Meet Nathaniel
Nathaniel Hayden Joseph Peña
“Nathaniel’s determination, strength and courage is truly a testimony of what God can do if given the opportunity. Nathaniel is an inspiration and a reminder to us all that no matter what is thrown our way, with a little determination and a whole lot of God, we will overcome it.”
Nathaniel is the “why” behind the foundation and the reason that we strive to bring joy and happiness to other children battling cancer.
Nathaniel was just your average little boy. He was funny, smart and handsome. He loved his dogs, video games and orca whales. In August of 2011, Nathaniel was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the young age of 7. In November of 2011, he had his right arm amputated due to the cancer. Nathaniel had to relearn all the basic things we take for granted daily. Things like getting dressed, brushing his teeth, putting shoes on and opening a water bottle all became new challenges he had to overcome. At such a young age he endured everything thrown his way with grace and ease. He never once complained about his circumstances. Instead, he overcame any obstacle thrown his way, trusted God with his whole heart and God shined through him. Nathaniel even retaught himself how to play video games one-handed. He was truly remarkable. After his amputation, Nathaniel gained a constant companion, a stuffed orca whale, that he called “Orca.” The orca whale incorporated into our logo is a reminder of Nathaniel’s favorite companion.
Nathaniel endured a 2-year battle before passing away on Christmas Eve of 2013. He was only 9 years old.
Nathaniel’s determination, strength and courage is truly a testimony of what God can do if given the opportunity. Nathaniel is an inspiration and a reminder to us all that no matter what is thrown our way, with a little determination and a whole lot of God, we will overcome it.
There is not enough awareness regarding Childhood Cancer. We are dedicated to changing that for other children and their families. These kids should be recognized for the battles they are enduring. They deserve to know they matter and are not in this battle alone.
About NCCF
Throughout Nathaniel’s courageous battle, he was often confined to his hospital room. On those occasions when he would receive something new to occupy his mind, it sparked such joy in an otherwise depressing time. That is what we want to bring to these young warriors; joy. Most children hospitals provide an abundance of resources and activities; however, there are times that kids are under isolation or are too ill to leave their rooms. Therefore, Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation wants to bring the fun directly to the child’s room.
