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 IMPACTS LIVES
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10240 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL
4 pm – 7 pm
Saturday, October 18, 2025
11969 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL
11:30 am – 4:30 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 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.
COME FOR THE RUN AND STAY FOR THE FUN
Registration Details:
The $35 entrance fee includes a 22oz beer, hot dog and chips.
Register before Sept 27 to receive a commemorative T-shirt and beer stein.
These are limited to first 250 registrants.
Post-Race Fun:
Celebrate your finish at Paddy B’s with live music, games like Strip Cards
and Split-the-Pot, and delicious food and cocktails. It’s the perfect way to relax, have fun, and connect with friends while supporting a great cause.
THANK YOU LET’S ROAM!
We are so grateful to Let’s Roam for their generous in-kind donation of scavenger hunt tickets to support the Treasure Chest Foundation.
Think you know the Windy City? Discover a side of Chicago you’ve never seen—join the hunt now!
Events Where Fun Meets Impact
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
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.
A COMMUNITY TRADITION
THAT IMPACTS LIVES
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10240 S. Kedzie Ave, Evergreen Park, IL
4 pm – 7 pm
Registration Details:
The $35 entrance fee includes:
a 22oz beer, hot dog and chips.
Register before Sept 27 to receive a commemorative T-shirt and beer stein.
These are limited to first 250 registrants.
Post-Race Fun:
Celebrate your finish at Paddy B’s with
live music, games like Strip Cards and
Split-the-Pot, and delicious food and cocktails. It’s the perfect way to relax, have fun, and connect with friends
while supporting a great cause.
COME FOR THE RUN
AND STAY FOR THE FUN
Saturday, October 18, 2025
11969 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL
11:30 am – 4:30 pm
We are so grateful to Let’s Roam for their generous in-kind donation of scavenger hunt tickets to support the Treasure Chest Foundation.
Think you know the Windy City? Discover a side of Chicago you’ve never seen—join the hunt now!
THANK YOU LET’S ROAM!
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
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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
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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
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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
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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