New Lenox James Family Gives Back to the Treasure Chest

Fifteen years ago, Taylor James was diagnosed with a form of high-risk leukemia, at the age of three. Within days of the diagnosis, the James family of New Lenox learned their daughter would require a bone marrow transplant due to her high-risk subtype of leukemia and that they needed to start looking for a bone marrow donor. Their oldest son Matt was found to be a perfect match and within two months of her initial diagnosis, Taylor was undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

Fifteen years later, the James family continues to give back to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation (POTCF), the organization that helped Taylor throughout her treatment period, by hosting a contactless drop-off toy drive at their home in New Lenox to celebrate the 15th anniversary of her successful bone marrow transplant. Family, friends and neighbors were asked to donate a toy for children currently undergoing cancer treatment at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, the two institutions that cared for Taylor. After the toy drive ended 100’s of toys, $40 in gift cards and $765.00 was collected to directly benefit children fighting cancer.

Taylor’s dad Pat said, “People kept coming and coming with toy donations. Our friends and family went above and beyond.” Taylor’s mom Maureen added, “This is very humbling. Cancer does not stop during a pandemic. I can’t imagine Taylor going through cancer treatment during a pandemic.”

19-year-old Taylor remarked, “The toy drive was a lot larger than I thought it would be.” Taylor’s brother Luke chimed in, “I’m so proud of Taylor for being so strong and bringing the community together.” Taylor’s brother Connor added, “I thank the Treasure Chest for all the smiles you provide.”

Treasure Chest Foundation Vice President Salvatore Cirrincione delivered a moving talk thanking the James Family for all they have done these past 15 years.

POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel said, “My heart was especially moved as I could recall the day my son was diagnosed with leukemia. It is hard enough to hear the word cancer let alone that your child needs a bone marrow transplant all in the same sentence. We feel so blessed to have the support of the James family along with their friends, family and neighbors.”

The POTCF is a unique organization whose services impact more than 14,600 young cancer patients in 61cancer treatment centers in 20 states across the nation and in the District of Columbia. Nowhere else in the nation does such a program exist. Colleen Kisel founded the organization in 1996 after her then seven-year-old son Martin had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. Ms. Kisel discovered that giving her son a toy after each procedure provided a calming distraction from his pain, noting that when children are diagnosed with cancer their world soon becomes filled with doctors, nurses, chemotherapy drugs, surgeries and seemingly endless painful procedures. Martin celebrated his 27th anniversary of remission from the disease in March of 2020.

If you would like further information about the Treasure Chest Foundation, please contact Colleen Kisel at 708-687-TOYS (8697) or visit the Foundation’s web site at www.treasurechest.org.

Pictured l-r: Taylor James (age 19), Patrick (dad), Maureen (mom), brother Luke (age 21), brother Connor (age 24), Treasure Chest Foundation Vice President Salvatore Cirrincione and daughter Skyler proudly display the donation of toys and gift cards at the Treasure Chest Foundation’s Orland Park warehouse. The toys will bring smiles of joy to 100’s of children and teens battling cancer at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn and Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago the two institutions that cared for Taylor.

Not pictured: Brother Matt James