treasures · 2018-12-04 · dr. sharad and ila salvi, burr ridge, il laura sikora, lisle, il debra...

A Publication of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation www.treasurechest.org

TREASURES

Wish List

Our Mission

To provide comfort and distraction

from painful procedures to children

and teens who have been diagnosed

with cancer by providing toys, gifts

In this issue:

2

Providing Toys and Smiles to Kids with Cancer

3

4

Treasure Chest Foundation’s

Achievements and Awards

Holiday Toy Drives 2017

Donations

6

9 Anonymous Donor, Eagle Scout

Gift cards in $5 increments

Items for teens

Treasure Chest Foundation Celebrates

22 Incredible Years in 2018

Words from Kevynne Chawla,

Dear Friends:

As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing us in the new year, it’s

amazing to realize that 2018 will mark our 22nd year of providing toys and smiles to

children with cancer. If time really does fly when you’re having fun, the past two

decades have taught me that it flies even faster when you’re having fun and working

hard. Our staff and volunteers have worked very hard throughout our existence to meet

the needs of childhood cancer patients across the nation.

Inside this edition of Treasures you’ll find a fascinating timeline that traces the proud

history and impressive growth we’ve experienced during our first 22 years. From the

opening of our first Treasure Chest Program in Oak Lawn in 1996 to our most recent

opening in Cleveland, Ohio this past November, we have benefitted continually from

the amazing loyalty of generous supporters like you. During this recent holiday season,

an incredible total of 138 local organizations, schools, businesses and corporations

contributed to our worthy cause by organizing toy drives or providing financial

donations, and you’ll find a complete listing and numerous photos of these amazing

contributors beginning on page six of this edition.

Your loyalty enabled us to realize unprecedented success in 2017, a year that featured

our Eighth Annual Treasuring Our Kids Fundraiser and saw us launch yet another new

Treasure Chest Program, expanding the number of children and teens we now serve

monthly to more than 13,000 young cancer patients at 52 Children’s Cancer Treatment

Centers in 19 states.

As we look forward to the remainder of 2018 and beyond, the goals of attaining two

major milestones—the opening of our 53rd Treasure Chest Program and increasing

our monthly service level to 14,000 children and teens—seem realistic and attainable

with your continued support

which is so truly and deeply ap-

preciated. Thank you again for

your generous support and for

helping us to maximize our abil-

ity to provide toys and smiles to

kids with cancer.

Sincerely,

An Interview with

Brandie Branscome

Check Presentations

The magic of a visit to the Treasure Chest is reflected by pediatric

cancer patient Noah who is obviously putting a fair amount of

thought into his toy selection at Cleveland Clinic Children’s and

Pediatric Institute.

11

10

From humble beginnings, the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation has grown into a nonprofit

organization that has helped tens of thousands of children and teens going through cancer treatment across the

nation. This is a journey through the history of the organization that began in a garage and is now

commemorating its 22nd anniversary.

The Treasure Chest Foundation’s Achievements and Awards

1996, The Pediatric Oncology

Treasure Chest Foundation is formed

and secures incorporation as a

charitable foundation. The first

program opens at Hope Children’s

Hospital (formerly Christ Hospital

in Oak Lawn, IL) serving 100

children and teens a month.

2000, The Treasure Chest

Foundation is gifted free

warehouse space at World

Wide Warehousing in Alsip,

IL. Established 15 Treasure

Chest Programs serving

1,040 children monthly.


Foundation moves to its

first rented warehouse

2007, Established 33

Treasure Chest

Programs serving 6,090

children monthly.

2011, Founder Colleen M. Kisel

and the Board of Directors launch a

capital campaign to raise money to

buy a bigger facility. At this time

storage units are needed.

Established41 Treasure Chest

programs serving 7,800 children


Foundation now offers our unique

services to more than 13,000 young

cancer patients every month in 19

states across the nation and in the

District of Columbia and

we continue to grow.

1996

2000

2001

2007

2011

2012

2018

2012, 41 Treasure Chest Programs are

established serving 7,800 children and teens

monthly in 13 states across the nation. After

the capital campaign raises $60,000, the staff

and volunteers move to a building three

times larger in an effort to help more and

more children and teens fighting cancer. The

Treasure Chest Foundation Family celebrates

15 years of service and support.

Kevynne Chawla, child life specialist at Lutheran General, who

helps fill the Treasure Chest said the donations mean so much

to the children. “These toys are used as positive reinforcement

for kids when they have to have a painful or scary procedure,”

Chawla said. “To be able to reward their bravery with a toy

helps bring something positive to a negative situation. It can

also inspire the child to do something they may not want to do.

If a child needs to walk, but it is painful or they do not feel

well, we can use the toy chest as an inspiration for them to walk

If you look up the word ‘brave’ in the dictionary, you’d

probably find this photo of Hudson who knows the toys from

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation provides comfort and distraction from painful procedures to not only children

diagnosed with cancer, but to teenage patients as well. The Foundation primarily provides gift cards from fun, teenage oriented stores.

We also provide gift bags for both teenage boys and girls. When a teenage patient endures the rigors of cancer, they are rewarded for

their bravery because of you.

The Treasure Chest Foundation needs your help now more than ever in order to keep the Treasure Chests full for brave teens fighting

cancer. Please keep in mind we are serving teens from coast to coast. We are asking you to

donate gift cards or items for teenagers fighting cancer, and here is a list of suggested items:

* Gift cards from fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Starbuck’s and Panera Bread

* Gift cards from stores where teenagers shop such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Game Stop and Old Navy

* DVDs and CDs

* Board games

* Handheld games

* Balls, mitts and other sporting goods

* Earbuds

*Wallets, belts and purses

* Jewelry

* Models

* Art projects

* Make-up (not liquid)

* Baseball hats

* Crossword puzzles, Word searches, Sudoku

* Adult coloring books, colored pencils, markers

Cancer Among Adolescents

Donations - November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018

$10,000-$49,000

Guardian Angels for the Kids, Darien, IL

$1,000-$9,999

Chicagoland Ham, Palos Heights, IL

Arnold D’Angelo, Easton, CT

First Midwest Bank, Tinley Park, IL

Hawk Ford, Oak Lawn, IL

Sandra Hechler, Villa Park, IL

Alan and Colleen Krashesky, Naperville, IL

Mi-Jack Products Inc., Homewood, IL

Michael and Carrie Gidwitz Charitable

Foundation, Chicago, IL

John Murphy, Thornton, CO

Jerry and Mary Ann Palma, Warrenville, IL

Thomas and Rita Parsons, Tinley Park, IL

RBC Capital Markets, New York, NY

Dr. Sharad and Ila Salvi, Burr Ridge, IL

Laura Sikora, Lisle, IL

Debra Stava, Downers Grove, IL

The Brass Tap, Orland Park, IL

$200-$999

Amvets 43 Il Ladies Auxiliary, Chicago, IL

Anonymous

Brookside Painting, Tinley Park, IL

Dakota Inn, Alsip, IL

Shawn Denning and Terry Ross, Lombard, IL

First Catholic Slovak Ladies Assn. Branch 332

Hinsdale, IL

Fullserv Auto Care, Oak Forest, IL

Michael and Angela Jerrick, Oak Forest, IL

Richard and Leanna Kertson,

San Luis Obispo, CA

Brenda Kirts, Bourbonnais, IL

Colleen Kisel, Oak Forest, IL

Kobayashi Family Foundation, Denver, CO

Nadeen Mohammad, Palos Hills, IL

Kevin and Jacqueline Newquist, Naperville, IL

Linda Parsons, Oak Forest, IL

Sean and Lynne Ross, Carol Stream, IL

Brian and Bonnie Rudzki, Tinley Park, IL

Michael and Marilyn Sabella,

La Grange Park, IL

Howard Schwartz, Homer Glen, IL

Howard Scott, Tinley Park, IL

Robert and Laurie Stranczek, Frankfort, IL

Robert Tynal, De Soto, MO

Windy City Poker, Homewood, IL

$1-$199

Nancy Agler, Oak Forest, IL

Cheryl Ahrens, Shorewood, IL

Helen Ahrens, Shorewood, IL

Adolf and Laimdota Ansmits, Orland Park, IL

Donna Baity, Orland Park, IL

Laraine Barshes, Palos Heights, IL

Richard and Sandra Bastian, Tinley Park, IL

Lorraine Beauchamp, Orland Park, IL

Steve and Bonnie Bengala, Orland Park, IL

Louis and Charlene Bielakowski, Chicago, IL

Mark and Denise Brandt, Minneapolis, MN

Peggy Brennan, Palos Heights, IL

James and Carolyn Brett, Downers Grove, IL

Peter Bria, Tinley Park, IL

Jim and Margaret Brown, Tinley Park, IL

Joseph and Melissa Busse, La Grange, IL

Dena Bystrzycki, Mokena, IL

John and Jill Cahill, Ingleside, IL

Jill Carlson, Oak Forest, IL

John and Carol Carney, Tinley Park, IL

Colleen Carroll, Chicago, IL

Craig and Susan Casino, Winfield, IL

Jose and Maureen Centeno, Schaumburg, IL

William and Mary Christakes, La Porte, IN

Arrie Dunbar Christian, Richton Park, IL

Bettie Coffey, Chicago, IL

Catherine Cook, Oak Lawn, IL

Margery Damm, Palos Heights, IL

Barbara Deval, Orland Park, IL

Victoria Diamond, Porter, IN

Linda Dibblee, Elmhurst, IL

Dodson and Assoc. Advertising, Lisle, IL

Jill Dohm, Morris, IL

David Dykstra, Palos Park, IL

Melanie Dziobas, Crestwood, IL

Anthony Escalante, Tinley Park, IL

John and Margaret Fahey, Oak Forest, IL

Gary and Mary Fast, Orland Park, IL

Delane and Donna Fink, Naperville, IL

Flap-Jacks, Oak Lawn, IL

Jerry and Pam Foreman, Indianapolis, IN

William and Sandra Forrest, Tinley Park, IL

Elaine Frank, Darien, IL

Frankfort Square Boy Scout Troop 237,

Frankfort, IL

Mike and Debbiann Frenzel, Mokena, IL

Jinx Fromme, Metairie, LA

Edwin and Mary Giermak,

Western Springs, IL

Dominic and Anna Mae Ginter, Oak Forest, IL

Green Promoting, Tinley Park, IL

Ezio and Sarah Grossi, Flossmoor, IL

Michael and Anita Gulick, Mokena, IL

Eileen Halvey, Oak Lawn, IL

Patrick and Julie Hannigan, New Lenox, IL

Robert and Lucette Held, Lemont, IL

George and Donnajean Heinz, Chicago, IL

Gregory and Linda Hidlebaugh, Joliet, IL

Joseph and Joan Hoffmann, Tinley Park, IL

Robert Holman, Lemoyne, PA

James and Casey Horton, Chicago, IL

Jeremy and Sarah Jackson, Lisle, IL

Howard Jacobsen and Helen Brink,

Chicago, IL

Helene Jacobson, Warren, NJ

Robert and Judith Kaminski,

West Bloomfield, MI

Aishling Kelly, Orland Park, IL

Jan and Michalina Krol-Jozaga,

Homer Glen, IL

Mauryeen Jurczak, Frankfort, IL

Valentine Jurisica, Chicago, IL

Fred Kaniewski, Crestwood, IL

Wayne and Donna Karris, Orland Park, IL

Austin and Yolanda Kelly, Chicago, IL

Daniel and Rebecca Kelly, Whiting, IN

S. Kosman, Homer Glen, IL

Brian and Debra Kroll, Seymour, TN

KVH Industries, Tinley Park, IL

Myles and Patricia Laffey, Clarendon Hills, IL

Michael and Diane Lahti, Orland Park, IL

Cindy Lawrence, Orland Park, IL

Mark and Chris Losey, Tinley Park, IL

Cecilia Lovas, Crestwood, IL

Mary Lowery, Chicago Heights, IL

Lorin Lynch, New Lenox, IL

Charles and Kim Maloney, Frankfort, IL

Char Mannix, Lebanon, TN

Sharol Marciniak, Orland Park, IL

Jean Mard, Chesterfield, MO

Martha Martin, Olympia Fields, IL

Stanley and Margaret Matkovich,

Palos Park, IL

Gordon McGregor, Orland Park, IL

Thomas and Jeanne McNicholas,

Orland Park, IL

Rebecca Moeckler, Homewood, IL

Valentina Morici, Chicago, IL

Susan Mosher, Oak Park, IL

Kimberly Murphy, Syracuse, NY

Carol Nagle, Tinley Park, IL

Mary Nagle, Oak Forest, IL

Network for Good, Washington, DC

Peter and Janet Northrup, Orland Park, IL

Ada Novi, Western Springs, IL

Debbie Olszewski, Chicago, IL

Eric Parsons, Whiting, IN

Thomas and Merielen Perrone, Mokena, IL

Daryl and Laura Peters, Orland Park, IL

Dorothy Pieper, Oak Lawn, IL

Edwin and Mary Lou Pier, Kildeer, IL

Wayne Pier, Chicago, IL

Linda Pocius, Oak Lawn, IL

Nicholas and Nancy Polito, Exeland, WI

Profit Controls Inc., Westmont, IL

Brian Reff, Shelton, CT

Mona Rempp, Woodridge, IL

Bob and Debbie Reynolds, Tinley Park, IL

Mark and Lisa Ribarchik, New Lenox, IL

Ralph and Joanne Riccio, Alsip, IL

Gail Rice, Palos Heights, IL

Theresa Roche, Oak Lawn, IL

Donations - November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018

C.J. Stotts, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Dan Strack, Shorewood, IL

Terrance and Donna Stroner,

Tinley Park, IL

Allen and Beverlee TeBockhorst,

Naperville, IL

Thomas Place, Orland Park, IL

Pat Walsh, Evergreen Park, IL

Gordon and Sheila Westlund, Andover, IL

Scott and Marnie Winters,

Lees Summit, MO

Barbara Wyne, Indian Head Park, IL

Helene Zarcone, Downers Grove, IL

In Memory of …

Hanna Bulian

Michael and Anita Gulick, Mokena, IL

Leon Denning


Lois Eckert

Anonymous

Flap-Jacks, Oak Lawn, IL

Philip J. Finn

Delane and Donna Fink, Naperville, IL


Aldona Klemka

Adolf and Laimdota Ansmits,

Orland Park, IL

Michael and Angela Jerrick,

Oak Forest, IL

N. Shotas and S. Chavos, Chicago, IL

Ken and Maleta Simek, Barrington, IL

Jodi Lewis

Dena Bystrzycki, Mokena, IL

John and Barb Murphy

Jerry and Mary Ann Palma,

Warrenville, IL

Ronald Musch

Elaine Frank, Darien, IL

Patrick J. Nagle and Cathleen L. Nagle


Carol Nagle, Tinley Park, IL

Remembering Cathy and Alison

Lorraine Beauchamp, Orland Park, IL

Steve and Bonnie Bengala,

Orland Park, IL

Joseph and Melissa Busse, La Grange, IL

Barbara Deval, Orland Park, IL

David Dykstra, Palos Park, IL

Jinx Fromme, Metairie, LA

Ezio and Sarah Grossi, Flossmoor, IL

Eileen Halvey, Oak Lawn, IL


Mary Lowery, Chicago Heights, IL

Char Mannix, Lebanon, TN

Stanley and Margaret Matkovich,

Palos Park, IL

Susan Mosher, Oak Park, IL

Betty Ross, Tinley Park, IL

In Honor of…

Parker Burns

Jean Mard, Chesterfield, MO

Grady Family

Mauryeen Jurczak, Frankfort, IL

Colleen Kisel

Debra Stava, Downers Grove, IL

Deb Stava

Gregory and Linda Hidlebaugh, Joliet, IL

Roger Storms

Anonymous

Danny Wallace

Michael and Carrie Gidwitz,

Charitable Foundation, Chicago, IL

Herb Walker

Rebecca Moeckler, Homewood, IL

Hudson Younge

Anonymous

Helene Jacobson, Warren, NJ

In-Kind Donations

4th District American Legion Auxiliary,

Lombard, IL

Katie Agler, Oak Forest, IL

Alois Box Co. Inc., Melrose Park, IL

Carey Anderson, Evergreen Park, IL

Anonymous

Aurelio’s Pizza, Homewood, IL

Nan Beard, Crestwood, IL

Brayden Biala, Carol Stream, IL

Jackie Bobbitt, Tinley Park, IL

Derek Braasch, Wood Dale, IL

Vida Parguuskas-Burklow, Crestwood, IL

Donna Cameli, Orland Park, IL

Chicagoland Ham, Palos Heights, IL

Giuliano and Maureen Cipolla,

Tinley Park, IL

Creata, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Crestwood Swim Group, Oak Forest, IL

Margery Damm, Palos Heights, IL

Analise Deanching, Frankfort, IL

John and Geraldine Dutka, Orland Park, IL

Scott and Lacey Edwards, Vancouver, WA

Mary and Eileen Finn, Tinley Park, IL

Roderick and Karen Forrest,

Orland Park, IL

Judi Friebel, Homer Glen, IL

Fullserv Auto Care, Oak Forest, IL

Jim and Patricia Gira, Orland Park, IL

Keith and Danielle Hammerquist,

Oak Forest, IL

Stephen and Laura Hawrysz,

Orland Park, IL

Lynne Huiner, Orland Park, IL

J. Production, Chicago, IL

Rich and Andrea Johnson, Monee, IL

Michaela Jordan, Harvey, IL

Raul Juarez, Tinley Park, IL

Diana Karasek, Tinley Park, IL

Donna Karris, Orland Park, IL

Audrey Kingery, Frankfort, IL

Lucy Kocerka, Hickory Hills, IL

Dennis and Jill Konieczny, Homer Glen, IL

Laugh Factory, Chicago, IL

Cindy Lawrence, Orland Park, IL

Rose Masino, Tinley Park, IL

Diane Mason, Palatine, IL

Jean Masterson, Chicago, IL

Katie Meyer, Orland Park, IL

Jim and Bonnie Morgan, Orland Park, IL

Betti Napiwocki, Bolingbrook, IL

Aidan O’Connor, Tinley Park, IL

Old Chicago Coffee Co., Orland Park, IL

Jackie O’Rourke, Oak Forest, IL

Aseem Pandey and Alycia Mitchell,

Lombard, IL

Stella Parhas, Orland Park, IL

Rita Parsons, Tinley Park, IL

Riddhi and Sanskruti Patel, Orland Park, IL

Janice Patocka, Lombard, IL

Andrew and Nate Peters, Orland Park, IL

James and Susan Petrowich, Naperville, IL

Anthony and Tania Puchalski,

Orland Park, IL

Rainbow International Restoration,

Hickory Hills, IL

Barbara Ramsingh, Orland Park, IL

Jeannie Rapstad, Hammond, IN

Carol Rasmussen, Oak Forest, IL

George and Grace Reddel, Orland Park, IL

Riverside Resolve Center, Manteno, IL

Kevin and Patti Rose, Tinley Park, IL

Debbie Smith, Palos Heights, IL

Mary Lou Stachnik, Oak Forest, IL

Joel Stark and Dan Ferguson, Palos Park, IL

Tina Stover, Blue Island, IL

Walt and Lillian Suva, Plainfield, IL

Janelle Tague, New Lenox, IL

The Children’s Circus Project,

Richardson, TX


Isabella Tunno, Chicago, IL

Herb and Jan Walker, Palos Park, IL

Walt’s Food Center, South Holland, IL

Lynne White, Chicago, IL

White Castle, Orland Park, IL

Mary Beth Norton-Williams,

Orland Park, IL

Janet Wilschke, Chicago, IL

Paul and Betsy Windish, Tinley Park, IL

2nd and Charles, Highland, IN

2nd and Charles, Naperville, IL

Acorn Public Library,

Oak Forest, IL

Alice L. Barnard Elementary

School, Chicago, IL

American Sewing Guild,

Chicago Chapter,

Oak Lawn Chapter,

Westmont Chapter, IL

Ameriprise, Orland Park, IL

Argo-Summit Bedford Park

Women's Club,

Lemont, IL

Arrenello's Pizza,

Tinley Park, IL

B.A.I., Chicago, IL

Bank Financial, Calumet Park,

Hazel Crest,

Libertyville,

Lincolnwood,

Orland Park,

Westmont, IL

Bonding and Insurance

Specialist Agency,

Orland Park, IL

Branscome Family and Friends,

Fort Wayne, IN

Brownie Troop 75153,

Frankfort, IL

Bulian Family, "Remembering

Hannah", Joliet, IL

Camelot Company,

Schiller Park, IL

Cardio Vascular Management

of Illinois, Woodridge, IL

Carl Sandburg High School,

Orland Park, IL

Charter Fitness, Midlothian, IL

Chateaux Elementary School,

Hazel Crest, IL

Chicago Horned Frogs Hockey,

Palos Heights, IL

Chicagoland Toys for Tots,

Bridgeview, IL

Christa McAuliffe Elementary

School, Tinley Park, IL

City of Oak Forest,

Oak Forest, IL

Country Financial,

Tinley Park, IL

Crestwood Wellness Center,

Crestwood, IL

Cub Scout Pack 101,

Mokena, IL

D.L.G. Foundation,

Island Lake, IL

Dakota Inn, Alsip, IL

Dance Studio Images,

Tinley Park, IL

Dave and Buster’s,

Orland Park, IL

Mike Doria, "Remembering

Kendra", Mokena, IL

Dunkin Donuts, Rich and

Teresa Mommsen,

Frankfort, Mokena and

Tinley Park, IL

Brandon Eppolito, Frankfort, IL

Evergreen Senior Living,

Orland Park, IL

Exit Strategy Realty,

Chicago, IL

Fernway Park Elementary

School, Orland Park, IL

Fierke Education Center,

Oak Forest, IL

First Midwest Bank,

Crestwood, IL

First Midwest Bank,

Tinley Park, IL

Fish Tales Fishing Club,

Oak Forest, IL

Flying High Sports & Rec.

Center, Hickory Hills, IL

Fulton Grace Realty,

Chicago, IL

Game Works, LLC.

Gap Outlet, Chicago, IL

Nolan Gatz, Homer Glen, IL

Get the Look Hair Salon,

Tinley Park, IL

Gizmos Fun Factory,

Orland Park, IL

Grace United Protestant Church,

Park Forest, IL

Health Care Financial

Management Assoc.,

Westchester, IL

Helen Keller Elementary

School, Remembering

Cathy & Alison,

Tinley Park, IL

Hot Side CrossFit,

Orland Park, IL

IHOP, Orland Park, IL

James and Sons Jewelers,

Orland Park, IL

James Family, New Lenox, IL

John A. Bannes Elementary

School, Tinley Park, IL

Kalk, Daly and Czerwinski Toy

Drive, Crestwood, IL

KidsWork Children's Museum,

Frankfort, IL

Kiwanis Club of Orland Park,

Orland Park, IL

Dennis and Jill Konieczny

"Friends Holiday Drive",

Homer Glen, IL

John and Jill Cahill,

Ingleside, IL

Diane Mason, Palatine, IL

James and Susan Petrowich,

Naperville, IL

Edwin and Mary Lou Pier,

Kildeer, IL

Wayne Pier, Chicago, IL

KVH Industries, Tinley Park, IL

Lansing Floral Shop &

Greenhouse, Oak Forest, IL

Lee R. Foster Elementary

School, Oak Forest, IL

Legacy Soccer Club,

New Lenox, IL

Let's Polka USA Club,

Orland Park, IL

Low Key Tattoo, Berwyn, IL

Luther Burbank Elementary

School, Burbank, IL

Lux 131 Salon and Day Spa,

Palos Park, IL

Matt's TV and Electronics, Inc.,

Tinley Park, IL

Maxfields Pancake House &

Restaurant, Lombard, IL

Meadow Ridge School,

Orland Park, IL

Midwest Training & Ice,

Dyer, IN

Millennium Elementary School,

Tinley Park, IL

My Care Dental, Tinley Park, IL

National Association of

Professional Women,

Orland Park, IL

Oak Forest High School,

Oak Forest, IL

Oak Lawn Toastmasters,

Oak Lawn, IL

O'Malley and Bochniak

Families, Palos Park, IL

Orland Fire Protection District

Station 2, Orland Park, IL


Station 4, Orland Hills, IL


Station 5, Orland Park, IL

Orland Park Toastmasters Club,

Orland Park, IL

Paddy B's, Orland Park, IL

Palos Heights Toastmasters

Club, Palos Heights, IL

Peace Community Preschool,

Frankfort, IL

PEO (Philanthropic Educational

Organization),

Orland Park, IL

P.O.S.A. (Palos Orland

Swim Association),

Orland Park, IL

P.T.S.I.R. (Physical Therapy &

Sports Injury Rehabilitation),

Tinley Park, IL

Prairie View Middle School,

Tinley Park, IL

Protsman Elementary School,

Dyer, IN

Providence Catholic High

School, New Lenox, IL

PupScouts Troop 8, Burbank, IL

Rainbow International

Restoration, Hickory Hills, IL

Realty Executives Elite,

Lemont, IL

Republic Bank, Tinley Park, IL

Richlee Vans,

Chicago Ridge, IL

Amanda Ross, Remembering

Cathy and Alison,

Dyer, IN

Sander Family Holiday Toy

Drive, Wilmette, IL

Sea of Cars, Orland Park, IL

Seniors and Law Enforcement

Together (S.A.L.T.),

Tinley Park, IL

St. Francis Of Assisi Parish 4th

Grade Religious

Education, Orland Park, IL

St. George School, Aidan

O'Connor, Tinley Park, IL

St. Juliana Cub Scout Pack

3965, Chicago, IL

St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox

Church, Palos Heights, IL

State Farm Insurance,

Tinley Park, IL

Stella's Stars, Elmwood, IL

Sterling Family, Palos Park, IL


Timberland Estates Subdivision,

Valparaiso, IN

Tinley Park Chamber of

Commerce, Tinley Park, IL

Toy Con Toy Show,

Chicago, IL

Trinity Lutheran Church,

Tinley Park, IL

United States Marines Toys for

Tots, Chicago, IL

H o l i d a y T o y D r i v e s 2 0 1 7

The employees of the Treasure Chest Foundation were delighted when a giant truck pulled up to their warehouse with a full load of Mattel

toys. The bewildered but appreciative staff members and volunteers were amazed when the driver opened the truck to reveal five pallets

full of toys weighing an estimated 2,100 pounds.

Could this incredible delivery have been yet another kind act by that famous inhabitant of the North Pole? You know, the big guy with the

red suit and the long, white beard? To this day the gracious donor remains anonymous, but for those who TRULY believe . . .

Thanks to his . . . or her kindness, hundreds of children and teens who have struggled in their battle against childhood cancer found a

Treasure Chest Foundation Receives Truckload of Mattel Toys from Anonymous Donor

Bolingbrook Eagle Scout Constructs Storage Space for the Treasure Chest Foundation

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation’s ability to store supplies has received a tremendous boost, thanks to the tireless work

and thoughtfulness of Spencer Napiwocki. The 17-year-old Bolingbrook resident recently built a wooden storage unit along with a smaller

cabinet and counter top. Spencer organized, implemented and coordinated the construction project in order to attain Eagle Scout status, the

highest rank attainable by members of the Boy Scouts of America. Spencer is a member of Bolingbrook Boy Scout Troop 82.

The storage unit is an impressive and functional unit that contains shelves along with cabinets and drawers, making it a perfect place to keep

office supplies, paper products and snacks for the weekly volunteers.

The Treasure Chest Foundation is especially grateful to Spencer Napiwocki for his tremendous donation. Because of his hard work and

generosity, the storage unit and cabinet will make it so much easier for us to manage our kitchen space.

When asked about his motivation for the project, Spencer replied, “Ever since I helped my brother a few years ago with his Eagle Scout

project for the Treasure Chest Foundation, I got to witness the generosity and pure kindness that the organization runs on, and it inspired me.

I knew on that day that I would be doing my Eagle Scout project for the Treasure Chest Foundation.”

After a long day of work, a tired but satisfied Spencer (center)

is joined by family members (left to right) sister Melaina, dad

Chet, mom Betti and fellow Eagle Scout Jake Smith.

When their son Ryan was diagnosed with Acute

Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2014, life changed instantly

for Doug and Brandie Branscome of Fort Wayne, IN.

After enduring Ryan’s lengthy period of treatments,

beginning in Indianapolis and subsequently closer to

their home, the Branscome family continues to support

the Treasure Chest Foundation by organizing annual

holiday toy drives with the help of friends and family

members. POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel

recently conducted an informative interview with

Brandie and came away impressed by the courage,

strength and invincible spirit displayed by families

like the Branscomes who are battling cancer.

POTCF: Can you tell me about the time when Ryan

was diagnosed?

Brandie: Ryan was only two years old when he was

diagnosed with ALL. It took the doctors many tests,

including MRI’s and bone marrow aspirations, to finally

find Ryan’s final cancer diagnosis. He was quite the

trooper, since he was only two years old and was

admitted to the hospital for a while!

POTCF: How was Ryan’s cancer initially detected?

Brandie: Our fir st sign that Ryan had something

going on was joint swelling and pain in his elbow. Our

local doctor thought that Ryan had osteomyelitis (bone

infection). Ryan even had surgery to clean out the

infected area and a PICC line placed to have daily

antibiotic infusions. However, during this time he

continued to have issues, including high fevers. Doug

and I decided to seek further treatment at Riley Hospital

in Indianapolis. Within 12 hours of Ryan being

admitted, doctors realized that something more than a

bone infection was happening. Ryan had two bone

marrow biopsies, then his cancer diagnosis was given.

POTCF: What type of treatment did Ryan go

through?

Brandie: Ryan went through about three-and-a-half

years of cancer treatment. The first six months were the

toughest with the worst chemotherapy drugs and side

effects. The rest of the years were spent on

maintenance” treatment where Ryan continued to have

daily oral chemo, monthly IV

chemo and steroids, and spinal

tap with chemo every three

months.

POTCF: Can you tell me

about the hospitalizations/

clinic?

Brandie: Since we live in For t

Wayne, once Ryan was

discharged home from Riley in

Indianapolis, we were able to

continue his treatments at

Lutheran Hospital. We met Dr.

O'Brien and his wonderful staff

and nurses. We were so blessed

to have Ryan’s treatments so

close to home, along with their

awesome support!

POTCF: What was the worst

part of Ryan’s treatment?

Brandie: Probably the worst

part of Ryan’s treatment, at

least to me, was the many spinal taps throughout the

years. It was so difficult to watch, yet, I could not leave

the room while the whole procedure happened. It was

hard as a mom to not have any control, but I gave total

trust and faith in the doctor and treatment protocol.

POTCF: What was the best part, if there is a good

part, of the clinic/hospital?

Brandie: Surpr isingly, I could share many good

things about our experiences with the cancer center. We

had wonderful supportive nurses who helped us through

the whole three-and-a-half years. They were always

there for our family whether it was a trying time or a

celebration. They kept things as positive as possible.

They introduced us to the Treasure Chest on Ryan’s

very first visit. It was the best thing for our two-year-old

boy to be given after all that he had been through.

POTCF: Can you tell me

about the Treasure Chest at

the hospital?

Brandie: The Treasure Chest

was located in the cancer center.

On days when Ryan had bigger

appointments that involved

spinal chemo or similar, he

could choose from the “big”

prizes. On other appointment

days, he would get to choose a

toy from the chest. He would

spend a good chunk of time

looking through every toy in the

chest, especially those at the

very bottom, before making his

choice. I have many fond

memories of his small body

reaching through all the toys on

top of the chest to get to the very special one at the very

bottom!

POTCF: Did

knowing Ryan

would receive a

toy help the hos-

pital/clinic expe-

rience

Brandie: Yes, for

sure! On days

when Ryan had to

have his port

accessed, stay for

a long time to

receive blood, or

not be able to eat

because of proce-

dures, those toys

were rewards that

we would help

him work toward.

Sometimes the toy

was so important

to Ryan that the

nurses would let him go search through the chest to see

what all was there, before they would even get him

ready for his appointment! The toy that he

received was a huge reason that Ryan liked going to his

cancer center appointments most of the time.

POTCF: Did your relationship with friends and

family change?

Brandie: Yes, dur ing treatment we really learned

how important our family was. It took our whole ex-

tended family to get through Ryan’s cancer treatment as

there were lots of appointments, times when his counts

were low and he could not go into public for risk of

infection, and many other times when family stepped up

to help us out, including all the prayers and emotional

support that was given. I believe that our family got

stronger

because of what we went through.

POTCF: How did Ryan’s sister handle his cancer

diagnosis and the aftermath?

Brandie: Kate handled everything really well! She

started Kindergarten two months after Ryan was

diagnosed and worked really hard. She liked to go to

Ryan’s appointments when she was out of school.

She was also young enough that she did not

understand all that was going on during treatment,

but she was very caring, helpful and supportive

of Ryan.

POTCF: How did Ryan’s sister handle his cancer

diagnosis and the aftermath?

Brandie: Kate handled everything really well! She

started Kindergarten two months after Ryan was

diagnosed and worked really hard. She liked to go to

Ryan’s appointments when she was out of school. She

An Interview with Brandie Branscome

C h e c k P r e s e n t a t i o n s

Orland Park Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar Owner Tom McMullen proudly

presents his $1,005 donation.

Dominic and Anna Mae Ginter proudly present their donation. Dominic began saving spare change in 2008 and

the massive coin stash added up to more than $2,300 for

FullServ Auto Care in Oak Forest hosted a raffle that shocked the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest

Foundation by raising $920.

Benjamin B. Green-Field Foundation Board Member Mathew Rachman, Board President Kathryn Groenendal, Board Member Tammy Groenendal

and Board Secretary Sheldon K. Rachman present the $6,000 donation.

Not pictured: Chairman of the Board Colin Fisher and Board Member

Christine Parker.

(Pictured left to right): First Midwest Bank Residential Lender Maureen

Cipolla and First Midwest Charitable Foundation Director and Senior Vice

President Diane Cirrencione proudly display the First Midwest Charitable

Foundation’s $5,000 donation.

POTCF: What would you say to a family who just

learned their son or daughter had been diagnosed

with cancer?

Brandie: That is hard, because each family has their

own way of working through this process, but I would

tell them to trust in the treatment protocol, ask for help

because you will need it and always keep your faith.

POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest

Foundation contributors? Please elaborate on the

importance of their continued contributions.

Brandie: Thank you for suppor ting such a wonder ful

organization! The toys that my son received during

treatment were a very important part of his treatment

plan. The toys were something for him to look forward to

receiving each and every time he went to the cancer

center. The toys are a comfort that are always offered

and without your continued support, a child may not

have that comfort that he or she really needs. Remember

that every donation puts a smile on some sweet kiddo’s

face, too!

POTCF: Do you have any final comments for our

readers, perhaps a personal story?

Brandie: Our family and fr iends have held an annual

toy drive for eight years now! We feel so fortunate to

have been recipients of the services provided by this

wonderful organization and want to make sure it

continues for all children who are going through their

cancer treatments. We really are so grateful for the many

toys that Ryan received because they always made his

day better. I remember when Ryan chose this great big

panda bear from the Treasure Chest one time. It was

huge!! It was probably twice as big as he was and he

could hardly drag it back to the room, but he was so sure

that was the toy he wanted that day. He had the biggest

smile on his face walking down the hallway with

that big bear!

An Interview with Brandie Branscome

15430 70th Court

Orland Park, IL 60462

Providing Toys and Smiles to Kids With Cancer

Return Service Requested

Who We Are

What We Do

How We Do It

For news and notifications from The Treasure Chest Foundation

join our electronic mailing list at: [email protected]

Visit Our Website!

www.treasurechest.org

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 126

OAK FOREST, IL 60452

Call to Action We are asking for your help with driving toys and gift cards to Children’s Cancer Treatment Centers located in the Chicagoland area.

Delivering can be as easy as picking up the toys and gifts at the Treasure Chest Foundation facility in Orland Park and delivering

them to a dock or front desk of a local Children’s Cancer Treatment Center. For further information please call

708-687-TOYS (8697) or email Kim at [email protected]

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort and distraction from painful

procedures to children and teens who have been diagnosed with cancer by

providing gifts from a treasure chest.

The Foundation supports over 13,000 children and teens each month who are diagnosed with cancer and treated at one of 52 cancer treatment centers in the

United States. Because each cancer patient typically visits the clinic multiple

times per month, the Foundation’s services actually support young cancer

patients upwards of 20,000 times a month.

The Foundation depends on contributions of money, toys and gifts through

SAVE THE DATE

Bella UNDAUNTED

5K Walk/Run

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018

Yankee Woods

16520 Central Ave.

Oak Forest, IL 60452

treasures · 2018-12-04 · dr. sharad and ila salvi, burr ridge, il laura sikora, lisle, il debra...

Documents