In Washington state, more than 46,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the Washington State Department of Health.When someone is diagno
In Washington state, more than 46,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, doctors help treat the disease.
But what about navigating through the experience of cancer?
That's where Cancer Pathways comes in.
The non-profit organization's beautiful brick building sits on the corner of East Union Street and Broadway on Seattle's Capitol Hill.
Beyond the white pillars and black gates out front and the sign above a bold red door that honors the late comedy legend Gilda Radner, magic happens.
Kids affected by cancer in some way can just be kids.
"I feel community. I feel support. I feel this energy - this sort of energy around that's just comforting," said Cancer Pathways CEO & Executive Director Jessica Daughetee.
Daughetee, a 3-time cancer survivor, took the helm of Cancer Pathways in February after spending years in the corporate world.
She oversees all of the organization's programs, including Camp Sparkle. It's a free summer day camp for kids and teens who've been impacted by cancer either through their own diagnosis or that of a loved one.
Ruthie Williams' mother, Laura, was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in September 2025.
"She's still my mommy even though she has cancer and that will never change," Ruthie told KOMO News Anchor Steve McCarron.
"I think I've been reminded of the importance of community and asking for help - that people actually want to help," Laura Williams said.
In addition to Camp Sparkle, Cancer Pathways offers counseling, support groups, kids groups, educational school-based programs, and so much more, Daughetee said. The services provided by Cancer Pathways are free, and demand for those services is growing, she added.
"There's good news, and there's bad news - why it's growing. The good news is people are living longer with cancer. But they need more support, and their families need support, right? Because it doesn't end after the cancer diagnosis," Daughetee said.
To date, more than half a million people have been helped by Cancer Pathways through the amazing support of volunteers, donors, and partners, Daughetee said.
Her goal now is to reach 1 million people.
"That's a bold goal," McCarron said to her.
"It is," Daughetee replied. "I tend to be a person who sets big, audacious goals, and I tend to be a person who reaches those goals."
What a gift it would be to expand the reach of Camp Sparkle and all of the other services that Cancer Pathways provides, she said.
Baby steps will help her get there.
"I'm a person who believes nothing is impossible. And so, all you have to do is break things down into small pieces, and say, 'Right now, the goal is to get this.' And that will take us a step closer to where we're trying to go," Daughetee said.
