Treasure Chest Foundation Opens 64th Program in Fort Myers

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation recently reached a major milestone with the opening of our 64th Treasure Chest Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. This Treasure Chest Program will provide our services to more than 500 brave young Fort Myers area cancer patients each month.

The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida is a standalone, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017. The hospital's mission is to deliver vital and lifesaving care for children and their families throughout the region. Amy Frith, Senior Director at Golisano Children’s Hospital shared her joy by saying, “We are so honored to be selected to become a part of this incredible program! We look forward to sharing a lot of smiles thanks to you!”

Each new Treasure Chest Program is opened in honor or in memory of one or more individuals whose lives have impacted the success and influence of our Foundation. The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida was sponsored by Foundation Board Member Herb Walker, a friend dedicated to the children. This will be the eighth Treasure Chest Program sponsored by Herb Walker of St. John, Indiana.

“Each new Treasure Chest Program makes a tremendous impact by providing comfort and enhancing the lives of children and teens who are faced with the adversity of battling cancer. This newest program reminds us that we are truly blessed to have your ongoing and generous support of Foundation Board Member Herb Walker and his wife Janice,” said Treasure Chest Foundation CEO and Founder Colleen Kisel.

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 15,300 young cancer patients in 64 cancer treatment centers in 21 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 28th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of 2021.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 1-708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.treasurechest.org.