CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Putting smiles on the faces of children and parents in the midst of a vicious battle is the goal of one local nonprofit.
"Dancing While Cancering really is a labor of love," Scott Kramer told WBBM Newsradio.
Dancing While Cancering was started in 2018 by Kramer and his wife, Pammy, after their 3-year-old daughter Maddie passed away due to a rare form of cancer.
"She was a beautiful, incredible light in every which way. Maddie literally and figuratively danced her way through her disease. And so we made a commitment at Dancing While Cancering to fulfill what is our one and only mission, which is to bring joy to the inpatient hospital experience for kids with cancer," Kramer said.
Through partnerships across the Chicago area, the latest with Comer Children's Hospital, the Kramer's have provided over a thousand children in pediatric hospitals with what are called smile packs with thing like musical instruments and speakers.
"Inside it's all goodies to help remind them that when they're sort of in the depths of their hell, there are still moments to smile," Kramer said.
Kramer said with the holidays on the way, the nonprofit's mission takes on new meaning and evokes some of the family's fondest memories of their daughter.
"We were having a little dance party in our room. I still remember her looking at all of us and saying, 'Keep dancing.' And in my heart of hearts, my hope is that she's looking down on us and saying, 'Keep dancing, mommy, daddy.' Smiling, knowing that we're bringing joy that she knows is also very important," Kramer said.
Visit dancingwhilecancering.org to find out more.
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