Who We Are

Pediatric Foundation is managed by passionate individuals from the business, medical, and non-profit communities in Oregon who are committed to supporting families who have a child with cancer. 

​We serve children from a vast region in rural Central Oregon including Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, Harney and Lake Counties. We're an all-volunteer organization with almost no overhead and your donation goes directly into the hands of parents who need the help. 

Our History 

​

In 2009, Debbie and Leon Pantenburg lost their son, Jimmy, to brain cancer at 15 years old. Gary Bonacker, family friend and founder of the renowned Oregon Tour des Chutes cycling event in Bend, worked to expand the event beneficiaries to include children with cancer.

Gary and Debbie approached their friends Wade Miller and Dr. Dale Svendsen, both respected professionals in pediatric healthcare, to help secure funding for a new nonprofit. Together with event and corporate sponsors, Pediatric Foundation was born.

Wade Miller is the now President of Pediatric Foundation and has since moved to Portland as CEO of Metropolitan Pediatrics, the largest private pediatric group in Oregon.  

Debbie Pantenburg continues serving as volunteer Executive Director and is the patient facing contact for the group. 

Gary Bonacker, deceased, is remembered for his unwavering courage in the face of his own cancer.​