September is National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize families affected by childhood cancer and highlight the critical role of community, emotional support, and advocacy.

For Liz Turner, pediatric cancer is both deeply personal and a lifelong call to action.

Liz is the mother of David Jr., who was just 6 years old when he was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a childhood brain cancer. His diagnosis came on the eighth wedding anniversary of Liz and her husband, David Sr.

Long before David Jr.’s death, the Turner family was welcomed into the Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana community. Years later, Liz and David Sr. continue to give back, volunteering their time and offering hope to other families walking a similar path.

Their story is one of love, loss, remembrance, and the enduring power of showing up for others.

Creating Happy Memories at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana

The Turner family first connected with Gilda’s Club through Kid Prom, an event held at the original clubhouse on Baxter Avenue. David Jr. participated as part of UofL’s Cardinal Crew.

“We learned about Gilda’s Club and then attended our first Mardi Gras party,” Liz recalled. “From there, we spent a lot of time at Gilda’s Club, enjoying Saturday morning brunch with crafts, Camp Gilda, and holiday parties!”

For a family navigating the overwhelming reality of a childhood cancer diagnosis, those opportunities offered something important: time to simply be together and make happy memories.

Making Memories Together at Camp Gilda

Among those memories, Camp Gilda stands out.

“Camp Gilda was a truly meaningful experience because David Jr. and three of his cousins attended camp together; this is one of their fondest memories with David Jr.”

For David Jr.’s cousins, camp offered something especially valuable: a chance to experience childhood alongside him without cancer defining the day.

“His cousins remember and talk about their time at camp with David Jr. it was a time where they were just ‘kids’ and not David Jr. being a kid with cancer.”

That memory still connects the Turner family to Gilda’s Club.

“I often tell people we are the unofficial prize sponsors for Camp Gilda, Noogiefest, Gilda’s Holiday Party, and the Dia de Muertos celebration.”

In June 2026, Liz and David Sr. returned to Camp Gilda to serve ice cream during Family Night—an especially meaningful way to honor David Jr. and share his story with a new generation of camp families.

Turning a Childhood Wish into Kentucky History: David Jr. Ice Cream Day

David Jr. was not only living with childhood cancer; he was also an advocate for children and families affected by it.

During one meeting with Governor Andy Beshear, the governor asked David what he would do if he were governor.

David’s answer was characteristically joyful: He would make it National Ice Cream Day.

Years later, that wish became part of Kentucky history. Governor Beshear declared May 21, 2021, as David Jr. Ice Cream Day. It is a date filled with both joy and sorrow for the Turner family. May 21 was also the day David Jr. passed away.

The Ice Cream Day tradition is rooted in a simple routine from David Jr.’s treatment days.

“During David Jr.’s treatment, we would often stop at Orange Leaf on the way home from clinic and infusion. He loved orange ice cream with gummy worms. Even after he lost his ability to swallow; we would still have to stop and get ice cream; it became a routine.”

Today, sharing ice cream remains a joyful way to remember David Jr., celebrate his spirit, and keep his pediatric cancer advocacy alive.

“Make Every Day the Best Day Ever”: A Lasting Legacy

Perhaps David Jr.’s most enduring message is captured in a phrase he created just days after his diagnosis: “Make Every Day the Best Day Ever.”

Liz remembers how those words changed the way the family approached each day.

“David Jr. created his ‘catch phrase’ as he called it, just days after being diagnosed with DIPG.”

Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define every moment, David Jr. helped lead his family toward finding the good in each day.

“This is when he led us and we began to focus on the good,” Liz said. “David Jr. taught us that no matter what we face each day; there is potential to make it the best day ever.”

For Liz and David Sr., the phrase guides their daily life and volunteer work.

“This is something we hold onto; if he could endure childhood cancer, then we can face each day and have the best day ever because of him.”

Supporting Families Through Pediatric Cancer Advocacy

Today, Liz supports families living with cancer in multiple ways. She serves as president of the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund, a board member and founding family of Tough2Gether, and a Gilda’s Club volunteer.

Her motivation is straightforward: She wants other families to feel less alone.

“I want to help others; I remember the very first DIPG mom I met – Robin Dodd; she showed me that we could do this. She gave me resources and answers all of my questions, things you never expect to ask or have to think about.”

That early support made an impression, and now Liz strives to be that beacon:

“I want to be a support for others. If I can help one person – so they don’t feel alone, provide helpful advice or share something we learned and prevent further pain – I want to do that.”

“Before David Jr’s diagnosis, I wasn’t aware of childhood cancer or medically complex families. Now that we are a childhood cancer family, I see families like ours all around us.”

Her experience changed the way Liz sees the world. Staying engaged and helping others keeps her moving forward.

“Staying busy helps me wake up every day and put one foot in front of the other; I do it for David Jr.”

Why Community Support Matters for Cancer Families

Liz knows firsthand how isolating a cancer diagnosis can feel. Her message to parents navigating a child’s diagnosis, late effects, or grief is simple and powerful:

“You are not alone. Sometimes we felt alone and invisible; our world stopped but everyone else kept on living their life moving forward. There is an entire community waiting for you, there are no expectations, no strings. At Gilda’s Club, you can be your authentic self.”

That spirit is at the heart of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana’s mission: so that no one faces cancer alone.

From Saturday morning breakfasts and Camp Gilda to volunteering with new families finding their place in the community, the Turner family’s story reminds us that support creates space for joy.

Community can carry us through difficult days. Each family’s experience can inspire a lifetime of advocacy for others – and honoring someone we love means sharing their joy, continuing their work, and making every day the best day ever.