Bulian Family Gives Back to Treasure Chest Foundat

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation received a donation of toys, gifts and $25 thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of a courageous Joliet family whose daughter had benefitted from services provided by the Foundation.

Nine years ago, Hannah Bulian, a Liberty Junior High Student in New Lenox, was diagnosed with leukemia on her twelfth birthday. On that day, the oncology nurses of Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn brought young Hannah several toys from the Treasure Chest as part of the Foundation’s ongoing program to provide comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children and teens diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, after two years of brave struggles, Hannah lost her battle with cancer in May of 2010. Throughout the ordeal, her family (father Mike, mother Kris and older sister Holly) noted how the anticipation of receiving a toy had helped Hannah endure countless painful treatments, and it was with gratitude for those moments that the Bulian family recently hosted their eighth Holiday Open House in celebration of Hannah’s life.

Approximately 20 friends and family members were on hand for the momentous occasion. “People look forward to coming every year and they are excited knowing the toys are for the kids.” The Treasure Chest always put a smile on Hannah’s face,” said Kris.

POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel said, “We always get many donations this time of year. While it brings us joy to see this outpouring of support, it is a sobering moment when we realize not all families see successful treatments. We are so grateful that the Bulian Family chooses to honor Hannah and give to the Treasure Chest year after year.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 13,000 young cancer patients enduring 20,000 clinic visits each month in 19 states across the nation. 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 24th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of 2017.

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 web site at www.treasurechest.org.

Photo caption: Kris Bulian (right) and her girlfriend Jeri Grissom deliver toys to the Treasure Chest Foundation in Orland Park, IL, celebrating the life of Kris’ daughter Hannah, by continuing the tradition of giving toys and smiles to kids undergoing cancer treatment at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.