For families facing cancer, a few hours away from hospital routines can offer a welcome break. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has helped families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona enjoy Phoenix Mercury games, meet her and spend time together away from their daily struggles. Her connection with the charity began years before her WNBA career, when a visit to a Ronald McDonald House in Chicago showed her the challenges faced by families caring for seriously ill children.




How Sophie Cunningham used Phoenix Mercury games to support families facing childhood cancerCunningham’s commitment to the cause began during her high school years, when she competed in the McDonald’s All-American Games in Chicago. Visiting a Ronald McDonald House introduced her to families dealing with serious childhood illnesses and left a lasting impression.




In a July 11, 2023, interview with Frontdoors Media, Cunningham explained why the cause stayed close to her heart.




“My number-one is Ronald McDonald House,” she said. “I got exposed to it at the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago during the McDonald’s All American Games, and I fell in love with the whole thing.” She then explained the responsibility she felt to help families facing difficult circumstances.




“I’m so grateful for the platform I have been given. I’m healthy and think it’s super important to give back to those kids and families going through things that people can’t even imagine,” Cunningham said in the interview.




Her support later took a practical form. According to Heartitude, Cunningham invited families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona to Phoenix Mercury home games. At the time, she played for Phoenix. She joined the Indiana Fever in 2025.




Charity staff selected the families, who received tickets, team merchandise and opportunities to take photographs with Cunningham. The Avitia family from Kingman, Arizona, attended a Mercury game against the Las Vegas Aces while their son battled cancer. The family described the experience as unforgettable, according to the report.




The Leonards from Indian Wells and the Beagleys from Safford also attended games through the initiative. These outings gave families a chance to enjoy basketball together outside their usual medical routines.




Why Sophie Cunningham continues to support Ronald McDonald HouseCunningham’s involvement also includes fundraising. In the same Front Doors Media interview, she said, “My sister, family and I put on a game every year and donate to the Ronald McDonald House.”




She also encouraged fans to contribute through a dedicated donation page for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. Reports did not disclose a specific donation amount from Cunningham or a total raised through her game invitations.




Cunningham’s team has since changed, but her earlier charity work remains part of her story. Her support gave families facing childhood cancer and other serious illnesses opportunities to create positive memories during difficult periods. For parents and children managing the demands of treatment, a night cheering at a basketball game cannot remove those challenges, but it can offer a welcome chance to enjoy time together.