Portland Furry Convention Raises $28K for Cancer Families

When Allie Newton was just nine years old, she overheard her mother say three words that changed everything: "I have cancer."

Now, years later, Newton wears a Dutch angel dragon costume named Lagoona to bring smiles back to families facing the same nightmare. Her mother, Kristen Short, is a 15-year breast cancer survivor who founded Short Folks for Hope after learning firsthand how cancer steals joy from entire families.

This month, Furcationland—a nonprofit convention celebrating the furry fandom—raised over $11,000 for Short's organization during its 2025 event in Portland. More than 1,600 attendees gathered to support the cause, doubling the convention's first-year turnout of 800 people in 2023.

"I'm kind of con-mom," Short said of her relationship with the convention's staff and volunteers. "I love them all."

Short Folks for Hope hosts events and provides support to families navigating cancer, focusing on restoring what the disease often takes first: happiness. Newton remembers the uncertainty that consumed her during her mother's treatment.

"What if we don't pull through? What's gonna happen if she doesn't come out of this?" Newton recalled thinking. "That not knowing, I think, was the hardest part."

Sunny's Take

This story shows how pain can transform into purpose. A little girl's fear became fuel for healing others, and a community of furry fans turned their passion into real support for families in crisis.

Newton now uses her Lagoona character to connect with children and adults facing cancer. "You need a superhero, sometimes, you gotta put on the cape," she said.

Over three years, Furcationland has raised more than $28,000 for Short Folks for Hope, with attendees traveling from across the United States to participate. The convention has already secured plans to return to Portland in 2027.

What started as one family's struggle has grown into a movement where dragon costumes and kindness help families find their smiles again.