Our Founder

Sandra Muvdi is Founder, President/CEO, Director of JJCCF and the mother of Jessica June Eiler Muvdi (cancer victim 1996 – 2003). Previously, Muvdi worked as a Middle School Math Teacher at Indian Ridge Middle School located in Broward County, Florida. Before teaching children, she was Assistant Vice President in the International Trade Financing Department at Barclays Bank in Miami, Florida. Muvdi received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics from Rollins College. Academic honors include Dean’s List and Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honor Society).

Nonprofit training and certifications from the following institutions: The Fund Raising School – The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, The Grantsmanship Center and BoardSource.

Muvdi’s firsthand experience fighting blood (loss of daughter), lung (loss of mother) and breast (surviving her own) cancer, helps parents cope with crises after being told “your child has cancer.”

There is no greater legacy to leave than truly making a difference in less fortunate people’s lives

-Sandra Muvdi

Recognitions & Accomplishments:

Highest level of recognition offered
Outstanding Organization Award
JJCCF Proclamation
Highest level of recognition offered
JJCCF Proclamation
JJCCF Proclamation

2004-2024 fundraising/distribution ($5.4 million): provided emergency financial assistance and supportive care services for 7,257 children and family members fighting pediatric cancer. View the faces behind JJCCF’s Mission.
Proclamation issued by the city of Ft. Lauderdale naming May 24th "Jessica June Children's Cancer Foundation Day”, Photo
Proclamation issued by Miami-Dade County Office declaring December 11th “Sandra Muvdi Day” in recognition for the core principles she has instilled at the JJCCF of having families supported and protected as they live through some of their toughest times.
Proclamation issued by U.S. House of Representatives – FL 24, the Honorable Frederica S. Wilson, celebrates and recognizes the JJCCF for its hard work and dedication to the community.
2024 Charity Navigator Awards JJCCF 100 Impact Score (highest). This beacon measures the effective use of donor resources.
2024 JJCCF is one of 12 finalists among 225,000+ charities rated for the Charity Navigator Community Choice Awards.
2021 Referral Source of the Year Volunteer Award by Make-A-Wish
2021 chosen to serve as Board member of The Wasie Foundation and Wasie Properties
2019 chosen for “Good People” by GoodPress Magazine, Lifestyle Media Group
2018 “Outstanding Organization Award” by Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
2017 chosen for “Women of Philanthropy” in South Florida by Lifestyle Magazine
2017 chosen for “15 Orgullos Hispanos (15 Hispanic Prides)” by El Sentinel (Spanish publication of the Sun Sentinel)
2016 Women Add Value Award presented by Golden Rule International (United Nations Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative) for improving the quality of life of those touched through humanitarian leadership under the JJCCF.
2015 Chosen for Life’s Victories by the Sun Sentinel: City & Shore, Sun Sentinel
2015 La Revista Actual Article
2014 El Sentinel News Article Cover Story

2014 Hispanic Women of Distinction honors Sandra Muvdi for JJCCF’s 10 years of service, community leadership and embracing the Hispanic culture – Press Release 5/14 and Photos Honorees, El Heraldo 7/9/14
2014 JJCCF is Recognized with “Doyle Award for Nonprofit Excellence”
2013 Washington Fly-In attending 8 Congressional Meetings at Capitol Hill to Protect Giving (Preserve Charitable Deduction), Photo
2013 Blacktie South Florida Spotlight Interview
2013 JJCCF is Awarded “2013 Charity of the Year” by Family Life Magazine
2012 Miami Children’s Hospital 2nd Annual “THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD” honors Sandra Muvdi for setting a life-long example of philanthropy. MiamiHerald 5/12, VenueMagazine 7/12, Miami Children’s Health Foundation Website 5/12
2011 Graduate of Leadership Fort Lauderdale Class XVII, Photo
2011 Congressman Allen B. West Delegate recognition letter – Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Washington Summit, photo
2009 Broward Health names Reception Room in new Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Center in memory of Jessica and in honor of JJCCF
2009 DUO Magazine Article
2009 Nominated Broward Health Cancer Hero
2008 CNN Comcast Newsmakers Video
2008 Sun-Sentinel News Article Cover Story Lifestyle
2007 Channel 10 ABC Good News Segment Video
2006 El Nuevo Dia News Article
2004 Sun-Sentinel News Article

Dedication from the Founder

My Sister Diana: Diana Muvdi is Jessie’s Godmother and second mother. Diana, her husband and two daughters, were always very close with Jessie. They invited Jessie to spend every summer with them in Colombia. Diana has also suffered tremendously from the tragic loss of Jessie. Shortly after Jessie’s departure, she became a fulltime volunteer dedicated to helping underprivileged children with cancer at Sanar Costa Atlántica. Today, Diana is on JJCCF’s Board of Directors—and I thank her for being the perfect sister and aunt to Jessie. Because of her help and generosity, I am able to accomplish my purpose in life.

My Daughter Jessie: I thank you my sweetie in heaven for inspiring me to help needy children fighting cancer. You inspire the passion, motivation, and drive I possess to help others. I would have never created this foundation if it wasn’t for YOU. Maybe this was all part of larger plan—and now after hearing my calling—I have so much to accomplish in your memory and in your absence. I miss you my little angel—and want to do anything to make you happy. I dedicate the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation to YOU.

Message from the Founder

Dear JJCCF Friends,

I heard my calling to create the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF) shortly after I lost my only child to cancer in 2003. From my experience with Jessie, I understand how a parent’s life can immediately turn upside down when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Parents are faced with a devastating emotional strain that is often followed by a financial crisis. The added financial pressures can make it difficult for a hard-working family to pay for basic human necessities while a child battles cancer. As a result, the Foundation was created to honor my daughter Jessica’s memory by helping children in need get the care they deserve.

I thank Jessica for deeply inspiring me. Although the loss of a child is the most difficult pain with which to live, I thank God daily for giving me a strong new purpose and a reason for being. The JJCCF seed I planted in 2004 has grown, flourished, and reached new heights in the passage of time. I want to thank all contributors, volunteers, and collaborating organizations for their continued support and for helping me make JJCCF what it is today. Together, we are able to provide supportive care services and direct financial assistance for children in need while becoming their voice in the community.

While I am proud of the direct impact we’re making, I am committed to grow the Foundation to help more families with increased financial assistance in the coming years. As we work together to combat this deadly disease, it is promising to know that the mortality rate for many childhood cancers continues to decline. The combined 5-year survival rate for all childhood cancer improved from 50% prior to the 1970s to nearly 90% today. Survival rates are increasing, however, many low-income families are unable to provide the level of care required to maximize the probability of survival. As a result, the Foundation is committed to providing financial assistance for families in need—because every child deserves an equal opportunity to fight this disease.

We encourage you to support our efforts in providing emergency financial assistance for low income children fighting cancer. In short, your contribution will give these children added hope along with access to basic living necessities—all while increasing the chance of survival.

Thank you for your consideration, love, and support.

Sandra Muvdi
Founder/President

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

Help a Child Fight Cancer Today

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