2024 Christian Kennedy Graham Memorial Toy Drive

Hi, I’m Tanya. Christian’s mommy. Every Year since 2016, we host a toy drive in memory of Christian in order to celebrate his birthday on February 18th. We lost our sweet, precious baby boy to pediatric cancer at just 19 months old. He was born with a condition called giant congenital melanocytic nevus and developed malignant melanoma in his nevus as a result.

Christian had his first tumor removed at just two months and our arduous journey began as the cancer began to spread throughout his body over the next year and a half and robbed him of his ability to walk (but not to smile that big smile of his).We had the honor and privilege of celebrating one birthday with Christian. Only one. And, he is missed all the more with each passing year.

Christian will be having yet another birthday in Heaven on February 18th. He is turning ELEVEN. And, I still cant believe it’s been well over nine years since he left this world for Heaven. Sometimes, it still feels like yesterday.

But even though he’s not physically with us, those of us who know, know of, love and remember Christian can still celebrate his life by donating to this fund which will allow us to contribute to pediatric cancer research as well as purchase and donate some larger toy items, personal hygiene items for comfort bags, and gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and of course, our precious Spot dogs!!! We very much want and need your help to touch the lives and hearts of children like Christian and help them “lean toward happy” as they battle their own fierce battles.

We will be able to deliver directly to The Dragonfly Foundation. The Foundation’s specialty is helping “pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage and joy. We do this by providing ongoing support, relevant materials and caring, nurturing and transformative experiences.” And we will meet with Children’s representatives to drop off with them.

Both Dragonfly and Children’s provided care, support, and encouragement to my sweet boy ( and me) in ways I can’t begin to explain. They were always beside us as we fought for Christian’s life! Because of the DragonFly Foundation and the doctors, nurses, childlife providers and social workers of Cincinnati Children’s hospital, we never walked alone. Now it’s time to pay it forward. I know Christmas is over but it’s still the season of giving!

Most years, we donate over $10,000 worth of toys, personal essentials, gift cards and funds toward research !!!! I know we all struggle in different ways but I believe this is a great opportunity for us to spread joy, cheer and love in the midst of chaos.

Please help me make Christian proud in some small way. NO amount is too small. Thank you and God bless