Bulian Family Gives Back to Treasure Chest Foundation in Memory of Daughter Hannah

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF) recently received a donation of hundreds of toys thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of a courageous Joliet family whose daughter benefitted from services provided by the Foundation.

Seven 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 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 sixth Holiday Open House in celebration of Hannah’s life.

The Open House attendees were asked to bring an ornament that reminded them of Hannah to help decorate a special tree and a toy or gift card to send to the children currently undergoing treatment at Hope Children’s Hospital. Approximately 50 friends and family members were on hand for the momentous occasion that lasted for five hours. “Every year, people bring an ornament for our “angel tree,” a toy, and a story in remembrance of Hannah. This year, we had presents halfway across our living room,” Kris exclaimed.

Kris and Mike completed each other’s sentences by stating, “The holidays are really tough, but it helps to do something that brings a smile to kids’ faces. Time is short. It is so helpful to share Hannah’s memory and spend time with family and loved ones.”

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 not-for-profit Treasure Chest Foundation now supports more than 9,300 children and teens each month who are diagnosed with cancer by providing a toy or gift card in 49 hospitals nationwide. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. CEO Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Colleen discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain. Martin celebrated his 22nd anniversary of remission from the disease earlier 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 web site at www.treasurechest.org.