MISSION The Katelyn Morales Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals, families and communities through education, research and support. Our mission is to fund groundbreaking research, provide scholarships to aspiring students, and offer assistance to families in need. We are committed to fostering a brighter future; one that is driven by compassion, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Katelyn Morales.

THE KATELYN MORALES FOUNDATION

OUR MISSION

The Katelyn Morales Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals, families and communities through education, research and support. Our mission is to fund groundbreaking research, provide scholarships to aspiring students, and offer assistance to families in need. We are committed to fostering a brighter future; one that is driven by compassion, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Katelyn Morales.

The Kate Morales Foundation is a nonprofit organization (EIN 99-350924) that funds families, research, as well as clinical trials specifically geared towards lymphoma and other aggressive childhood cancers.

Katelyn Morales Story

Katelyn Morales was a dedicated athlete, excelling in soccer, basketball, and track during her time at Howell Middle School South. So, when the 14-year-old first felt pain in her back, she thought it was just another sore muscle. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

After months of uncertainty, Katelyn was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells. From June 2023 to January 2024, she underwent treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The rarity of Katelyn’s cancer made it particularly difficult to diagnose and treat.

During her time at CHOP, Katelyn endured radiation, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and numerous other treatments. Her battle was marked by immense challenges, including debilitating side effects and setbacks. At one point, a tumor pressing on her spinal cord impacted her ability to walk, requiring intensive physical rehabilitation.

Despite these struggles, the support from the community was overwhelming. Friends, neighbors, and local organizations rallied around the Morales family, providing much-needed encouragement and assistance.

Katelyn’s fight was relentless. When one treatment didn’t work, her doctors tried new approaches, hoping for a breakthrough. Her strength and courage inspired everyone around her, even as the pain became increasingly difficult to bear.

“The community response is what we’ve been most inspired by,” her father, Jamie Morales, shared.

Katelyn had been looking forward to starting her freshman year at Red Bank Catholic High School, where she would play for the Casey’s girls’ soccer team. Tragically, her battle with cancer ended before she could fulfill that dream.

In her memory, this foundation was created to honor Katelyn’s legacy as an incredible young woman. Through this effort, her spirit will live on, and we will continue to support other families affected by childhood cancer.

Katelyn will always remain in our hearts, inspiring us with her strength, determination, and love.

WHERE DO DONATION AND MONEY GO?

Donations to The Katelyn Morales Foundation will be allocated to the following key areas:

RESEARCH FUNDING
A portion of donations will support cutting-edge research initiatives in fields that align with our mission, such as medical research, educational development, and social impact studies. This funding aims to drive innovation and find solutions to pressing challenges.

FAMILY SUPPORT
Contributions will also be used to provide financial assistance and other resources to families facing hardships. This includes covering basic necessities, healthcare costs, and emergency relief to help families stabilize and endure during difficult times.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Donations will fund scholarships for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. These scholarships will help deserving students pursue higher education and achieve their fullest potential.

OPERATIONAL COSTS
A small percentage of donations will go towards the foundation’s operational expenses to ensure efficient management and effective implementation of our programs. We strive to maximize the impact of every dollar donated by maintaining low administrative costs.

By directing funds to these areas, the Katelyn Morales Foundation aims to create a lasting positive impact on individuals, families and communities.

OUR INSPIRATION

Katelyn Morales was an exceptional athlete, excelling in her chosen sports with dedication, skill, and a competitive spirit that inspired all who knew her. As a teenager, she radiated beauty, both inside and out, and possessed a maturity and wisdom far beyond her years. Her intelligence and selflessness were evident in everything she did. Katelyn always put others first, and was always striving to make the world around her a little better.

Katelyn's love for children was unmatched, and her infectious optimism brought joy and hope to everyone she encountered. She was a beam of light and a had deep appreciation for the world around her, which she expressed through her unwavering positivity.

Even when faced with the daunting challenge of lymphoma, Katelyn approached her battle with dignity, courage, and an unbreakable positive attitude. Her strength and resilience are a source of inspiration to all, embodying the spirit of the Katelyn Morales Foundation. Her legacy continues to inspire us to support research, education, and families in need, ultimately reflecting Katelyn’s enduring impact on the world around her.