Our Impact:
Comfort & Support
Providing comfort and support to heroes and their families is one of the most important things we do. Comfort Packs were Sam’s own creation and started as an idea to provide Comfort Packs to 100 kids during Sam’s 100 days of isolation following his bone marrow transplant.
Comfort Packs
Comfort Packs were the idea of Sam himself as part of his wish to take care of “All the Kids” in the hospital. Our Comfort Packs include items that brought comfort to Sam when he was in the hospital – stuffed animals, movies, and soft blankets. Comfort Packs can be mailed nationwide and we make Comfort Pack deliveries to hospitals throughout the Midwest.
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Sibling Packs
Awesome Ava, Sam’s twin sister, came up with the idea for Sibling Support Packs because “Cancer is a Family Fight!” Our Ava’s Avengers packs include crazy socks, journals, and other items to help pass the time in the hospital. We want siblings to know they are noticed and supported.
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Caregiver Packs
Caregiver Packs are available to be sent to caregivers and contain items such as journals, unscented soaps, tissues, laundry detergent, wipes, and other practical items that are needed during extended hospital stays. While Caregiver Packs are provided free of charge thanks to our generous supporters and sponsors, they are our most expensive packs to send. Donations are welcome to help offset costs.
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Ava’s Avengers formation
Sam’s twin sister, Ava, created Ava’s Avengers as her part of the Foundation because, “Cancer is a family fight!” Ava’s first project was the creation of Sibling Packs, a complement to our Comfort Packs. Sibling packs are designed for the brothers and sisters of heroes in the fight to help them pass the time in the hospital and, to make sure they know they are seen and heard. They are fighting a battle too.
As Ava grew, so did her role with the Foundation. Ava has found her voice and uses it well to share her message that “Sisters should be able to keep their brothers.” Ava has often said that Sam is the face of the Foundation and she is the voice. What a great voice she has. Her words are powerful and inspiring.
It’s hard to watch your sibling endure pain and suffering and know the only thing you can do is be there to make them smile or hold their hand. After Sam was promoted to heaven, I knew I could be his voice and continue his mission of fighting for “all the kids.” Know that you can make a difference and remember you are loved too!
I learned from a young hero in the fight, Gabriel Polston, who’s motto was to #livelikecrazytoday I’m thankful to have my Avengers by my side to help me through the tough days and remember to enjoy life to the fullest.
Best wishes to you on your journey — Ava
Ava’s avengers in action
Ava’s Avengers are a group of young people who are using their voices in big ways to affect real change on Capitol Hill. Our Avengers travel annually to Childhood Cancer Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., where they meet with their state representatives and voice their concerns over the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research. The Avengers also learn about current legislation and potential legislation that would increase funding, and they help advocate for the new legislation to be passed.
Upon returning home, the Avengers continue using their voices and being advocates for our Heroes in the fight. They have been featured as speakers at our Annual Hope Gala in September since 2019 and have attended various other speaking engagements including their local schools to stand up for “All the Kids!”
Ava’s Avengers also decided that families who must spend their holiday in the hospital should know that they are remembered and loved. So, they assembled a blessing bag for 60 families and delivered them today to our local, MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital. They have continued this tradition for holidays dropping off fun projects for kids during St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. We at SSF are so thankful for our thoughtful, caring, and engaged Avengers that are continuing to think of ways to help “all the kids.”
