Sadie Keller Foundation was created shortly after Sadie was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 when she was seven years old. Her mission is to put a smile on the faces of childhood cancer fighters everywhere by giving them special gifts, to financially support families that are in the hospital for long periods of time, to raise much needed awareness, and to fight in Washington, D.C. for more research funding.
Currently, out of all research dollars the National Cancer Institute receives from the government, only 4 percent goes to childhood cancer. Sadie believes that we must all band together to fight and end childhood cancer. To further focus on accomplishing the SKF mission, Sadie works as a public speaker, advocate, and activist to garner support for patients, families, and lobbies in Washington, D.C. for more research funding.
There are many wonderful ways to get involved in the Sadie Keller Foundation. Through the website you can sign up to volunteer, be part of the volunteer committee, be a drop-off location, and help collect toys for Sadie's big toy drive, Sadie's Sleigh, and partner with Sadie by becoming a sponsor.
Sadie Keller Foundation has two signature events, Sadie's Sleigh and the Sadie Keller Foundation Yellow Ball.
Sadie's Sleigh is an annual toy drive for childhood cancer fighters across North Texas and beyond that have to spend Christmas in the hospital. Over four years, they have donated over 36,000 toys to Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Cook Children's, Medical City Children's Hospital, and Children's Medical Center in Plano. In 2019, Sadie's Sleigh expanded to Texas Children's in Houston and Dell Children's in Austin, as well as five other Children's hospitals in five states.
The SKF Yellow Ball is the organization's annual gala and largest fundraiser. The event features a sit-down dinner, silent and live auction, program, and dancing. Sadie gives two awards on this special night. The Sadie's Hero Award is given to someone that has made a significant impact in the childhood cancer community. Sadie's Fighter Award is given to childhood cancer fighters from across North Texas.
