We are honored to name Live Like JoJo as the Rylee + Cru Foundation Grant Recipient for the month of February. The Live Like JoJo Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Laguna Niguel, California, dedicated to creating meaningful, joy‑filled experiences for children and families affected by complex healthcare challenges. Inspired by the life and legacy of Jordan “JoJo” Cline, who lived with mitochondrial disease, the foundation strives to recognize, celebrate, and provide lifelong memories to families navigating the demands of medical appointments, therapies, and hospitalizations. Through initiatives like Sunshine Boxes, Superhero Experiences, family photography, blankets, and community events such as the Live Like JoJo Walk, the organization supports families with unique opportunities, meaningful gifts, relevant education, and encouragement throughout their journey.
Read our Q&A with founder, Monica Cline, to learn more about Live Like JoJo and their mission and impact.
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Q&A
Q. Can you share the story behind the founding of the Live Like JoJo Foundation and how JoJo’s life continues to shape the organization’s mission today?
A. The Live Like Jojo Foundation was born from the life of our son, Jordan — Jojo — who lived until seven years of age and faced mitochondrial disease with extraordinary courage and joy. In his final days, we experienced both profound compassion and heartbreaking gaps in pediatric end-of-life care, which shaped our calling. Today, our mission is to bring joy, hope, courage, and comfort to children and families navigating life-threatening conditions — honoring Jojo’s legacy in every family we serve.
Q. What specific programs or initiatives (such as Sunshine Boxes, Superhero Walk, Jojo blanket) have had the greatest impact on the families you serve?
A. We have three amazing pillars of impact: JoJo’s Joyful Moments: Sunshine Boxes & Thanksgiving Baskets, JoJo’s Superhero Experiences, and JoJo’s Blankets. Our Joyful Moments and Superhero Experiences bring light and encouragement to children and families on their hardest hospital days, reminding them they are not alone. At the heart of our mission is JoJo’s Blankets, a program transforming pediatric end-of-life care by ensuring every child is wrapped in dignity, compassion, and sacred honor in their final moments.
Q. How does the organization balance providing joyful, meaningful moments with the emotional and practical needs of families navigating chronic illness?
A. We recognize that families navigating life-threatening conditions live in hope, fear, discouragement, and courage — often all at once. Our programs intentionally create moments of light while honoring the emotional weight families carry, meeting them with sensitivity and connection so families feel seen, heard, and celebrated at every stage of the journey. Whether celebrating milestones or standing in sacred end-of-life spaces, we walk alongside them with compassion and presence.
Q. What are the biggest challenges the foundation faces in raising awareness and support for children with mitochondrial disease and similar conditions, and how can the broader community help?
A. There is a significant lack of awareness, understanding, and support around the journey of our Superheroes and their families — particularly in the critical end-of-life steps. You can significantly impact this mission in two meaningful ways: first, by attending the October 18 Superhero Red Carpet Walk & Superhero Experience — we need your voices and presence to cheer them on; and second, by donating, volunteering, or exploring corporate partnerships to help expand our impact and create awareness. To learn more or get involved, follow us on IG and email us at [email protected].
Q. Looking ahead, what are your key goals or plans for expanding the foundation’s reach or programs in the next few years?
A. Our ultimate vision is to establish a nationwide standard of pediatric end-of-life care that protects dignity and honors sacred space. In the immediate, our goal is to grow the Live Like JoJo Community in order to widen our impact for families navigating life-threatening conditions. In the years ahead, we plan to expand hospital partnerships, grow JoJo’s Blankets nationwide, and strengthen the reach of our Joyful Moments and Superhero Experiences. We are also honoring requests to share our insight and program outcomes to improve end-of-life curriculum, training, and simulations for healthcare students and providers. We are deeply grateful that JoJo’s legacy of light and love continues to grow each and every day.
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We are honored to support organizations that are making positive impacts in the lives of children (and families) across the nation who are sadly battling serious illnesses. Submit an application to recommend a 501(c)(3) non-profit making a difference in your community and each month we’ll select one to receive a $10,000 grant in your name.
Thank you for joining us in this meaningful work.