Tinley Park Park District and Zumbathon Team Up for Children

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recently received a load of toys and $400 in gift cards for children and teens fighting cancer thanks to the Tinley Park, Park District and the rhythmic beats and generosity of the Tinley Fitness Center Zumbathon.

The Zumbathon was held on December 17th at the Tinley Fitness Center. Members of the center that participated in the event powered by passion and energy were charged a $5 gift card to join. The Zumbathon and the toy drive were organized by Tinley Park, Park District Marketing Manager Carol Bradke.

Tinley Fitness Center is a full-service health club offering state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment, group exercise classes, a four-lane 25-yard lap pool, personal training and a member nutritionist. A Zumbathon is a special Zumba extended-length event that is usually held to support a cause.

The Treasure Chest Foundation is especially grateful to the Tinley Fitness Center for spearheading such a remarkable fundraiser that brought in toys, gifts and gift cards for children and teens fighting cancer. Ms. Kisel, CEO and Founder of the Treasure Chest Foundation said, “A special thanks to all the participants’ generosity. The donated gifts will benefit the young cancer patients we serve.”

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.