treasures - The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

TREASURE S
A Publication of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation
www.treasurechest.org
Providing Toys and Smiles to Kids with Cancer
As we say farewell to a memorable
2012 . . .
In this issue:
42nd Opening and
Lemonade Stand
2
Dear Friends:
Treasure Chest Move
3
My how time flies! It’s hard to believe that autumn has arrived and we are nearing the end of our 15 th
year of providing comfort to children and teens fighting cancer. 2012 has been yet another milestone year
for the Foundation, marked by many magical moments.
Donations
4
Volunteer of the Year
6
Grand Re-Opening
7
Toy Drives
8
Brickhouse Benefit
and Golf Outing
9
Valerie Keller Interview
10
Eagle Scout and
Contributors
11
Wish List for Teens

On May 1 we completed our much-anticipated move to our new headquarters at 15430 70th Court in
Orland Park. And in July we officially celebrated our move with a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony that
provided some 200 guests with an exciting tour of our new facility. The move marked the dawning of a
new era as we strive to expand the number of Children’s Cancer Treatment Centers currently served.
Also in May we celebrated the opening of our 42nd Treasure Chest Program at Edward Hospital in
Naperville. This program was established in memory of former Foundation Board member Nancy Lee
Reff, whose friendship and spirit live on whenever Naperville area cancer patients select a toy or gift
certificate from the Treasure Chest. This latest Program means that the POTCF now serves more than
7,900 children and teens monthly at 42 hospitals and treatment centers in 13 states.
The hectic beginning to 2012 resulted in postponement of our traditional springtime Treasuring Our
Kids fundraiser. The success of the recently held End of Summer Beach Party was a total team effort
reflecting an incredible spirit of cooperation from numerous volunteers and contributors.
Our continued success hinges on donations and volunteer efforts from our loyal supporters, people like you
who recognize the critical needs of some 40,000 child cancer patients across the United States. As we look
ahead to our 16th year in 2013, we anticipate the opening of our 43rd Treasure Chest Program, knowing
we can count on your ongoing support. Any amount that you can give during this holiday season is greatly
appreciated and will make a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of children in their fight
against cancer. Thank you for caring enough to make a difference and for believing in our mission of
providing toys and smiles to kids with cancer.
Sincerely,
Electronic Devices


Gift Cards
CD’s and DVD’s
Our Mission
To provide comfort and distraction
from painful procedures to children and
teens who have been diagnosed with
cancer by providing toys, gifts and gift
certificates from a treasure chest.
Colleen M. Kisel
Founder and CEO
P. S. Your gift is tax-deductible because the POTCF is a
registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. The
Donations page of our web site (www.treasurechest.org)
makes contributing easy with your credit card or existing
PayPal account. Thank you for your support of the Treasure
Chest Foundation, and may you have a wonderful holiday
season!
Treasures
Treasures
Page 2
POTCF Opens 42nd Treasure Chest Program
The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) reached a major milestone May 10, 2012 with the opening of its 42nd
Treasure Chest Program at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
The latest Treasure Chest Program means the POTCF now serves more than 7,900 children and teens monthly at 42
hospitals and treatment centers in 13 states across the nation. The Naperville program was established in memory of
former Foundation Board member Nancy Lee Reff, who served faithfully from 2003 to 2006 and passed away in September of 2011. “We
believe that Nancy is looking down and is happy to know that young patients undergoing cancer treatment in the Naperville area will
now be able to select a toy or gift certificate from one of our treasure chests,” said Colleen Kisel, CEO and Founder of the Treasure Chest
Foundation.
The need for this latest Treasure Chest Program came about after the Hematology/Oncology clinic at Edward Hospital partnered with
the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital and Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn to enable Naperville area families to
receive top pediatric oncology care much closer to home. Edward Hospital Child Life Specialist Melissa Slattery said, “We are excited
about our new partnership with the Treasure Chest Foundation because we know how much the children look forward to receiving their
Treasure Chest rewards.”
The Grispo family was one of
the first to experience the
smiles brought on by selecting a
toy. Five-year-old pediatric
cancer patient Hannah (right)
is joined (left to right) by her
sister Hailey, mother Kim and
grandmother, Debby Mikus.
Eagle Scout Nick Protich of Plainfield
Boy Scout Troop #82 built the Treasure
Chest which houses toys for children and
teens receiving cancer treatments at
Edward Hospital.
Members of the Reff family proudly
display Nancy Lee's photo.
The Hammond family
moved to the United
States from Austria and
four weeks later their
nine-year-old son Carter
was diagnosed with
leukemia.
Nancy's husband
Rick Reff and Elsie
Finn (close friend of
the Reff family)
display a photo of
Nancy Lee.
The Genis family of Frankfort
gave back to children and teens
fighting cancer by sponsoring a
lemonade and cupcake sale on
May 19 that raised more than
$3,000 for the Pediatric
Oncology Treasure Chest
Foundation.
Shelly Genis said, “The Treasure Chest Foundation
helped Jack through all of his blood tests, doctor
appointments and his hospital stay. We can’t help but
want to give back to the Foundation so that they can
continue to do what they do best.”
Pictured above (left to right) are Rose Pilny,
Kevin Richard, Kelsie Neary, Lynn Gray, Jeanne
Genis, Shelly Genis, Debbie Olszewski, Dave Genis,
Jack Genis, Julie Wallace and Nejoud Alqaissi.
Page 3
Treasure Chest Foundation Completes a Moving Experience!
The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) marked its 15th
anniversary in fine style on May 1, 2012 when it shifted its base of operations to
a new home at 15430 70th Court in Orland Park.
The new Treasure Chest Foundation facility offers expanded parking availability
and nearly three times the operating space of the current headquarters. “Our
new home will enable the Foundation to place a greater emphasis on
increasing the number of Children’s Cancer Treatment Centers we
are able to serve,” said POTCF CEO and Founder Colleen Kisel. “We
are thrilled that the severe space limitations that restricted our operating
efficiency will now be a thing of the past, and we anticipate the expanded
operating and storage space will mean a huge difference in our ability to meet
the needs of children and teens fighting cancer across the nation.”
4
1
2
3
9
6
7
5
8
Thanks to our wonderful friends and their generosity during our move
1. Colleen Kisel signed the legal papers. Looking on
is David S. Adduce of Kelly, Olson, Michod,
DeHaan and Richter, L.L.C. in Chicago. Mr. Adduce
performed all legal services pro bono.
4. Elim Christian Services volunteers load a
bus with numerous boxes to be moved to the
Treasure Chest Foundation's new facility.
7. Chicago Box Company President
Laura Arrivo-Elsner donated hundreds of
boxes to help move from point A to point B.
2. Thompson Moving and Storage Driver Steve
Jurus (left) and Owner Patrick Flanigan pose
alongside one of two 42-foot trucks they
used during the Foundation's
moving experience.
5. Volunteers from the Family Harvest
Church in Tinley Park helped with
last-minute sorting and packing jobs.
8. This move wouldn't have been possible without
the help from the strong young men at the
Riverside Resolve Center.
3. Mike Konaszewski Jr. (left) and Mike
Konaszewski Sr. pause for a quick
moment before resuming their task of
wiring the Treasure Chest Foundation's
new Orland Park facility.
6. Tony Barrera of Calumet Paints in
Oak Forest assisted with numerous painting
projects by generously donating gallons of paint.
9. Information Technologist Kenton Jenkins of Single
Source Inc. implemented the network system at the
Treasure Chest Foundation's new headquarters.
Treasures
Page 4
~ Donations ~ February 2012 – August 2012 ~
$10,000-$49,999
Guardian Angels
$1,000-$9,999
Allstate Foundation, Northbrook, IL
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation,
Chicago, IL
Bel-Aire Enterprises, Inc., Bridgeview, IL
Walter J. and Edith E. Best Foundation,
Naperville, IL
Books for You, Inc., Homer Glen, IL
Cord Vanderpool Foundation, Orland Park, IL
The Sharon L. Denning Charitable Trust,
Palos Heights, IL
Genis Family, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Sandra Hechler, Villa Park, IL
Mr. John and Mrs. Kathleen Henington,
Tinley Park, IL
Park Ridge Indian Scouts, Park Ridge, IL
President’s Cup Golf Outing, Mokena, IL
$200-$999
C.I.M., Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Corinne Coventry, Homewood, IL
Dziedzic Enterprises, Yorkville, IL
Mr. Martin Flood, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Len Genis, Crestwood, IL
Mr. Robert Hirsch, Chicago, IL
Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Kay Hofmann, Rapid City, SD
The Horton Group, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Sue Huiner, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Steve Jackson, Mokena, IL
Ms. Colleen Kisel, Oak Forest, IL
Kohl’s Cares, Menomonee Falls, WI
Mr. David Kooyenga, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Tom and Mrs. Christine Krygowski,
Orland Park, IL
Ms. Beth Lewis, Palos Heights, IL
Mercer, Chicago, IL
Ms. Mary Nagle, Oak Forest, IL
NewMark Merrill Companies, Melrose Park, IL
Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Jacqueline Newquist,
Naperville, IL
Mr. William and Mrs. Barbara Norton,
Homer Glen, IL
Ms. Jackie O’Rourke, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Larry and Mrs. Mary Overbey, Lemont, IL
Ms. Cheryl Peters, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Irma Rodriguez, Chicago, IL
Mr. David Rosciszewski, Bayonne, NJ
Mr. Terry and Mrs. Shawn Ross, Lombard, IL
Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Bonnie Schmidt,
Orland Park, IL
Mr. Michael Scigliano, El Portal, FL
Ms. Laura Sikora, Lisle, IL
Mr. James and Mrs. Lorene Smith, Palos Park, IL
Supreme Plumbing, Inc., Frankfort, IL
$1-$199
AC Marketing Group LLC, Verona, NJ
Acorn Child Care Center, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Sandy Albano, Oak Forest, IL
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #615,
Tinley Park, IL
4th District American Legion, Hickory Hills, IL
Ms. Diane Andresen, Mokena, IL
Mr. Matt Andrews, Park Forest, IL
Mr. Edward Anhalt, Palos Park, IL
Animal Care Clinic, Homer Glen, IL
Ms. Mary Attreau, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Sandra Aubin, Orland Park, IL
Mr. A.J. and Mrs. Bonnie Barrett, Raleigh, NC
Mr. Richard and Mrs. Sandra Bastian,
Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Brian Bernardoni, Justice, IL
Mr. Donald and Mrs. Kathleen Bezek,
LaGrange, IL
Ms. Janet Biedron, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Brian and Mrs. Amy Bonner, Chicago, IL
Ms. Carolyn Brett, Downers Grove, IL
Mr. John and Mrs. Betty Brewster, Homewood, IL
Ms. Dawn Burda, Riverside, IL
Mr. Michael Burton, Chicago, IL
Ms. Lynn Casey, Chicago, IL
Ms. Amy Castaneda, Burr Ridge, IL
Mr. Jose and Mrs. Maureen Centeno,
Schaumburg, IL
Mr. William and Mrs. Mary Christakes,
New Lenox, IL
Mr. Frank Ciezadlo, Crestwood, IL
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Angie Cimino,
Orland Park, IL
Mr. James Clauss, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Denise Clodfelter, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Michael Coogan, Palos Heights, IL
Mr. Edward and Mrs. Barbara Cook, Elgin, IL
Ms. Verna Corbett, Lansing, IL
Ms. Alice Cramer, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Daniel Crosby, Chicago Ridge, IL
Ms. Carol Cupp, Joliet, IL
Dakota Inn, Alsip, IL
Ms. Margery Damm, Palos Heights, IL
Ms. Mary Davanti, Chicago, IL
Ms. Agatha Defranco, Palos Park, IL
Ms. Kim Defries, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Lisa DeGori, Glassboro, NJ
Ms. Mary Ann Deutsch, Orland Park, IL
Mr. George and Mrs. Mary DeYoung, Alsip, IL
Mr. John Dillon, Palos Heights, IL
Divine Providence Church, Westchester, IL
Dodson and Assoc. Advertising, Lisle, IL
Ms. Denise Domalewski, Mokena, IL
Mr. Frank Doyle, Chicago, IL
Ms. Laurel Durling, Matteson, IL
Efficient Medical Couriers Inc., Chicago, IL
Ms. Mary Beth Egan, Willow Springs, IL
Ms. Deborah Engler, Mokena, IL
Mr. William and Mrs. Carla Ford, Crestwood, IL
Ms. Carol Fornek, Mokena, IL
Frankfort Firefighters Union, Frankfort, IL
Mr. Mike and Mrs. Debiann Frenzel, Mokena, IL
Ms. Michelle Fricke, Oak Lawn, IL
Furjanic Medical Inc., Orland Park, IL
Ms. Joan Garcia, Chicago, IL
Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Pamela Gervais,
Orland Park, IL
Girl Scout Troop #60450, Palos Heights, IL
Ms. Rose Goldfarb, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Kenneth Goldman, Oakland, CA
Ms. Patricia Gonsiorowski, Hammond, IN
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Grady, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. LeAnn Graff, Chicago, IL
Ms. Marge Greenfield, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Robert Grinberg, Wheeling, IL
Ms. Elizabeth Heelan, Windsor, CT
Ms. Helen Heniff, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Karolina Hogueisson, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Chip and Mrs. Amy Hurst, Palm Harbor, FL
Mr. Martin and Mrs. Karen Jackson,
Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Keith and Mrs. Patricia Johnson,
Oak Lawn, IL
Mr. Duncan Jones, Newark, NY
Ms. Heather Judge, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Christina Katrivesis, Chicago, IL
Ms. Deborah Kentner, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Steven and Mrs. Barbara Kitsberg,
Buffalo Grove, IL
Ms. Geraldine Koren, Palos Park, IL
Ms. Donna Kouba, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Brian and Mrs. Debora Kroll, Seymour, TN
Ms. Donna Krzebiot, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Millie Lehnert, Crestwood, IL
Mr. Michael and Mrs. Phyllis Lembke, Roselle, IL
Ms. Cecelia Lovas, Crestwood, IL
Mr. John Lux, Alsip, IL
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Diane Maiellaro,
Hickory Hills, IL
Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Leslie Marcello,
Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Sharol Marciniak, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Michael and Mrs. Sharon Markovsky,
Sparks, NV
Ms. Leanette Martoccio, Willow Springs, IL
Ms. Loretta Mavrovic, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Rose McGovern, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Migdalia Mejia, Chicago, IL
Ms. Ayako Miyahara, Chicago, IL
Mr. Michael Mucha, Chicago, IL
Ms. Carol Nagle, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Cheryel Newton, Chicago, IL
Ms. Angela Nicholson, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Eleanor Norton, Orland Park, IL
Oak Forest Lodge #832, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Ward and Mrs. Mary Lou O’Connor,
Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Deborah Olszewski,
Chicago, IL
Ms. Doriluz Ortega, Chicago, IL
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Lori Pajeau, Lima, OH
Ms. Grace Partynski, Homer Glen, IL
Ms. Florence and Ms. Jan Patocka, Lombard, IL
Mr. Glen and Mrs. Melissa Peck, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Marjorie Pelino, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Frank and Mrs. Jane Perchez, Alsip, IL
Mr. John and Mrs. Maryellen Phelps,
Orland Park, IL
Mr. Timothy and Mrs. Rosemary Pilny,
Midlothian, IL
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Susan Piskorski,
Hinsdale, IL
Mr. Carl and Mrs. Lynne Proctor, Cerro Gordo, IL
Mr. Nick Protich, Plainfield, IL
Relay for Life, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Mona Rempp, Woodridge, IL
Mr. Scott Rieger, Hudson, OH
Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Diane Ritchie, Chicago, IL
Ms. Lisa Robinson, Dyer, IN
Ms. Lori Sanders, Chicago, IL
Mr. Harry and Mrs. Sharon Schaffer,
Homer Glen, IL
Ms. Janet Schurke, Canyon Country, CA
Ms. Pam Scoonover, Park Forest, IL
Ms. Rachel Semenyna, Romeoville, IL
Ms. Sally Sendra, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Deborah Simonian,
Palos Park, IL
Mr. Joseph Skarbek, Tinley Park, IL
Summer 2012
Mr. Eugene and Mrs. Mary Smerz,
Western Springs, IL
Ms. Marie Smith, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Victoria Stasulas, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Kathy Stockton, Bradley, IL
Ms. Margaret Stoklosa, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Dolores Tedesco, Riverside, IL
Ms. Jan Thomas, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Stepheny Turek, Chicago, IL
Mr. Thomas Van Dommelen, Oak Forest, IL
Village of Orland Park, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Scott and Mrs. Gail Wallace, Darien, IL
The Welding Center, Inc., Bedford Park, IL
Ms. Susan Weytkow, Orland Park, IL
White Castle, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Patricia Wilfinger,
Oak Forest, IL
Dr. and Mrs. Gary Williams, Orland Park, IL
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Wyllie, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Helene Zarcone, Downers Grove, IL
Mr. Brad and Mrs. Lisa Zwirn, Chicago, IL
In Memory of . . .
Alison Baron and Cathy Dykstra
Ms. Ruth Henkel
Mr. Walter and Mrs. Betty Ross
Natalie Benda
Mr. George and Mrs. Donnajean Heinz
Liam Bonner
Mr. Brian and Mrs. Amy Bonner
Hannah Bulian
Ms. Linda Karno
Paul Cheng
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
Mildred Collins
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
Charlie Cooper
Ms. Jeanne Paulsen
Inshirah Ertekin
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
Judy Harl and Zachary Heinz
Mr. George and Mrs. Donnajean Heinz
Karen Johnson
Mr. Michael Mezewich
Ms. Tammy Mezewich
Chuck Larson
Ms. Jan John
Julie Lobbia
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Patricia Judge
Robert Lowery
Mrs. Mary Lowery
Mary Ann (Toni) McKenna
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
David Michon
Ms. Cathy O’Hara
Patrick Nagle and Cathleen Nagle
Ms. Colleen Kisel
Mr. Joe and Mrs. Lorri Nagle
Bernadette Pager
Ms. Cathy O’Hara
Nancy Lee Reff
Mr. Charles Woods
Page 5
Patricia Selzaggio
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
Ron Stevens
Ms. Jan John
Sylvia Tucker-Lucas
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
In Honor of . . .
Mary Ashcraft
Ms. Loretta Potter
The Center for Integrated Medicine
Ms. Marie Valfre
Leon Denning
Ms. Kim Perchez
Teri Larwick and her Mom
Ms. Mildred Kelemetz
Jude Schaefer
Mr. Anthony Schaefer
Michael Sikora
Ms. Laura Martinet
Henry Swan’s First Birthday
Ms. Beth Majerszky
In-Kind Donations
Mr. Louie and Mr. Jacob Abramic,
Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Joellen Adams, Mokena, IL
Amex Nooter, LLC, Hammond, IN
Ms. Mary Ashcraft, Tinley Park, IL
A.V.I., Orland Park, IL
Baker’s Square, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Sandra Bard, Lincolnshire, IL
Ms. Andre Barreto, Chicago, IL
Ms. Nan Beard, Crestwood, IL
Beggars Pizza, Blue Island, IL
Beverly Arts Center, Beverly, IL
Bob Chinn’s Crab House, Chicago, IL
Body Tech Total Fitness, Mokena, IL
Ms. Julie Bradbury, Oak Lawn, IL
Ms. Patricia Brickhouse, Chicago, IL
Brownie Troop #164, Villa Park, IL
Buffalo Wild Wings, Mokena, IL
Build-A-Bracelet, Orland Park, IL
CA Botana, San Diego, CA
The Bridge Teen Center, Orland Park, IL
Calumet Paint & Wallpaper, Inc., Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Amanda Campbell, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Madeline Campbell, Tinley Park, IL
Cardinal Fitness, Lockport, IL
Mr. Austin Carter, Tinley Park, IL
Chesdan’s Pizzeria & Grill, Homer Glen, IL
Chicago Box Company, LLC, Orland Park, IL
Chicago Essex Inn, Chicago, IL
Chicken Wild, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Pat Ciolek, Downers Grove, IL
Cooper’s Hawk, Country Club Hills, IL
Dave & Buster’s of Chicago
Mr. Allen DeNormandie, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Michele Devlin, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Peter and Mrs. Pam Diangi, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Diane DiBrita, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Emily Dignan, Palos Heights, IL
Mr. Tom Dillon, Chicago, IL
Dollar General, Bourbonnais, IL
Ms. Presley Draeger, League City, TX
The Dull Family, Cameron Park, CA
Elim, Orland Park, IL
Emeritus, Orland Park, IL
Family Harvest Church, Tinley Park, IL
Famous Dave’s, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Jo Fela, Blue Island, IL
Fleckenstein’s Bakery, Mokena, IL
Mr. Bill Flynn, Tinley Park, IL
Force Enterprises, Tinley Park, IL
GFS Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI
Girl Scout Troop #61114, Tinley Park, IL
Gladson, Lisle, IL
Ms. Jill Grahovec, Palos Park, IL
Grasso Graphics, Alsip, IL
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Waterbury, VT
Ms. Julia Gupta, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Rami Haleem, Orland Park, IL
Half Price Books, Orland Park, IL
Hank’s Blueprint and Supply, Summit, IL
Ms. Vicky Hitz, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Amber Holup, Tinley Park, IL
Hoohobbers, Chicago, IL
Hooters, Chicago, IL
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach,
Bedford Park, IL
Mr. Scott and Mrs. Patricia Howard,
Tinley Park, IL
Denise Hrebenak, Orland Park, IL
Impression Printing, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Alyssa Jacobs, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Taylor Jacobs, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Sumit Jain, Orland Park, IL
Jewel-Osco, Orland Park, IL
Jimmy John’s, Tinley Park, IL
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL
Mr. Hunter Johnson, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Richard Johnson, Orland Park, IL
Jubilee Furniture Co., Carol Stream, IL
Keeling Family Foundation, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Thalia Keeys-Bowers, Chicago, IL
Ms. Joyce Kelly, Chicago, IL
Ms. Joanne Kersten, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Anna Kostulas, Astoria, NY
Ms. Bonnie Krozel, Western Springs, IL
Ms. Kailey Lafave, Frankfort, IL
Ms. Shirley Lausted, Monee, IL
Mr. Tommy Layden, La Grange Park, IL
Ms. Sandra Lignill, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Gretchen Lynch, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Diane Maiellaro,
Hickory Hills, IL
Ms. Barb Malesich, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Art Malina, Westchester, IL
Ms. Char Mannix, Munster, IN
Mr. Rich Mannix, Chicago, IL
Mr. Terry Mannix, Chicago, IL
Mr. Jim and Mrs. Gerry Mark, Chicago, IL
Ms. Rochelle McEvoy, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Sharon Myers, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Dianne Nawrot, Palos Park, IL
Nick’s Barbecue, Palos Heights, IL
Nick’s Barbecue, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Janet Nolan, Harvey, IL
Ms. Kuwana Norman, Country Club Hills, IL
Ms. Gloria Olejniczak, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Bill O’Neil, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Jackie O’Rourke, Oak Forest, IL
P.S. I Love You, Mokena, IL
Ms. Florence and Ms. Jan Patocka, Lombard, IL
Mr. Glen and Mrs. Melissa Peck, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Jeri Pellegrino,
Palos Heights, IL
Mr. Frank and Mrs. Jane Perchez, Alsip, IL
Mr. Alan and Mrs. Stacy Perry, Oak Forest, IL
Mr. Bob and Mrs. Cheryl Pescinski,
Chicago Heights, IL
Mr. Richard Picken, Orland Park, IL
Mr. Dennis Podgorny, Manhattan, IL
Page 6
In-Kind Donations (continued)
Mr. Vincent Procaccio, Chicago, IL
Ms. Kitty Quinn, Chicago, IL
Ms. Colleen Rafferty, Naperville, IL
Ms. Kayley Rayl, Chicago, IL
Relay for Life, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Evelina Rickeviciute, Homer Glen, IL
Ms. Katelyn Ripp, Tinley Park, IL
Riverside Resolve Center, Manteno, IL
Ms. Adrianna and Ms. Cindy Robles,
Elmhurst, IL
Ms. Gloria Rowe, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Barbara Ruffetti, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Lori Sanders, Chicago, IL
Mr. Rick Saucedo, Winfield, IL
Mr. Michael Sikora, Lisle, IL
Mr. Stephen Sikora, Lisle, IL
Simon Plumbing & Sewer Service,
Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Joan Smith, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Natalie Spelman, Chicago, IL
Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Debra Stacy,
Frankfort, IL
Standfast, Addison, IL
Ms. Beverly Stevens, Tinley Park, IL
Mr. Chris Stoiner, Tinley Park, IL
Ms. Margaret Stoklosa, Orland Park, IL
Suzo-Happ, Mount Prospect, IL
Mr. Tom Szczechowiak, Blue Island, IL
Taylor Rental/Party, Orland Park, IL
Thompson Moving & Storage, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Karen Tilley, Midlothian, IL
Ms. Heidi Triezenberg, Midlothian, IL
Ms. Josephine Vazzano, Orland Park, IL
Mr. John Waiting, Oak Forest, IL
Ms. Sharon Weigel, Orland Park, IL
Ms. Barbara Williams, Chicago, IL
Mr. Tony and Mrs. Susan Wise,
Orland Park, IL
Ms. Lucy Wrobel, Palos Hills, IL
Ms. Lyne Wyatt, Palos Heights, IL
Ms. Virginia Zitko, Romeoville, IL
Treasures
Our kids are so excited to look through the
Treasure Chest. No matter what they are going
through in the clinic, they leave with a smile after
visiting the Treasure Chest. Thank you so much.
Katie Barber, CLS
Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VA
The gift card donations really help our teenage
patients significantly. Since recipient families are
mostly faced with economic hardships, often
parents are unable to provide what the teen’s little
hearts desire. With your generous support these
small pleasures in life add up to a whole lot for
our teenage patients.
Irma Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant
John H. Stroger Children’s Hospital
of Cook County, IL
Gloria Earns Glory as Treasure Chest Foundation’s
Volunteer of the Year
The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recognized its
Volunteer of the Year, Tinley Park resident Gloria Olejniczak, during a
luncheon hosted at Cooper’s Hawk in Orland Park. Gloria has been a
volunteer with the Treasure Chest Foundation nearly every Friday since
January 2010, working on such tasks as labeling and preparing toys to be
sent to the hospitals for children undergoing treatment.
Gloria said, “Don’t pin any medal on me. What is important is putting a
smile on the face of a young cancer patient.”
Volunteer of the Year Gloria
Olejniczak prepares toys to be
sent to the hospitals for children
undergoing treatment.
Summer 2012
Page 7
GRAND RE-OPENING
On July 22, the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation held a
Grand Re-Opening ceremony to celebrate our recent move to a
brand new headquarters at 15430 70th Court in Orland Park.
The afternoon was packed with fun-filled activities that thoroughly
entertained a crowd of some 200 guests. The event began with a
combination Meet and Greet/Indoor Tour of the new facility,
followed by a Blessing of the Bricks which included a moving prayer
delivered by Pastor Nancy Shannon of the Family Harvest Church in
Tinley Park.
Treasure Chest Foundation CEO and Founder Colleen Kisel then
thanked all of the generous individual and corporate sponsors who
had donated time, services, products and materials to help make the
Grand Re-Opening a tremendous success. The impressive list and the
donated items included:
John Waiting (food services and water)
Joey Tarr of Taylor Rental Party Plus in Orland Park
(tents and chairs)
Becky Hansen of Baker's Square Restaurant in Orland Park
(pie-eating contest)
John and daughter Christina Mihalos, Chicken Wild Inc. in
Tinley Park (chicken)
Dakota Inn Bar and Grill and Bean Bag League of Alsip (ice)
Francesco Minonne, President/CEO of Jimmy John's in Tinley Park
(sandwiches)
Walt's Food Center in Tinley Park (fruit trays)
Florence and Janice Patocka (cookies)
Paul and Diane Maiellaro (taco dip)
Four pediatric cancer survivors cut the
ribbon to formally inaugurate the Treasure
Chest Foundation’s new home. Left to
right are Taylor Babec (age 10), Emilio
Ruiz (age 7), Gisel Vander Mey (age 4)
and Meghan Wise (age 9).
An appreciative crowd was
overwhelmed with the expanded
operating space as they loaded their
plates with tasty morsels.
Pastor Nancy Shannon
delivered a moving prayer
during the Blessing of the
Bricks ceremony.
Treasure Chest Foundation
volunteer Gloria Olejniczak (left),
Bob Hillegonds (center) and Jane
Perchez (right) couldn't help but
dance to the music of Rick Saucedo.
Colleen also gratefully acknowledged the support of local dignitaries
in attendance, members of the Foundation's Board of Directors and
the volunteers of all ages who regularly serve the Foundation. She
closed with a tip of the cap to the Resolve Center for their help with
set-up and clean-up.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the formal inauguration of
the Foundation's new home, and then it was time for guests to enjoy
the musical excellence of Rick Saucedo, the "Prince of Rock 'n Roll,"
who brought down the house with his incomparable tribute to music
legend Elvis Presley.
The Grand Re-Opening marked the dawning of a new era for the
Treasure Chest Foundation as it takes advantage of its expanded
operating space to focus on increasing the number of children's
cancer treatment centers currently served.
Rick Saucedo, the Prince of
Rock 'n Roll, shared his
special Elvis Presley-style
musical magic.
The smiles on the faces of these
satisfied pie-eating contest
participants verify that Becky
Hansen and Baker's Square
Restaurant in Orland Park
supplied some delicious pies.
Page 8
Treasures
Toy Drives
February 1 through August 31, 2012
Divine Providence Church,
Westchester
Frankfort Park District
Frankfort School District
157-C
Junior ROTC Lockport
Township High School
Lincoln-Way Central High
School, New Lenox
Lincoln-Way East High
School, Frankfort
Lincoln-Way North High
School, Frankfort
Lincoln-Way West High
School, New Lenox
Mokena Community Park
District
Mokena School District 159
New Lenox Park District
New Lenox School District 122
Oak Ridge Elementary School,
Palos Hills
Peace Lutheran Church,
New Lenox
St. Peter’s United Church of
Christ, Frankfort
Summit Hill Junior High
School, Frankfort
Summit Hill School
District 161
Team Asset, Frankfort,
New Lenox
Page 9
Approximately 175 people gathered at the 94 West Steak and Seafood
restaurant in Orland Park witnessed a remarkable evening that
included a sumptuous, mouth-watering buffet, delicious drinks and a
room full of celebrity bartenders including Chicago sports legends Bob
Avellini, Nancy Faust, Dan Hampton, Elliott Harris, John Lattner,
Bob Love, Billy Pierce, Eric Soderholm and Steve Trout. Attendees bid
on exciting prizes during the live auctions held throughout the
memorable evening.
Chairwoman Pat Brickhouse during the
Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest
Foundation’s First Annual
Jack Brickhouse Benefit.
The final tally shows the First Annual Jack Brickhouse Benefit raised
more than $4,000 for the Treasure Chest Foundation. Chairwoman
Pat Brickhouse, Jack’s widow, said, “This evening was a wonderful
salute to my husband. Jack was always caring and sensitive, especially when children were involved. The children served by the Treasure
Chest Foundation are going through chemo and radiation just as Jack
did when he was undergoing treatment for his cancer.”
“Fore” a Good Cause!
On July 16 at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, the Mokena Community Park
Foundation held its First Annual President’s Cup Golf Outing to benefit the Pediatric Oncology
Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) and raised $6,500 for children and teens fighting cancer.
“The Mokena Community Park Foundation gives back
to children in need,” said Golf Outing Committee
Chairman Jim Romanek. “Our Board President,
Dennis Bagdon, came to me with the idea to raise
funds to benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation.”
Dennis Bagdon’s daughter Megan was diagnosed with
cancer at age 13. Sadly, treatment did not go well for
Megan and she succumbed to the disease.
Dennis Bagdon said, “There were times when my
company would send baskets of fruit to the hospital
where Megan was being treated and she would say
‘Give it to that family, Dad, they don’t have anything’.
We are hosting this event because the Treasure Chest
Foundation helps put a smile on the face of a child
suffering from cancer. If you can do that for just a
moment, that is a wonderful thing.”
Pictured (left to right): Golf Outing Committee
members Steve Thomas, Dennis Bagdon, Patty
Parli, Jim Romanek and Jim Richmond smile
proudly during the First Annual President’s
Cup Golf Outing to benefit the Treasure Chest
Foundation.
Page 10
An interview with...
Treasures
Valerie Keller
Life changed drastically in 2011 for Marengo, IL resident Valerie Keller
when her then 3½-year-old son Sean was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Sean and his siblings—brother Max (13),
sister Amelia (11) and brother Liam (8)—have all enjoyed the toys Sean is
able to choose from the Treasure Chest located at University of Chicago
Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, where his
treatment continues over a period of three-and-ahalf years. Valerie took time recently to share
with the Treasure Chest Foundation her emotions
and reactions to a world suddenly filled with
hospitals, doctors and nurses.
POTCF: What are Sean’s favorite toys from the Treasure Chest?
Valerie: His favorites have been Zoobles, Barrel of Monkeys and
Megablocks.
POTCF: (This question was asked directly to
Sean) Can you speak about the Treasure Chest?
Sean Keller: I like to pick a toy . . . it is a special
treat I can have because I’m brave when I have to
get needle sticks and take medicine.
POTCF: Can you tell us about the time of Sean’s
diagnosis?
POTCF: Did your relationship with friends and
family change?
Valerie: He was sick for a month with fevers
and pain prior to his diagnosis. He had his
appendix removed and visited three different
hospitals before he was eventually diagnosed.
Valerie: Sean’s brothers and sister get jealous at
times. Some family and friends did not know
what to say or do for us. I understand because it
is a difficult situation for everybody.
POTCF: How was your child’s cancer initially
detected?
POTCF: How did Sean’s siblings handle their
brother’s cancer diagnosis and the aftermath?
Valerie: They believed it was a Rheumatic disease, but the cancer was
detected with a bone biopsy/aspiration of marrow.
Valerie: They were very scared. They now have more compassion toward
his treatments and for others, too.
POTCF: What was your reaction when you heard the news?
POTCF: Someone told me (Colleen) that my son’s cancer treatment would
change me for the better. How do you feel about this experience? Has this
changed you in anyway?
Valerie: Fear and shock.
POTCF: What type of treatment did Sean go through?
Valerie: Sean’s cancer has taught me to take in each moment and savor it,
to enjoy the little things more, to laugh and love more.
Valerie: He endured IVs, oral medication, chemotherapy and spinal taps.
POTCF: Can you tell us about the hospitalizations/clinic?
Valerie: Sean’s care has been very complete, with much caring and
understanding. It has been a learning experience for the whole family.
POTCF: What is the worst part of Sean’s treatment?
Valerie: The needle sticks are the worst part for him. And the two-hour
ride, each way, to receive treatment has been a challenge.
POTCF: What is the best part, if there is a good part, of the clinic/
hospital?
Valerie: The compassion the entire staff has shown for my son, for me, and
for the rest of the family.
POTCF: Can you tell us about the Treasure Chest at Comer Children’s
Hospital?
Valerie: The Treasure Chest is a true light for Sean, he looks forward to it
so much. The smile on his face is priceless when he gets to choose a toy
from the Treasure Chest. He loves to pick out an item that he is able to
play with his brothers and sister, and they get almost as excited as Sean.
POTCF: Did knowing Sean would receive a toy or gift card help the
hospital/clinic experience?
Valerie: Yes, it helps offset his fear and gives him hope.
POTCF: What would you say to a family who just learned their son or
daughter was diagnosed with cancer?
Valerie: I’m sorry . . . I know what you are feeling.
POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest Foundation
contributors?
Valerie: The joy that your donations bring cannot be expressed by words,
but by smiles, laughter and giggles. Thank you so very much for your
contributions to the Foundation.
POTCF: Do you have any final
comments about the impact of the
Treasure Chest Foundation on Sean
and your family?
Valerie: Thank you so much for your
wonderful program. As I said, the
smile on Sean’s face when he selects a
toy from the Treasure Chest is priceless. You have given me a special gift,
too, the opportunity to see true joy in
his eyes during his battle with cancer.
He has had to endure so much, in so
little time. Your organization brings
pure joy to these children. Thank you,
and God’s blessings.
Summer 2012
Plainfield Teen Builds
Become Eagle Scout
Page 11
to
The Treasure Chest Foundation received three large
Treasure Chests thanks to the tireless work of Plainfield
teenager Nicholas Protich (member of Boy Scout Troop 82).
Nick organized, implemented and coordinated the
construction projects in order to attain Eagle Scout status,
the highest rank attainable by members of the Boy Scouts
of America. Only three percent of Boy Scouts nationwide
are able to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout ranking.
Pictured at the Treasure Chest Foundation warehouse amongst three
newly constructed Treasure Chests and the assortment of brand new
toys are Boy Scouts (left to right) Aaron Avers, Matthew Avers,
David Mireles, Eagle Scout Nicholas Protich, Alex Herbert, Ben
Herbert, Gregory Pickering and Charles Lafever.
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Return Service Requested
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 126
OAK FOREST, IL 60452
15430 70th Court
Orland Park, IL 60462
I wish to support the
Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest
Foundation: $_______________
______________________________
Name
______________________________
Address
______________________________
City, State, Zip Code
Email: ______________________________
Please make checks payable to:
Treasure Chest Foundation
15430 70th Court
Orland Park, IL 60462
708-687-TOYS (8697)
Visit Our Website!
www.treasurechest.org
For news and notifications from The Treasure Chest Foundation
join our electronic mailing list at: potcf@sbcglobal.net
Providing Toys and Smiles to Kids With Cancer
Bobby (age 16) said, “Getting
the gift cards allows me to go
shopping and take my mind
off the treatments and hospital
visits.”
Who We Are
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.
What We Do
The Foundation supports more than 7,900 kids each
month who are diagnosed with cancer and treated at one
of 42 hospitals.
How We Do It
The Foundation depends on contributions of money, toys
and gifts through private and corporate donations.