Largest 5K (Sept. 22) in south to benefit children's cancer charity

Richards to host benefit for Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

Colleen Kisel knew she could not spare her son the fear and pain of cancer treatment. 

Desperate to intervene in any way, she thought: Give him something, a little source of comfort, to divert his attention. 

Martin endured many painful procedures, including intensive chemotherapy, to fight acute lymphocytic leukemia.  So Kisel started to buy her seven-year old a small new toy each time. 

“I discovered that it became a calming distraction from his pain,” said Kisel, an Orland Park resident, of her idea hatched in February 1993.

Martin thankfully would win his fight.  And then Kisel conceived a way to reproduce on a massive scale what she had done for her boy. 

In 1996 she founded the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, which provides free toys, gifts, and gift cards to children and teenagers in treatment for cancer. 

It is the only charity of its kind in the nation.  POTCF serves many hospitals throughout the Chicago area, including Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, and the nation.

Richards High School donated proceeds, nearly $11,000, from its inaugural 5K run and walk last year to POTCF.  Richards will support POTCF this year, too.

Running with the Bulldogs, set for Sunday, September 22 at 8 a.m., again will serve as a fund raiser for Kisel’s organization.  Anyone can register at www.runwiththedogs.com.

Love and compassion motivated Kisel to act on behalf of her son.  Health care professionals appreciate her work.

 “Thanks to the gift cards, our patients have a reason to smile after a long day of chemotherapy, procedures and more.  We appreciate how the foundation makes the hard road they endure a little bit better,” said Becky Vacco, a licensed clinical social worker at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Kisel’s organization supports hospitals throughout the Midwest and other parts of the U.S.

“The gift cards have made such a difference to our adolescent population. To be able to buy food on the way home or to buy a CD makes such a difference.  This is hard for teens and it’s nice to do something special for them,” said nurse Patricia Cobb of the University of Virginia Hospital.

The mission of POTCF spoke to Richards teacher Bob Peck, who’s invested hundreds of hours of personal time planning and organizing Running with the Bulldogs.

“The idea of giving a child a gift after their treatment gives them a piece of hope every time they visit the hospital,” Peck said.  “It gives them a chance to still feel like a kid and have enjoyment during a day that might seem gloomy by spending it in a hospital.”

For Kisel, the fight remains personal.

“When a child must endure the rigors of cancer treatment, there is little anyone can do to take away the pain.  However, through the efforts of the Treasure Chest Foundation, children are provided with comfort and distraction during the times they need it most. It is our goal to keep these treasure chests full of toys so that each time a child needs that distraction, it’s there,” she said.