Nonprofit Founded In Memory Of NJ Girl Honored With Philanthropy Award

FREEHOLD, NJ — Liv Like a Unicorn, a Freehold-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer, has been honored with the 2026 Philanthropy Award, the organization recently announced.

Awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), this honor is in recognition of the organization’s "extraordinary impact and commitment to serving families facing childhood cancer."

Founded in memory of Liv Lipnicky, who passed away from pediatric brain cancer at just eight years old, Liv Like a Unicorn has grown from one little girl’s desire to help other children into an organization that supports hundreds of families across the country.

This support is provided through care packages, financial assistance, hospital partnerships, family events, and pediatric cancer research funding.

The award was presented during AFP’s annual breakfast where members of the Liv Like a Unicorn Board of Directors joined Executive Director Emma Lipnicky in accepting the honor on behalf of the organization.

“This award is incredibly meaningful because it represents the impact of an entire community,” said Emma Lipnicky, Executive Director of Liv Like a Unicorn and Liv’s mother. “When Liv was diagnosed with cancer, we entered a world no family should ever have to navigate."

"After she passed away, we made the decision to turn our grief into something meaningful," Lipnicky continued. "While this recognition bears our name, it truly belongs to every volunteer, donor, corporate partner, board member, and family who has helped us ensure that no child fights cancer alone.”

Since its founding, Liv Like a Unicorn has expanded its reach to serve children in over 40 states through its Unicorn Club program, delivered thousands of care packages to children in treatment, provided critical financial assistance to families facing the overwhelming costs of pediatric cancer, and invested more than $650,000 in pediatric brain and spinal tumor research.

The organization also partners with hospitals throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to bring comfort, support, and resources directly to families during treatment.

“Our mission has always been simple,” Lipnicky said. “To make sure children and families know they are not alone. Every package we send, every bill we help pay, every event we host, and every research grant we fund is a reminder that there is an entire community standing beside them.”

As Liv Like a Unicorn continues to grow, the organization said it remains committed to honoring Liv’s legacy through "compassion, hope, and meaningful support for families facing one of life’s most difficult journeys."

To learn more about Liv Like A Unicorn, you can visit their website.