Giving Hope One Toy at a Time

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Giving Hope One Toy at a Time ・・♥・・

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Comforting Kids Fighting Cancer — One Toy at a Time

At the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, we believe every child fighting cancer deserves a moment of joy.

It all started in 1993, when founder Colleen Kisel saw the comfort a small toy
brought her son, Martin, during his cancer treatment. That simple gift sparked
a big idea: bring smiles and comfort to kids facing the toughest battles.

Today, Treasure Chest Programs have been established in 69 pediatric cancer centers across the country — with many still actively serving young patients. After a difficult procedure, each child gets to choose a toy, gift, or gift card — a small reward for their strength and bravery.

Because a little comfort can go a long way.

Events Where Fun Meets Impact

A Community Tradition That Makes a Difference

Saturday, October 4, 2025
10240 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL
4 pm – 7 pm

It’s almost time for the 14th Annual Durbins Cares Charity Event, hosted by Durbins Pizza in Evergreen Park and you’re invited to be part of something special.

This beloved community tradition brings people together for an evening filled with free food, raffles and split-the-pot fun all to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

Every dollar raised helps bring comfort and joy to kids and teens fighting cancer. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the cause, your presence helps turn a fun night out into something truly meaningful.

Let’s come together and make this year the most impactful yet!

NOTICE OF EVENT CANCELLATION

The “Pirates of the Foundation: Gaming for a Cause,” event scheduled for August 8, 2025, has been canceled due to operational issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

All ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Contact board@treasurechest.org with any questions.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at a future event.

Thank you for your continued support of the Treasure Chest Foundation.

Events Where Fun Meets Impact

Saturday, October 4, 2025
10240 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL
4 pm – 7 pm

It’s almost time for the 14th Annual Durbins Cares Charity Event, hosted
by Durbins Pizza in Evergreen Park
and you’re invited to be part
of something special.

This beloved community tradition
brings people together for an
evening filled with free food, raffles
and split-the-pot fun all to benefit
the Pediatric Oncology
Treasure Chest Foundation.

Every dollar raised helps bring
comfort and joy to kids and teens
fighting cancer. Whether you’re a
longtime supporter or new to the cause, your presence helps turn a fun night
out into something truly meaningful.

Let’s come together and make
this year the most impactful yet!

A Community Tradition
That Makes a Difference

The “Pirates of the Foundation: Gaming for a Cause,” event scheduled for August 8, 2025, has been canceled due to operational issues. We apologize for
any inconvenience this may cause.

All ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Contact board@treasurechest.org
with any questions.

We appreciate your understanding
and look forward to seeing you
at a future event.

Thank you for your continued support
of the Treasure Chest Foundation.

NOTICE OF EVENT CANCELLATION

Our Impact

Many parents face the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer. Over the years, the Treasure Chest Foundation has offered hope and support to countless families. We invite you to read interviews from those who have experienced this journey firsthand and share how we’ve made a difference in their lives.

Olivia Glas takes us through her cancer story, highlighting the love and support she felt thanks to the Treasure Chest Foundation.

Testimonials

  • Our teenage patients always look forward to their gift cards. It brings them such joy to hear we have new gift cards or have gift cards from a place they love.

    Kimmie Vavra, RN

  • Our patients look forward to choosing a toy from the Treasure Chest after they have received their treatment! Our kids are very comforted by this. Thank you!

    Becky Wachs, CCLS

  • The Treasure Chest in invaluable to the patients at our practice. The kids truly look forward to choosing a toy at the end of their visit.

    Amy Peterson, RN

  • We love being able to brighten our teenage patient’s day by giving them the Treasure Chest Foundation gift cards. It allows them to gain control and choose something they really want.

    Kerri Arvidson, CCLS