Family Launches Non-Profit to Help Pediatric Cancer Patients

Pleasanton, Calif. — This month marks the launch of Scottie’s Gift Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded to support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Founded by the Kienhofer family, the organization raises funds to provide personalized gift baskets with critical supplies for children receiving treatment, including a tablet, age-appropriate toys, books, games, blankets; and/or gift cards.

Scottie's Gift Foundation (SGF) was created to honor the Kienhofer’s son and brother, Scott. Scott grew up in Pleasanton and attended Foothill High School, where he played baseball as a lefty pitcher.

On May 1, 2017, when Scott was 16 years old, he was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. While he was receiving treatment at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Scott decided he wanted to give gift baskets to other children fighting cancer to ease their stay at the hospital.

Scott created a plan and shared it with his family while going through treatment. After fighting cancer for ten months, Scott passed away on March 12, 2018, but he left behind his vision for Scottie's Gift Foundation. The Kienhofer family is proud to carry out his dream.

“I’m grateful that Scottie left us with a clear vision to build a Foundation that will provide love, joy, and comfort to children and their families as they battle this horrible disease,” said SGF President Brigit Kienhofer. “I look forward to working closely with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and the local community to help carry out Scottie’s dream.”

Scott was one of one hundred newly diagnosed and treated pediatric cancer patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland in 2017. The Foundation’s goal is to raise enough money to support all the newly diagnosed children at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland once they start distributing baskets this December.

“So often in the hospital, we are focused on treating the physical. Scottie’s Gift Foundation allows our patients to connect to who they are beyond their diagnosis, and in doing so, provides hope and resilience” said department manager Divna Wheelwright. “The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is proud to call them a partner.”

Scottie’s Gift Foundation’s inaugural event, Scottie’s 21st Birthday Party “Cheers to 21 Years” will be hosted virtually on May 15th. More details are available on Facebook and Instagram.

About Scottie’s Gift Foundation

Our mission is to bring love, joy, and comfort to newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients and their families.

To donate, visit the Scottie’s Gift Foundation website at www.scottiesgift.org.

Stay up to date on Scottie’s Gift Foundation activities by following on Facebook @ScottiesGiftFoundation, and Instagram and Twitter at @scottiesgift.