Freya Everly

When Freya was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, our world stopped. Like so many families, we went from an ER visit to an overnight stay, to a life-changing diagnosis and immediate treatment. Nothing prepares you for that moment.

Roc Solid Foundation is an organization ready to meet you on day one of traversing this difficult road.

Founded in 2009 by childhood cancer survivor Eric Newman, Roc Solid was born out of both survival and loss. After beating a rare liver cancer at age three — and losing two young cousins to pediatric cancer — Eric turned his experience into purpose. With a background in construction and a passion for helping kids, he created Roc Solid to build hope for families facing the unimaginable.They serves thousands of families each year through two powerful programs: Ready Bags and backyard playsets.

Freya was the lucky recipient of both.

Ready Bags: Support at the Hardest Moment

The Ready Bag program supports families at diagnosis — when everything happens fast and nothing makes sense.

Each bag includes thoughtfully chosen essentials for an unexpected hospital stay: toiletries, a blanket, a journal, a pill organizer, and more. But what stood out most was the design. The bag itself is sturdy and intelligently organized, with pockets for medications, paperwork, clothes, and all the critical items that suddenly become part of daily life.

We received several hospital “go bags” from wonderful organizations, but Roc Solid’s was exceptional. You can tell it was designed by people who truly understand what families need and went through a trial/design period to perfect it.

But more than supplies, it sends you a message: You are not alone.

Playsets: Giving Childhood Back

When a child begins cancer treatment, so much of childhood is put on hold. Weak immune systems often mean long periods of absence from school, isolation from public spaces and missing out on normal activities.

Roc Solid’s playsets change that.

Last June, Freya received a backyard play structure — and it was a game changer. It gave her a safe place to play without fear of infection and allowed our family to create joyful memories during her last summer.

We are incredibly grateful to Roc Solid Foundation and especially the Superior Construction team who came that day in June to give Freya that gift. It meant more than we can express.

If you’d like to support Roc Solid Foundation, you can donate or sponsor a project through their website. Their work doesn’t just provide resources — it builds hope when families need it most. With continued fundraising efforts, we hope to sponsor a project in honor of Freya in the future and invite you all to join us.