Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

The mission of the Treasure Chest Foundation is to provide comfort and distraction from painful procedures to children and teens who have been diagnosed with cancer by providing toys, gifts and gift cards from a Treasure Chest.

On February 15, 1993, seven-year-old Martin Kisel faced a daunting challenge—a diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). For the next three years, he would climb a grueling mountain of treatments, battling the harsh realities of chemotherapy and painful procedures. It was a treacherous climb, but in those moments of difficulty, his mother, Colleen Kisel, noticed something small yet powerful: a toy after each procedure could bring Martin a fleeting moment of joy amid his struggle.

Seeing the happiness these toys sparked in her son, she saw an opportunity to ease the climb for other children facing similar battles. Inspired by the comfort these toys brought to her son, Colleen decided to share this gift with others. She embarked on her own climb—an uphill battle of letter-writing and fundraising. Her determination led to a breakthrough in August 1996, when the Aramark Corporation made a generous contribution. This marked the first summit for what would become the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

Over the years, the Treasure Chest Foundation has continued to ascend, growing from a humble idea into a lifeline for thousands of young cancer patients. With each step forward, the Foundation’s reach expanded, fueled by the support of generous donors and corporate partners. From its early days to now, the Foundation has brought comfort and joy to children and teens undergoing cancer treatments across the United States, providing them with treasures of hope during their toughest moments.