In June 2024, a father enrolled his son in the BCHS program, unaware that life was about to take an unimaginable turn. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with a form of malignant cancer and given just six months to live. At the time, he was the sole provider for his family, as his wife was unable to work due to the high cost of childcare and other barriers.

Everything changed when their child was accepted into BCHS’s full-day program. With reliable childcare in place, his wife was able to return to work, ensuring financial stability for their household. This crucial support allowed the father to step away from his job and focus entirely on his health. He enrolled in an experimental cancer treatment, a decision that may not have been possible without the stability BCHS provided.

Since beginning treatment, he has gone from frequent hospitalizations to experiencing a significant improvement in his well-being. While his journey is far from over and he is not yet in remission, he is feeling better and facing the future with renewed hope. Most importantly, he finds peace knowing that his son is safe, happy, and thriving in the REACH program.

This story is a testament to the power of early childhood education programs in supporting not just children, but entire families—giving them the strength and stability to overcome life’s greatest challenges.