“Reason this person is a Gold Ribbon Hero: On Aug. 16, 2013, 21-month-old Kallie Swan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It turned the Swan family’s world upside down. They thought to themselves, “How and why did this happen to our 21-month-old daughter?” Although the doctors couldn’t give those answers, they knew they had to do something. So they have rallied with family, friends and community to “fight like a girl” and crusade against childhood cancer.

Not even a month after Kallie’s diagnosis, in September 2013, an entire weekend was planned to benefit Kallie and her family. That weekend, along with all the other events that took place, fittingly became known as “Kallie’s Krusade.” This event helped raise money for the expenses the Swan family incurred.

The community rallied together and it was a huge success, which inspired the creation of this foundation.

Since that weekend in September, Kallie’s Krusade has become a not-for-profit foundation. 100% of the monies raised at the annual fundraiser events will be utilized to help other families in our community whose lives have been stricken with pediatric cancer. From transportation, to lodging and other expenses, the foundation will help to alleviate the financial toll that childhood disease takes on a family

Since Kallie’s death in May, Tara continues to fight to raise awareness the Childhood Cancer through Kallie’s Krusade.” – Gretchen H.