About Myla's Beleaf

A Story of Love, Hope, and Beleaf

Myla’s Beleaf is a nonprofit organization created from a place of deep love, lived experience, and unwavering Beleaf. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Myla’s Beleaf exists to support families navigating the life changing journey of childhood cancer. We provide financial assistance and emotional support, so families can concentrate on what matters most; their child’s health.

At the heart of everything we do is “Beleaf” in supporting families, in kindness and compassion, and ensuring no family faces this devastating diagnosis alone.

Our Beginning

Myla’s Beleaf was founded in honor of our sparkling unicorn, Myla Carrera. She was diagnosed on December 26, 2017 with Stage IV Wilms Tumor, diffuse anaplastic histology, with extensive lung metastases. Her courageous journey included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

One year later, multiple lung lesions remained and she was deemed terminal. Instead of pursuing only palliative care, we sought experimental options, including repurposed medicine and immunotherapy in Austria.

Tragically, her cancer later spread to the occipital lobe of her brain, and after multiple recurrences, Myla passed away in our arms on January 1, 2020.

Myla lives on in our hearts. We will never say goodbye — only until we see you again.

What We Do

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide direct financial assistance and compassionate support to families whose children are battling cancer. We work to ease the financial and emotional burdens families face so they can focus on care, connection, and healing. 

Our Vision

Our vision is a world without childhood cancer. Until that time, we envision a world where families facing childhood cancer feel supported, understood, and surrounded by care. 

Childhood cancer creates sudden and overwhelming expenses. Medical bills, travel costs, housing needs, utilities, and daily necessities can quickly become unmanageable. 

Support is more than financial assistance. We bring compassion, connection, and access to community resources to help families feel supported and understood.

Many children require specialized care that involves frequent hospital visits or travel. We help cover transportation, lodging, and other related costs that is not covered by insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. Here at Myla’s BeLeaf, we know that navigating childhood cancer can be overwhelming, and you likely have questions about how we help families, how support is provided, and how you can get involved. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to give you a clear understanding of our mission, our programs, and ways you can join us in spreading hope and support to families facing this journey.

Myla’s BeLeaf is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support and hope to families affected by childhood cancer. It was created in memory of Myla Carrera, a courageous young girl whose fight with cancer inspired her family to help others facing similar challenges.

We offer financial assistance to help cover household bills, medical care expenses (including travel for treatment), and other necessary expenses. Our goal is to ease some of the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Florida families with priority given to Palm Beach County residents are typically considered based on need and impact they’re facing due to a childhood cancer diagnosis. We aim to help where traditional support systems fall short, especially for uninsured patients, families with extraordinary treatment needs, or travel-related expenses for care.

We only accept applications from approved referral partners. Families seeking support should contact their social worker to begin the referral process and direct them to our Application Page. We review applications carefully to ensure funds are directed where they can make the most difference. 

You can support us by donating, participating in fundraisers and community events, sharing our mission with your network, or volunteering your time. Every contribution — big or small — helps spread hope to families in need.

Yes, Myla’s BeLeaf is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are used to provide direct financial support to families, help with medical and travel-related expenses, and create positive experiences for children battling cancer.

Why Your Donation Matters

A childhood cancer diagnosis creates emotional, physical, and financial strain. While insurance may help cover medical treatment, it rarely addresses the everyday expenses that continue while parents are caring for their child.

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet
  • Groceries and household essentials
  • Transportation to and from hospitals and treatment centers
  • Car payments and fuel costs

 

These financial pressures can distract families from what matters most. Your donation allows parents to stay present with their child during treatment and recovery.

Our Board of Directors

Michael Goodwin

Founder & Director

Camilla Goodwin

Founder & President

Mary Jury

Vice President

Victor Jury

Treasurer

Ann Welsh

Secretary

Eric Sprechman

Director

Tess Sprechman

Director

Darcy Clinton

Executive Director

Our Team

Stephanie Shulman

Director of Operations

Amy Ross

Director of Family Programs

Chess Thompson

Director of Marketing and Communications