A Few Testimonials



  • Stanford - Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
  • Children’s Hospital Oakland
  • UC San Francisco - Children’s Hospital
  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

A1)  10/09 The Nicholas Colby Funds events and experiences provide patients and their family members with the opportunity to do something that is not associated with the patient's disease. When patients are diagnosed with cancer it takes over every aspect of the patients and family's life, all normalcy disappears. These events provide patients and families with the opportunity to regain some normalcy and do something family oriented that has nothing to do with the disease, it's treatments, or its financial and emotional burden. These events give the patient and family an often much needed moment to get away from cancer / illness for a little while.
Jake Lore, CTRS, Recreation Therapy/Child Life, Stanford – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Q2)  Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A2)  10/09 We are so happy to be able to have the opportunity to assist the Nicholas Colby Fund in providing the patients here at LPCH with the opportunity to attend NCF sponsored events. We see the benefits of all the wonderful things they do for the patients here at LPCH. I am always so appreciative of the wonderful things the NCF does for our patients and families, it is our pleasure to work with them.
Jake Lore, CTRS, Recreation Therapy/Child Life, Stanford – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Q3) From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  10/09 I have been able see the smiles on many patients who have attended NCF sponsored events first hand, and have spoken to patients who have attended events who come back and share what a wonderful time they have had. I also get to hear what a difference these events make in the lives of families of patients, many of whom would never be able to provide these opportunities to their families without the NCF.
Jake Lore, CTRS, Recreation Therapy/Child Life, Stanford – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Q4)   How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  10/09 Our focus is treating patients with cancer and the NCF provides our patients with the opportunity to get real relief from the stress involved with cancer treatment. As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, the NCF provides our patients with the opportunity to use recreational activities as a form of rehabilitation, which is the main objective of the field. I have seen how these events benefit our patients first hand.
Jake Lore, CTRS, Recreation Therapy/Child Life, Stanford – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Q5)   What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

A5)  10/09 The NCF has developed a community of people who are so driven to do good, when you see the work they are doing it is contagious and inspiring. The NCF is always a pleasure to work with and they are doing so much to assist patients dealing with cancer that they inspire me to continue try to do the same everyday.
 Jake Lore, CTRS, Recreation Therapy/Child Life, Stanford – Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

A1)  10/09 We have seen patients and families united by joy when able to attend events planned and supported by The Nicholas Colby Fund. There was a family whose daughter was in treatment for her cancer and she loved, loved, loved the Disney Princesses. The Nicholas Colby Fund arranged for her entire family to attend the Disney ice show- everything was planned around that day - Dad took time off from work, her sister and brother had time off from school and the hospital arranged a pass for the patient to attend. Unfortunately at the last minute she spiked a fever and could not attend - you would think everyone would have been so disappointed but this little 4 year old hero, although very sad, was happy her sister and brother could go and loved the Princess T-shirt they brought back to her. The Nicholas Colby Fund made all this happiness possible for her family and then the best of all, the next year; they didn't forget and made certain this little girl made it to the Disney Princesses on Ice. Knowing this family had such loving support to provide such special experiences for her and her family is just one example of all the great experiences The Nicholas Colby Fund offers to so very many children and their families.
Rebecca Rice, Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital Oakland

Q2)  Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A2)  10/09 Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland is so pleased to work with The Nicholas Colby Fund because the needs of children are at the center of your focus. As well, your mission to serve and your dedication to children matches our goals perfectly.
Rebecca Rice, Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital Oakland

10/09 I like the fact that the Nicholas Colby Foundation is able to provide our patients and families with an activity that can take their minds off the "cancer" and let the kids be kids, have fun and not have to think about their cancer. I believe it is also nice for the parents to attend these events in order to feel some "normalcy" in their lives. Away from the hospital setting, chemo, vomiting, fever, pokes, nurses, doctors, uncomfortable beds by the window. Both the tickets to events and the backpacks have been great opportunities to bring cheer in our patients' lives.
Tracy Jones, MSW, Oncology Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Oakland


10/09 I respect your mission and know the Gilbert family well; I think their positive and loving approach is infectious and wonderful.
Kim Sinclair, Nurse Manager – Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital Oakland

Q3)  From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  10/09 As I mentioned, a backpack FULL of fun items has put plenty of smiles on my patient's faces. Some kids are in shock and awe that they backpack is their very own and that they can keep it. Again, for some of my patients, simple things like having a new backpack, a video game or iPOD, and goodies just for them is something they've never had before. These families are coming from situations where they are a living in poverty and have limited opportunities available to them. If they never had cancer, they would more than likely not experience such things as Disney on Ice, basketball clinics, backpacks with iPOD's and PSP's. I've had patients and families thank me for providing them with an opportunity to attend a basketball game, basketball clinic, etc. Some patients have NEVER attended a major sports event in their lives. Some have never seen a live performance either. I like the fact that have an opportunity available to patients that can expand their horizons and see how big the world is. It's not limited to their poverty stricken neighborhood. People DO care. People DO give without asking for something in return. People DO NOT exploit other people at a time of weakness.
Tracy Jones, MSW, Oncology Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Oakland


10/09 In numerous ways, the Fund has provided food, supplies, and educational/distractional toys for our patients and families to help them cope with long hospitalizations and the difficulties of being away from home/friends. I believe that the opportunities to attend other activities (sports/music/ and theater events) have been memorable to all of our patients and families. Many of our families, regardless of whether their child is ill, have limited resources and the opportunity to attend these kinds of events is terrific..and to attend with others' experiencing similar challenges and fears helps to build community. I believe it has helped to enrich some of their relationships within this community as they have a chance to have some fun together.
Kim Sinclair, Nurse Manager – Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital Oakland

Q4)  How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  10/09 It supports my personal focus of wanting to provide everyday people with opportunities they would likely not have otherwise. I value the partnership with The Nicholas Colby Foundation and truly appreciate all the tickets and backpacks you've provided to our hospital.
Tracy Jones, MSW, Oncology Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Oakland


10/09 The Nicholas Colby Fund supports our families which is in line with our mission to provide family centered care.
Kim Sinclair, Nurse Manager – Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital Oakland

Q5)  What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

A5)  10/09 The Nicholas Colby Fund reaches out to our children and their families as individuals and in groups - the visits of your musicians brings enjoyment in the moment and appreciation that others care enough to take the time for such visits as the harpists and the harmonica player. The group events provide a time to create very special memories for the entire family - often families are so split apart during a child's treatment and these events emphasize having everyone together. In addition, it has been possible for families and children to meet and talk with others who have had similar experiences.
Rebecca Rice, Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital Oakland


10/09 The basketball clinic, the backpacks, tickets to children's events, the harpist…all of these events/activities assist in helping our patients (children) be children. I can't say enough about the backpacks. I've personally seen the backpacks bring families together. A bridge to assist the family and patient in coping with the news of the cancer diagnosis, coping with the long hospitalizations, and introducing new games and activities to patients. For the 5 and under crowd I've seen patients bring their backpacks to clinic and for their impatient admissions. I've even seen children over 5 and teens with their backpacks.

I think this give patients something to have control over in such an uncontrollable situation. None of this kids or parents for that matter ever expected their child to have cancer when they brought them in to the hospital for fevers, tumors and localized pain. Partnering with the Nicholas Colby Foundation has allowed us to bring some joy to the lives of our families at a time when they are completely devastated by the diagnosis and whether or not their child is going to survive.
Tracy Jones, MSW, Oncology Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Oakland


10/09 I find your work inspirational and you show our staff and team an example of strength, love, and grace required by our patients and families on their journeys. Your team is gifted at communicating what this is and in turn, I think, will help others on their journeys. Thank you for sharing Nicholas and yourselves.
Kim Sinclair, Nurse Manager – Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Hospital Oakland

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

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Becky Higbee, Child Life, UCSF – Children’s Hospital

Q2)  Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

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Becky Higbee, Child Life, UCSF – Children’s Hospital

Q3)  From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  10/09 Your recent gift of nutritional packs is deeply appreciated by the children at the hospital and provides them with a wonderful way to cope with their hospital stay and recovery.
Michael Towne, MA / CCLS, Child Life Department Coordinator, UCSF – Children’s Hospital
Brenda Laribee, Associate Director of Development, UCSF – Children’s Hospital

Q4) How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  10/09 We are grateful for your partnership in improving healthcare for children.
Michael Towne, MA / CCLS, Child Life Department Coordinator, UCSF – Children’s Hospital
Brenda Laribee, Associate Director of Development, UCSF – Children’s Hospital

Q5)  What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

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Becky Higbee, Child Life, UCSF – Children’s Hospital

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

A1)  09/09 The Nicholas Colby Fund brings a balance of support within the cancer community. LLS provides support to top notch researchers in hopes of finding cures and support to families of these children through financial aid and support groups. But The Nicholas Colby Fund brings a real life positive outlet for kids and their families. Those few hours away at a game or the circus or whatever activity provides and escape from the harsh realities of cancer treatment. It's a real relief for these kids and great fun too.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q2)  Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A2)  09/09 The Gilberts have been staunch supporters of LTN and Lamont has given his time to speak at many LLS events. His willingness to share his story has inspired hundreds of fundraising volunteers and patient families. They have taken a horrible tragedy in their own lives and turned it into a wonderful opportunity to bless others.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q3)  From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  09/09 The support provided by The Nicholas Colby Fund gives patient families an opportunity to share a very special time with their sick child (and his or her siblings) in an environment away from the hospital and away from the realities of what they deal with everyday. These activities are essential for the mental and emotional wellbeing of these families and for many, this is one of the only outlet's they have.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q4)    How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  09/09 The Gilberts have been staunch supporters of LTN and Lamont has given his time to speak at many LLS events. His willingness to share his story has inspired hundreds of fundraising volunteers and patient families. They have taken a horrible tragedy in their own lives and turned it into a wonderful opportunity to bless others.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q5)  What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

A5)  09/09 Their work with major sports teams and other organizations have added a voice to the important fight against cancer. Their work helps raise awareness around the emotional burden childhood cancer has on children and their families, while providing a short term solution through these activities.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q6.   How does The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society see the differentiation between Make-A-Wish and The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A6)  10/09 Make a Wish is a national organization with an incredible mission and does great work. But NCF brings something additional to the table, its local, it's small enough to take into account special circumstances or needs (i.e. the girl that got sick at Disney).

The benefit of the local nature of the program is this: Three of the largest pediatric cancer centers in California are right here in the Bay Area. You have created partnerships with each and can respond to their needs in an immediate and personal way. Additionally, many kids are not well enough to do the big "make a wish" type programs, but could go to a game or Disney on ice. Those experiences aren't any less impactful, but are often more manageable by the children and their families.

NCF also does more than provide excellent "vacation" type experience - you have a broader program through the nutritional and educational support services you provide. Additionally - what is your vision for the future, you will be bridging gaps in three years you can only imagine now.

NCF engages local celebrities, sports teams and other groups on a very personal level with these kids. It also provides an opportunity for donors and groups to have an impact in their local community, which for many is critical - if not a prerequisite.
Jennifer Fagerstrom, CFRE, Executive Director, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

A1)  11/09 The NCF has had a significantly positive impact on patients and families who have benefited from the various events and experiences offered by The NCF. I’m not sure you can quantitatively measure the impacts unless you count the number of smiles, laughs and other displays of happiness portrayed by the patients and their families. The Golden State Warriors have partnered with the organization numerous times throughout the Fund’s inception. From holiday events, basketball clinics, special visits, Warrior player meet & greets and many other events, it is evident the joy and happiness that the families and patients receive from these experiences. Even if the event is brief, the positive feedback from the event is longstanding which also equates to the immense impact it has on the patients and families. I truly believe that laughter and happiness are the best medicine for these patients, especially in dire circumstances, which many of the kids face. Without question, The NCF provides these kids and also their families with plenty of happy and laughing medicine!
Brian Laurila, Assistant Director, Business Development, Golden State Warriors

Q2)   Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A2)  11/09 As an organization, we are certainly delighted to work with The NCF on so many fronts. First and foremost, the Fund and its leaders represent the necessary passion to patients and families by providing wonderful and memorable experiences. Lamont, Sheila, Gina and their staff and volunteers all portray a genuine care and respect not only for their participants but to their donors and business partners. Their passion is contagious and thus working with them causes you to want to become a part of that passion and the experiences . Third, seeing the difference the Fund makes on patients and families is in itself moving. The smiles brought to patients and families also brings plenty of smiles and joy to those who are able to witness the events. The Fund is also wonderful to partner with because they are extremely organized and detailed. The organization is “on point” in every way and we can always count on them for following through on what they agreed upon, which may sound trivial, but it really is an important characteristic. Overall, The NCF is one of the most reliable organizations to partner with and because of what they do, it makes you want to work with them.
Brian Laurila, Assistant Director, Business Development, Golden State Warriors

Q3) From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  11/09 So many times we have the wonderful opportunity to witness children positively affected by The NCF. For example, during one hospital visit, a child with leukemia was in so much discomfort and so swollen from steroids and other medications that it made my eyes physically water because the pain/discomfort looked unbearable. We weren’t sure whether we should visit that room but the little girl provided a smile, albeit small, that she was thrilled about the visit. Just making that small of change during her time of discomfort was amazing! Also, we have learned of children who had only a few months to live but were still benefiting from NCF experiences a year later! I have also seen kids so happy and appreciative at the Warriors/NCF Basketball Clinics and holiday parties where the children and families receive gifts. Having received ‘Thank You’ notes from parents of how much the event raised the spirits of their children is inspiring and indicative of the type of impact that The NCF has on its participants.
Brian Laurila, Assistant Director, Business Development, Golden State Warriors

Q4)  How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  11/09 Working with The NCF is beneficial in numerous ways, many of which are highlighted above. From a philosophical perspective, working with the Fund correlates extremely well with the Warriors Foundation mission which is to positively impact Bay Area youth by providing support and unique resources to meet the social, educational and cultural needs of the community. Therefore, we as an organization are able to offer these unique resources and support by working with The NCF and its participants because of what they do is also unique. Outside of this perspective, The NCF takes it a step further and constantly is providing new experiences and ways to grow and make an impact. They aren’t an organization who is just there to accept the benefits of what we will offer. The NCF constantly strives to grow and expand in many areas so that working with them is advantageous for both parties. The NCF is able to work in a fast paced environment, be flexible with changes and remain highly organized, which creates an efficient and effective partnership.
Brian Laurila, Assistant Director, Business Development, Golden State Warriors

Q5)  What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

11/09 As alluded to above, The NCF is always seeking ways to improve and grow. They have a pulse on what’s happening within the hospitals, treatments and with child-related illnesses. In turn, the Fund consistently looks for new ways that they can positively impact those children who are experiencing life threatening illnesses both short-term (games, concerts, activities, events) and long-term (plans for helping children and their families who are forced to remain in the Bay Area for extended periods of time, major fundraising ventures and more). The NCF has received much praise and accolades for its accomplishments. However, they are not resting on those honors and seek to continue to continue to grow and expand their array of offerings. It is also important to note the “Care Packages” The NCF delivers to children newly admitted to children’s’ hospitals. In the midst of being in a new, scary environment, The NCF care packages are a welcome treat for kids to enjoy snacks, games and most importantly to feel the love and care that is necessary when being in the hospital.
Brian Laurila, Assistant Director, Business Development, Golden State Warriors

Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP Led our U.S. Patent & Trade Mark effort

Q1)  From your perspective what has been the impact of The Nicholas Colby Fund® events/experiences on patients and their families?

A1)  10/09 The periodic updates I have received on the Fund's activities makes it so clear that the children and families that are touched by the programs benefit tremendously.
Robert McFarlane, Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP

Q2)  Why have you been compelled to partner/collaborate with The Nicholas Colby Fund®?

A2)  10/09 The programs are so worth while and providing these experiences is a wonderful contribution to these kids and their families.
Robert McFarlane, Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP

Q3) From your perspective how has The Nicholas Colby Fund® helped to uplift the spirit of a child diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative condition, or other life threatening illness?

A3)  10/09 By giving them unique experiences that fulfill their dreams and giving them fulfillment to take them away from the difficulties of their treatments and illnesses.
Robert McFarlane, Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP

Q4)  How does partnering/collaborating with The Nicholas Colby Fund® support your business or personal focus?

A4)  10/09 It is a unique way to help these children and their families.
Robert McFarlane, Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP

Q5)  What other favorable impacts/benefits from your perspective has there been via The Nicholas Colby Fund® and their work they call Helping Children Be Children®?

A5)  10/09 It is a unique way to help these children and their families.
Robert McFarlane, Townsend & Townsend & Crew, LLP