Kids & Family
Second Annual “Climb for the Kids” Event a Mountain of Success
During the past two years, the Climb for the Kids event has raised an impressive $6,485.

The initial footsteps of two mountain climbers launched the second 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 two years the event has raised an impressive $6,485 to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.
On Saturday, July 25th Denver residents Martin Kisel and Steve Jackson took to the great outdoors along with four friends and reached the peak of Mt. Huron, one of the most scenic 14ers in Colorado.
The dynamic duo rose to the challenge of reaching the top of Mt. Huron (14,009 ft.) to benefit children and teens fighting cancer. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the pair were able to raise an amazing $3,185 for the Treasure Chest Foundation.
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After the fundraising event, Martin said, “Thank you all so much for helping make our second 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 second 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.
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The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 14,000 young cancer patients in 60 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 27th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of 2020.
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.