Published: November 15, 2008 11:11 pm      

Cards raising funds for pediatric patients

Two local girls designed cards to help fund Gary’s Locker

Christmas cards designed by children are being sold at some area businesses to benefit pediatric patients at Clarian North Cancer and Blood Disease Center.

The cards are the result of a project by 11-year-old Kori Brown, a Maconaquah Elementary pupil, that will raise funds for the Impact Foundation of Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett.

Another Kokomo girl, Madison Saban, has a card in the pack of 13 that is being sold for $10 at Jamie’s Soda Fountain, Big Ben Coffee and the We Care Store in Kokomo, Bunker Hill’s Ace Outdoor Clothing and gift shops at Riley Hospital for Children and Clarian North.

Money raised from the sale of the cards will be used to stock Gary’s Locker at the Carmel hospital.

“Gary’s Locker is a big locker filled with puzzles, laptops and handheld games,” said Heather Cowan, Kori’s mother. “It provides things for kids to do while they are there getting treatment.”

The Impact Foundation has already installed Gary’s Locker at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Brackett established the foundation in 2006 to help children affected by cancer.

The Christmas cards feature the designs of children, who are patients at Clarian North, and each card has a different greeting inside. Kori first did the cards in 2006 as part of a fundraiser for Relay for Life.

Anita Barker, who works in the Cancer & Blood Disease Center, helped find other patients to draw the cards.

“Anita got the kids to draw pictures. There are 13 different cards. Kori and 17 other children combined to do the cards,” Cowan said.

That’s how recently turned 6-year-old Madison Saban, of Kokomo, got involved.

“Maddy goes once a month for checkups, to go for a blood count,” said her mother, Libby. “While they are there, there is a child-life lady for the children to play or do crafts with. Maddy’s one of those kids who always wants to do crafts.”

Libby Saban said her daughter was excited to do it.

“She thought it was an honor and really took her time, well as much time as a 5-year-old can, to make the card,” she said. “I don’t think she really understands it all, but she knows it has something to do with the Colts.

“She knows it will make money for other children who are sick like her.”

Madison was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 at the age of 3 after complaining her leg was hurting. She immediately began treatments and finished up her treatments Nov. 14, 2007. Madison and her family celebrated her third year of remission in October.

Kori’s card is in Colts blue and says “Let It Snow” and “Go Colts.” Madison’s card has a design by her and another girl and says “Happy Holidays.”

Humphrey Printing of Kokomo printed the 250 sets of cards at cost. Brown got sponsorships from H.E. McGonigal, Donnie Michael’s Karate, Stout & Son Funeral Home, the Indiana Mustangs and Joni Keith of Joni’s Art & Design to pay the cost of printing.

“That means all the sales will be pure profit for the Impact Foundation,” Cowan said.

John Dempsey may be contacted at (765) 854-6739 or by e-mail at john.dempsey@kokomotribune.com