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Nineteen-year old Steph had been having a rough few months due to Ewings Sarcoma, a rare cancer that typically starts in the bones, but can also start in other tissues and muscles. It is the third most common form of primary bone cancer and occurs most frequently in children and teenagers. Steph’s relapse filled her days with chemo, sickness, hospitalizations, blood and platelet infusions, radiation, lots of scans, and significant pain. Kellsie’s Hope Foundation was able to help Steph and her family enjoy some fun times and create wonderful memories by granting her wish to go on an Alaskan Cruise! Steph’s mom, Sue, shared it best in her own words:
“I have to share with you the most amazing trip granted to Steph from Kellsie's Hope Foundation. We just came home from a beautiful Alaskan Cruise!!! And it was so much more than these 9 days because we were all closing our eyes and visualizing the beauty for several months prior. It gave us something to look forward to... it gave us hope. Just like the pictures will never do it justice, a million thank yous will never express how grateful we are for this family trip. We had the time of our lives!”
Sue further shared that the more she learns about Kellsie, she sees some of the same traits in Steph. “They are both so brave, positive and want to help others and they are both BIG Disney fans. Although Kellsie gained her angel wings, her passion to make the world a better place lives on through her foundation. Her family, friends and countless volunteers raise funds to help fund research and provide hope for cancer kids that have relapsed. They are such an amazing organization.”
Many thanks to everyone who donates and supports Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. Without you, we could not grant wishes to families like Steph’s that need a break from cancer!
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States of Hope
Every year for Kellsie's birthday, Kellsie’s mom, Gail, celebrates by kicking off the States of Hope campaign. The goal of the campaign is to have someone in every state acknowledge their awareness of Childhood Cancer by “sending their birthday wishes” to Kellsie in the form of a donation. A donation of any dollar amount turns a state pink and when the state reaches $500.00 or more in donations, it turns GOLD. Since July 6th, States of Hope has Raised Awareness of Childhood Cancer in 33 states and Illinois, Missouri, Florida, New York, West Virgina and California donations have totaled more than $500 to turn their state GOLD!! By Raising Awareness and dollars, Kellsie's Hope Foundation is hopeful that Childhood Cancer becomes a thing of the past.
Please help by sharing information about the States of Hope campaign and Kellsie's Hope Foundation to at least 5 people and ask them to do the same. If everyone donates - no donation is too small - we can honor Kellsie's legacy by Raising Awareness of Childhood Cancer and hopefully turning all 50 states to GOLD by September 30th. Only 17 more states to go!!!
If you would like to get future updates about the States of Hope or any Kellsie’s Hope Event, like us on facebook. If you would like to donate, please click on the map. Make sure you let us know what state you are donating from.
Kellsie's Hope Foundation is run by volunteers so all contributions go straight to helping kids with cancer!!
Thank you for your support!
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Celebrating Kellsie's Birthday
Kellsie’s journey through cancer included celebrating many birthdays in the hospital. On July 6, Kellsies 28th birthday, Kellsie’s mom, Gail, presented lunch from Qdoba and dessert from Nothing Bundt Cakes to the staff on the Oncology floor at Children’s Hospital. Celebrating Kellsie’s birthday with her hospital family, hearing the staff who knew Kellsie share memories of Kellsie, and the new nurses who had never met her relay they had heard so much about her, made Gail's heart smile. Kellsies Hope Foundation also awarded two $1,000.00 nursing scholarships that day.
The kids on the oncology floor and in the clinic were also include in the celebration when they received gift bags and gift cards as party favors from Kellsie's Hope!
Kellsie’s fun loving spirit was felt that day with all the smiles!! Thank you to everyone who takes great care of kids who are battling through their cancer!
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2018 Kellsie's Hope Women's Luncheon
Get your tickets now!! The 2018 Women’s Luncheon is on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Regency Hotel in O’Fallon, Illinois. Bring a friend and join us for this fun event that includes lunch, guest speakers, a silent auction and raffles while raising dollars to grant wishes for kids with cancer. Numerous volunteers, sponsors, and donors help contribute to this major fundraising event and all proceeds benefit children with cancer and their families.
Click on the picture above for more information and to purchase tickets! Register by Friday, August 10 and your name will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100.00 gift card!
If you are interested in donating item(s) for the silent auction, purchasing an ad for the program booklet, or sponsoring part of the event, please email Lisa at Lisa@kellsieshope.com.
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Nursing Scholarship Winner
Kellsie's Hope Foundation is proud to introduce you to Abigail Sharamitaro who was recently awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship. Abigail is a nurse practitioner in the Costas Center at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and cares for children with blood disorders and cancer. Abigail's passion for nursing and kids began at an early age and continued through high school when she volunteered in the playroom at Cardinal Glennon and in college volunteered at HIS KIDS camp, where she focused her passion on oncology patients and their families. Abigail was one of the first nurses to earn the Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON) certification and sits on the Medical Board of Directors for Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with cancer. Abigail plans to use her award to attend a pediatric oncology conference so she can continue to learn the latest information to be the best hematology/oncology nurse she can for the kids and their families.
Congratulations Abigail and thank you for all you do to care for kids with cancer and their families!
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2018 Events
Mark your calendars!!! Kellsie's Hope Foundation invites you to attend one or all of the remaining 2018 fundraising events. Proceeds go directly to helping children with cancer and their families. More information will be provided in future newsletters, on the Kellsie's Hope website at www.kellsieshopefoundation.com, and on facebook.
Kellsie's Hope 5K - September 23
Chili Cook Off - October 13
Trees of Hope - November 17
If you are interested in volunteering, donating products, or sponsoring an event, please email Gail at gmarchbanks@kellsieshope.com.
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Thank you
Thank you for supporting Kellsie's Hope Foundation. Kellsie's Hope Foundation is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 45-2623772.
Gail Marchbanks - Director
Kellsie's Hope Foundation
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We would love to connect with you!
Hey, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram lovers...Kellsie's Hope Foundation is on social media!
Join the conversation to find out the latest news and catch up with what we're doing to help children with cancer and their families.
Simply like us on Facebook ,follow us on Twitter , and connect with us on Instagram to keep up with what's new for Kellsie's Hope Foundation and to support the cause!
Join us today! We can't wait to see you!
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Join Kellsie's Krew!
Love to run? Want to raise money for a great cause? Kellsie's Hope is an approved charity through runDisney. We hope you can join us at one of our upcoming runDisney events!
2018
November 1-4: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend (Disney World)
2019
January 9-13: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Disney World)
February 21-24: Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon 10th Anniversary Weekend (Disney World)
April 7-9: Star Wars Rival Run Weekend (Disney World)
Not a runner? You can also become a Kellsie’s Krew supporter by donating to help one of our runners reach their goal!
Find out more information about these upcoming races right here and register today!
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