When Colleen Kisel’s 7-year-old son, Martin, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on February 15, 1993, she quickly realized the emotional toll that cancer treatment took on young patients.
Over the next three years, Martin endured countless painful procedures, including intensive chemotherapy. Kisel discovered that giving her son a small toy after each procedure provided a much-needed distraction from his pain. Seeing the joy these small gifts brought him; she believed similar tokens could have a positive effect on all children and teens undergoing treatment.
In August 1996, she turned that belief into action by founding the Orland Park-based Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.
“The Treasure Chest, figuratively speaking, is hope,” said Kendra Connor, the foundation’s executive director. “It plays a pivotal role in alleviating the emotional and psychological suffering of children and teens with cancer. Our goal is to provide a reprieve from the relentless stress and pain that come with treatment.”
The foundation serves 55 hospitals across 22 states, including Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, delivering thousands of toys and gifts each month. Each time a child visits a treatment center, they can choose an item from a Treasure Chest, offering a moment of relief and a reward for their bravery.
By providing these comforting distractions, the foundation helps young patients cope with the harsh realities of their treatment, Connor said.
“Cancer is a battle that no child should have to face, but if they must, they deserve every bit of support and comfort we can provide,” Connor said. “It’s about more than just a toy – it’s about making them feel valued and cared for.”
Connor, who has been deeply affected by cancer in her personal life, feels a strong connection to the foundation’s mission.
“Cancer has profoundly impacted my life,” she said. “I’ve lost friends and loved ones to this disease. The Treasure Chest Foundation gives me a way to fight back against the pain these children face. I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling cause.”
The foundation is sustained by generous donors who provide new toys, but financial contributions are also crucial. Donations help cover the costs of shipping toys to hospitals, purchasing gift cards for teenage patients, and supporting the organization’s day-to-day operations.
To further its mission, the foundation hosts an annual fundraising event. The 13th annual Treasuring Our Kids Gala will take place on Saturday, April 5, at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. The semi-formal, Hollywood glamour-themed evening will run from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will raise funds to continue supporting young cancer patients.
“There are so many ways to get involved,” Connor said. “From purchasing tickets to becoming a sponsor or donating auction items, every contribution helps us bring hope and joy to children facing unimaginable challenges.”
For more information on the foundation or to support its mission, visit www.treasurechest.org