Lucy’s Legacy of Love: The Nonprofit That’s Redefining What Cancer Support Should Look Like

It Started with Lucy

When 11-year-old Lucy Grogan was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, she found herself in a battle no child should ever have to fight. Between hospital stays, chemotherapy, and constant uncertainty, there was one thing that brought her real relief: integrative therapies.

Massage. Reiki. Music therapy. Acupuncture. Horseback riding.

These weren’t just “extras” to Lucy. They were essential to her healing. They helped her cope with pain, fear, and the emotional weight of cancer in ways medicine alone couldn’t.

There’s a common misconception that these therapies are just “nice-to-have” add-ons. Optional. Luxuries.

But for the families Lucy’s Love Bus serves, they’re lifelines that help kids manage intense pain, nausea, and the overwhelming physical and emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment. They give siblings and caregivers much-needed relief from anxiety, PTSD, depression, and isolation.

These therapies help children smile after chemo. Make a sibling feel seen. Help a parent find the strength to keep going.

Lucy noticed something heartbreaking—these therapies weren’t available to every child. They weren’t covered by insurance and that meant comfort was only available to families who could afford it.

Lucy made a promise: when she was “done with cancer,” she’d make sure other kids had access to these same life-changing therapies—free of charge.

Lucy didn’t survive her illness. But her promise did.

Today, her dream drives Lucy’s Love Bus, the only nonprofit in the U.S. offering free integrative therapies to children with cancer and their families, no matter where they are in their journey—newly diagnosed, in remission, or on hospice.

What Makes Love Bus Different: Whole-Family Healing, Every Step of the Way

Each year, 600 children in New England are diagnosed with cancer. That’s roughly one child for every public elementary school in the state of Connecticut. 

With each diagnosis, a ripple of pain and fear moves through a family—affecting siblings, caregivers, grandparents, and even entire communities. That’s why in 2022, Lucy’s Love Bus expanded their programs to support the whole family. Cancer doesn’t just affect one child. It affects everyone who loves them.

A Whole-Family Approach

Unlike other organizations, Lucy’s Love Bus doesn’t stop at supporting the child with cancer. They offer a continuum of care—for siblings, caregivers, and bereaved families too.

• Healing Room: Bringing massage, acupuncture, yoga, and art therapy directly into pediatric cancer centers across New England. These bedside therapies are a lifeline during treatment.
• Lucy’s Children: Covering the cost of individual integrative therapies—at home, in hospitals, or in hospice—for children with cancer. These sessions help kids manage pain, stress, and the emotional toll of illness.
• Sajni’s Siblings: Siblings are often the silent sufferers. This program offers them shared or solo activities like art, dance, or aerial yoga to work through grief, anxiety, and fear.
• Ilene’s Caregivers: From virtual yoga and support groups to in-person massage and retreats, this program helps parents and caregivers restore their strength and spirit.
• Group Programs: Joy-filled events that bring families together for surf lessons, adventure therapy, and meaningful community connection—because fun, laughter, and belonging matter too.
  

Through these programs, Lucy’s Love Bus supports over 600 children and their families every year.

Not Just Support—A Source of Strength, Joy, and Connection

If you ask any family who’s received support you’ll hear that these integrative therapies aren’t extras, they’re essentials. They help children cope with:

• Chronic and acute pain
• Nausea and side effects of treatment
• Trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation
  

For parents, they offer tools to manage stress, PTSD, and burnout. For siblings, they provide safe spaces to express grief, confusion, and fear.

Real Words from Real Families

“Lucy’s Love Bus gives kids a choice and a voice when so much of treatment feels out of their control. It lets them dream big and acknowledge their struggles.”
— Marcy, Catherine & Rachel’s mom

“I don’t think people put as much emphasis on the late-effects of cancer, and what families go through after treatment. The effects for him are long term, and the effects for us are long term; this is why I wholeheartedly believe that resources after treatment are just as important as resources during treatment. What Lucy’s Love Bus does is so important, I’m so grateful for the organization and all of its supporters.”

— Jessica, Cam’s mom

“Because I turned 18 one month before my diagnosis, I didn’t qualify for other programs. Lucy’s Love Bus was my escape during care—it has helped shape my future!”
— Alex, Love Bus recipient

“Having a child with cancer can bring with it dark days, but Lucy’s Love Bus helps to shine a light on me and my family during these times. It’s such a unique organization in that it treats the whole family. It brings families together to make memories, enjoy special experiences, and to create joy among all of us.”
— Shannon, Finn & Mack’s mom

An Unexpected Truth

It’s easy to imagine that working with childhood cancer families would be dark and difficult. And yes, there are moments of heartbreak. But at Lucy’s Love Bus, the work is also full of joyful reunions, first giggles after treatment, siblings learning to fly during aerial yoga, and parents sharing quiet gratitude during a respite massage.

These are the everyday miracles happening through Lucy’s Love Bus.

Help the Bus Keep Going: How You Can Make a Difference Today

Lucy’s Love Bus turns 20 in 2026. That’s two decades of delivering comfort, connection, and care to families during their most difficult moments. As they look ahead, their mission remains as bold and beautiful as ever:

• Expand access to every child and family in New England who needs it.
• Break the myth that emotional and holistic care is optional.
• Build a world where no family faces childhood cancer alone.
  

Want to Help? Here’s How:

🧡 Become a Monthly Donor
Even a small donation like $5 or $10 per month can help provide consistent therapy sessions to children and families. Sustaining donors are the foundation of Lucy’s work.

🎉 Join an Event
From Devri’s Annual Harbor Cruise to the Tomato Festival to Nancy’s Lipstick Stride to golf tournaments—Lucy’s events are heartfelt, fun, and mission-driven.

💼 Sponsor as a Business
From auction items to matching gifts, there are countless ways for companies to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

🎁 Get Creative
Fundraise your way: host a bake sale, run a 5K, or organize a trivia night. Every act of love helps keep the bus rolling.

🗣️ Spread the Word
Follow, like, and share stories from Lucy’s Love Bus. Awareness creates action—and action creates change.

Final Thoughts

Lucy’s Love Bus began with one little girl’s promise—and nearly 20 years later, that promise is still delivering hope, comfort, and healing to children with cancer and their families across New England.

There are many heartfelt ways to join their journey:

• Become a monthly donor and provide consistent support that families can count on during their hardest days. Even small donations can make a lasting difference.
• Volunteer your time at events, with weekend programs, or by simply lending a hand where it’s needed most. You’ll connect directly with the families who benefit from your kindness.
• Attend or sponsor an event like Devri’s Annual Harbor Cruise, the Tomato Festival, Nancy’s Lipstick Stride, golf tournaments and more. Lucy’s events are heartfelt, fun, and mission-driven.
• Support creatively—host a fundraiser, donate through your business, contribute stock, or leave a legacy gift.
• Meet the families you’re helping through their Butterfly Buddy stories.

No matter how you show up—giving, sharing, sponsoring, attending—you’re helping Lucy’s dream live on in the most meaningful way.