About Us

The Taylor Matthews Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research. Founded by Taylor Matthews during her own battle with cancer, the foundation focuses on supporting innovative, cutting-edge treatments that can help children immediately while improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Taylor was diagnosed with a rare cancer at just 11 years old and spent five years courageously fighting the disease. Even while enduring surgeries, chemotherapy, and treatments around the world, she remained determined to help other children facing cancer. She created “tay-bandz,” colorful accessories sold to raise money for pediatric cancer research, which eventually grew into the Taylor Matthews Foundation.

What made Taylor extraordinary was her deep love of life. Family and friends described her as spirited, energetic, mischievous, optimistic, and overflowing with love. She adored celebrations, laughter, friendships, and making memories. Taylor refused to let cancer define her and wanted to be known as “a kid with cancer, never a cancer kid.” Even in the darkest moments, she continued to embrace joy, fun, and hope.

Taylor inspired everyone around her with her compassion and determination. Her personal mantra was, “If I could save the life of one child, it would all be worth it.” That spirit continues through the foundation’s work funding groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at leading cancer institutions.

Today, the Taylor Matthews Foundation honors Taylor’s legacy by continuing her mission: bringing hope to children with cancer, supporting families, advocating for better treatments, and ensuring that Taylor’s love, courage, and passion for life continue to change lives.

Our Mission

The Taylor Matthews Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funding pediatric cancer research. We fund cutting-edge, innovative research that reaches sick children now. It is our mission that children with cancer will live long, healthy, and productive lives.

Board of Directors

  • Sue Matthews

    Co-Founder and President

    Sue is the proud mother of Taylor, who founded tay-bandz (The Taylor Matthews Foundation), and her two sisters, Ryan and Corey. She is actively involved in advocating for children with cancer and in helping families waging the toughest imaginable battles. While Taylor succumbed to cancer…

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  • Bob Matthews

    Executive Vice President

    Bob is Taylor’s Dad and he experienced firsthand the reality that treatments for pediatric cancer have been moderately successful at best. During Taylor’s illness, Bob researched treatment plans throughout the United States and Europe. He spoke to doctors all over the world…

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  • Susan Wolfert

    Vice President

    Susan is a freelance writer, journalist, and editor who joined the Taylor Matthews Foundation in 2010 following years of covering Taylor’s journey for her local newspaper in Westchester. Susan has written news and feature articles for Mission Magazine…

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  • Beata Bak Mione

    Board Member

    Beata is a special events coordinator and an active fundraiser who has volunteered for The Taylor Matthews Foundation since its beginning in 2003. Working closely with Taylor, with whom she had a very close personal relationship, Beata has been a spirited force in all foundation endeavors.

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  • Andrea Cohane

    Board Member

    Andrea Cohane is a Board Member, advocate and advisor of The Taylor Matthews Foundation, foundation founded by her niece Taylor Matthews. Taylor was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11 and throughout her nearly five year battle, she strived to raise awareness…

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  • Jessica Avellino

    Board Member

    Jessica Avellino is managing digital marketing strategies and assisting with fundraising efforts for the Taylor Matthews Foundation. She hopes to continue the fight against childhood cancer by

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  • Sarah Courtney

    As a board member and in Taylor’s honor, Sarah hopes to rally and raise funds to provide life-saving medical care to children diagnosed with cancer. Sarah is

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  • Sofia Cohane

    Dedicated Advocate

    Sofia Cohane is a dedicated advocate for the TMF, a cause close to her heart in memory of her beloved cousin, Taylor. Though Taylor passed when Sofia

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