2022 Fashion Show Program Book

Positive Thinking

MonetaSM is proud to sponsor Friends of Kids with Cancer, and their programs that help children and their families cope with daily challenges and cultivate mental well-being. Congratulations on providing 30 Years of Hope to these children!

We are financial advisors for your life’s biggest decisions with 150 years of earning the trust and confidence of our clients. We do more so you can too.

Welcome Guests, Sponsors, Families, and Special Friends

Welcome to our 2022 Fashion Show! We are thrilled to be back in person this year and celebrating 30 Years of Friends of Kids with Cancer with another amazing event to feature our incredible kids.

While the last couple of years have been challenging to say the least, we have been able to continue funding muchneeded resources for our kids because of generous donors like you. The last two years you have graciously participated in our FriendsGiving campaigns which were designed to keep the spirit of our Fashion Show alive when we couldn’t be together in person. This year we are back and better than ever!

Joining us today is a testament to how dedicated you are to providing the resources and programs to allow our kids and their families to be successful emotionally and academically while on this journey. And, of course, your generosity helps them find moments of fun along the way as well!

Even during the pandemic years, Friends of Kids with Cancer was able to create more opportunities for art therapy, group therapy and tutoring. We have added music therapy and expanded existing programs to ensure our kids and their families have the tools and outlets they need during treatment and beyond. Unfortunately cancer never stops, so your continued support allows us to keep bringing whatever is needed to these brilliant kids.

Prepare to watch magic happen as our kids and adult models take the stage. You will see gorgeous fashions from Dillard’s, Mr. Guy Clothiers and The Normal Brand,

and nothing will shine brighter than the smiles on our kids faces as you cheer them down the runway.

Please know that every thing you give makes a definite impact on the lives of the kids you see today, as well as hundreds of other kids and families that are fighting this battle.

We are humbled to be with you today and want to thank our amazing committee and the “Dream Team” staff at the Friends of Kids with Cancer office for putting together an unforgettable night.

Congratulations on 30 incredible years, Friends! We are certain you will love this show as much as we do—thanks for being here and enjoy the enchanting 2022 Fashion Show!

With love and gratitude, McKenleigh Swailes, Sarah Sordo, and Merri Cross, Fashion Show Co-Chairs

Friends of Kids with Cancer is devoted to enriching the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases.

Our mission is to be an advocate for these special kids and provide them and their families with the educational, emotional and recreational support needed as a result of the long hours of chemotherapy, illness and isolation.

2022 Fashion Show & Boutique is a Collective Effort By

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott Biermann, President

Susanne Rosenberg , Vice President

Jay Adams, Treasurer

Karen Korn , Secretary

Merri Cross, Emeritus*

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Robert A. Bergamini

Dr. Gordon Gale

Dr. Rob Hanson

Marie Turner, MSN, RN, CPNP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kristine Arneson

Matt Biffignani

William Brasser

Don Brown

Jonathan Burke

Maura Garascia

Tony Godfrey

Rick Henry

Sharon Huber

Cheryl Lawless

Rick Lommel*

Kathleen Manganaro*

Thomas Russo

Edwin Schmid

Margie Sedlack

Ben Turec*

Jill Turec

Susan Venincasa

Joey Venturella

Eric Vogel

*PAST PRESIDENTS

HONORARY BOARD

Allen Brockman*

Gene Deutsch

Molly M. Henry

Dan McLaughlin

Tom O’Neal

Guy Phillips

Gary Saettele

STAFF

Brandy Bimslager, Executive Director

Valerie Kennedy Lang, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Program Director

Morgyn Johnson, Program Coordinator

Kim Wisdom, Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Eva Schuller, Development Coordinator

Angela Hutchings, Marketing & Communications Specialist

Diane Voigt, Finance Manager

Sharon Roth, Office Coordinator

A million thanks to all of you for your incredible talent, time, and treasures. You produced a show that will remain in everyone's hearts forever!

FASHION SHOW EVENT COCHAIRPERSONS

Merri Cross

Sarah Sordo

McKenleigh Swailes

FASHION SHOW COMMITTEE

Anita Higginbotham

Barbara Combs

Brooke Mills

Christine Sadler

Cindy Heffernan

Cinthia Combs

Diane Kavanaugh

Jessica Mangus

Katy Carson

Kelly Johnson

Lauren Starr

Leah Kemlage

Lisa Stine

Liz Kissell

Lori Zucker

Marilyn Hanish

Maura Garascia

Megan Thornton

Rachel Chandler

Stephanie Aiello

Thao Fanger

Tracy Goldberg-Gross

LUNCHEON MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Anne Allred, KSDK Anchor & Reporter

DINNER MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Randy Karraker

101 ESPN

GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr. Rob Hanson, MD, PhD, Mercy Clinic Pediatric Cancer & Hematology

PATIENT SPEAKERS

Elle, Patient

AUCTIONEER & FUND-A-NEED

Adam Jokish

Maggie Crane

FASHION SHOW EMCEES

Kathy Ferrara

Susanne Rosenberg

PRODUCTION DESIGN & MODEL DIRECTION

Marilyn Hanish, Showtime Productions, LLC

FASHION AND PRODUCTION SUPPORT

Aries

Belle Gente Salon

Captiva Marketing

Dillard's Galleria

Mister Guy Clothiers

The Normal Brand

VIP ENTERTAINMENT

George Stanton Magic

Special thanks to Tamara Swain

Vivace Jazz Duo

Danna Anderson and Joe Schoen

Charles & NIkki Glenn

...AND MANY OTHERS!

DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS IN THIS BOOK ARE AS OF THE DATE OF PRINTING.

TODAY WE AWARD TWO VERY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE who have made Friends of Kids with Cancer flourish into the organization that serves thousands of children and families in the St. Louis area. For thirty years, Jill Turec and Molly Henry, along with the support of their families and community, have built this organization from the ground up—starting as a toy shelf in the office of Dr. Bob Bergamini at Mercy Hospital.

Through the heart wrenching difficulties and the heartwarming successes with dear patients and families, Molly and Jill have

continued their support, even after retirement. Currently sitting on the Board of Directors and the Honorary Board of Directors, as well as the Service Committee, these influential women have undoubtedly made their mark on the pediatric cancer community in St. Louis.

"30 years ago my friend Molly Henry and I decided we needed to do something for the children with cancer. Molly’s precious Ellen lost her battle with cancer and I had worked in Dr. Bergamini's clinic as the Developmental Specialist. He allowed us to try our new program ideas in his clinic and they were successful.

We had a small fashion show and the children were so excited to be the models. We were beside ourselves when we raised $8,000 to buy televisions and toys for what we called then The Big Shelf.

I don’t think we realized the great potential this charity had for fulfilling dreams. As the years passed, the charity grew and so did our needs. Education and art therapy, were the beginning of programming that we envisioned. Because of the kindness and willingness of Dr. Robert Bergamini we began these programs in our clinic.

Our needs kept growing and so did the charity. We now fulfill the needs of thousands of children from Mercy Children’s Cancer Center, Cardinal Glennon and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. This dream of ours is now a reality."

—Jill Turec

“I was inspired by my dear friend, Jill Turec, to help start FOKWC with the small dream of bringing a smile to the faces of young cancer patients with a toy at the end of a hard day and a TV, movies, games, and books to help pass the time in the doctor’s office.

These children were spending long hours receiving painful treatments without much to divert them from their ordeal. Over the years this dream has expanded to include programs beyond our wildest imagination.

Helping to bring a smile to those precious little faces has helped me so much with my own grief over the loss of my beautiful little Ellen. It has been such an extraordinary thing to see the wonderful people of St. Louis embrace our charity as a way of bringing comfort, and even joy, to these special children and their families.

—Molly Henry

Thank you, Molly and Jill, for your commitment to impacting children and families in the pediatric cancer community in St. Louis for over 30 years.

Sponsors

Thank you for your incredible generosity and dedication to Friends of Kids with Cancer.

RUNWAY SPONSOR

Gateway Acura Dealers

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

Moneta

World Wide Technology

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Kathy Manganaro

Donna & Keith Strope

GOLD SPONSORS

Mercy St. Louis

Lee & Gene Deutsch

SILVER SPONSORS

Lockton

Esco Technologies

Matt & Julie Biffignani

BRONZE SPONSORS

Wallis Companies

Mark & Kris Arneson

Molly & Rick Henry

MAJOR BAR SPONSORS

Grey Eagle

Breakthru Beverage of Missouri

Purple Toad Winery

PHOTO BOOTHS DONATED BY Hart of the City Photo Booth Glow Booth

MAJOR WHISKEY PULL BOTTLES CURATED AND DONATED BY Members of Arch City Bourbon Society

MODEL ROOM DECOR DONATED BY The Tent Boutique

PERSONALIZED MODEL GIFTS DONATED BY Laura Deutsch

Boutique Vendors

Please visit all our excellent vendors in the pre-function room and find some of their beautiful items included in our Silent Auction.

AR WORKSHOP OLIVETTE

9200 Olive Blvd Suite 112 St. Louis, MO 63132 314-898-9151 arworkshop.com

ABBY KEOUGH CUSTOM CREATIONS

314-971-2121 abbykeough.com

CINDY JOBE HEFFERNAN, AUTHOR

Abby the Alpaca children's book 314-221-3871

Instagram: AbbytheAlpaca abbythealpaca.com

COLLECTIONS BY JOYA 2811 Locust St. St. Louis, MO 63103 314-325-9737

collectionsbyjoya.com

EYE CANDY 314-477-5556 eyecandystl.com

GLOW CANDLE CO. 7947 Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-952-2415 glowcandleco.com

HOUSE OF CORKS 314-808-1268 houseofcorks.com

JUJU B'S

48 Four Seasons Shopping Ctr. Chesterfield, MO 63017 314-469-7096

shopjujubs.com

KENDRA SCOTT

1701 S. Lindbergh Blvd., #10, Frontenac, MO 63131 314-266-7610

kendrascott.com

KOREN SHOPPE 314-496-8970

korenshoppe.com

LASS & LADDIE 161 W Jefferson Ave. St. Louis, MO 63122 314-822-1886

lassandladdiekirkwood.com

MAKHALA DESIGNS 314-359-2120

makhaladesigns.com

THE NORMAL BRAND 8809 Ladue Rd. St. Louis, MO 63124 314-580-9445

thenormalbrand.com

TRU CANDLE STUDIO

847-989-8313

trucandlestudio.com

Save the Dates

Upcoming Friends of Kids with Cancer Events

Young Friends of Kids with Cancer' VooDoo in the Lou

The Fabulous Fox Theatre

January 14th, 2023

Trivia Night

The Moolah Shrine Center

January 20th, 2023

Golf Tournament & Auction

Whitmoor Country Club

May 2023

Art from the Heart

Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis

September 21, 2023

Every child with cancer deserves a life filled with fun, laughter, support, and, most importantly, normalcy. When you join Friends Forever, you become part of a special, dedicated group of monthly givers we can rely on to help us provide what medicine alone cannot.

“I’m a member of Friends Forever because they don’t only support the patient; They support the whole family.”

—Colleen Laughlin, Friends Forever Loyalty Club member since 2018

LOYALTY CLUB

Learn more at friendsofkids.com/friendsforever or call Eva Schuller, Development Coordinator, at 314.275.7440.

We’re there every step of the way... and you can be, too.

Cardinals Kids Cancer Center

Exceptional Cancer Care for Kids, Teens and

Cardinals Kids Cancer Center

Cardinals Kids Cancer Center

Exceptional Cancer Care for Kids, Teens and Young Adults

The Cardinals Kids Cancer Center is expanding its Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program with support from Friends of Kids with Cancer, Teen Cancer America, community donors and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program helps us provide family and individual counseling, educational support, help with reproductive concerns, financial assistance, access to clinical trials, physical therapy, nutritional counseling and integrative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. These services help young people with cancer live stronger and healthier lives.

Our dedicated AYA oncology team includes a wide range of specialists including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, therapists and navigators

acupuncture. These services help young people with cancer live stronger and healthier lives.

Cardinals Young Cancer Program

Exceptional Cancer Care for Kids, Teens and Young Adults

with support from Friends of Kids with Cancer, Teen Cancer America, community donors and the St. Louis Cardinals.

607 S. New Ballas St. Louis I 314.251.6986

The Cardinals Kids Cancer Center is expanding its Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program with support from Friends of Kids with Cancer, Teen Cancer America, community donors and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Our dedicated AYA oncology team includes a wide range of specialists including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, therapists and navigators who guide young people through cancer treatment with care and compassion.

The Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program helps us provide family and individual counseling, educational support, help with reproductive concerns, financial assistance, access to clinical trials, physical therapy, nutritional counseling and integrative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. These services help young people with cancer live stronger and healthier lives.

educational support, help with reproductive concerns, financial assistance, access to clinical trials, physical therapy, nutritional counseling and integrative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. These services help young people with cancer live stronger and healthier lives.

Our dedicated AYA oncology team includes a wide range of specialists including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, therapists and navigators who guide young people through cancer treatment with care and compassion.

The Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program helps us provide family and individual counseling, educational support, help with reproductive concerns, financial assistance, access to clinical trials, physical therapy, nutritional counseling and integrative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. These services help young people with cancer live stronger and healthier lives.

Learn more at mercy.net/AYACare

Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program

607 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 2415 St. Louis I 314.251.6986

Learn more at mercy.net/AYACare

Our dedicated AYA oncology team includes a wide range of specialists including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, therapists and navigators who guide young people through cancer treatment with care and compassion.

Cardinals Young Adult Cancer Program

Cancer Program

Your life is our life’s work.

Learn more at mercy.net/AYACare

607 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 2415 St. Louis I 314.251.6986

Your life is our life’s work.

607 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 2415 St. Louis I 314.251.6986

Our dedicated AYA oncology team includes a wide range of specialists including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, therapists and navigators who guide young people through cancer treatment

Your life is our life’s work.

Dr. Jim Russell (aka Dr. Jim) has over twenty-five years of experience helping human beings with understanding their complex learning needs. From preschool to medical school, Dr. Jim can help atypical learners work to their potential.

See his TEDx talk about Twice-Exceptional learners (2e) at: https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-THZbFEmWU

The staff at Cardinals Kids Cancer Center and the kind people at Friends of Kids With Cancer have shown Dr. Jim what excellence looks like. Thank you for being such remarkable role models.

It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with Friends of Kids with Cancer. Their desire to reach the heart of each child, sibling, and parent they treat is remarkable and inspirational. I am a better person being associated with such an amazing organization!

“I've learned that people may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

–Maya Angelou

Dr. Soell has been providing counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in the St. Louis area for over 26 years.

In Memory of Mackenzie Woelbling

You lived life to the fullest and were such an inspiration to many!!

We all love and miss you!!

You were a CONQUERER!!

Jesus conquered death for us and we know you are with Him in Heaven.

You fought until the very end. You were always courageous and faced every situation with gusto.

Your talent was making others happy and smile and now that is what we try to do every day. You changed us, you encouraged us to be better citizens, you made us laugh, and your love was bigger than life itself.

You never passed an opportunity to have fun. You have so many friends, friends that have shared so many wonderful stories with us. You changed them too, encouraged them to do their best and help others.

You left us here on earth way too soon, but you are with us always, in our hearts, and you will NEVER be forgotten. Until we meet again dear son, brother, grandson, nephew, Godson, cousin, and friend... We miss you SO much and we will always LOVE you!!

Thank you Friends of Kids with Cancer for ALWAYS being by our side!!

A life that touches others goes on forever...

Forever loved...

Forever missed...

John Henry 1979-2014 Vice-President, Young Friends of Kids with Cancer

Ellen Henry 1990-1992 One of the inspirations for Friends of Kids with Cancer

Models arrive to The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis in the morning and meet up with their partner.

Models are greeted with toys and gifts picked just for them from their wish lists as part of their special day. Model siblings are included and get a special gift, too!

After some time to goof around, models get serious with hair dressing and make-up application, thanks to Belle Gente Salon. Then it's off to dress rehearsal for the big show!

After a delicious lunch, the luncheon show begins and models hit the runway to strut their stuff.

After the luncheon show ends, models head to their hotel rooms to rest and relax. A tasty and fun dinner fills everyone up before the group goes back for the final evening show.

Their royal treatment continues as they retire in their hotel rooms at The Ritz-Carlton for an excellent night sleep in luxury.

Our 2022 Runway Models

Patients models are selected by our hospital partners at

Abigail

AGE 9

My name is Abby. I'm 9 years old and from Ozark, MO. I have a 7 year old brother who is one of my biggest fans. I love learning, art, and dinosaurs. In fact, I want to be a paleontologist when I grow up! I was diagnosed with brain cancer called Medullabastoma, in Jan. 2022. After having the tumor removed, I developed posterior fossa syndrome. I spent 7 months in the hospital relearning the skills I had before surgery through rehab therapies and also completed radiation & chemo during my stay. I just finished my last round of chemo in October, and I look forward to helping other kids with cancer, just like FOKWC has done for me & my family! Thank you FOKWC!

Aeris

AGE 12

I like drawing and art. I like cats and my mom is important to me. I go to Mercy Clinic Children Cancer and Hematology. I have been going through treatment since July 2019 and I stopped chemo November of 2021.

AGE 5

Benny

AGE 4

I would love to telly you all about Minecraft and Monster Jam. I like hockey but I don't play much now. Miss Bre is my buddy at the hospital, and Mr. Bobby, too. I love Elsa. I have "zuch-inia" (leukemia). I'm a really fast runner and I can jump very high. Sometimes I go invisible, too. That's it for now.

Oh, and I love mommy and I love daddy and Elsa and everyone because they're soooo cute!

Brayden

AGE 7

My name is Brayden. I am 7 years old and in the 1st grade. I was diagnosed with cancer on December 13th 2019. I was 4 years old. I am now cancer free and thankful for each day even the hard days. I love everyone at the Mercy's Children's Cancer Center and thankful for FOKWC for the many ways they helped my family and I. I have 2 sisters & 2 dogs and one snake. I love playing video games and watching YouTubers play video games & my favorite song now is "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.

Charlie

AGE 13

My name is Charlie and I am in 8th grade at St. Peter in Kirkwood. I was diagnosed with Ocular Rhabdomyosarcoma this July and receiving treatment at Cardinal Glennon. My team has been amazing and makes me feel that I am the most important person there. I am from a family of 5 kids and love to spend time outdoors, especially exploring national parks. I love to play lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, and ran my first half marathon this March. I am so grateful for all the love and support from my medical team, family, friends, and organizations like FOKWC.

Charlotte AGE 7

My name is Charlotte. I am 7 years old and am in 2nd grade. I was diagnosed with B-Cell Leukemia type ALL in January 2021 and I will be finished with treatments in March. I get my treatments at St. Louis Children's Hospital and I love my nurses and Dr. Meg. I can be very shy and I'm nervous about the Fashion Show, but excited, too. Last year I collected money while I was Trick or Treating and donated it to Friends of Kids with Cancer. I love to eat, especially tacos and bacon. I love to be with my friends at school and I love helping people.

Cole

AGE 19

Hello, my name is Cole and I am 19 years old, currently attending Missouri University of Science & Technology. I am majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Pre-Med. January 6, 2020, I was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and since then have received vigorous amounts of chemotherapy. I love martial arts, guitar, and wanting to learn about medicine. In school, I am a part of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity and joining the brotherhood was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My treatment center is like a second home filled with such kind and loving people who have saved my life. I know I could never repay them but they are all like family to me now. My family consists of my amazing parents who have given up so much for not just me but our whole family. I also have 1 older sister and a younger sister, and a brother. Having cancer is not something I would wish on anyone but minus every side effect and pain it has shed a light in my life to appreciate it more and inspire me to go to school, work hard with the goal to go to med school to hopefully one day be a pediatric oncologist and help others just as I have been helped.

Damon

AGE 14

Hi, my name is Damon and I am 14 years old. I have 6 siblings and I like to play video games. My favorite superhero is Thor and I'm a freshman in high school. I am at the end of my treatment. I look forward to finished and being cancer free. I was diagnosed in April of 2021 and I look forward to being done with treatments in 2023. I'll be so excited cause that's my birthday month.

Darren AGE 17

My name is Darren. I am 17 years old and in the 11th grade. I was diagnosed Nov. 19, 2019 with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblasic Leukemia when I was 14. I have played select baseball since I was five and like to play basketball with my friends. Friends of Kids with Cancer & the team at Mercy Kids Cancer Center have helped me throughout my past 3 years of treatment to keep me positive. My favorite part of visits is art therapy and visits with Odin [the therapy dog].

David

AGE 17

David is a 17 year old diagnosed with B-Cell ALL in Feb. of 22. He has 2 older sisters and 2 dogs. He loves playing soccer and Xbox. His sense of humor has been amazing through all of this, even playing pranks on his nurses in the hospital. He wants to be a robotics engineer in the future.

Elle

AGE 16

Elle has Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She started chemo in October of 2020 She says it was a hard six months mentally and physically but everyone on her cancer team always made it so much easier. They made her laugh and gave her advice and "the best hugs". Mental health wise Dr. Kurt was a huge help, she says. She says FOKWC was another huge help; "I genuinely can't even explain how much even a small card helped brighten my days from them let alone the huge gifts that not only I could receive but I could share with my loved ones and help them because as hard as it is for me, watching your loved ones go through it is just as hard."

Ezekiel

AGE 7

I go to the 9th floor clinic and I'm brave and everyone is nice. The clinic is cool.

Harper

AGE 6

Hi my name is Harper. I am 6 years old, and I am in the 1st grade. I live with my mom, dad, and sister, Charlotte, who is 8 years old. I was diagnosed with B-ALL in March of 2020. Some of my interests include playing games on my iPad. I love listening to music, drawing, and spending time with my family and friends.

Hazel

AGE 5

My name is Hazel and I am five years old. I go to Kindergarten at Wild Horse Elementary. I have a little sister named Clair bear and she is two years old. In October 2018 I was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor and received treatment at Mercy Clinic Children's Cancer and Hematology. I had the nicest nurses and doctors there, but what always cheered me up on a hard day was getting to pick out a toy from the FOKWC toy closet there. I also LOVED the FOKWC Winter Wonderland Party and can't wait for it to return. I am a certified dinosaur expert and love dinosaurs so much. Dinosaurs are my favorite, but I also like pterosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles and all sorts of wildlife.

Hudson

AGE 5

My name is Hudson. I am 5 years old. I am in preschool. When I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with ariaplastic ependynioma. Since then, I have had five brain surgeries and 2 rounds of radiation. I love going to see all of my friends who take care of me at Children's Hospital and always miss them between appointments! My favorite thing to do is to play with my big brother Carter, and all of our friends. We love to play sports outside and video games. I also love to do puzzles and tell jokes.

AGE 9

Hi, I am Isabel and I am 9. I have two brothers named Henry and James. Henry is 7 and James is 5. I love baking and painting. I also love crafts, all crafts to be exact. I go to Veckemeyer Elementary. I was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma on June 7, 2021. I go to the Costas Center at Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis. I love Friends of Kids with Cancer because they put on tons of events like the lights at Grants Farm. Everyone that has helped me through this also supported me when I felt down. My Grandpa is my role model. He has cancer too, which he cannot get rid of. Whenever I feel sad and disappointed, I like to pray to God. He helps me through everything. So many times when my grandpa went to the hospital I cry and talk to God for him. When I do, God always helps me.

John AGE 11

My name is John and I am a sixth grader at Signal Hill School in Belleville, IL. I have one sister, Renae, who is 18 years old. I was diagnosed with Medullobastoma in September of 2020. I completed radiation and chemotherapy at Children's last year, but the doctor's recently found a new tumor. My doctors and nurses have been amazing throughout my cancer journey. I have also been able to enjoy many fun events and activities, thanks to Friends of Kids with Cancer.

Luca

AGE 6

My name is Luca. I am 6 years old and I was diagnosed with Leukemia when I was 2.5 years old. I received treatment at Mercy Children's Cancer Center. I have a 4 year old sister, Rilynn, and 3 dogs. I like to play hide n seek, freeze tag, and video games. I attend 1st grade in Waterloo, IL and love playing with my best friend, Nolan.

Lucien

AGE 7

Hi, I'm Lucien and I love hanging out with my family, playing games, and video games. My favorite color is blue and I like Batman. My favorite show is Spongebob. I also like being outside and playing on my trampoline. And, I love to annoy my sisters Laila and Neveah.

Parker

AGE 8

My name is Parker. I am 8 years old and am in 2nd grade at Jonesburg Elementary School. I was 1st diagnosed at 5 months old with Bi-lateral Retinoblastoma. In January of 2022 my cancer relapsed in my left knee. I underwent four months of chemotherapy and received a stem cell transplant (the cells were mine, harvested in the middle of my 2nd round of chemotherapy) in June of this year. I am so thankful for FOKWC because they have been so kind, supportive and have spoiled me with fun activities, experiences and a ton of amazing memories this year. I'm feeling great and getting stronger every day.

Peyton

AGE 14

Hi! My name is Peyton. My friends and family call me "B". I am 14 years old, in 8th grade & attend Windsor Middle School. On 3/10/2021, I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). I am an avid soccer player currently playing for Lou Fusz Soccer Club. After my diagnosis I was out for 6 months but I'm back on the pitch and love playing. Next year I will play for my high school team and hope to make varsity as a starter my freshman year!! I started playing volleyball this year also & hope to make the freshman team next year. I love hanging out with my friends when I'm not at practice. I have a 16 year old brother, Jake. He & his friends are awesome Uber drivers! My Oncologists, Dr. Rob and Dr. Jackie are fantastic. A huge thanks to them for helping myself and my family get through this. I have a great support system and amazing friends. The Friends of Kids with Cancer events are so much fun & I hope to be able to give back & become a volunteer or help other kids that are going through the same struggles I am. Always be a fighter & always "B Strong".

Polet

AGE 7

My name is Evelyn Polet. I am 7 years old and in 1st grade. I was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in November 2022. I love playing with my dog, going to school, and spending time with my family. My wish is to finish my treatment.

Sven AGE 12

My name is Sven and I'm in 6th grade at Crestview Middle School. I was recently diagnosed with Polocytic Astrocytoma in August. I have an amazing team helping me through my treatments at Children's Hospital. I also feel fortunate to be a part of FOKWC, to have something to distract me between all of the treatments and appointments. I have one sister, Renni, and a superhero rescue dog named Ginzie. I love to draw with pencil and I love science—especially chemistry, so I think I want to be a scientist some day. I am grateful for support I have through this journey from FOKWC, my family and friends, my teachers, and school. This experience has taught me to be grateful for all that I have and to focus on the silver linings in life.

Tamya

AGE 18

I am Tamya. I'm 18 years old. I like trendy clothes. I'm big on accessories. I love doing my hair and wigs. I'm interested in baking cookies, braiding, and being with friends. My sisters are 11 year old Cherish. She likes nails and playing volleyball. 10 year old Calise. She likes stuffed animals, fidget toys and basketball. My mother likes perfume and accessories.

William

AGE 9

Hi, my name is William. I am 9 years old. I am in 3rd grade. I have a twin brother, Maurice, who is my best friend. I love my family the most. My family is important to me. I spend most of my time with my mom and brothers. I like to play with my brothers. I like to watch movies and play video games. I like to work out so I can have muscles. I like to laugh with my family. I am learning how to cook also. I love my 3rd grade teacher. She is so nice and fun. I like to have fun with my family and friends. I like to see others happy.

Ximena

AGE 6

Hi my name is Ximena (Hee-Meenah). I really love dancing and singing. I enjoy doing Tik-Toks. I like going to the park. My favorite thing to do at the park is swinging on the swing sets! I love animals, especially puppies. Costas Center is where I get my treatments done. Everybody is really nice. I love my nurse, Karen. She calms me down whenever I get LP's done! Karen sometimes lets me get 2 toys from the Toy Closet, which the toys were donated by Friends of Kids with Cancer. Thank you Friends of Kids with Cancer for all the cool toys in the Toy Closet!

Special Runway Guest Models

Nikki Aauland

Hospital Partner

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Carol Austerman

Educational Tutoring

Community Partner

Dr. Jacki Carter

Hospital Partner

Mercy Clinic

Glen Doherty

Emotional Programming

Community Partner

Dr. Lauren Draper

Hospital Partner

Cardinal Glennon

Children's Hospital

Aimee Jackstadt

Hospital Partner

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Clare Marie Kuebler

Miss Missouri

Tom Mulvihill, Jr.

FOKWC Education

Committee Legacy

Meghan Muvihill Taylor

FOKWC Education

Committee Legacy

Mike Mulvihill

FOKWC Education

Committee Legacy

Christy Merrell

Music Therapy

Community Partner

Cara Stern Sudbrock

Music Therapy

Community Partner

Amanda Witt

Hospital Partner

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Dr. Shalini Shenoy

Hospital Partner

St. Louis Children's Hospital

St. Louis Cardinals Alumni

Thomas A. Nilsen

March 12, 1973—July 21, 1998

While we moved to Memphis in July to be closer to Kristin, Alex and Tom's precious niece (our granddaughter), who is due October 21st, everyone at "Friends of Kids" will always be near and dear to our hearts. Thanks for all the love you shower on the kids and their families!

Ruth & Parker Nilsen

Kristin & Alex Younger (and soon Kayleigh Hope Younger)

II Timothy 4: 7 & 8

I have fought the good fight, I Have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.

I’M A

All of our patients are on a mission all their own – and every one of them is a SUPERHERO!

The Arneson Family congratulates Friends of Kids with Cancer on 30 years of serving kids and their families, including us!

Thank