Step right up to enjoy a circus-themed event — “The Greatest Steele Show” — to benefit sick kids and their families during the 2024 Kids of Steele FamFest on Sunday, Sept. 29.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we are so excited,” said Dana Goldstein, event chair. “Patients and their families and people from the community can come together for all the great activities at Funtasticks and other fun activities such as carnival games, a strolling magician, face painting and much more.”
Goldstein is also a member of the board of directors for Kids of Steele, an auxiliary organization comprised of children, families and friends that support Steele Children’s Research Center in its quest to teach, heal and discover through bench-to-bedside research and treatments.
Each year, Steele Center logs 60,000 patient visits through its clinical partner, Banner Health. Banner physicians provide treatment for sick children and regular pediatric well-checks; training for medical students and residents; and research in 28 labs with cutting-edge equipment.
Steele offers 16 divisions of pediatric-trained specialists, sub-specialists and researchers in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, autoimmune disorders, developmental behavioral pediatrics and genomic medicine.
Under Director Dr. Fayez Ghishan, Steele Center is leading the regional charge into pediatric precision medicine, according to Steele Center Development Director Lori Stratton.
Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all medical formulas, precision medicine takes into account genetics, environment and lifestyle to tailor treatments and therapies to individuals.
“We are most excited to look to the future and embrace precision medicine through our new Whole Genome Sequencing Center, where we will be able to run full genetic screenings on each patient to ensure we include or rule out a genetic underpinning of disease,” said Stratton.
The innovative treatments and research draw children and their families throughout the region and from around the world.
“Dr. Ghishan is a hero to these kids and their families,” said Goldstein. “We are so lucky that he is part of our community and is doing such ground-breaking research. The time and energy he puts into all of his patients is incredible.”
Her family has firsthand knowledge about care at Steele Center: Goldstein’s 11-year-old son, Nathan, began receiving procedures and treatment for gastrointestinal issues two years ago.
The family’s involvement with Kids of Steele had actually begun several years prior when Goldstein was in search of volunteer opportunities for her children. She said it has been a revelation for Nathan; Juliet, 10; and 6-year-old Emma.
“Steele doesn’t just provide care and treatment for kids facing life-threatening diagnoses: They provide research and care for so many things that can impact one’s health,” Goldstein said. “My kids know when we drive by the hospital that those are the patients they get to help and being part of that is really meaningful.”
Volunteerism with Kids of Steele has been equally significant to Ali Saavedra and her sons, Jack, 12; Jacob, 10; and 8-year-old Jonathan. The Saavedras became a Steele “member family” about six years ago and volunteer regularly; they will all assist at the upcoming fundraiser.
“The service projects that Kids of Steele offer are so great for younger kids who don’t have a lot of opportunities to participate in philanthropic activities,” said Saavedra, who is vice president of the board of directors. “It is great for them to use their little hands and put together activity kits and snack packs for pediatric patients. They really look forward to all of the Kids of Steele events.”
Ultimately, she believes that teaching children about giving back is a huge gift.
“Personally, I feel like our family is so fortunate,” Saavedra said. “We are healthy, we are involved in sports and school activities and all the things. It is important for them to see there are children just like them who are not as fortunate with their health ... I think lots of times with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, kids might forget that there is another life out there.”
Those attending the Steele FamFest will also have the opportunity to participate in service projects.
Supporters are hoping the upcoming fundraiser will raise at least $135,000 to benefit Steele Center. Those who can’t attend can make an online donation at kidsofsteele.org.
Kids of Steele support is critical to the center on multiple levels. The money raised is funneled into all types of pediatric research and especially impacts pilot studies that can fuel future grant funding, according to Stratton.
“Kids of Steel supports research projects for our medical students and pediatric residents, helping them benefit the patients they are working to heal. Kids of Steele families are also amazing ambassadors in our community and provide lots of love and items that our patients need. Steele Children’s wouldn’t be who we are without Kids of Steele,” Stratton said.
