It’s been more than 23 years since John Engstrom passed away at just 14 years old after a brave, five-year battle with leukemia - one he faced without complaint. John was a quiet leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, quick wit, who loved his family and friends deeply. His mother, Sharon, remembers him not for what he faced, but for how he showed up. “No matter how badly he felt during his treatments, when doctors checked on him, his response was always the same, ‘Doing good.’” Those two words became more than a response - they became a legacy and have been quietly changing lives ever since. 

After John’s passing in 2002, Sharon, her husband John “Jay”, and their son Brent channeled their grief into creating the John Michael Engstrom Memorial Foundation in his honor. Its motto - “Doing Good” - reflects the spirit John embodied throughout his life.

During John’s hospital stays, the Engstrom family saw firsthand how much the presence of loved ones mattered, and how challenging that was for some families. “We saw families struggling just to be there for their child,” Sharon says. “We realized how much support can mean in moments like that, and we thought that might be an area where we could help.”

However, after losing their son, returning to CHOC Hospital for charitable work proved too painful for the family. They began searching for other ways to help children in meaningful, lasting ways. That path led them to CASA. 

Sharon Engstrom (Left), and friend

Through conversations with a friend who served as a CASA advocate, Sharon learned about the unique role CASAs play in opening doors for children in foster care who need someone in their corner. But what struck her most was the simplest extras kids were going without - things most families take for granted, like a pair of shoes for a sports game or a new backpack. "My friend Karen would talk to me about her role as a CASA and the needs of the kids," Sharon recalls. "These children didn't have anyone to provide those little things that make childhood feel normal. I remember thinking, 'I wonder if we could create something like a little Make-A-Wish opportunity for the youth in foster care through CASA.'"

What resonated deeply was knowing how much John's own support system had meant to him. He was surrounded by family and friends who showed up for him every step of the way, and he knew how fortunate he was to have that. "John had so much love around him during those five years," Sharon says. "He knew he was lucky. These kids in foster care often don't have that same support. Helping them felt like exactly the right thing to do in his honor."

The foundation initially supported several nonprofits serving youth in foster care, but the Engstrom family soon felt called to focus exclusively on CASA. “I loved the idea of directly funding children’s wishes,” she explains. “With some organizations, we weren’t always sure where the money was going. Our foundation now focuses strictly on supporting CASA because that’s where we see the direct impact.” 

That impact became John’s Funds, a resource that allows CASA volunteers to say yes to what their youth need without red tape or delay. Whether it’s ballet shoes, a bicycle, art classes, prom dresses, sports equipment, computers, tutoring, or college-planning support, John’s Funds exist to remove barriers and open doors.

When Regan Phillips became CEO of CASA OC, Sharon reached out to explore additional ways to help. Regan asked if Sharon would like to help organize the annual CASA Back-to-School Picnic. Sharon said yes and enlisted family and friends to step in. Her son Brent and his friends ran games and activities, while husband Jay oversaw the prize table. Volunteers hauled tables and chairs from their homes to set up in a local park. It was a true community effort from the very start. This gathering was designed to celebrate CASA youth and help them start the year feeling seen, supported, and included. 

Sharon Engstrom (Left), and CASAOC CEO Regan Dean Phillips (Right)

"It just took off from there," Sharon recalls. "After the first picnic, my husband said, 'We're going to really expand this event and the prizes.' He felt for the kids who didn't receive anything special, so we made sure every child did." That determination set the tone for everything that followed. Year after year, the event grew - from a modest gathering in a park into a full-blown carnival celebration. The goal was simple: give every youth in attendance the kind of unforgettable day every child deserves.

The event soon found a permanent home through a meaningful partnership with Saddleback Church. "A friend suggested we ask if the church might host the picnic on their campus," Sharon says. "They said yes — and provided the space, tables, chairs, and parking. It really took the event to the next level. It was such a fabulous connection."

Now known as John's Picnic, the annual Back-to-School celebration has become one of the most anticipated events of the year for Orange County youth in foster care. What started as a simple picnic has grown into something truly special — a joyful, carnival-style celebration packed with activities, laughter, and moments they will carry with them long after the day is done. 

A few years ago, CASA brought on a Community Partnership Coordinator to manage logistics, and recently Sharon stepped back from organizing to focus on what she loves most: funding the foundation and finding new ways to open doors for youth through John's Funds.

To expand awareness of those resources, Sharon recently attended a CASA staff meeting to encourage Advocate Supervisors to submit requests. While John's Funds often fulfill individual wishes, she is equally focused on growing "mini-grants" for larger needs — computers, tutoring, and college-prep services. “Education is everything,” Sharon says. “If you can better educate a child, it can change everything. One of the most important things a CASA can do is open a child’s eyes to opportunities they might never have seen.”

John Michael Engstrom Memorial Foundation staff and volunteers at CASAOC Back-to-School Picnic

CASA staff members shared powerful examples of that impact. Advocate Supervisor Andy Jacobson described how an advocate used John’s Funds to help a youth purchase essential dorm items before starting as a freshman at USC. Advocacy Program Manager Sarah Paton praised how easy it is to meet children’s needs through the fund. CEO Regan Phillips echoed the sentiment: “With John’s Funds, there’s no red tape—we’re able to be the voice that says ‘yes.’”

Advocate Supervisor Brittany Nicholes shared how John’s Funds enabled a youth to attend a two-week Stanford program. As Sharon listened, the joy on her face said everything. “We have more money to spend,” she said. “We want CASAs to know what’s available—let’s spend it!”

Time and again, the John Michael Engstrom Memorial Foundation steps in to fill critical gaps for youth in foster care. When unsold Starfish Wish ornaments from the CASA Holiday Luncheon threatened to leave children with unfulfilled wishes, the foundation quietly purchased every remaining ornament - ensuring that every child’s wish was granted.

More than two decades after a kind and brave boy with a signature response inspired a foundation, his legacy is still showing up and “Doing good” for youth throughout Orange County. 

Exactly the way John would have wanted.