We walk beside families facing childhood cancer — providing practical help, emotional support, and community, so no family faces this alone.
Featured event
5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run
Our purpose
We believe that while we cannot change a child's diagnosis, we can change how a family experiences the journey. By transforming love into action, we provide hope, practical support, and a caring community for children fighting cancer and those who love them.
Our mission
The Ana Molnar Foundation exists to honor the life and legacy of Ana Molnar by bringing hope, compassion, and meaningful support to children battling cancer and their families. Through financial assistance, community outreach, and acts of kindness, we help ease the burdens families face during treatment while reminding them they are never alone.
Our vision
We envision a future where every child diagnosed with cancer is surrounded by compassion, hope, and a community that stands beside them every step of the journey. By inspiring generosity, building meaningful partnerships, and bringing people together through events like From Ana Banana with Love, we strive to create lasting change and ensure that Ana's legacy continues to touch lives for generations to come.
Our values
This year we run for
Every dollar raised in 2026 supports these two brave children and their families.
Stage IV neuroblastoma
In chemotherapy. Supporting a local Chicago-area family.
Donate for NathanChildhood cancer
In chemotherapy. Supporting a Chicago area family.
Donate for GabrielOur story
The Ana Molnar Foundation was created in loving memory of Ana Molnar, whose courage, joy, and kindness continue to inspire a growing community of compassion. After losing Ana to DIPG in 2021, her family chose to transform unimaginable loss into hope for other families facing pediatric cancer.
Today, the Foundation exists to ensure that children fighting cancer and their loved ones know they are not alone. We provide practical help, emotional support, and community, so no family faces this alone.
Ana was just four and a half years old when she passed away after bravely battling Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor. In her short life, she taught us more about courage, unconditional love, and finding joy in every moment than many learn in a lifetime. The Ana Molnar Foundation was created to honor her extraordinary spirit by turning heartbreak into hope, helping children with cancer and their families through financial assistance, compassion, and the support of a community that cares.
Event history
What began as a small gathering of family and friends has grown into a community tradition that celebrates Ana's life while raising awareness and critical financial support for children battling cancer.
A new chapter for the Foundation. This year's event supports Nathan, a young boy fighting Stage IV neuroblastoma, and Gabriel, who is courageously battling osteosarcoma. Beyond financial assistance, the event raises awareness of pediatric cancer, celebrates resilience, and brings together families, sponsors, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
Register →
Building on the success of the first year, the second edition welcomed more participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Funds were raised to support Greyson, who is fighting ependymoma, and Carla, a young girl from Romania battling Wilms tumor. The momentum from this event led to the creation of the Ana Molnar Foundation.
See photos and hear about Carla's and Greyson's story →
The inaugural event was organized as a tribute to Ana. Hundreds of supporters came together to honor her memory and prove that love can continue to change lives. Proceeds helped a young mother battling breast cancer and Sofia, a little girl from Romania courageously fighting DIPG. The event established the belief that one family's story could unite an entire community.
Every registration, sponsorship, donation, and volunteer hour helps carry Ana's legacy forward. Together we are creating a future where families facing pediatric cancer receive not only financial support, but also compassion, friendship, and hope. From Ana Banana with Love is more than a race—it is a movement built on kindness and the belief that love never ends.
How to help
Your gift becomes gas cards, meals, medical bills paid, and moments of joy for families in the middle of the fight. Every amount matters.
Scan in your banking app to give via Zelle.
Thank you
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