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MIDDLEBURG -- Kelsey’s Dream marked what would have been Kelsey Kuhns’ birthday Oct. 8 with a communitywide snack donation initiative benefiting children receiving cancer treatment and their families at hospitals across central Pennsylvania.
The nonprofit organization collected snacks from community members and supporters to distribute to children’s cancer clinics, where patients and their families often spend long hours attending medical appointments.
The birthday initiative began Oct. 8 with a visit to Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey, where the organization established a new partnership to provide snacks for children visiting the hospital’s cancer clinic.
Tina Kuhns and Kelsey’s aunt, Amie Knause-Miller, helped organize the program following discussions with hospital staff the previous year.
"This is such a meaningful way to celebrate Kelsey’s birthday," Tina Kuhns said. "Every delivery reminds us that her spirit of kindness is still reaching children and families. We are so grateful to everyone who donated, shipped snacks, or helped spread the word. Their generosity makes these moments possible."
The group also visited Ronald McDonald House of Central Pennsylvania in Hershey, where Kuhns arranged a surprise pizza party for families staying at the facility.
During the visit, Kuhns toured the house and its new playground equipment manufactured by Playworld Systems, where she worked for 18 years.
The playground held personal significance for Kuhns, whose daughters, Kelsey and Kylie, had participated in company catalog photo shoots during her time with Playworld Systems.
The birthday initiative continued with a snack delivery to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville.
The hospital’s program allows children to select snacks, juice boxes and microwaveable meals during lengthy appointments. Additional donations supported snack distributions through Geisinger’s Children’s Cancer Clinic and Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
The final stop was Ronald McDonald House of Danville, where families were served homemade loaded potato soup prepared by Knause-Miller.
The soup had previously been a favorite at Kelsey’s Fall Festival. Families also received homemade pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing prepared by Ashley Moyer, one of Kelsey’s longtime friends.
The initiative was supported by donors, volunteers, health care partners and community members who contributed food and helped coordinate deliveries.
Through the birthday observance, Kelsey’s Dream sought to continue Kuhns’ legacy by providing practical assistance to families dealing with childhood cancer.
The organization works with hospitals and community partners to provide support and comfort to children undergoing treatment and their families.