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.
Friends of Kids with Cancer
After 14 years on the Board, Matt Biffignani Retires
It's in deep appreciation that we say farewell to Matt Biffignani as a board member after fourteen years of service.
He has accomplished so much through the support of his wife, Julie, family, his employer, Fiserv, and his family business, 4 Boxers Promo.
For many years, Matt supported the Friends of Kids' annual Golf Tournament & Auction, making personal donations, arranging sponsorships, and volunteering time.
Always willing to jump in and volunteer when needed, Matt brings a friendly, compassionate, and generous attitude for helping this charity and remains committed to doing so.
Friends of Kids with Cancer is grateful for Matt's influences on the charity and his commitment to supporting and volunteering.
Remembering Peter Cohen and Al Goldman
Al Goldman was an “investment rock star” at A.G. Edwards who was instrumental in helping set up the structure of the newly formed charity, offering his expertise and connections to support the mission, according to Molly Henry, one of Friends of Kids with Cancer’s founders.
“I’ve always been so grateful to him. He was so crucial to how we got started and was such a kind and generous man to everyone who met him,” she fondly remembers.
For over twenty years, Mr. Goldman sponsored and supported the Golf Tournament & Auction event, attending each one since its inception in 1999.
Molly says he was the kind of donor who didn’t want recognition, and was very kind and humble.
Peter Cohen, who served on the Friends Board and as President in 2007, was introduced to the charity because his granddaughter, Mimi, received services from the charity as a patient.
“Peter was able to talk to people and encourage folks to get involved,” Molly said about Mr. Cohen’s advocacy.
Mr. Cohen was quickly devoted to supporting Friends of Kids with Cancer after Mimi’s diagnosis.
Both of these men are missed, and their contributions to impacting the daily lives of kids facing cancer will not be forgotten.
WALK WITH A FRIEND CROSSES THE FINISH LINE RAISING A
Friends of Kids with Cancer was overjoyed to welcome a crowd of more than 1,400 guests to the 25th Annual Walk with a Friend fundraiser at the scenic Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, raising a record-breaking amount of over $41,000. This special morning was more than just a walk—it was a heartfelt celebration of courage, community, and unwavering hope for St. Louis families navigating the difficult journey of childhood cancer.
For a quarter of a century, this cherished event—featuring a 1-mile walk and a 5K—has brought together friends, families, and neighbors, all united by a shared purpose: to support and honor incredible children and families impacted by cancer.
This year, in celebration of the 25th anniversary, the event proudly introduced a 10K option, offering a new challenge for passionate runners eager to go the extra mile for a meaningful cause.
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and the boundless enthusiasm of volunteers, the event transformed the park into a vibrant festival. There was something for everyone—lively music, delicious breakfast treats, food trucks, exciting raffles, face painting, lawn games with prizes, and visits from beloved characters. The laughter of children could be heard through the park as they left with painted cheeks, bags brimming with prizes, and unforgettable memories.
Joy and magic filled the air as kids met their favorite characters— Elsa, Moana, Cinderella, and Belle from Dreamtime Princesses—along with a fan-favorite guest, Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot. Hugs, highfives, and wide-eyed smiles were in no short supply.
The walk itself began with energy and emotion as DJ Shawn from Eclipse DJs STL set the tone with uplifting music. Children and parents held signs to honor loved
ones—some in memory, some in honor. There were tears, there was laughter, and there was dancing. It was a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength of community.
The spirit of celebration continued as runners gathered for the 5K and 10K starts, signaled by the blare of fire truck and ambulance sirens from Maryland Heights Fire & EMS. Local radio personality Donny Fandango of The ARCH energized the crowd, calling out runners’ names as they crossed the finish line—some breathless, some triumphant, some pushing strollers with joyful little faces inside.
Among the top finishers were Jasmine Mayer (10K, 45:02), Jason Matott (10K, 37:17), and 13-yearold Nolan (10K, 59:15), the only child to complete the 10K—earning not just a medal, but admiration from the entire crowd. In the 5K, Carolyn Kelly (24:13),
Alex Heepke (20:29), and 10-yearold Ryder (25:22) each took home medals and gift cards for their achievements.
A standout among many generous fundraisers was 10K participant Mike Dal Pozzo, who used the RunSignUp platform to raise an incredible $5,830. With donations from $50 to $1,000, his commitment touched many—and earned him the unofficial title of MVP for the highest individual fundraising total.
Friends of Kids with Cancer raised over $41,000 thanks to registrations, raffles, team and personal fundraisers, sponsorships, and generous in-kind donations. One thing is clear: the impact of this day will ripple far beyond the park, carrying hope, support, and joy to children and families who need it most.
“When [my daughter] was on treatment we went on a lot of walks. ...Our walks used to be a gauge of how [she] was doing. She went from being able to stumble all the way around our loop at 2 years old to only making it 1-2 houses before needing to be carried or climbing in the stroller.
“Ever so slowly as we neared the end of her treatment she started adding more distance one house at a time. I will never forget the first time she made it all the way around the loop.
“To be able to witness [my child] and so many others walk together is so beautiful. To do it with an organization that supports these families through it all, whether they’re walking one house or one mile…it takes my breath away.”
— Parent of a young patient and event participant
Jersey Mike’s Subs Surpasses Expectations with Over $154K Raised
Fourteen Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in the St. Louis area joined forces with Friends of Kids with Cancer for the 15th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities.
During the month of March, customers had the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3, or $5 when placing their order.
The Month of Giving campaign culminated with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 26, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants donated 100 percent of the day’s sales—not just profit—to Friends of Kids with Cancer.
Thanks to community supporters who donated at checkout and fourteen stores' proceeds, Ryan Cunningham, owner of three participating stores, presented Friends of Kids with Cancer with a check for over $154,000!
Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 4,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread—the same recipe it started with in 1956.
Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.”
Thank you to the following Jersey Mike’s Subs locations for helping kids with cancer... be kids!
Ballwin Des Peres, MO Edwardsville, IL
Fairview Heights, IL Maryland Heights O’Fallon, MO
Shiloh, IL
St. Ann
St. Charles South Lindbergh Telegraph Road University City Webster Groves Wentzville
Spotlight On Easterseals Midwest
Each week, a group of volunteers from Easterseals Midwest arrive at the Friends of Kids office ready for their task of supplying toys to the Toy Closet at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
“Volunteering is a way for our individuals to learn skills and exercise their rights as part of their community,” Easterseals Midwest's Community Service Manager, Jeannete Aron, says.
Easterseals Midwest strives to be a leader in the field of delivering exceptional services that help build communities where all people with developmental disabilities have equal opportunities to realize their goals, dreams and aspirations.
And, the volunteers’ favorite part about volunteering? “Knowing they had a part in bringing joy to the children that receive the toys,” Ms. Aron says.
Loaded with huge bags of toys for delivery, these volunteers express joy and excitement in helping each week, often leaving with a piece of candy and a friendly smile.
Easterseals has been helping individuals with disabilities and their families live better lives for more than 100 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
Learn more about volunteering at friendsofkids.com/volunteer
Mom’s Day Out Charcuterie Board Making
This Spring, moms affected by cancer came together to connect in a safe space for a fun and delicious project, creating charcuterie boards with Across the Board 314.
The class instructor, Chelsea, expertly gave practical and easy-tofollow instructions and advice for creating beautiful boards to take home.
After everyone shared their favorite cheese, moms conversed with other women they knew from treatment centers, support groups, or made new friends, learning a new skill, enjoying delicious meats and
cheeses, and sharing space at the Friends of Kids with Cancer office.
“Thank you for honoring families so well. I loved making this beautiful charcuterie board!”
— Carrie
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The Art of Transformation with Karly
GUEST WRITER
Amber Willis, Programs Facilitator
Lined across the windowsill of 15-year-old Karly’s hospital room are colorful Lego creations and art projects—small glimpses into the vibrant personality that cancer treatments can’t dim.
Karly sits on her bed showing us her latest creations for her Art from the Heart® piece: a cat and flowers made from re-purposed medical equipment.
Spend just a few minutes with Karly and you’ll quickly learn that her caring spirit, desire to help, and gift for connection make her a remarkable force for hope.
“If you embrace it, it can be fun,” Karly says about her art—a stunning piece despite being made of medical equipment.
This perspective perfectly captures Karly’s extraordinary approach to her journey: finding possibilities for joy and transformation even in challenging circumstances.
During Karly’s extended hospital stays, she’s mastered the art of meaningful connection: creating art, learning ukulele, and actively inviting fellow patients to join her in the lounge.
The blinds on her door stay open, an intentional invitation for other kids to stop and wave hello or show off their dance moves. Karly understands instinctively that healing happens not just in isolation, but in community.
The iPad provided through Friends of Kids and Jake’s Crew has become one of Karly’s favorite tools. She doesn’t just use it for her own entertainment—she creates digital banners and door signs for other
patients to remind them they’re not alone in their journey. These serve dual purposes: they bring comfort to others while helping Karly process her own experience through creativity.
As we sit with Karly, it feels a little bit like there are two realities: the one we all may assume or see of a child battling cancer and then Karly’s which is full of love, light, and connection.
“I just like helping people,” she explains simply, revealing how supporting others has become an important part of her own healing process.
Karly’s message to other kids facing medical challenges reflects wisdom beyond her years: “It’s hard at first, but it gets better. Staying positive helps a lot.” Karly finds that positivity through connection.
Friends of Kids with Cancer strives to help kids with cancer...be
Karly shares one of her many creations made of unused medical equipment gathered at the hospital and by her aunt who is a nurse.
kids. Karly embodies this mission perfectly, finding ways to play, connect, and brighten days. In every re-purposed medical supply for her artwork, and every open blinds inviting connection, Karly demonstrates how to find moments to smile and laugh even on hard days. We could all benefit from leaning into Karly’s reality.
Thank you for helping us support remarkable young people like Karly, who remind us that healing happens in unexpected ways—through art,
connection, and seeing possibilities where others might only see challenges. Your support doesn’t just help kids with cancer survive their journey—it helps them transform it.
Bid on Karly's artwork with many other patient artists at Art from the Heart ® on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Learn more at friendsofkids.com/art
Karly’s hand-decorated hospital room door is inviting to visitors and inspires hope and joy.
Karly’s window ledge full of activities, some provided by Friends of Kids.
Karly standing by the family lounge window adorned with her positive affirmations to inspire fellow patients and families.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Nearly 700 patients, siblings, and parents attended this annual event in partnership with Missouri Botanical Garden this Spring.
This popular, private, patient-focused event provided full use of the garden grounds, including the Children’s Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden hosted activity tables for educational and therapeutic enrichment for all guests.
Inviting music from Different Dynamics encouraged guests to play along on bucket drums and other instruments in the Children’s Garden.
Nutritious snacks were provided by Cancer Support Community. Each guest received also Koi pond fish food and a potted basil plant for home gardens. Kids created “critters” made from pine
Family Garden Night at Missouri Botanical Garden
cones, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. Guests explored nature up close with magnifying glasses.
This event is co-sponsored by Missouri Botanical Garden and Bayer Fund and in collaboration with Cancer Support Community.
“I can’t believe they just have all these flowers growing for us to look at however we want!
I’ve never seen anything quite as crazy as those fish! They were hungry!
— Charlie, age 4
“The
— Bryce, age 8
A Round of Applause!
500 iPads donated since 2012
Congratulations to Jake's Crew who have raised over $140,000 to provide iPads to kids in treatment, in memory of Jake Franzel, in partnership with Friends of Kids with Cancer.
Thank you to Sue Franzel, Bekah Kutten, Judy Ciapciak, and all of Jake's family for making Jake's dream a reality for 500 teens since 2012.
"The iPad really brightened his day! We cannot thank you enough.”
—Patient mom
“I cannot say enough amazing things about how much organizations like Friends of Kids with Cancer and Jake’s Crew do for pediatric cancer patients. They supported and lifted Marlee’s spirits in her darkest hours.”
—Patient mom
Support Jake's Crew iPad Fund on Facebook
Patients Enjoy Local Spring Events
On and Off the Ice
“We are so grateful. Disney on Ice made for such a fun and special day for us with the girls.
The timing was perfect as it was right after Hudson completed his three chemo/stem cell transplant rounds, so we had been split up for extended periods since October. They loved the show, and it truly was magical!
Since you all had covered the tickets, we were able to splurge a bit on souvenirs and snow cones, which was an extra special treat for the girls!
— Paige, patient mom
Brody and His Family at Project 55 Meet & Greet with Parayko
Hudson's Sisters, Clare and Kate, at Disney On Ice
Families enjoying a St. Louis CITY Soccer Club Game and a Gift from the Official Gift Shop
Ways to Support Local Kids and Families
GET YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVED
DONATE TICKETS
Friends of Kids accepts tickets (even last-minute invites) to area events like baseball, soccer, hockey games, theatre tickets, and any other events for children or adults.
Can’t use your season tickets? Donate them!
Friends accepts tickets to events and outings happening throughout Missouri and Illinois and will contact patient families to put your tickets to good use, helping families form lasting memories together and getting their minds off their hardships.
There’s nothing better than building connection to the community and your staff by aligning your business with Friends of Kids' mission and partnering with us. There are many mutually beneficial ways for your business to support Friends of Kids with Cancer.
Whether with in-kind service donations or monetary contributions, sponsorships and donations can be tailored to meet the goals and values of your employees and constituents.
The best part about partnering with Friends of Kids with Cancer is a mission everyone can get behind—helping local kids and their families live their best lives every day.
Find out more about partnering with us by contacting Brandy Bimslager, Executive Director at brandy@friendsofkids.com or by calling 314.275.7440.
Learn more about ways to give at friendsofkids.com/wishlist
Learn more about workplace giving at friendsofkids.com/fundraise
HONORARY & MEMORIAL DONATIONS
BOLD NAMES ARE THOSE BEING HONORED OR MEMORIALIZED.
Honor Donations
January–April 2025
Beckham Bass
Janet Bass
Ryder Boles
Dexter School District R-11
Dick Cohen
Nancy and Sid Cohen
The Collazo Family
Kevin & Lisa Robben
Jeff Dacus
Glenda Dacus
Julie Dacus
Glenda Dacus
Tripp & Danielle Dacus
Glenda Dacus
Oliver Geen
Jerry and Anna Geen
Jack and Angela Hutchings
Tom Obremski
Olivia Jasper
Anonymous Donor
Mary Holtmeyer
Adam Lause
Kyle and Felicia Ostrom
Our Lady of Lourdes
Mike Jeziorski
Hoeferkamp Real Estate
Sue Jones
Robert Jones
Logan Kowalski & Family
Amy Adams
Carlie Lawrence
Gordon Phillips
Bryce Lich
Pond Elementary
Hazel Meisinger
Kurt and Lindsay Meisinger
Emma Mettlach
St. Francis of Assissi School Toy Drive
Jude Morgan
Thomas Davis
Dana Opolka
Corrie Opolka
Justin Pollihan
John and Nanci Pollihan
Auggie Powers
Jane Ferry
Everly Roeske
Amelia Carriel Jr High School
Toy Drive
Jeff Rose
Don Rose
Melissa Schmittgens
Mary and Bill Schmittgens
Dan Sinclair
Tony and Kathleen Godfrey
Marlee Smith
Marlee’s Annual Toy Drive
Mae Smith
Erin Johnisee
Harper Mitchell
Evelyn Voegtli
Mallory Wagner
Hudson Van Roekel
Paul and Carol Adkins
Leslie and Joyce Brommer
Mark Van Roekel
Marie Basista
Alex Venardos
Melissa Venardos
Jason Wallis Family
Lynn Wallis
Ryan Williams
Assumption School / Church
Marcus and Kimberly Jewell
Barbara Marquez
Linda Thomas
Sophie Ysursa
Belleville Township High School
Memorial Donations
January–April 2025
Adam Behrhorst
Linda and Marc Behrhorst
Lana Juedemann
Brian P. Biederman
Steve and Linda Biederman
Janet Ann Brown
Beverly and Chuck Smith
Peter Cohen, Sr.
Certified Care Management
Nancy and Sid Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cohen
Sheila and Michael Cooper
Andy, Drew & Sydney Dielmann
Richard and Mary Fisher
Lenny and Julie Frankel
Rick and Sherri Goldman
Molly and Rick Henry
Kent and Debbie Hirschfelder
Paula and Bobby Holtzman
Helane Isaacs
Robert Jasper
Stacy and Jon Jespersen
The Kling Family
Robert and Judy Kramer
Deanna and Elroy Kursh
Kathy Manganaro
Barbara and Michael Newmark
Chris Pulliam and Teresa Militello
Charles Reis IV
Sharon and Jeffrey Rosenblum
Rob and Emily Rosenfeld
Sally Rosenthal
Stan Ross
Philip and Lou Ann Schils
Vivian and Jim Schwab
Ginny Weiss
Vince DiRaimondo
Margie and Don Sedlack
Joan Drugan
Adrienne and Larry Hoffman
Stan Dveris
Jay and Susie Dubinsky
Patricia “Pat” Eads
Dawn Bennett
The Eads and Puszkar Family
Joyce and Raymond Hogan
Carolyn Orr
Laura Parker
Jerry and Patricia Sawyer
Tandy and Erin Easley
John and Julie Whitaker
Sheila Flom
Bruce and Laurie Glazier
Jake Franzel
Nicole Dermer
Joe and Zeena Goldenberg
Dr. Karen M. Gauvain
The Beesley Family
Sarah Sotiropoulos
Debbie Gilbert
Harold and Deborah Douglas
Bernadette Godfrey
Dave Sinclair Buick-GMC
The Godfrey Family
Tony and Kathleen Godfrey
James and Mary Sinclair
Al Goldman
Molly and Rick Henry
Kathy Manganaro
Ellen Henry
Molly and Rick Henry
Kathy Manganaro
John Henry
Molly and Rick Henry
Kathy Manganaro
Josephine Marie Herzon
The Customers: A. Herzon, D. Cherven, R. Johnson & K. Ritchey
Joan Kohorst
Forrest Hesterberg
Lynne and Randolph Hicks
Jack Higgins
Mercy South NNPS
Saint Mary’s Class of 1994
Richard and Kathleen Sartori
Randy and Nancy Watson
Carter Hinkle
Melinda Smith
Emily Hintz
Michele Hintz
Oliver Holtmeyer
Magnify Salon Toy Drive
Charlotte Hopfinger
Judy O’Connell
Don Huelsman
Jacqueline Henmi
Trevor Joerling
New Melle Sports & Recreation, Inc.
Louis Kerber
Barry Roufa
Elanisa Kim
Mariya Feldman
Caden Leesmann
Crystal Ruth
Caleb Leslie
Beth and Ryan Leslie
Lucille Little
Brian and Nicci Murphy
Carol Lumley
Hoffman, Bricker & Adams, P.C.
Anne Malecek
Ed Schmid
Ann Manganaro
Kathy Manganaro
George May
Molly Williamson
Nick McCord
Kelly and Duane McCord
Lauren McDonnal
Joyce Gaugh
John “’Patrick” McLain
Rick and Sherrie Cash
Steve Gallaher
Mary Ellen Christman Hyde Mooney
Molly and Rick Henry
Maxine and Henry Morose
Jill and Ben Turec
Nelson Morose
Jill and Ben Turec
Cole Owens
Laura Owens
Owen Palmore
FOKWC Support Group
Beverly Perkins
Jan and Jim Davis
Greg Powers
Jane Ferry
Hannah Quirk
Hope 4 Hannah & Crossroads Service
Project
Allie Quirk
Jeff Sandlin
Gail & Sue Abernathy
David and Carol Booher
Debbie Booher
Brian and Patricia Cady
Tom and Wendy Hillertz
Rick, Michael & Matthew Loeffler
Earl and Carolyn Meier
Sandra and Charles Moody
Marian Neely
Marty and Patty Niehaus
Mark and Karen Osborn
Merlyn and Catherine Petersen
Randel and Diane Singler
Kenneth and Nancy Tegtmeier
James and Helene Wertz
Karlynnn Savage
Jacob Burte and Rebecca Fitzmaurice
Kinsey Siadek
Christina Reilly
Sharon Sifford
Anonymous Donor
Pat and Laurel Breedlove
Clara Ann Choinka
Ken and Barb Potzman
Mike and Lisa Whisler
Keith, Diane, Keith & Kevin Voigt
Steven Spiegelglass
Jay and Susie Dubinsky
Martha Stupp
Elizabeth Conzelman
Dave Sullivan
Carol Antinora
Joseph and Carrie Brockhaus
Kevin and Susan Clavin
Angeline Cronin
SSM St. Louis University Hospital
PMR Department
Joseph & Diane Taormina
Jenifer Clark
Griffin Thomas
Diane and Bob Kopitsky
Kathy Thomas
Wolf and Celia Turec
Ben and Jill Turec
Hudson Van Roekel
Andrea Adams, Christi Hefner, Emily Gage, Erin Coatney & Brook
Strickland
Marie Basista
Joseph Koenig
Ostmann Elementary
Scott and Patty Potter
Bobby Shearin
WingHaven Country Club
Lyle Van Roekel
Paul and Carol Adkins
Leslie and Joyce Brommer
Lynda Bulthuis
Carol Wolfswinkle
Elaine Venincasa
Crystal and Melissa Cobb
Doris Wilson
Shirley Kaestner
David and Kathryn Pratt
Michael and Joyce Roth
Mackenzie Woelbling
Ron and Donna Woelbling
Scott Wood
Sam and Janet Ventimiglia
16 Sunnen Drive, Suite 161
St. Louis, MO 63143
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Young Friends
Randi Perkins Memorial Golf Tournament at Forest Park Golf Course friendsofkids.com/blacksheepgolf
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Art from the Heart at Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis friendsofkids.com/art
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Fashion Show & Boutique at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis friendsofkids.com/fashionshow
