• Entertainment
• Toy Closets/Toy Chests
• Snacks
• Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
• Ellen's Fund
• Ian Kyle Fund
• Smile Makers
• Memory Makers
• Special Assistance
• Munchie Mondays
• Golden Thread Book Club
• Maddie's Wish
• Jake's iPad Crew
• Parties & Events
  • The Magic House
  • Cardinals' Game
  • Halloween Party
  • Winter Wonderland
  • Summer Picnic

Jake's iPad Crew

One of the hottest, most sought-after items on the market for students of all ages is the iPad. However, for teends battling cancer in treatment centers, this technology provides much more than entertainment. Jake Franzel was a senior at Lindbergh High School when he received an iPad over the holidays.

Jake spent most of his high school years in treatment for osteosarcoma. Therefore, he was able to use this device to keep up with his friends, work on his homework, upload textbooks for school, watch movies, and play games. The iPad was perfect for Jake to use in the hospital, even when he was not feeling well from treatment.

Jake's iPad Crew Fund is being established by his family and willpurchase iPads for high school students in treatment for cancer. Jake's sister, Bekah, states, "Jake's best quality was his sellessness as he was dedicated to raising money for Friends of Kids with Cancer. He never forgot about those who helped him throughout his journey." It was originally Jake's idea to provide iPads for teens in treatment centers after noticing fewer programs, options, or things to do for patients his age.

With the recommendation and approval of the treatment center medical staff, Jake's iPad Crew will purchase iPads for these kids. Just one month after his passing, his mother and sister, Sue and Bekah, along with Friends of Kids with Cancer Executive Director, Judy Ciapciak, purchased the first iPad and delivered it to a paitent named Joey, another senior at Lindbergh High School.

"Jake lost his battle before he got to see his idea come to life, but the crew who supported him through these past few years is excited to work with Friends of Kids with Cancer to bring his dream to life," said Bekah.