Lansdale Nonprofit Spotlight: Mission Kristie Cares

LANSDALE, PA -- The Lansdale area is filled with an abundance of nonprofit organizations that are working to make our neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more educated.

This week, we sit down with Kristie Doyle, founder of a very special local organization.

Nonprofit: Mission Kristie Cares

Founder: Kristie Doyle

Address: 410 Pennbrook Pkwy, Lansdale

Website: www.MissionKristieCares.org

When did you go into business?

2012

How did you come up with the name?

“I was inspired to create Mission Kristie Cares after a family friend, nine-year-old Kayla, received a devastating cancer diagnosis. After an extended illness, Kayla was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma.

The family was informed that as part of her treatment protocol, Kayla would receive 5 rounds of chemotherapy in 6 months, a bone barrow transplant, another round of chemotherapy, a 2nd bone marrow transplant, radiation, and finally, the protocol would end with one of the most difficult treatments, immune therapy. Statistically, 50% of kids under age 3 who follow this treatment plan survive.

Because of Kayla’s age, her chances of survival were even smaller. ust four hours after receiving this heartbreaking diagnosis, Kayla’s faith and strength, which would carry her through her long journey to recovery, was already shining through. Kayla said, “I feel like God is laying down a golden brick path in front of us. We’re behind him, so we can’t see where it’s going, but it’s okay because we can see who’s laying it.” The next year was a tumultuous time for this beautiful family, who put all of their worries and fears in God’s hands, never for a second wavering in their faith that the Lord would see them through.

After realizing that young Kayla would need to undergo chemotherapy and would lose her hair, Kayla’s mom contacted me asking if I could come to St. Christopher’s Hospital to cut Kayla’s hair before she began her treatment. It was heartbreaking to cut Kayla’s long, thick beautiful hair to a short bob, but when Kayla saw it, she loved it! After a couple of weeks, Kayla asked if I would come back to the hospital and cut the rest of her remaining hair.

This time, I brought along handmade headbands so she could wear something cute and comfortable to make her feel beautiful. It was this experience, and the family’s steadfast faith, that inspired me to begin Mission Kristie Cares. To say that this amazing little girl touched my heart is an understatement.”

Briefly, what is the nature of your charity?

“Through Mission Kristie Cares, my growing stylist team and I visit the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia on the first Monday of every month. During our visits, we offer complementary haircuts to children and their families who are often unable to leave the hospital vicinity for months at a time. On each visit, I bring along a bag of goodies: t-shirts, hats, bags, ribbons, bows, and other little treats to help ease the pain, which often radiates from the individuals we meet.”

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

“The look of relief and relaxation on the faces of our clients warms my heart during each-and-every visit. I am overwhelmed by the extreme gratitude my team and I receive for providing our clients with a few moments of pampering during extremely difficult circumstances. “

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Doyle is hosting a fundraiser for her mission on April 2. The 3rd Annual Mission Kristie Cares Bowling event is looking for people to donate items to raffle off at the event. About 300 people are attending the event, Doyle said. For more information, see their website.