The idea for the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation was born in 2002, thanks to Tom Walsh’s genuine desire to help children with cancer living in Los Cabos, with no options in the state of Baja California Sur where they could receive treatment. He never imagined then that his initiative, generosity, and commitment to help these children would benefit thousands more in the years that have passed.
After more than 60 children were treated in medical programs outside our state borders, our story
evolved. In 2012, we were finally able to provide access to high-quality, specialized pediatric care
at Salvatierra Hospital in La Paz, in a successful model of cooperation with the government.
To this day, we remain committed to supporting the continuity of treatment for cancer, heart
defects, and other critical health issues, with professional support, supplies, training, and
innovative equipment that literally saves the lives of thousands of children every year. Since 2006,
we also continue to be a source of support for local organizations doing their part in promoting and
advocating for children’s general health and well-being, disabilities, prevention, and mental
health.
Special projects such as the Baja California Sur Cleft Program, BCS Playroom Network, and the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Detection Rounds in Loreto are consolidated with the support of Strategic Allies. Los Cabos Children´s Foundation is confirmed as a CEMEFI Regional Partner for 2024.
The alliance with Smile Train begins to provide comprehensive care to Children and Adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate. Hosts third meeting of Organizations Helping Children with Cancer in Mexico.
The first virtual fundraising event successfully enables support for 28 programs during the pandemic.
Teamwork with the Los Cabos Community Alliance in fundraising for the purchase and operation of the Teleton Bus. Baja California Sur Community Alliance is founded, benefiting 97,000 families and 33 healthcare institutions in the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programs support increases by 64% and beneficiaries by 104%. Local pediatric cardiology team is completed and continues training.
The Pediatric Cardiology Program is accredited by the Mexican government to receive funding. A total of 114 cardiac surgeries, 100 catheterizations, and over 1,000 evaluations are performed.
Our Partner Program responsible for treating children with cancer at Salvatierra Hospital is rated third place nationwide, with the highest 5-year survival rate at 71%. The national average is 57%.
Accreditation in Institutionality and Transparency (AIT) by Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI).
The local team involved in heart surgeries begins training at the hospital, led by medical personnel from Omaha, Nebraska (U.S.A.).
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is established at Salvatierra Hospital. The Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit is accredited by the Mexican government to receive funding.
The Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit opens at Salvatierra Hospital in La Paz. The first open-heart surgery on a child is performed in La Paz by Dr. James Hammel and his team from Omaha, with 21 children receiving local care.
Partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to explore the possibility of opening a Pediatric Cancer Unit in Baja California Sur, an effort joined by the state government.
Established as a Civil Association in Mexico. First financial support of local non-profit organizations.
First cancer patients sent to the Pediatric Hospital in Sinaloa, Mexico. Casa Valentina Culiacan opens its doors to provide a home for patients undergoing treatment.
Achievement of tax-exempt status as a charitable organization in Mexico.
Training of local doctors begins in La Paz.
Established as a non-profit organization in the United States with tax-exempt status under chapter 501(c)(3) of the IRS. First fundraising event takes place in Los Cabos.
First contact is made with Omaha Children’s Hospital & Medical Center for treating children with congenital heart defects.
The first cancer patient is treated at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
The idea is born thanks to Tom Walsh's genuine desire to help Children and Adolescents with cancer, living in Los Cabos without access to treatment in Baja California Sur./p>
Our board of directors is committed to our community and to the sustainability of our
mission.
Not only do they support our organization financially, but they also donate their time and
talents.
Los Cabos Children’s Foundation,
Inc.
is a nonprofit organization in the United States under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS
code.
Los Cabos Children’s Foundation A.C. is a civil association in Mexico
with tax exempt
status ('donataria autorizada') from the federal fiscal authorities (SAT).
Transparency, best practices, and continuous improvement are integral to our core philosophy and embedded in our everyday actions:
In the United States
For the past 5 years, we have been distinguished with the highest ratings on Charity Navigator (Four Star Charity) & Guidestar/Candid (Platinum Transparency).
In Mexico
We have received three consecutive accreditations of Institucionality and Transparency by Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía - CEMEFI (Mexican Center of Philanthropy), and the only nonprofit in Southern Baja California to receive this in 2023.
In Baja California Sur
In 2023, CEMEFI named Los Cabos Children's Foundation Regional Partner to continue promoting transparency and best practices with our network of programs, and strengthening the whole nonprofit sector in Southern Baja California.
Our Strategic Allies help us achieve our mission. It is thanks to them that we can multiply the effects of our actions with the goal of serving the families of Baja California Sur.
