Welcome to Claire's Army

Poyner Spruill is proud to support such a great organization.

But enough about us

Meet Claire

She LOVED pancakes.

Claire was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer

before the age of two.

Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every

three minutes.

St. Baldrick's Foundation

Each year in the United States, approximately 13,500 children 18 and

under are diagnosed with cancer.

National Cancer Institute

That's a classroom full of kids every day

Center for Disease Control

Childhood cancer does not discriminate, sparing no ethnic group, socio-economic

class or geographic region.

Cancer is the leading cause of death among children. Approximately 20% of kids with cancer will die from their

disease, a secondary cancer, or complications from treatment.

National Cancer Institute

The Army's beginnings . . .

"When Claire was diagnosed with cancer, our personal community acted. They acted in big ways with financial support and with meals. They also acted in small, meaningful ways, bringing baskets of goodies, sending cards, posting words of encouragement on CaringBridge and so much more. We literally could feel prayers surrounding us like a warm blanket on a cold day."

Emily Ratliff, Claire's mom

"Looking back now, we understand that we were the exception to the rule.

Most families don’t have Armies."Emily Ratliff

and that's why Claire's Army exists

The Mission of Claire's Army

Claire’s Army strives to act as God’s hands and feet by providing support for families fighting childhood cancer.

or, more simply,

The Army proceeds on many fronts

for example . . .

Claire Packages

Every new family facing a childhood cancer diagnosis at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center will receive one of these to make their hospital stay more comfortable. Because it's the little things that matter. Towels, a bath mat, room disinfectant, plastic utensils, dish-washing liquid, dryer sheets, toys, and a journal, just to name a few.

The Army Meal PlanClaire’s Army removes the stress of meal planning and preparation for these families by accumulating gift cards from local restaurants. These give families the flexibility and freedom to order take-out or even leave the hospital for a meal break, at no added expense. When a family is unable to leave the hospital or home, Claire’s Army volunteers will organize and facilitate meal pick-up and delivery.

The Holiday CampaignThe holidays can be a difficult and frustrating time for families who have little time and money to focus on things such as decorating and gifts. The “Holiday Campaign” aims to bring the magic of the holidays to families wherever they might be. Claire's Army buys and delivers Christmas trees to patients’ homes, provides decorations for the home and/or hospital room, and offers volunteer assistance however necessary, so that parents can focus on the child in treatment.

Claire Ratliff passed away on January 17, 2012

at the age of two years and four months

But her Army marches on.

With your support, we can make the difference that these families need, so

they can focus on what’s most important.

From all of us at

Thank you for supporting Claire's Army

facebook.com/clairesarmy

@clairesarmy0830

And thank you to the following

George Brooks for cooking breakfast.

The volunteers from Poyner Spruill

NOVA Office Strategies

Trinity Presbyterian Church

Serve Families. Love Kids. Fight Cancer.