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Allison's Cruise
In May, 2013, when she was almost 14 years old, Allison was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in her left humerus. As a young teenager, Allison should have been focusing on enjoying her fun teenage years, but instead she began her battle with cancer. Allison missed her freshman year of high school due to her intensive 11 months of chemotherapy treatments at St. Louis Children's Hospital and a major limb salvaging surgery to remove her diseased humerus. A year later in April 2014, she finished treatment and was able to resume her teenage life and activities. Even though she missed her freshman year of high school, Allison powered through her remaining 3 years of high school and was able to graduate with her class in 2017 and started attending Brigham Young University. In October, 2017, Allison began experiencing severe right hip pain which was caused by a recurrence of Ewings Sarcoma in her right femur. In order to undergo treatment, she withdrew from BYU and again underwent chemotherapy treatments and yet another aggressive major limb salvaging surgery to remove the top two-thirds of her right femur. In April 2018, Allison finished her treatments and was again able to resume her young adult life.
Kellsie’s Hope Foundation was excited to grant Allison her heart’s desire to go on a cruise. In August, 2018, Allison and her family enjoyed Discovery Cove and Sea World in Orlando, Florida, and then cruised the Bahamas for 4 days. Their days were filled with swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, sandy beaches, relaxing, eating wonderful food and creating happy and fun memories.
Thank you to everyone who supports the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. Your generosity made it possible to grant Allison wish. Allison is returning to BYU this year to earn her degree in Exercise Science and become an Occupational Therapist. Good luck at school Allison!
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Todd's Florida Wish
Todd's cancer journey began on July 13th, 2013, when at just fourteen years old he was diagnosed with high risk Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After enduring over 3 years of treatment, Todd was able to focus on his great health, good times and his plan to start attending Columbia University in New York City in January, 2019. Unfortunately, in May 2018, a series of irregular blood work showed that the Philadelphia Chromosome ALL had returned. A bone marrow biopsy discovered that a small percentage of the original ALL was present in Todd’s bone marrow. After much research and discussion, Todd’s medical team reported that in order to truly “cure” him, a bone marrow transplant would be necessary. Todd decided to postpone Columbia University and New York and focus on getting ready for transplant.
Todd and his mom wanted to have a fun vacation together before the transplant process began. Kelsie’s Hope Foundation planned a trip to Orlando, Florida, to help create fun memories for Todd and his mom. They experienced Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure and Todd spent two absolutely amazing days riding literally EVERY ride! There were lots of smiles as they visited Harry Potter World, and played Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton’s guitars at the Hard Rock Hotel in Universal Studios.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributes to the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. Your contribution gave Todd some fun memories to help carry him through his bone marrow transplant.
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Back to School Gifts
Going back to school can be joyful and stressful for kids. Add a cancer battle, and it becomes even more stressful. Ever year at this time, Kellsie's Hope Foundation takes back to school supplies and gift cards to the kids on the oncology floors at a Children's Hospital, SSM Cardinal Glennon's Hospital and Mercy Hospital.
Thank you to all Kellsie's Hope supporters who contribute to help us brighten the day of a child battling cancer. without you, we would be able to put a smile on many kids faces.
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States of Hope Needs GOLD
Once again you helped bring awareness about Childhood Cancer throughout the United States!! You donated and spread the word and it paid off!! We are so excited to see all of the pink and gold on our Kellsie's Hope map...Thank you!! A minimum donation of $5 turned a state pink and a total of $500 in donations turns a state GOLD. The Kellsie's Hope Foundation "States of Hope" campaign doesn't end until September 30 and we are close to raising $50,000!! Please continue spreading the word and let's see how many states we can turn GOLD!!I
Please click on the map for more information and to make a donation. Thank you for your ongoing support of Kellsie's Hope Foundation and helping keep Kellsie's dream alive!!
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Attention Chili Lovers!!
Please join us on Saturday. October 13, 2018 for the Third Annual Bad to the Bone Chili Cook Off in memory of Sam Merkel. This fun event will take place at Moose Lodge in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Want to see how your chili rates against at least 10 other chili recipes? Great!! Would you rather eat than cook? That's ok, too, since we need you to vote for your favorite! There will be raffles to enter and silent auction items to bid on...something for everyone!!
Your ticket includes beer, chili, hot dogs, and live music. For more information, to enter your famous chili, and to purchase tickets and t-shirts you can click on the above picture or go to https://dawnmrkl.wixsite.com/badtothebonecookoff
Your ticket purchases and contributions will help find a cure for Osteocarcoma!!
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Looking for a night of trivia fun? This is it!! Please join us on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 7pm at Caseyville Community Center for Trivia Night. Challenge family and friends while raising money for children with cancer.
Click on the trivia night picture above or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kellsies-hope-presents-trivia-night-tickets-49920292940 for more information and to purchase tickets.
See you there! |
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Trees of Hope
Christmas was one of Kellsie's favorite holidays and we are celebrating at The Kellsie's Hope Foundation annual Trees of Hope Gala on November 17. Don't forget to purchase your tickets soon since this event sells out quickly.
Please click on the invitation above for more information and to purchase your tickets.
Thank you to Gold Sponsors Sterling Pharmaceuticals an Gori Julian and Associates, P.C., and our Santa, reindeer, and elf sponsors for their generosity.
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Women's 2018 "Kiss Cancer Goodbye" Luncheon Fun
The 8th Annual Kellsie's Hope Women’s Luncheon held on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Regency Hotel in O’Fallon, Illinois, was huge fun and a huge success!! More than 425 ladies helped "Kiss Cancer Goodbye" as they enjoyed lunch, raffles, and bid on over 100 silent auction items. One of the many highlights of the afternoon were guest speakers Joey and Caylee who shared the ups and downs of Joey's cancer journey from his initial diagnosis at just 3 years old through the wish Kellsie's Hope granted when he married Caylee on the beach. Joey's words and presence demonstrated the importance of finding a cure for Childhood Cancer so we can "Kiss Cancer Goodbye". Numerous volunteers, sponsors, and donors helped contribute to this major fundraising event for Kellsie’s Hope Foundation and all proceeds benefited children with cancer and their families.
Thank you to all who helped, attended and contributed!!
Mark your calendars to attend the 2019 luncheon on Sunday, August 25!! We look forward to seeing you next year and remember to bring a friend!!
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We are saddened to share that 12 year old Davion earned his angel's wings. Please join us in prayers and blessings for Davion's family. May they find strength at this difficult time.
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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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