Special moments & lasting memories
Cancer Kiss My Cooley is a charitable organization created in memory of Carter Kettner. Our mission is to create special moments and lasting memories for families living with pediatric brain tumors, in addition to funding brain cancer clinical research.
100
Kisses of Hope
1000000
Worth of Memories
165000
Brain Tumor Research
Kiss of Hope® Recipients

Matthew Erickson
In December 2012 we gave a Kiss of HOPE to 1 year old Matthew Erickson who was born with brain cancer.
CKMC had been closely following the Erickson family since Matthew’s diagnosis, through updates from the family on Facebook. Cinnamon Kettner, Vice President, reached out to the Erickson family when she discovered they were planning their son’s 1st birthday celebration. After speaking with Matthew’s mother, it was an easy decision for CKMC to help facilitate a 1st birthday party deserving of this superhero.
Nearly 200 of Matthew’s closest friends, family, and followers enjoyed an Italian buffet and a star studded lineup. There were magicians, a clown, and face painters that kept the children in attendance entertained. Wonderful balloon sculptures of candy canes and a toy soldier lit up the party room. Even Santa and his elf made an appearance. And, in keeping with Matthew’s superhero theme, the party was complete with a visit from Captain America, Batman, and Spiderman. Matthew’s 1st Birthday was a wonderful milestone, and CKMC was blessed to help the Erickson’s in creating some great memories.
While attending the celebration, Cinnamon Kettner shared her thoughts on the day. “That was so cool! It all happened so fast! But with a lot of help, once again, cancer kiss my cooley has pulled off something pretty awesome! How lucky are we, that we have the means to put these smiles on all of these faces! God Bless baby Matthew!”
You can learn more about Matthew’s story by visiting his Facebook page.

Amari Hinton
Meet Amari! We met him through our friends at Lurie Children’s Hospital. We met with the family and found out they love water parks, superheroes and video games! Over Mother’ Day weekend we sent Amari and his family to Kalahari Resort in the Dells where they were able to play on the water slides and arcade. The kids were given superhero themed water gear and pajamas to help complete their weekend. Their trip was followed by a second trip to Dave and Buster’s where they were able to continue to fulfill their arcade obsession and win prizes. It was great to experience how excited they were and to see their faces constantly lit up with smiles and laughter.

Emma Barz
Meet Emma! Emma is the sweetest 4 year old. Emma had never seen the ocean before. So off to Fort Meyers, Florida. The family drove down to Florida making some fun stops along the way. CKMC provided them with spending money and a beautiful 2 bedroom condo overlooking the ocean. Emma loved the beach and after the first day asked if they could do it all over again. The weather was cool, but the family made the most of it at the heated pool and visiting nearby sites. What better way to ring in a new year.

Jamela Anthony
Meet Jamela or “Baby J” as she is often called. Jamela, our 70th Kiss of Hope, is the sweetest 7 year old. Jamela was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 6 and just recently got to ring the End of Chemotherapy bell at Lurie’s! Way to go Jamela!
Jamela is all girl. She loves dancing, singing and doing hair. So when Peggy went to meet her at the hospital, what better way to break the ice than to bring her a Barbie Hair Styling Head. Jamela loved it and spent the entire visit combing, braiding (which she is amazing at) and styling.
Jamela had a port throughout her treatment and couldn’t do one of her favorite things, swim. She had it removed when treatment was over, wanted to swim and had her 7th birthday coming up. So off she went with 6 of her family members to Wilderness Resort in the Dells for a surprise 7th birthday celebration. Before leaving on their trip, Peggy met them and CKMC gave Jamela the new XBox One X for her birthday. When opening it she exclaimed “This is the best present ever!”
Jamela and her family spent 3 nights in a beautiful 3 bedroom condo, provided with snacks, beverages, spending money and some special birthday gifts. And best of all, Jamela got to swim to her hearts content. Hope you had a Happy Birthday, Baby J!

Joshua McFadden
CKMC sent Joshua on a “flight for fight” Kiss of Hope®. Joshua and 10 of his friends and family members were picked up by limousine and headed out to I-fly in Rosemont, Illinois. Each of them experienced the sensation of skydiving and brought home videos to prove it. The fun continued with a visit to the infamous Sugar Factory. Virgin “gummy bear” martinis, anyone? Joshua said, “it was the best!” The thrills they experienced will not soon be forgotten.
Kiss of Hope coordinator, Cinnamon Kettner, really enjoyed putting this very fun day, together for Joshua and his family. “I’m in love with this young man. As afraid as I am to skydive, I would have followed him anywhere!”

Dominic Hamilton
Lions! White Tigers! Adventures! Oh My!!! One month ago, on November 30, 2018, Dominic and his family set out for an animal adventure of a lifetime! Dominic, along with his mom, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle and three cousins traveled to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue Center where Dominic would fulfill his dream to see white tigers – live – before his very own eyes!!!
Dominic and his family were equipped with two rental vans – fully stocked with car organizers, road trip games, car snacks, and gas cards to get them through the 10 hour drive. They arrived at Turpentine Creek early Friday evening, greeted by the wonderful staff welcoming them to the Refuge. Accommodations were top notch! The families stay was in two suites set near the tiger habitat where Dominic could see the tigers right outside his window.
The highlight of the trip took place on Saturday. After breakfast, Dominic was in for a special surprise when he and his family were invited to the habitat of Kizman and Tanya – two year old white tigers that put on a private show for Dominic as they entered their habitat which was personalized with painted (organic egg-based paint) cardboard boxes & signs to welcome the family to the refuge. Kizman & Tanya were engaging in “cardboard therapy” which allows the visitors to view them in action. Additionally, Dominic was presented with a painting that was made by Tanya & Kizman – especially for Dominic.
Following the “Tanya & Kizman show”, the family was then treated to a private “behind the scenes” tour of Turpentine Creek with a Curator of the property. Adventures continued through the weekend as the family enjoyed local tourist offerings between sightseeing and dining in and around Eureka Springs ~ all courtesy of CKMC.
The family was so grateful to be able to spend this time together, watching Dominic’s dream become a reality! Shortly after returning, Dominic’s mom Meagan posted “For days, I have been trying to come up with words to describe our trip to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. For the first time in my life I am at a loss of words. Cancer Kiss My Cooley paired with the Refuge has literally put hope back in our lives. Between seeing the look of pure joy on everyone’s faces and hearing excitement in Dominic’s voice, it is honestly the best feeling. For the first time in a long time, Dominic isn’t talking about chemo, doctors appointments, ports and cancer. Instead he’s talking about how Goober the monkey gets the same vitamin as him, how Spyke the black leopard loves him and is one of his favorites, and the words sanctuary and habitat put a smile on his face. For the first time in close to 2 years, this experience let Dominic be a kid again. I can’t thank you enough for the lifetime of experiences you provided us!”
Our Charity Programs
Cancer Kiss My Cooley organizes charitable programs through our partnerships in order to help assist our efforts in fulfilling our mission.
“No child should have to suffer and go through their days in pain. It's wonderful to know that there are people who want to fill in the gaps with good. Good moments, good times, and good memories.
Jessica West
“I'm so proud of my husband and the rest of our Board of Directors who work so hard, to make so many dreams come true. It is through your support that we are able to create memory making experiences.
Cinnamon Kettner
“This is a terrific cause. My heart breaks for these families and the Kettner family. Prayers to all.
Julie Gignac
“CKMC is my favorite charity to volunteer for by far. When I was diagnosed, the favor was returned to me and my family. I will forever be grateful, and will continue to support this amazing cause. Cancer can kiss my cooley!
Haley Lichter