Bridgeview Teen’s Generosity Gives Back to the Treasure Chest

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently received a donation of toys thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of 14-year-old Bridgeview teen Jaiden Henry. Jaiden reached out to friends, family, several schools and even strangers and asked for a donation of a toy for kids with cancer.

When asked about the motivation for the toy drive to benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation, Jaiden’s mom, Kim McGraw said, “We wanted to give back and help the kids battling cancer.”

POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel is grateful for Jaiden’s help. “I’m overwhelmed by Jaiden’s remarkable demonstration of thoughtfulness and leadership,” said Colleen. “When most 14-year-old boys are asked what they want for Christmas, they respond with a list of items for themselves. Jaiden sponsored a toy drive for children who endure years and years of cancer treatment. We are so blessed to have his support.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 16,100 young cancer patients in 66 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 29th 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 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.