The People Who Lit the Way for Joy in Our First Thirty Years
Children’s Cancer Association has traveled a long road in its thirty years. As we honor this milestone, we know that we as an organization are here today because of the steadfast support of our community.
It takes more than one person to light the way, and we’re grateful to all the people with whom we’ve had the honor to share this journey, a constellation of luminous individuals who have helped tens of thousands of sick children nationwide feel like kids again through transformative moments of joy.
In recognition of our thirtieth anniversary, we are thrilled to showcase, celebrate, and highlight the JoyRx Luminaries who light this path.
These individuals are lifelong friends, steadfast supporters, dedicated staff members, heroic and passionate influencers in the community, unrelenting volunteers, and — in the end — true Joy Makers.
Join us each day in September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, as we honor these JoyRx Luminaries and their service to Children’s Cancer Association.
This page will be updated daily with a new Luminary to celebrate.
September 4: Marsha Brockmeyer
Pop, rock, jazz — Marsha Brockmeyer loves it all. So, when she was introduced to JoyRx Music, it immediately struck a chord.
“I was managing the Community Giving program for Target at the time, and I went on a hospital tour to see JoyRx Music in action,” she explained. “It was such a profound experience. I literally cried tears of joy.”
Marsha Brockmeyer with former Children’s Cancer Association staff member Abby Guyer at our annual gala in 2014 (photo courtesy of Children’s Cancer Association)
From that point on, Marsha connected Target with Children’s Cancer Association, becoming a grant partner and major contributor. In retirement, her support and advocacy for our organization remain strong. She served on the Board of Directors for five years and generously shares her time, energy, and business resources as a training and leadership consultant.
Marsha has been instrumental in helping us build by engaging not just the families we serve but also major corporate partners. She has helped our staff build capacity and expertise in grant writing by sharing her insights and experience as a funder, thereby magnifying our ability to develop proposals for corporate partnerships and funders.
In 2010, Marsha and her late husband Gene generously decided to include Children’s Cancer Association in their estate plans. With the intention of this legacy gift, Marsha and Gene became inaugural members of our Founder’s Society. Gene passed away in 2013, but Marsha says she’s proud to continue to support our mission for both of them.
“For me, it’s a way of celebrating his memory,” she explains. “When I think about him, I think about his generous heart and the love we shared for Children’s Cancer Association. Now, when I give, I do it in honor of Gene.”
Thank you for your heart, guidance, and generosity, Marsha and Gene.
September 3: Bronwyn Houston
When asked to describe Bronwyn Houston in just one word, remarkable is typically the first word listed.
As the President of Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, our key partner, Bronwyn and her team have been instrumental in our JoyRx programs in action — advocating for, understanding, and welcoming the importance of joy in a pediatric healthcare setting.
Being a key part of the Randall Children’s Hospital team throughout our organization’s history, Bronwyn is the exact definition of a Luminary — someone who lit the way for our programs to thrive and champions innovative community partnerships.
Bronwyn isn’t just a key partner helping to facilitate our programs in the children’s hospital, but also a critical advocate for Children’s Cancer Association. In the early years, she helped us grow and respond to the needs of children, serving as a vital expert in the development of JoyRx programs. She was also a leader in the first research project we conducted at Randall Children’s Hospital, and continues to champion our development and program innovation.
Through her professional contributions to our extraordinary growth, her advocacy, and her collaboration, Bronwyn helped inform our vision for children to have access to joy during their healthcare journey, regardless of how dark some of their days may become.
Bronwyn Houston with a special therapy llama friend (wearing a fancy bowtie)!
(photo courtesy of Bronwyn Houston)
When asked why she supports Children’s Cancer Association, she said, “From the moment that I met Regina and the Ellis Family, heard Alex’s story, and learned the JoyRx mission to bring joy to seriously ill children and families, my head and heart were hooked. Being a partner to them is one of the greatest personal and professional privileges I’ve had in my life.”
We at Children’s Cancer Association are privileged to be partners with such an incredible leader. In the world of Luminaries, Bronwyn is a bright, shining, indelible light guiding our work.
And what brings her the most joy?
“My family and friends, our mini-Aussie, Jory, the smile on a child’s face, soaking up the beauty of this world through travel and hiking, sunshine, the sound of the ocean, THE Ohio State Buckeyes,” she said enthusiastically. “And when the Randall Children’s Hospital team makes magic happen for a child and family.”
We couldn’t agree more, Bronwyn.
September 2: Paula A. Barran
“Paula is a quiet, thundering, remarkable force of intellect, compassion, and legal expertise,” Regina Ellis, our founder, said of her friend and mentor.
It’s the perfect way to describe Paula and her influence on Children’s Cancer Association. Paula was instrumental in guiding the organization in its early days (back when we had only four employees!) in developing the organization’s policies, guidelines, and strategy for human resources. She even helped draft the employee manual we still use today.
And since that time, Paula has continuously provided us with years of pro bono work as a founding member of her law firm, Barran Liebman, LLP. The firm is recognized throughout our region as a leading advocate for community partnerships in the non-profit sector, and we are grateful for their generosity and expertise. Serving as a personal mentor and friend to Regina, Paula played a vital role in enhancing the practices, skills, and acumen of our managers and team.
“She provided so much help,” Regina said. “She was an anchor for us.”
Paula Barran with Regina Ellis at our annual gala in 2017 (photo courtesy of Children's Cancer Association)
Paula served on our Board of Directors from 2009 to 2023 and remains deeply dedicated and supportive of our mission and the community. In addition to serving on our board, Paula has acted as general counsel for the Portland Human Resource Management Association, served on the national advisory board for Super Lawyers, and is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation — among other notable accolades.
It also helps that she truly believes in our mission and the power of music.
She admitted in 2015: “I’m a wannabee musician with zero talent and a patient guitar and banjo teacher.”
We’re ready to sing her praise even if she’ll be humble about it! Even if we can’t speak to her guitar skills (just yet), we know she is a shining beacon of talent and kindness.
“She’s a beautiful human being,” said Regina. “She is a quiet force of good at Children’s Cancer Association, in Oregon, and in the world.”
September 1: René Zingarelli
Affectionately known as the JoyRx Grandma-in-Chief, René wears many hats for Children’s Cancer Association: Founding member of the Board of Directors from 1999 to 2004, proud five-time JoyRx Mentor, championing volunteer leader, and grandmother to Alexandra Ellis.
Mentor Rene and one of her mentees, Averie, in 2021 (photo courtesy of Children's Cancer Association)
For thirty years, René has been a steadfast part of our story as one of our founding family members. She has played a crucial role in shaping our mission — from contributing to early program development through focus groups to serving on key initiatives, such as the JoyRx Mentorship 100 Match Challenge committee.
René’s commitment and care have touched every corner of our organization. In the early days, she jumped in wherever needed — addressing envelopes, helping plan celebrations of courage for children served, and championing fundraising efforts. Over time, she’s continued to make a lasting impact through her leadership and by playing a key role in creating a culture of generosity as one of our first donors.
As an active member of the community, René worked for 26 years at Clackamas Community College, serving in both faculty and Associate Dean of Extended Learning Services roles. In her retirement, she enjoys volunteering with numerous organizations, but we know that we are her favorite (and the feeling is mutual!).
When asked why she supports Children’s Cancer Association, her response was simple: “I STILL believe in the passionate work of bringing JOY to sick kiddos who, like my granddaughter Alexandra, get to have a life sprinkled with joyful moments amidst the challenging, painful ones. I know it made a difference for our family — and I know it continues to make a difference for the children they serve.”
The dream of Children’s Cancer Association started around the Ellis family kitchen table, and today, we are a national organization that serves hundreds of thousands of children every year. And in all that time, René has been a constant presence.
“Her selflessness as a community leader, as a mother, and as a grandmother has been so impactful,” said Regina Ellis, founder of Children’s Cancer Association, and René’s daughter. “Lots of people come in and volunteer for periods of time, but she has been consistent. She’s been at this table for thirty years.”
From the kitchen table to shaping the future of JoyRx, René has been a steady light of compassion, kindness, and dedication. It’s only fitting that we honor her as a Luminary — a true guiding light in our mission of joy.