Teen Uses Make-A-Wish to Start Food Foundation for Kids at Children's Hospital

Duncan Simmons, a 16-year-old cancer survivor, started Duncan's Diner to provide special meals for young patients.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Duncan Simmons, a 16-year-old who recently beat Burkitt leukemia, used his Make-A-Wish request to start a foundation called Duncan's Diner that provides special meals and food options for kids staying at UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. The foundation has already raised $25,000 in donations from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, DoorDash, and Sheetz to give young patients access to food they enjoy beyond the standard hospital fare.

Why it matters

Duncan's story highlights how a young person can turn a personal health challenge into an opportunity to help others in similar situations. The Duncan's Diner foundation aims to bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to children's hospital patients through access to familiar and enjoyable food, which can make a meaningful difference in their recovery and well-being.

The details

After spending weeks battling Burkitt leukemia at UPMC Children's Hospital, 16-year-old Duncan Simmons was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which offered him the chance to take a trip or receive other rewards. Instead, Duncan chose to start a foundation called Duncan's Diner that provides special meals and food options for young patients at the hospital. The foundation has already received $25,000 in donations from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, DoorDash, and Sheetz to fund the initiative, which allows kids to order their favorite foods like pizza, chili dogs, and more beyond the standard hospital cafeteria menu.

  • About two years ago, Duncan was diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia.
  • During his recovery, Duncan was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  • The Duncan's Diner foundation has already raised $25,000 in donations.

The players

Duncan Simmons

A 16-year-old who recently beat Burkitt leukemia and started the Duncan's Diner foundation to provide special meals for young patients at UPMC Children's Hospital.

Chris Simmons

Duncan's father, who says the Duncan's Diner foundation gives kids options for food from outside the hospital walls.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

The organization that approached Duncan and provided the initial donation to start the Duncan's Diner foundation.

DoorDash

The food delivery service that provided $5,500 in gift cards to support the Duncan's Diner foundation.

Sheetz

The convenience store chain that provided gift cards to help families with expenses beyond just food, such as filling up their cars for trips to and from the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“Start a foundation to help other people get the food that they like to eat. The food in the hospital is OK, but it gets boring after a little bit.”

— Duncan Simmons

“If the kid wants a pizza, they can get a special pizza. If they want a chili dog, if they want anything, they can do that.”

— Chris Simmons, Duncan's father

“It definitely makes you feel a lot better. It's a hot meal, it tastes good, it's something you haven't had in a while. It's good all around.”

— Duncan Simmons

What’s next

More foundations are getting in line to help out the Duncan's Diner initiative, and the organization continues to gather donations to expand its efforts to provide special meals for young patients at UPMC Children's Hospital.

The takeaway

Duncan Simmons' story demonstrates how a young person can turn a personal health challenge into an opportunity to help others, using his Make-A-Wish request to start a foundation that brings comfort and normalcy to children's hospital patients through access to familiar and enjoyable food.