2024 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
THANK YOU!
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
As we reflect on 2024, we are overwhelmed with gratitude—for your generosity, your belief in our mission, and your steadfast support of the children and families we serve. This year was one of remarkable growth, resilience, and renewed hope for Kids Cancer Alliance (KCA), and we are proud to share the impact we’ve made together.
At the heart of KCA is a simple but powerful belief: that every child fighting cancer deserves joy, comfort, and community. Thanks to your support, we expanded our programs to serve more than 5,600 children, siblings, and parents through our camps & retreats, in-hospital programs, financial support services, and year-round activities. Our Camp KCA summer camps remained a place where kids could simply be kids—running, laughing, and building lifelong friendships under the care of trained professionals and volunteers who understand their journeys.
In 2024, we also deepened our commitment to supporting families beyond diagnosis. With the rising financial and emotional burden that comes with childhood cancer, we expanded our outreach services and emergency support funds. Whether it was delivering a warm meal, providing travel assistance, or simply sitting with a family during their hardest days, KCA was there—because of you.
We are especially proud of the partnerships we’ve cultivated across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Together with our healthcare partners, local businesses, volunteers, and donors, we are building a stronger network of care and compassion that reaches more families each year. These collaborations are not only extending our impact, but also establishing KCA as a leader and trusted resource in the pediatric cancer community.
Looking ahead, we are energized by a bold vision: to ensure that every family facing childhood cancer in our region knows they are not alone. With your continued partnership, we will keep growing, innovating, and doing whatever it takes to meet their evolving needs.
On behalf of the entire KCA team, thank you for believing in our mission and for making 2024 a year of hope, comfort, and community for local kids with cancer and their families. We invite you to read through the impact stories and milestones in this report—they are your legacy, too.
With deepest gratitude,
Jay Mackin Board President Shelby Russell Executive Director
MEET OUR 2024 BOARD
Dr. Sherry Bayliff, Medical Officer
University of Kentucky Healthcare
Jessica Clark Humana
Lauren Cox
Boxcar PR
Jon Dubins
Retired UPS
Greg Gitschier
St. Patrick Church
Jim Hayne, Secretary Stites & Harbison
Cassidy Hyde YPAL
Larry Judd, Treasurer Judd & Judd, PLLC
Jay Mackin, Board President Interlock Industries
Aimee McCaa
Norton Healthcare
Joy Minner Minner Vines Injury Lawyers PLLC
Thomas Perrone, Past President Perrone Wealth Management
Eric Wood ACC Network
MISSION & CORE VALUES
Community
We put our community first as we act with compassion towards others. We build and collaborate in our work, so it showcases magic, adventure and fun. Our mission is the heart of all we do.
Integrity
We are honest and fair, trustworthy and reliable. We are accountable for our actions, are good stewards of our resources and act in transparency. We do the right things for the right reasons.
Respect
We are inclusive, value one another and practice open and honest communication. We treat others how we want to be treated and are sensitive to individuals and their situations.
The mission of Kids Cancer Alliance is to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and their families through recreational and support programs.
Excellence
We strive to be excellent in all that we do and to be the best we can be. We are innovative and adapt well to change, are open to feedback and are dedicated to continuous improvement.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
In-Hospital Outreach Programs
Kids Cancer Alliance provides an array of recreational programming to children with cancer in the hospitals and outpatient clinics where they are treated. These programs bring comfort and smiles to help make the hospital more hospitable. Our In-Hospital Programs Include:
Flashes Of Hope: Flashes of Hope was created to capture smiles and forever preserve images of courage, beauty and dignity. Flashes of Hope provides families with professional photos of their child, creates memories for families, documents their cancer journey, and provides a fun distraction from routine hospital activities. Flashes of Hope is a program of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and KCA is proud to run the Louisville/Lexington chapter.
Meals & More: By delivering warm meals and delicious treats to patients and their caregivers, KCA allows families to enjoy time together without the stress or burden of figuring out where their next meal will come from. This small but powerful act of care means families can stay together throughout treatment, sharing comfort, conversation, and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time.
Activities, Holiday Parties & More: KCA partners with Pediatric Oncology treatment centers to ensure patients don’t miss out on celebrating milestones of childhood by hosting holiday parties, birthdays, fun activities and more.
All Kids Cancer Alliance’s In-Hospital Outreach Programs are designed to provide joy, hope, and support to children with cancer and ensure they know they are not fighting alone.
PROGRAM IMPACTS
In-Hospital Programs
In 2024, Kids Cancer Alliance served families at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Children’s Cancer Institute – Outpatient Clinic, and Kentucky Children’s Hospital – DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Clinic.
2,530 Meals Served
2,760 Snacks Served
32 Flashes of Hope Photography Sessions
133 Holidays, Celebrations, & Activities
“There is a long never ending list of how Kids Cancer Alliance has impacted our lives. KCA does so much for all their families that is incredible. Always knowing they want to help so many people makes me want to always be a part of this amazing organization.”
PROGRAM IMPACTS
10
PROGRAM IMPACTS
CAMPER SPOTLIGHT
The Collins Family
A cancer diagnosis at just one year old changed the Collins family forever. Jonathan remembers his time in treatment, saying, “being woken up by doctors and constantly having needles under my skin.” He was given a 60% chance of survival—shockingly, the best news his parents had heard in the week of his diagnosis. His treatment required intensive surgery and radiation, both of which caused life-long effects.
Like many families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, the Collins family struggled to lean on friends and relatives for support. Jonathan’s mother, Esther, explained, “The family around you, they support you, but they don’t understand what it is like having a child that could possibly die.”
It was Jonathan’s preschool teacher who first told his parents about Kids Cancer Alliance. After hearing about the organization, they decided to attend Family Retreat—and from then on, they were hooked.
Jonathan’s first KCA event was a Family Retreat in 2015. It was the first time he met other kids who had cancer like him. The whole family was able to spend time together, do fun activities, and connect with others who truly understood what they were going through.
Now, Jonathan and his sister Violet attend camp every year, building countless memories and friendships along the way. Jonathan enjoys using his talent for piano, often playing Bohemian Rhapsody for everyone at camp. Violet prefers the volleyball tournament and the dance.
Jonathan says camp is a place where anyone can embrace their weird side and feel free to be themselves. He hopes that he can continue his time at camp returning as a counselor after graduation.
Their mom says she sees a real difference in her children after camp. “They seem more adventurous, confident, and less stressed out.”
For the Collins family, Kids Cancer Alliance has become more than just a camp—it’s a second home, a place of healing, laughter, and lifelong connections. Through the hardest of times, it has given them moments of joy, understanding, and hope.
Scan here to watch an interview with Jonathan and his family!
“You have all these people coming together to help a bunch of children that are in the fight of their lives. The amount of joy that it brings to see the kids have so much fun, it’s unbelievable.”
– Stephen (Jonathan’s
Dad)
FINANCIALS
FEATURED SUPPORTERS
Businesses & Foundations
Air Hydro Power
Big O Tires Kentuckiana
Care Camps Foundation
Clark Family Foundation
Cox’s/Evergreen Liquors
FourEvergreen Foundation
IPA Foundation
Kosair for Kids
Meghan’s Mountain Foundation
Porcini/Farmer Children’s Foundation
Schardein Mechanical
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The following named endowment funds have been established to provide lasting support for the mission of Kids Cancer Alliance, ensuring that children with cancer and their families continue to receive care, comfort, and connection for generations to come:
If you are interested in learning more about starting a named endowment fund at KCA, please reach out to Shelby Russell: shelby@kidscanceralliance.org or 502-365-1538.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Circle of Friends is Kids Cancer Alliance’s giving society, recognizing our most generous individual donors whose annual gifts provide vital support for children with cancer and their families through every step of their journey.
Circle of Empowerment ($10,000+)
Steve Blandford
Chris & Tammy Cook
Jon & Adrianne Dubins
Matthew & Melissa Gettelfinger
Billy & Julie Grantz
Troy Hanke & Donna Sanders
Carol Ann & Rob Hunter
Jay & Lisa Mackin
Circle of Hope ($5,000
Mike & Susan Blacketer
Charlie Boone
Jessica Clark-Dettmer & Andrew
Dettmer
Russell Cotton
Sara & Tommy Floyd
Greg & Tracy Gitschier
Chris & Kimberly Graham
Michelle & David Greenberg
Kim Hamilton
Lindsay & Eric Harden
Charles & Sherry Henry
George Hippler
Bill & Jill Howard
Michael & Kathryn Mackin
Thomas McGuire
Mark & Teresa Meister
James & Adina Nolan
Moriah Ogilvie & William Holton
Matt & Sherry Ott
Tom & Shelley Perrone
Jerri Perrone & Peter McLaughlin
– $9,999)
Rob & Fleurette Hutcherson
Dan & Lisa Jones
April Jones
Alan & Angie Jones
Larry Judd
Mark & Clare Krebs
Richie & Shannon Lampton
Richard Lechleiter
Alison & Steve Lile
Renee Mardis
Aimee McCaa & Chuck Schupp
Aaron & Brittany Metten
Tim & Toni Newton
Billy Palmer & Diane Miller
Sherry Powers & Mark Ballard
Jim & Laurie St. Clair
David Walker
John & Jean Wasz Family
Steve Wilhite
Jude & Will Wolford
Benjamin Price
Valerie & Robert Pullen
Kate & Tim Ratliff
Mac Ricketts
Richard & Judy Schmitt
Chris & Jordan Semder
John & Kellie Sheryak
Joshua Strange
Brian & Sarah Thieneman
Richard & Natalie Tinsley
Blaine Van Gansbeke
Paul & Melissa Varga
Buddy Wallace
Eric & Leslie Wood
Kids Cancer Alliance Thanks Our 2024 Circle of Friends!
Circle of Support ($1,000 – $4,999)
Jacob Allen
Dr. Jeff & Valerie Allen
Donald Ansert & Angela
Armstrong
Shae Baird
Rob & Jeannine Baker
Julie Baum
Sherry Bayliff & Michael Webster
C. Barret Birnsteel
Aaron Bischoff
Ken & Becky Blacketer
Tasha Boel
Marcus Bourke
Lianne & Rick Bradshaw
Suzie & David Bright
Lauren Byrn
Christie Carroll
Rosemary & Kenneth Cavanaugh
Carlee Chaffin
Steve & Heidi Clephas
Scott & Elena Colosi
Cole Colville
Matt Conn
Lauren Cox
Joey Craig
Shannon Crawford
David & Lindsey Curry
Wally Dant
Tommy Dazzio
Brent Etscorn
David & Kimberly Faeth
Lou Ann & Terry Fenwick
Grant Fisher
Mike & Annie Fisk
Paige Fitzhugh
Jimmy & Betsy Ford
Amanda Fritz
Jennifer & Paul Fultz
Damon & Stacie Garrett
Heather & Jim Gates
Carrie Gates
Brad & Julie Geren
Charles Glackin
Kristy Glasscock
Susan Graf
Andrea Gross
Roger & Karen Hale
Alan Hardesty
John & Elizabeth Hargreaves
Julia & Curt Hargrove
Ronnie Harris & Katie King
Jerome Hartlage
Jim & Whitney Hayne
Jim Haynes
Anne Hoskins
Dianna Howard & Joe Oldham
Brian & Michelle Johnson
Mark Johnson
Rachel Johnson
Ross & Shea Jones
Connie Kaelin
Erick Kammeyer
Stephen Karem
Billy Kaufman
Dena & Jonathan Keith
Jim & Lisa Kennedy
Jessica & Nick Kramer
Edward & Dee Kupper
John & Maria Kurnick
Desiree Laake
Steve & Theresa Lutes
Brad Martens
Andrew & Melissa Masterson
Chad & Christie McCormick
Dan McDonnell
Carrie & Kevin McKim
Laura & Andrew Means
Rachel & Angie Miles-Merrick
Lisa Mills
Joy & Matt Minner
Karen Mujica
John Norman
Jerry & Kelly O’Daniel
Brad & Nana Ogden
Curtis & Terri Park
Justin & Myka Pearce
Kelly & Kitty Pfeiffer
Jill & John Poynter
Lewis & Linda Prince
Michael Rehm
Tommy Reid
Kathy Resch
Mark & Marsha Riggle
Ronnie & Teresa Roberts
Shelby & Michael Russell
Rob Scherff
Bob & Gloria Schermer
David & Beth Scinta
Joshua & Logan Shaffer
Marian Shimp
Cara & John Shore
Susan & Danny Smith
Keith & Susan Spayd
Joe & Sony Steier
Jerry & Leslye Steinberg
Ray & Carolyn Strothman
Christopher & Elizabeth Stull
Darlene Thornbery
Duncan & Nancy Waggoner
Lori Walker
Charles Walker
Tina Walters & Mike Chumbley
Chuck & Denna Watson
Michael & Lindsey Webber
Joe & Ruth Welch
Jordan Wells
Laura & Tyler Westfaul
Alyson Wiggins
We have done our best to include a thorough and accurate listing. We apologize for any mistakes or omissions in the list and kindly ask that you reach out to us at Info@KidsCancerAlliance.org so we can make it right.
CONCERT FOR THE CAUSE
Kids Cancer Alliance’s Concert for the Cause event celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024 and it was a resounding success. Thanks to our supporters, the event raised a record breaking $875,000 net proceeds, which brings the total raised since the event’s inception to over $6,000,000!
We sincerely thank our Presenting Sponsor, the Porcini-Farmer Children’s Foundation, each of our sponsors, donors, and supporters who gave so generously, and the Concert for the Cause Committee members who donate their time to ensure the success of the event each year. We are inspired by our community’s unwavering support and filled with hope for the brighter future they are creating for local families battling childhood cancer.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
The Porcini/Farmer Children’s Foundation
Mission Sponsors:
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Anabel’s Oriental Rugs
JP Morgan Wealth Management
Mackin Family Foundation
Partner Sponsors: Blacketer Co.
Century Entertainment
Perrone Group at Morgan Stanley
Trophy Lease
Corporate Sponsors:
Grantz Family/Cox’s & Evergreen Liquors
Palmer Roofing
Stock Yards Bank & Trust
Friends of the Alliance:
BoxCar PR
Catholic Education Foundation
CBI Insurance
Chris & Tammy Cook
Churchill Downs
Clark-Dettmer Family
Dan O’s Seasoning
DeCamillis & Mattingly, PLLC
Eric & Leslie Wood
Grasshoppers Land Clearing & Tree Service
Greg & Tracy Gitschier
HIPE Financial
Honaker Aviation
In Memory of David Power
Joe Clayton
John & Kellie Sheryak
Jon & Adrianne Dubins
Jordan Semder Interiors
Judd & Judd PLLC
Kosair for Kids
Land Design & Development
Lemonade for Life
Limestone Title & Escrow
McCaa-Schupp & Greenberg Families
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
Noltemeyer Capital LLLP
Paul Varga
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Poe Companies
Ray Family Foundation
RJ Thieneman Foundation
RNDC
Rob Hutcherson
Sam Kinnaird’s Flooring
Schnell Contractors Inc.
Shenanigans Irish Grille/River City Distributing
Snap Painting Plus
Stile Homes
Strothman and Company
Sunshine Industries
Teamsters Local 89
Troy Hanke
Wallace Company/Mefford
Contracting
West Point Engineers
Work-A-Haulix, LLC