A new partner
The Eden Project
The Eden Project for the Sam Day Foundation was created by the family and community of Eden Shoultz to honor her life and keep her spirit alive. Our goal is to build a strong Seattle presence that supports the Sam Day Foundation’s mission. Together, we’re committed to fueling better research, advocating for safer and more effective treatments, and bringing real hope to families facing childhood cancer today.
To Help Kids with Cancer Live Well
Eden began her brave fight with cancer in 2023 at the age of 16. She was a typical high-school junior; a gifted artist, an athlete, and a girl excited for her senior year and planning for college. Everything changed when what seemed like simple back pain was revealed to be a tumor. Eden was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. From the moment of her diagnosis, Eden faced every step of treatment with strength and her unmistakable humor. She endured five chemotherapy drugs at extremely high doses, often for 2–5 days at a time, across 10 months in the hospital. The newest of these drugs was developed in 1983; the oldest in 1959—yet they are still considered “the best we have” for kids like Eden.
Tragically, Eden relapsed just three months after her final treatment. Although the doctors, and Eden, never gave up, it became clear that there was no set protocol for her relapse. During her treatment, her family learned the devastating truths about the National Cancer Institute’s research budget for children.
Eden deserved better. All children do. Her courage and her determination to live fully, even on her hardest days continue to inspire everyone who knew her. She showed everyone around her what true strength looks like, which is why the Eden Project exists.
Our projects
Since Eden’s passing in September 2024, the Eden's community has proudly supported the Seattle Children’s research team led by Dr. Beth Lawlor. The initial $100,000 donation, raised by Eden’s community through her memorial funds, helped launch a promising new research effort for Ewing Sarcoma. We were also able to secure a $50,000 match from the Jack McDonald Trust. Dr. Lawlor and her team have been hard at work exploring what appears to be a very promising treatment approach for Ewing Sarcoma. They believe this project is strong enough to attract funding from the National Cancer Institute with just a bit more supporting data. Because of this momentum, we committed an additional $85,000—raised through Eden’s incredible community of supporters and a fundraising event held this past August in Spokane called the Tailgater.
The Eden Project, officially launching in 2026, is excited to bring the community together through meaningful and fun events that support childhood cancer research and the mission of the Sam Day Foundation. Check back soon for updates and upcoming opportunities to get involved.
