Lynette and Marc Apodaca's son Marc was diagnosed in 2007 with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The couple quickly realized how little help there was in the form of treatment, information and support for the families facing this type of cancer. Much of the information found, from research online or medical journals, was very difficult to decipher because it was not in laymen terms. However, the family identified many families who were facing or who had faced the same problem and their willingness to help in anyway they can. Through their own independent research, these families found diets and alternative options that offered their child a quality of life that the medical providers did not offer. We want to work with families who are still searching and with families who have found alternative ways to help their child fight this insidious disease. We must work as a team as we are the only hope our children may have.

Their journey found that once parents and a community are faced with this cancer, each unknowingly foster a spirit of compassion, wisdom and charity and a willingness to share. "Through the trials and heartbreak my family has experienced from this horrific loss, we believe and have seen how God has given us each other-- to stand as one heart and one spirit-- and with this instrument God will and has already made us a dynamic force willing and wanting to help other children. Through this foundation we are committed to being a positive representation of change, by demonstrating compassion and integrity in all that we do. We believe that distinguished financial performance is a necessity and not an end in itself, but as means to accomplish our broader mission." Lynette Apodaca.

After some time had passed, Lynette and Marc wanted to provide their assistance to families who are currently going through the battle. After much time, prayer, research, and careful consideration the Apodacas decided to start the Marc Apodaca Jr. Children's Glioma Cancer Foundation to not just help a family; but rather to help families help other families.

MJ Children's Foundation was formed in 2008. In this first year our goal is to form a committee of dedicated people in the Denver area to award annual grants to be funded by local volunteer-organized events.