids Cancer campaign will be used locally to add the desperately needed resources for kids and families in the fight of their lives.
Our goal is to change the narrative in which kids have to leave Roanoke to receive the best possible care.
Save a Kid’s Life
Getting the best possible treatment should not depend on where you live. Traveling to other cities and states requires critical time and a lot of money.
Many families in our region cannot afford either one to have their best chance in their fight against pediatric cancer.
Through our Fighting Kids Cancer campaign, we are aiming to raise $20,000,000 for the building and resourcing of a new pediatric hematology and oncology treatment center in an unprecedented partnership with Carilion Clinic.
Childhood Cancer Facts
Increase in childhood cancer
About 10,470 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Childhood cancer rates have been rising slightly for the past few decades.
Improving survival rate in child with cancer
Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, 85% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more.
Fighting for children with cancer
After accidents, cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. About 1,050 children under the age of 15 are expected to die from cancer this year.
Our Partners
These children cancer facts are provided by the American Cancer Society.
Pictured: Ambassadors of the Life Ring Foundation. Scott, Emory, Mandy, and Rowan (Angel Ambassador)
Inspired by People Like You
The Life Ring Foundation is committed to having a direct, urgent impact in Southwest Virginia & the surrounding region for those battling pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Since launching the Fighting Kids Cancer campaign in 2023, significant progress has been made…but we still need your help. We need your generous gifts, your voice, your presence, and your awareness to bringing the dark shadowy world of pediatric cancer into the light! Learn more about how you can support today by viewing our 2024 Impact Report and contacting us today.
Upcoming Events
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. quis nostrud exercitation.
