About The McConnell Foundation

Caption: Bodhi, cancer-free, ringing the survivor’s bell at MUSC.

A Foundation Born From Hope

“The day Bodhi rang the survivor’s bell, we knew our story wasn’t over-it was just beginning.”
In 2017, our baby Bodhi, was diagnosed with cancer. We were catapulted into a world of scans, chemo, surgery, and prayers. That experience forever shaped our family-and lit a fire in us to make a difference.

On March 29, 2018, Bodhi rang the bell at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, signifying the end of his treatment and the start of a new chapter: survivorship. Inspired by that moment and the many families we met along the way, we founded The McConnell Foundation to give other children the chance to reach that same milestone.

Our Mission

To improve the odds for kids with cancer by raising funds for pediatric cancer research—especially research being done right here in South Carolina.

Every dollar we raise supports Dr. Jacqueline Kraveka’s lab at MUSC, one of the only research centers in the state focused solely on childhood cancers. Our mission is personal, urgent, and entirely focused on creating brighter outcomes for children and families in the fight of their lives.

How it started

While Bodhi’s journey sparked the vision, the foundation became official in 2021. Then, in 2022, we hosted our first Shining Stars Gala. Since then, the gala has grown into an annual black-tie event honoring children affected by cancer and raising tens of thousands of dollars for research each year.

To date, we've donated nearly $175,000 to Dr. Kraveka's lab-a number that grows every September thanks to our generous sponsors, guests, and volunteers.

Milestones:

2017: Bodhi diagnosed
2018: Bodhi declared cancer-free
2021: Foundation officially launches
2022–2024: Nearly $175,000 raised for pediatric cancer research through our annual Shining Stars Gala

who we are

We’re Josh and Jen McConnell, parents, real estate professionals, and now, nonprofit founders. Based in Isle of Palms, SC, we’ve turned our personal experience into a mission-driven foundation powered by love, faith, and a fierce desire to change the odds for kids with cancer.

We don’t have a massive staff or national footprint—we’re a family-led foundation with a growing network of passionate supporters. And we’re just getting started.

why it matters

Only 4% of federal cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancers. Children deserve better. We exist to fill that gap—funding research that could lead to new treatments, less toxic protocols, and ultimately, more survivorship stories like Bodhi’s.