Third Annual “Climb for the Kids” Event a Mountain of Success

The initial footsteps of four mountain climbers launched the third annual “Climb for the Kids” challenge to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, an Orland Park, IL-based non-profit organization which provides toys and gifts to children and teens diagnosed with cancer. During the past three years, the event has raised an impressive $11,945 to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

On Saturday, July 24th Denver residents Martin Kisel and Steve Jackson took to the great outdoors along with four friends and reached the peak of Mt. Princeton, one of the most scenic 14ers in Colorado.

The dynamic duo rose to the challenge of reaching the top of Mt. Princeton (14,197 ft.) to benefit children and teens fighting cancer. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the pair were able to raise an amazing $5,460 for the Treasure Chest Foundation.

After the fundraising event, Martin said, “Thank you all so much for helping make our third fundraiser such a success. To each and every one of you who donated, your selflessness did not go unnoticed. You truly helped make a difference in this world for a child fighting cancer.”

A grateful Colleen didn’t try to hide either her joy or appreciation for the success of the third annual Climb for the Kids event. “I’m so proud of my son Martin and his friend Steve Jackson for what they have accomplished. Congratulations to both men on a wonderful endeavor,” said Colleen.

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 14,600 young cancer patients in 62 cancer treatment centers in 20 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 28th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of this year.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.