Earlier this month, our Cincinnati office partnered with the Roc Solid Foundation to build a custom playhouse for a courageous five-year-old girl named Sophia. What began as a simple volunteer day quickly became a profound reminder of why our mission matters.

A Moment of Joy During a Difficult Journey

Sophia is currently battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer that develops in nerve tissue and most often affects children under the age of five. Her parents shared that she is scheduled for tumor-removal surgery this week, which is a major milestone in a long treatment journey.

Knowing what lay ahead, our team hoped the playhouse build would bring a sense of normalcy, joy, and comfort during an incredibly difficult time. As volunteers measured, drilled, painted, and assembled, they kept Sophia at the center of every decision. Each piece of the playhouse represented more than wood or paint, it represented childhood moments preserved, even in the midst of uncertainty.

From Build Site to Backyard

Although the instructional manual estimated three to four hours, our Cincinnati team completed the build in just two. Immediately after the final touch was added, the team transported the playhouse to Sophia’s home and set it up in her backyard.

When Sophia stepped outside and saw it for the first time, her expression said everything. Her excitement, curiosity, and proud smile created a moment her family, and our volunteers, will carry with them for a long time.

Why This Work Matters

The Roc Solid Foundation is dedicated to giving children battling cancer a space to play, imagine, and feel like kids again. By partnering with them, our team had the privilege of supporting that mission in a very tangible way.

For the NorthPoint Foundation, this project reflects our commitment to serving families with dignity, compassion, and meaningful action. Volunteer days like this don’t just produce a structure, they create moments of relief, connection, and hope for families navigating unimaginable challenges.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners

We are grateful to our Cincinnati team for stepping up with such care and enthusiasm, and to the Roc Solid Foundation for leading this impactful work across the country. Together, we were able to provide Sophia and her family a moment of joy during a week filled with uncertainty.

These are the moments that remind us why we serve, and why we’ll continue to show up for children and families who need a bit of comfort, play, and possibility.

Natasha Rickel

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Meet our dedicated Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Natasha, a seasoned professional with a flair for strategic brand management and integrated marketing. With an impressive background in spearheading innovative initiatives for the largest privately-held industrial development company in the US, Natasha brings a unique blend of expertise in communications, content creation, and digital strategy. Holding an M.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications with a focus in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas, Natasha is committed to driving growth and shaping impactful brand narratives. As a board member and active member of KC IABC and the Content Marketing & Communications Manager for NorthPoint Development, Natasha plays a crucial role in our mission to enhancing the lives of children in our communities.