As the face of CMN at UC Davis for 2024, Isaac and his family will support campaigns that benefit UC Davis Children’s Hospital, the only CMN Hospital in the area.
Isaac was a toddler when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common childhood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. He was hospitalized at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and then began chemotherapy treatment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Isaac spent three years in treatment for leukemia.
“It was hard when we got the news Isaac had cancer. He was so little,” said Daisy Franco, Isaac’s mom. “But he fought every step of the way. He was really strong.”
Isaac’s treatment lasted three years. Throughout that time, Daisy, looked for ways to give back.
Isaac plays tight end on his football team.
“We bought gifts and took them to the hospital and cancer center,” Franco said. “We really just wanted to do something for other kids since Isaac was so well taken care of.”
Now, as the 2024 CMN champion family, the Francos hope to reach even more people across UC Davis Children’s Hospital’s vast 33-county service area. Their assignment is to help raise awareness about the importance of CMN’s work at the hospital.
“We are really excited to represent CMN,” Franco said. “If Isaac’s story can make a difference, we want to share it.”
Isaac remains cancer-free and he’s very active. He’s a talented tight end on a local football team and loves the Raiders.
A top student, Isaac has been recognized as the “peace builder of the year” at his school every year since kindergarten. His mom attributes his kindness to what he’s been through.
“I think his illness helped make him the person he is today,” Franco said. “He’s so kind and caring. I’m really proud of the person he has become.”
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals UC Davis Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s first hospitals to join the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN), an international nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for, and awareness of children’s hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raise funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across the nation and in Canada. Countless individuals, organizations and media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to the network create miracles by funding medical care, programs, research and equipment that saves and improves the lives of 10 million children each year.
