It’s not surprising to think that while a family copes with pediatric cancer treatment, both comfort and emotional relief can often be in short supply. But for the last decade, Cincinnati’s Dragonfly Foundation has been committed to answering that call.
“We started as family and friends who saw a need to help these families,” founder and Executive Director Christine Neitzke says. Now, 10 years later, the Dragonfly Foundation is proud to report its efforts have supported nearly six thousand pediatric cancer patients and their families—neighbors in our own community, as well as those who have come to Cincinnati for its world-renowned treatment facility.
While she’s thankful that other organizations are dedicated to curing cancer, Christine envisioned Dragonfly to specifically focus on the psychosocial and emotional aspects of treatment, to lower the stress of patients and family—and meet their needs. “There’s something that makes families feel they’re part of our community,” she says,” by identifying as a Dragonfly.”
The Dragonfly Foundation is also celebrating a new location. Just two years ago, the nonprofit acquired the historic Hauck Heine House in Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood, a few short blocks from what’s known as “Hospital Row.” The property, named The Landing—“a place where dragonflies can land,” Christine points out—includes an 11,720-square-foot main house, 3,082-square-foot carriage house, and wooded front yard … all provided to pediatric cancer patients and their families for relaxation, recreation and reflection.
Christine’s own family knows all too well the challenges that families of pediatric cancer patients face—in 2010, her own son Matt was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Now cancer-free, he joins her in delivering on a mission that so many in the Loveland community have also supported.
Loveland business leader Bill Carigan has been on the Dragonfly Foundation board for more than three years, and also serves on the organization’s external relations committee—which he describes as an opportunity “to evangelize the foundation, and make sure everyone knows about it.”
“We get behind all the events,” Bill says, referring to public fundraising initiatives—from dedicated evenings at local restaurants to grand ballroom galas.
But Bill’s not alone. Other business leaders and community members of the Loveland area are just as dedicated to Dragonfly’s mission, including fellow board members Jack Brendamour, Dr. Jennifer Chung, Paula Scholz and Tony Ricci.
“We’re also grateful for Cappy’s, Ramsey’s Trailside and Paxton’s Grill,” Christine points out. “They’ve provided amazing support through fundraisers that directly benefit the families we support.”
Bill agrees. “The Loveland community has been very supportive,” he notes, proud of the ways it’s supported the nonprofit over the years.
Although not a Loveland local, Marty Brennaman is another notable Dragonfly champion. In 2012, the now-retired Cincinnati Reds Broadcast Hall of Fame announcer shared the playing field with Dragonfly-supported patients following a game at Great American Ball Park, and remains an adamant supporter of the Dragonfly Foundation. “We call that our ‘Marty moment,’ Christine says. “It was invaluable for our organization. He’s truly supported us wholeheartedly, attends our events, has met with kids … it’s a very special relationship.”
Services provided by the Dragonfly Foundation include preparation of packages with snacks, educational material, or toys and games. This year, they’ve done their best with adapting to pandemic-related challenges. “We’re still delivering, providing groceries, operating drive-throughs, and sharing activities to do at home,” Christine says, reinforcing her dedication to “surround these families with a community of wonder.”
She also points out how we should consider virus-related precautions as a window into the world of cancer treatment patients. “Children with cancer are used to living in a COVID environment,” she says. “Their immune system is low—they’re used to masks and being secluded. And these families are even more secluded now.”
But that doesn’t mean they’re alone.
“The greatest asset we have,” Christine says of the families they serve, “is Children’s Hospital, which has such a high rating for oncology.” She cites the hospital’s current and future expansion as a commitment to treating a growing number of patients.
Of course, hope and compassion are also valuable resources for the Dragonfly Foundation, both of which are, thankfully, in abundance. While the past 10 years have seen the organization making a remarkable impact, they’re looking forward to even more.
“While we’re just getting started,” Christine says, “we would love to be out of business.”
Getting Involved, Looking Ahead
Activities and events have traditionally been a substantial component of the Dragonfly Foundation’s fundraising, with around 100 benefit events held annually. But this year’s been different.
For example, while the organization did have to cancel many of their planned in-person events this year, the annual Dragonfly golf outing (emceed by Scott Sloan of WLW) was able to be held, and raised a reported $70,000.
And right now, they’re still planning on holding their biggest event of the year—the annual Grand Gala at Music Hall, on March 6. The formal, black tie-optional event includes a plated dinner by Jeff Thomas Catering, performances by Cybéle and Endless Summer Band, an open bar, silent auction and grand raffle.
Additionally, with many organizations going virtual to connect with constituents, the Dragonfly Foundation’s library of podcasts might be a great place for interested readers to get started.
Thanks to significant assistance from iHeart Media—parent company of local stations like 700WLW, WEBN, KISS 107.1, and 55 WKRC—the Dragonfly message has been shared around the world. “We’ve even received donations from overseas,” Christine says. Although the recording of new episodes was temporarily suspended when Coronavirus-related precautions were recommended, the organization’s previous episodes are still able to be downloaded. “We hope to get new podcasts up and running soon,” Christine says.
Our own Bill Carigan also suggests an easy way support the Dragonfly Foundation, through Kroger’s Community Rewards program—which donates up to $187,500 every quarter to local charities. Once enrolled, every trip to the grocery adds up to more Dragonfly support from the Loveland community.,
To support Dragonfly Foundation through Kroger’s Community Rewards program, simply sign in to your Kroger account and add the Dragonfly designation to your Kroger Plus Card. To learn more about the upcoming Grand Gala, visit DragonflyGala.org.
Dragonfly.org | HQ: 506 Oak Street, Cincinnati | 513.494.6474