An Update on The Loft, Ukandu's New Headquarters and Resource Center for Families Impacted by Childhood Cancer

2026 marks Ukandu’s 40th anniversary. It will also mark the largest expansion in Ukandu programming, with the opening of The Ukandu Loft, which will serve as Ukandu’s headquarters and a welcoming hub for families impacted by childhood cancer. In addition to all of the existing programs you know and love, The Loft will host a suite of new programmatic offerings, including (but not limited to!) casual drop-in hours, support groups, workshops, and mental health care provided by licensed clinicians. 

Over the past 2 years, Ukandu has worked closely with our partners Walsh Construction and Gensler Architects to bring this space to life. Informed by our research with the Knight Cancer Institute’s Community Partnership Program, we have carefully considered feedback from families impacted by childhood cancer as we create this space to be welcoming to the entire family from the moment of treatment through diagnosis and beyond. From self-care rooms and communal spaces to a sports simulator bay and a two-story rock wall, the Loft will have something for everyone at every stage of their journey. So, whether you need a quiet place to catch your breath, space to find a supportive community, or an area to get your energy out, we’ll be there for you.

The Loft will allow Ukandu to provide more comprehensive year-round support for families than ever before. This will include mental health care by licensed clinicians, support groups, community building events, and more - always 100% free of charge.

In 2025, we officially broke ground on The Loft, and each day we get closer to welcoming families through the doors! For those following along, here are a few recent construction updates: 

▶️In December, we poured the concrete floor for the garage, the mental health clinic, and the backyard

▶️In January, we started framing the new building 

▶️ By the end of February, we will have a dry roof on the mental health clinic and parent lounge

None of this would be possible without the incredibly generous support of the individuals and foundations who have contributed to our capital campaign to fund The Loft’s construction. Most recently, this includes a $300,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and a $100,000 grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation in support of The Loft! These two extraordinary gifts move us significantly closer to turning a long-held vision into reality by helping fund the construction of this special place.

After years of envisioning this space, we are so excited to be just months away from inviting you in the doors.