Katelyn’s Cause is in honor of Retired Police Chief Chris Wallace and Molly Wallace’s daughter, Katelyn, who succumbed to synovial sarcoma in 2008 at the age of 17. Katelyn’s wish was to start a program that provided nonessential medical care to patients; just something to bring a smile to their faces.
Katelyn’s Cause raises money every year to purchase gifts for sick children. In December of each year the gifts are hand delivered to children with cancer receiving treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The gifts range from toys to gift cards, to electronics for some teens. Additionally, Katelyn’s Cause enables gifts to be maintained at Doernbecher and distributed over the rest of the year to patients battling cancer, sometimes being delivered the day the child is diagnosed.
Katelyn’s Cause is also available during the year if needed for special requests. All the money raised for Katelyn’s Cause…100%…goes directly to fund the program. Katelyn’s Cause is proud to have become an accepted program at Doernbecher Oncology.
Katelyn’s Cause has grown significantly over the years which has allowed us to also offer a year-round gift card program to assist with lodging, gas, food etc. as well as a summer bash program that provides patients with swag bags full of fun items for all ages.
Katelyn’s Cause is a nonprofit organization classified as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Our Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 81-1974608. Katelyn’s Cause can provide tax receipts for all contributions.
Katelyn Wallace was a sassy, strong, bright young lady that deeply touched those that were lucky enough to know her in her short life. Katelyn was an avid shopper that loved new trends and styles, so it seems fitting that her memory lives on with “Katelyn’s Cause” and all the amazing gifts that are donated to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital each year in her name. The donations are enormous, and the impact to families cannot adequately be put into words.
Each December around Christmas, Katelyn’s Cause brings loads of toys, electronics and gift cards to our families. It is truly a magical experience watching the unsuspecting families receive these generous gifts. Children squeal in delight, and parents often cry tears of joy and disbelief. Again in July, Katelyn’s Cause, donates a large amount of gift cards to our clinic. These gifts, without question, brighten the day of a family in crisis. They are so very appreciative and humbled by these gifts. We are forever grateful for these donations that touch these special kids and their families each year. I know Katelyn would be delighted to see such happiness in the faces of so many children!
