This is such a caring group of people doing something that is very needed for these children and their families.
I am the Founder of the Kids Cancer Foundation and I have to say that the Foundation has far exceeded my expectations. The goal of the Foundation since the very beginning has always been to assist these young patients and families throughout their journey of battling childhood cancer and/or blood disorders. Our goal is to make this journey as easy as possible for these children and families. 90% of all donations go towards programs and services that directly assist these young patients and their families.
The foundation has very little administrative costs and minimal operational costs. There are 2 paid employees of the Foundation and the rest of the Foundation is made up of volunteers. We have the most amazing and dedicated group of staff and volunteers working diligently to meet the needs of our young patients and families. If not for our volunteers we would not be able to provide the myriad of programs and services we offer our patients and families. It is thanks to our loyal donors and volunteers that we are able to assist the over 300 children and families who rely on our programs and services. The Foundation is honored to have the support of all our loyal donors and volunteers. We could not do what we do without them!
I have attempted to write this review a few times now, and have been unable to put into words all that it means in my experience and heart. Having become involved several years ago when I owned Gym Ratz Fitness for Kids, I was introduced to Michelle and Sandy. I had no idea what a tremendous impact these women, and this foundation would have on my life, my family, and many friends. Two years ago, by the grace of God, i was able to reunite with these two women and once again become involved in the KCF.
What began as an Advisory Council Member role, quickly grew to volunteering in the hospital, center, events and now being fortunate to be trusted with the role of the President of the Board of Directors. I have witnessed first hand, what this foundation does for the young patients battling cancer and their siblings, parents and extended families. From financial support, to psychological support, the foundation's services are endless. The guidance given once a family is given the devastating diagnosis that their child is facing cannot be measured. Not only do the staff have the medical knowledge, one in particular has been through the process with their own child. A parent being able to relate to what is ahead for these families is irreplaceable. While the support services offered as so vast and multifaceted, I like to describe the goal as: Creating positive and happy memories for the children going through such an unfathomable time in their lives. Creating memories that will remind the children and their parents that they are children. Giving the families a support system by which they can have a common bond during such a difficult time.
More importantly, I feel the Kids Cancer Center offers what no other foundation dealing with childhood cancer provides. A place for the patients and siblings to escape the hospital environment. To be safe, clean and participate in nutrition classes, art classes, teen night out, tutoring for school work and just hang out and play video games or with toys. This invaluable resource is just a mile away from the main hospital and offers parents a place to feel confident their children are being taken care of if they need a few minutes to run errands or take care of things. The cheerful, bright and cozy feel of the center makes it a welcoming "home away from home" for these children and families.
Additional services which I feel are particularly worth noting are the presence the foundation has in the Pediatric Sedation and Infusion @ the hospital. Play carts full of arts and crafts, treasure box prizes (for all children), the presence of a foundation representative/volunteer to offer support and the resources given to the families is unprecedented. Again, distraction therapy with these patients helps the children, as well as, gives the parents a small peace of mind during these long and stressful treatment days.
One last area I would like to mention is the extracurricular activities and events that are offered to the families by KCF. Specifically, family socials, holiday parties, holiday wish lists being fulfilled, cancer prom, BBQs and camp attendance. I have been fortunate enough to offer many scholarships during the school year and for summer for children and siblings to come to our barn located in Wellington, Florida. The children have participated in horseback riding, grooming, barn upkeep, field trips, swimming, equine vet visits and weekly horse show participation. The response that the parents have offered back is positive and life-changing for these patients and siblings. Being able to come to the barn and work with the horses and bond with these animals have been amazing. The transformation I have personally witnessed in personalities, behavior issues, confidence and physical skills in the children is beyond what I can describe in words. This experience is just ONE of many opportunities the foundation provides to the families all year long.
In closing, I have also become quite personally attached to many of the children, siblings and families. The feedback I receive from all is nothing but positive and gracious appreciation for everything the foundation does and stands for. They are speechless most times in expressing the love they have for Michelle, Sandy and volunteers. The voice the Kids Cancer Foundation provides for these little warriors is truly more than they could have imagined. The phrase: "Help Us Help Them Fight" is clearly resonating in Palm Beach County and I am honored to be part of such an amazing foundation.
"Little Warriors Need Big Heroes"
Sincerely,
Kelly A. Wiener
I consider myself very fortunate to volunteer with such an amazing organization. I come from a large family, and my niece once asked me, “uncle Jeriame why do you care? Why do you care about those kids?” Such innocent questions, but it really made me think about why I do this. I told her I volunteer because I want to make a difference in a child’s life.
I've had the privilege of volunteering with the Kids Cancer Foundation for a couple years and attending several events held at Palms Stables. Since I'm not able to contribute a monetary donation I volunteer my time and talents to this organization. Designing their flyers, banners, handouts, etc... whatever they need. But the biggest "thrill" for me is seeing how KCF makes such a huge impact on the lives of these little warriors.
In essence, I see hope. It revitalizes me and reminds me of the impact that KCF has on the lives of these special children and their families. I encourage anyone in the area to take the time and go to the Kids Cancer Foundation center – I am confident it will have the same impact on every visitor.
I feel very blessed to be able to volunteer with such an amazing organization and work with a group of people who put such heart and energy into this humanitarian effort. I hope to be able to do more with The Kids Cancer Foundation in the future, and be as helpful as I can be. For I have realized that whatever energy I contribute, I get back so much more.
Jeriame Kensinger
My daughter was diagnosed with ALL, the team at Kids Cancer Foundation didn't only help us financially but also to keep our heads in one piece, somehow Michelle helped me find the strength. They make you feel not alone in this journey.
My son was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor at age 3. Kids Cancer Foundation was there from the beginning through treatment and beyond with a helping hand, helpful advice and gracious support. We can't thank them enough!
My son was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer at age 3. We were scared, information was flying, and sometimes it was hard to comprehend everything. Kids Cancer Foundation was there for us all, from little things like bringing coffee to the hospital for us parents when our kids stayed overnight, to big things like helping navigate the insurance nightmares that inevitably came. Sandy and Michele were wonderful! Every time we had to go to the hospital, they had something for Noah, which made a 3-4 year old boy very happy in a pretty rough time. We are now almost 4 years cancer free, and I can't thank them enough for everything.
When my grandson, Drew, was diagnosed with Leukemia at 3 and 1/2 years old, the Kids Cancer Foundation, Inc. was instrumental in helping our entire family negotiate the medical and emotional needs of our grandson. They were a crucial part of providing the much needed support to his parents as they negotiated the needed care requirements of a child with cancer. I can't say enough about how knowledgeable and helpful they are with all aspects of continuing care. Drew still has another year of treatment (3 and 1/2 years total), and their support is still available at every twist and turn of his care. Our entire family could not do this without their care and support. Thank you to Michelle and everyone at the Kids Cancer Foundation, Inc. for everything you do!!
Kids Cancer Foundation was such a positive, helpful, exceptional source for my family when my daughter had Hodgekins Lymphoma 3.5 years ago. 3 years cancer free last month!!! They are a source of information unparallelled. Sandy and Michelle are two of the sweetest most positive people you will ever meet. Love KCF so much that my daughter and I volunteer with them when they need us. Giving back to those that gave so much to us!
I have watched this group do anything possible to help children and their families endure the experience of a child with cancer. They help with agencies, treatments and the process of living with this. They also know how to engage a community to help. The holidays are still made joyful and the challenges are made bearable by their actions. I have also seen the tears when a battle is lost, and the tears of joy when a treatment is complete.
As a parent of a childhood cancer survivor, I am so blessed to be a part of this foundation. There were so many unmet needs for our children before the Kids Cancer Foundation. It was scary and lonely when going through treatment with my daughter (then ages 2 through 5). The families now have the medical expertise of our Patient Care Navigator to explain the diagnosis, treatments and side effects, they also have the programs that give the families a chance to connect with other families on the same journey and to come away from their journey with some good memories. This foundation gives each child with cancer and their family HOPE and SUPPORT throughout their journey and even after they are off treatment. We are family!
These are the most upbeat positive group of people. They work tirelessly and provide such an amazing service & support group for those in a time of extreme distress. They shine bright in a gloomy situation and help to make it not as scary. Great group with open hearts!
My son was diagnosed with cancer when he was 2. At such a trying time, the Kids Cancer Foundation was there from the beginning. They offered advice, facts and information. I had a million questions and they were always there to answer and help. The events they have for the kids are amazing. They go above and beyond to make these kids feel so special. It's hard to put into words just how great Kids Cancer Foundation actually is. My son never dreaded going to the hospital, he looked forward to it, because he knew they would be there with smiling faces and games and crafts for him to do!!!
I was introduced to The Kids Cancer Foundation by a friend and started to volunteer at the center. I was quite impressed by this organization and the clients that came through felt a real sense of community. A short time later, my 3 year old nephew was diagnosed with leukemia. At this point, I experienced and continue to experience the Kids Cancer Foundation from another perspective. They have been so involved with my nephew's recovery from day one. They have been there through the most difficult times and for the celebrations as well. What they provide to families is so amazing it cannot be put into words. They provide support, both emotional and financial, and they truly know each and every family that they are involved with. I really do not know what our family would have done without them!
The South Florida kids Cancer Foundation is an amazing Foundation .To see the smiles that they put on these little kids face stricken with cancer is heartfelt and a pleasure , we as a family are so humbled ,honored and grateful.they have touched so many lives.my family and I are internally grateful.
KCF1 03/24/2015
Thank you so much for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated.