Laredo Nonprofit Advocates for Childhood Cancer Support on Capitol Hill

Smiles From Heaven brings local families' experiences to Washington, D.C.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Laredo-based nonprofit Smiles From Heaven traveled to Washington, D.C. last month to advocate for greater awareness and support for families facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders. The organization's team met with national childhood cancer advocacy groups and members of Congress to share firsthand experiences and push for stronger resources and improved access to care for children and families in Laredo affected by these illnesses.

Why it matters

Childhood cancer and blood disorders are devastating challenges that many families in the Laredo region face, often having to travel far from home for specialized pediatric care. Smiles From Heaven's advocacy work on Capitol Hill aims to ensure these local families are represented in national conversations about healthcare access and support.

The details

During their trip, Smiles From Heaven representatives first met with the Alliance for Childhood Cancer to prepare for discussions on Capitol Hill. They then connected with leaders working to advance childhood cancer research and legislation, including Nancy Goodman of Kids v Cancer, Kassandra Naylon and her husband, and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul. The following day, the Smiles From Heaven team met with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and staff from the offices of Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, sharing firsthand experiences and advocating for stronger support and resources for children and families in Laredo affected by these illnesses.

  • Smiles From Heaven traveled to Washington, D.C. in late February 2026.
  • The organization met with the Alliance for Childhood Cancer and congressional leaders on February 27, 2026.
  • Smiles From Heaven representatives met with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and Senate staff on February 28, 2026.

The players

Smiles From Heaven

A Laredo-based nonprofit that supports families whose children are battling cancer or blood disorders by providing emotional and financial assistance. The organization was founded in 2019 by Ray and Betsy Sanchez in memory of their daughter Bella, who died from leukemia that same year.

Nancy Goodman

The founder of Kids v Cancer, a national organization working to advance childhood cancer research and legislation.

Kassandra Naylon

A parent whose child, Mikaela Naylon, inspired the bipartisan Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, which is led by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul

The co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, and a leader behind the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar

A member of Congress who met with Smiles From Heaven representatives during their visit to Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“For too long, families in our region have had to travel far from home for specialized pediatric cancer care. As leaders from Laredo, we are stepping forward to ensure our children and families are seen, heard, and included in national conversations about healthcare and access.”

— Smiles From Heaven (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This advocacy work by Smiles From Heaven highlights the critical need for greater support and resources for families in Laredo and across the country facing the devastating challenges of childhood cancer and blood disorders. By bringing local experiences to the national stage, the nonprofit aims to ensure these families have access to the care and assistance they require.