Have some fun in the sun
with the Kisses for Kyle Foundation

By Melissa Treacy
For the Times

Losing a child to cancer would be nearly impossible to survive for most parents. To take that loss and turn it into something positive would be even more unbearable. But, luckily for children and families in the Delaware Valley, Sharon Snyder didn’t think so.
When Snyder lost her 2-1/2-year-old son Kyle to cancer in 1998, she wanted to help others in the same situation.
"I had helped with other major organizations, but I needed to feel like I was still caring for him," she said. "I founded Kisses for Kyle because I needed to wake up and feel like I was still doing something for him."
In January 2001, that is exactly what she did. Snyder founded the Kisses for Kyle Foundation to "care for other kids."
The organization provides financial help to families of children battling cancer.
"Basically, what we do is help local families in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to help with their financial burdens," said Snyder. She added that aid has been given to families as far as southern Delaware and New Jersey, as well. "We provide money for whatever they may need."
Snyder said that the group, which can currently fund up to $500 per family per year, has helped with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, car payments, the cost of clothes and even funeral expenses.
"Whatever they are struggling with," she said, "we can help."
Snyder said that in one case, a family was robbed while away caring for their sick child.
"We issued gift cards to help replace what was lost," she said.
Besides the financial gifts to families of children battling cancer, Kisses For Kyle has also hosted events like a roving master harpist to visit children’s hospitals, the purchase of Legacy Dolls for children in care and even parties for sick children.
"We’ve hosted celebration parties for children who successfully complete their treatments," said Snyder.
From gift bags donated to hospitals, to helping with disability benefits, Kisses For Kyle has had a busy six years helping others in the Delaware Valley. To continue to fund their ventures, Kisses For Kyle will host a Music and Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Sept. 29. A rain date is set for Sunday, Sept. 30.
"Really, there is something for everyone," said Snyder, the founder and president for the foundation. "There is no admittance fee, and there is free parking and free music."
The event will be held at the Willow Grove Day Camp, on Davisville Road in Willow Grove. It will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To raise funds, the foundation will offer raffles, as well as food, wine and beer tasting for adults.
"We have an unlimited wristband and a fabulous menu," Snyder said. "From crab cakes, to Chik-Fil-A, to a chocolate fountain, there is just so much."
Snyder said that wristbands will be $20 for adults, who may also partake in a wine and beer tasting, and $10 for kids who also get to "decorate their own cookies."
Snyder said, for children of all ages, there will be ongoing events throughout the day, Snyder said.
"We have a baby crawl race, a diaper derby," she said. "We are also going to have a large fire truck for tours, and a tractor for rides through the event."
An unlimited wristband is also available for children to participate in events throughout the day, including a moon bounce, obstacle course, giant slide and games.
Another highlight for the event will be the Wii Competition, where four big-screen televisions will show children playing and competing on the Wii game system for prizes.
Music will be provided all day at the outdoor amphitheater. ••
For more information on the day’s events, visit the Web site at www.kissesforklyle.org