Our Programs

Kelsey’s Krates
Every transplant patient entering The Children’s Hospital’s Bone Marrow Unit receives a personalized crate filled with age and gender appropriate toys to help fill the time the child must spend in isolation. At eleven years of age, Kelsey endured six weeks without playmates and with visits from family dressed in gowns, masks and gloves. Having experienced the fear of the unknown, and the often times boring aftermath, she knows the value of each toy placed in a Kelsey’s Krate.

Marshmallow Launchers
Pat, who then worked in management at a lumberyard, found herself at the counter with a bag of miniature marshmallows, a one-foot length of half-inch PVC, and her younger daughter as a target. In the instant that Pat took a breath and pelted Kelsey with a marshmallow, the two of them knew how to bring joy to kids who were isolated and fighting to live. They experimented with a chop saw, a propane torch, sandpaper and more PVC. Before long, hospital staff members carried the Bohmans’ prototype, dubbed a marshmallow launcher, in scrubs’ pockets. Doctors, nurses and their young patients bombarded each other during gleeful marshmallow battles. A supervising physician pointed out that the launchers, much more fun than a standard spirometer, augmented respiratory therapy, “…and the laughing helps, too.” Pat and Kelsey knew they would not turn back; laughter in a cancer treatment center is a precious commodity.

Fundraising
Our board at Kelsey’s Kids understands how beneficial teamwork is. We are always looking for creative ways to assist others and ourselves. We would love to partner with you and share ideas and resources for fund-raising and service. By working together, we can accomplish great things. Please consider contacting us if you would like to join forces on a fundraiser for your organization.