News & Notes
2025 Brain Cancer Symposium Welcomes Researchers from Around the Globe
July 27: As part of the DIPG Collaborative, Heidi is in Banff Canada attending the 2025 Brain Cancer Symposium. The event is a prime opportunity to catch up on research developments from researchers from around the globe.
Ballou Family Honors Hayden with Special Gift to Love, Chloe
July 25: In the midst of grieving the loss of Hayden, the Ballou family honored his Heavenly 16th birthday, July 20, by raising money for Love, Chloe Warrior Wagons.
Initially, their goal was to raise enough to fund one wagon; then two, and ultimately, THREE wagons! More than $4,500 was raised in Hayden's memory. Hayden gave his own money to help sponsor a wagon at our 2023 Gold Ribbon Gala, so this was a perfect way to honor their brave and generous warrior!
Thank you, Ballou family!
Monkey in My Chair Eases Children's Absence at School
July 24: Pictures and notes like that ones we received from Miguel mean the world to us! Approximately 800 Monkey in My Chair kits are sent across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Ireland each year to keep children in cancer treatment connected to their classmates.
Heidi Chosen as a 2025 Women of Achievement Honoree
July 26: Heidi has been chosen as a 2025 Woman of Achievement and will be honored in the category of SERVICE TO COMMUNITY. This category recognizes women who make contributions of time within their place of employment or through personal/volunteer efforts to their community and/or country. Her history of service demonstrates a commitment of putting others’ needs before their own. The long-term effect is that this has enhanced the quality of life for members of the community. She is invested in changing the community through initiatives to provide service that benefits others. Congratulations, Heidi!
2025/26 Student Ambassadors of Childhood Cancer Announced
We are excited to announce our Student Ambassadors of Childhood Cancer for the 2025/2026 school year!
Summer Davis - South High
Kiera Main - South High
Brittany Benavides - South High
Angela On - South High
Callie Moore - Sacred Heart
Karrigan Thompson - Sacred Heart
Abi Garcia - Sacred Heart
Tyler Penn - Sacred Heart
Morgan Pavey - Central High
Jordan Willis - Southeast of Saline
Madysen Houser - Ell-Saline
As our first group of Ambassadors, these talented students will lead the way in our new Student Ambassadors of Childhood Cancer Initiative. They will determine the mission and direction of the Ambassadors, create fundraising events and spread awareness of childhood cancer.
Volunteers Fill the Gap in Necessary Tasks
Volunteers from Foursquare Gospel Church, Salina (pictured) and The Ark Church, Salina, came in to help prepare Monkey in My Chair kits July 9 and July 19. From filling pencil bags to assembling and boxing kits, their help was a blessing as we come up on a new school year and an influx of kit requests.
Warrior Wagons Deliver Smiles and Support to Kansas Childhood Cancer Families
Love, Chloe Warrior Wagons are piled nearly 4' tall with items for the entire family, including toys, toiletry and laundry supplies, blankets, Love, Chloe gear, comfy clothes for hospital stays, and gift cards the family can use during their child's in-patient treatment. Each wagon is valued at $1,500. Currently, our wagons are delivered across the State of Kansas!
Pictured: Brogen, age 6, was diagnosed with Mixed-Phenotype Acute Leukemia/Lymphoma in December 2024. Brogen and his family live in Junction City. We delivered his wagon July 15.
Walmart of Junction City Donates $1,000 to Love, Chloe
June 20: Heidi, along with two Board members, traveled to Junction City to accept a generous $1,000 donation from Walmart. Donations like these help us to continue providing immediate and long-term support to Kansas childhood cancer families through our Warrior Wagons and Financial Support Grants.
First Annual Moms' Retreat Offers Fun and Connection for Warrior Moms
June 22: Our 1st Annual Moms' Retreat was a success!
The Retreat was held at the beautiful Pipe Creek Lodge in a scenic and peaceful landscape just north of Minneapolis, Kansas.
The moms enjoyed goat yoga, a Paint & Sip art class, laughter, tears and the comfort of other moms who are in or who have been a part of the childhood cancer journey.