about the
NixonStrong Foundation
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Our Mission and Purpose
About the NixonStrong Foundation
💛 Born from Courage. Built on Love.
The NixonStrong Foundation was founded in honor of Nixon Whatcott — a fun-loving, imaginative, and athletic little boy whose strength continues to inspire countless lives.
In February 2018, Nixon began to experience leg pain that quickly turned into a diagnosis that would change everything: Stage 4 Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
At just six years old, Nixon faced more in 18 months than most do in a lifetime — 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a complex rotationplasty surgery to remove the tumor in his leg, and countless hospital stays. Through it all, he never stopped smiling, never stopped joking, and never stopped dreaming of being a Navy SEAL and a hero to others.
Nixon’s courage, faith, and joy became the heartbeat of our family and community. His story drew people together — teammates, classmates, friends, and strangers — all rallying behind one phrase: #FightLikeNixon.
🕊️ His Legacy Lives On
Even as Nixon fought through the pain, his greatest wish was to help other kids who were fighting cancer too. Before his eighth birthday, Nixon helped create what would become the NixonStrong Foundation, a place where his spirit would live on through compassion, giving, and hope.
Today, the NixonStrong Foundation fulfills that mission by supporting children and families battling cancer through:
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💰 Financial assistance for medical expenses, travel, and funeral costs
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🎁 Care packages and comfort gifts for kids during treatment
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🌈 Dream experiences that bring joy to children fighting long battles
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🦿 Prosthetic grants for children who have lost limbs to cancer
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🫶 Community events that raise awareness and build hope
Our Mission
We exist to bring light, love, and relief to children and families affected by pediatric cancer — honoring Nixon’s dream to give back, lift others, and make sure no one fights alone.
Because cancer doesn’t just affect the patient — it touches entire families. Through every donation, event, and volunteer hour, we stand together in Nixon’s name to bring strength where it’s needed most.
💪 #FightLikeNixon
Nixon taught us that true strength isn’t measured by what you can do, but by how you love, serve, and smile through life’s hardest battles.
His spirit continues to fuel our mission to bring hope, awareness, and help to families facing childhood cancer across the country.
Join us in keeping his light alive.
Together, we are #NixonStrong.
Our Team
A Foundation Built from Family and Faith
The NixonStrong Foundation is led by Nick and Janessa Whatcott, proud parents of Nixon and his three brothers — and the hearts behind everything we do.
Nixon’s journey forever changed our lives and opened our eyes to the families walking similar paths. Through his courage, we learned that even in the hardest moments, there is strength in faith, unity, and community.
Together, we’ve made it our mission to carry Nixon’s light forward — to bring hope, love, and support to children and families facing childhood cancer.
While our team may be small, our purpose is enormous — driven by Nixon’s spirit and the incredible support of volunteers, donors, and friends who make this mission possible.
“It’s not about how big our organization is — it’s about how big our hearts are.”
Forever NixonStrong.
Nick Whatcott
CO-CHAIRMAN
Janessa Whatcott
Founder & president
Janessa is the heart and soul of the NixonStrong Foundation. As Nixon’s mom, she walked beside him through every treatment, surgery, and moment of courage — witnessing firsthand the strength and resilience of a child determined to live with joy and faith.
Her compassion for other families enduring similar battles has become the driving force behind everything the foundation does. Janessa brings warmth, organization, and purpose to each project, from fundraising events to family outreach, ensuring every child and parent feels seen, supported, and loved.
“Nixon’s light continues to guide me every day. My hope is that every family we touch feels the same love and faith that carried us.”
NIXON’s WHY on Starting the Foundation… The Beginning.
Nixon dreamed of creating something bigger than himself — a foundation that would give other kids fighting cancer a chance to just be kids again. He wanted them to experience joy, adventure, and moments that made them forget the pain — to laugh, play, and feel free with their families doing what they love most. The NixonStrong Foundation was born from his pure desire to help others find light in the darkest times — to remind them that even in the fight, there can still be joy.
NIXON’S NIXONSTRONG DREAM
Know a Child We Can Help?
Community involvement is key. If you know of a child or family that could benefit from our support, please nominate them. Together, we can extend our reach and impact more lives.
Donate Now
Help us honor Nixon’s fight. Your donation helps families facing pediatric cancer receive the care, love, and hope they need most.
Make a difference today. Your generous contributions enable us to continue our vital work, providing assistance and hope to those who need it most.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to volunteer, nominate a child, sponsor an event, or simply learn more about the NixonStrong Foundation, we welcome your message with open arms. Every conversation, idea, and connection helps us grow this mission of hope.