Our Story
In 2019, our world changed forever when Cana, just 15 months old, was diagnosed with Ependymoma, an aggressive brain tumor. In April of 2023, at 5 years old, she was diagnosed with a metastatic recurrence and has been battling ever since. Now, at 8 years old, Cana faces each hurdle, poke, and hospital stay with joy, spunk, and courage.
Throughout our journey, we have been continually moved by God’s faithfulness and the generosity and kindness of so many. As a “Disney Family,” blessed by our own wish trip, we felt inspired to support other families affected by childhood cancer. Our hearts are to support the entire family as each person and relationship is so greatly impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Board of Directors
Lauren Booth - Chairperson
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Lauren Booth - Chairperson
Lauren Booth is th Founder and Chairperson of Cana’s Castles, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to sending pediatric cancer patients and their families on unforgettable Disney trips. Lauren brings a strong background in public relations and nonprofit leadership to the organization.
Her professional experience includes serving as a Public Relations Specialist, where she developed branding strategies, designed logos and websites, managed media relations, and planned impactful events. As a nonprofit manager, Lauren successfully organized and executed multi-day fundraisers, coordinated vendors, secured donations, and oversaw both silent and live auctions. She has also led rebranding efforts, maintained organizational websites, built community relationships, and handled compliance responsibilities.
After stepping away from the corporate world to pursue foster care, Lauren has spent recent years raising and homeschooling her four children while navigating the complexities of pediatric cancer treatment within her own family. These personal experiences shaped her calling to found Cana’s Castles, combining her professional talents with her faith and heart for children and families facing medical challenges.
Lauren is also a travel advisor with Travelmation, where she uses her expertise to craft magical and meaningful experiences—skills that directly support the mission of Cana’s Castles.
Justin Booth - Vice Chair
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Lauren Booth - Chairperson
Justin Booth is the co-founder and vice chair of Cana’s Castles, a Christian nonprofit committed to providing unforgettable Disney experiences for children battling cancer and their families. With more than 25 years of experience in the wireless communications industry, Justin currently serves as a senior project manager, where he leads large-scale initiatives with excellence and precision.
Justin’s heart for service extends beyond his career. He has been a longtime volunteer and leader in local youth sports, serving as a head hockey coach and coordinating various athletic events and camps. His dedication to mentoring and supporting young people mirrors his passion for lifting up families during their most difficult seasons.
A former foster parent, Justin is a father of four and husband to Lauren Booth, president of Cana’s Castles. He holds an associate degree in business management and a bachelor’s degree in environmental law. His blend of professional expertise and servant leadership plays a vital role in the mission and growth of Cana’s Castles
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Dana Natale serves as the Board Secretary for Cana’s Castles, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to creating magical Disney experiences for children battling cancer and their families. As Cana’s aunt, Dana has a deeply personal connection to the mission and is passionate about carrying forward Cana’s legacy of joy, faith, and love.
With over 15 years of experience in compliance, auditing, and organizational leadership, Dana brings professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail to her role. She currently works as an Audit Analyst on a compliance team, where she supports regulatory integrity and quality across operations. Her previous leadership experience in human resources compliance and credentialing further reflects her commitment to ethical standards and excellence in service.
Beyond her professional life, Dana and her husband, Mike, have been foster parents and are proud parents to two boys. Guided by her faith and dedication to helping others, Dana is honored to serve with Cana’s Castles in creating hope and unforgettable memories for children and families facing pediatric cancer.
Emily Dunford - Treasurer
Emily Dunford - Treasurer
Dana Natale - Board Secretary
Emily is first and foremost a mom to three wonderful children, the oldest of whom was diagnosed with ependymoma brain cancer in 2024. She and her husband, Alexander, and their children live in Wolfeboro, NH. Emily is a Senior Client Advisor at Ballentine Partners, LLC where she helps families navigate the complexity that wealth can bring, from estate and tax planning to philanthropy and family dynamics. Prior to entering the financial services industry, she was an ice dancer whose skating career culminated with competing in two World Championships and, ultimately, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In her free time, Emily can be found reading, daydreaming of her family’s next travel adventure, and volunteering in her community and with her church.
Jose Gonzalez
Emily Dunford - Treasurer
Jose Gonzalez
TBD
Director
Emily Dunford - Treasurer
Jose Gonzalez
TBD