Oak Forest Resident Delivers Smiles of Joy to Kids with Cancer

Frigid single-digit temperatures did not stop longtime donor Richard Larson of Oak Forest from warming the hearts of kids fighting cancer. Richard loaded his van with 160 pounds of toys and gifts for children and teens undergoing treatment for cancer at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. The Treasure Chest Foundation is able to save more than $130 for every delivery that a volunteer like Richard covers.

“The Treasure Chest Foundation is especially grateful for Richard’s enormous donation of time,” said an appreciative Ms. Kisel. “I’m overwhelmed by Mr. Larson’s remarkable demonstration of thoughtfulness and generosity. We are blessed to have his support.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 14,800 young cancer patients in 63 cancer treatment centers in 21 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 2021.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.