Kate Snelson Fundraiser for PCH Neurosciences

Hello,

As a close friend to the Snelson family, I share this fundraiser with all of you on behalf of Craig, Kellie, Lyndsay, and Ryan. We are raising funds to donate to Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH), Neurosciences Department in honor of Kate Snelson, beloved daughter and friend; a true gift to those who knew her.

At the age of two, Kate was diagnosed with Epilepsy. She spent the next 20 years managing her seizures through her doctors' care at PCH, various medications, strength, unwavering determination, and relentless family support. Life wasn’t always kind to Kate, yet she still showed up with intention and a smile on her face. Unfortunately, on January 19, 2022, a day that will live forever in the hearts of all of us who loved her, Kate suffered a seizure that took her life.

To know Kate, was to know whole-hearted love, friendship, and positivity. Peanut, as her father lovingly called her, laughed hard, "hugged hard" and filled all of our lives with incredible amounts of joy. Kate loved her family and friends deeply. Often, Kate would spend a Friday or Saturday evening playing card games, eating pizza, and lovingly teasing those of us around her. She would make it a priority to visit her family in California and spend quality time with Nana and Papa. She spoke/texted with her siblings daily just to check in or share a funny work story, because staying connected meant the world to her. To her friends, she supported them fearlessly. She was their cheerleader, therapist, and the one person you could always count on to answer her phone. To all of us, she brought the light in the room, a listening ear, and a comfort to our souls.

Kate was on her journey to becoming a nurse. She had her associate’s degree and was also a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Banner Baywood and then Banner Desert. It wasn’t uncommon for Kate to put in many hours caring for others, all while putting in the hours studying for her college exams, and adding in a workout at Hub Fitness. None of us had any doubts Kate would graduate as a nurse and be amazing at providing that gentle care the children would need.

Along with this GoFundMe, the HUB Fitness in Ahwatukee is hosting an event “Kips for Kate” on March 26, 2022. Kate took great care in staying healthy and was religious about her workouts. She was so close to mastering kip-ups with her trainer Coach Pork Chop. The Kips for Kate event will have three separate workout times (including kip-ups of course), 8am, 9am, and 10am. There will also be music, a wine wall, 50/50, food trucks, and drinks. All are welcome to join in on the celebration! You can do the workout, modify the workout, or just enjoy the atmosphere. All money collected will be given to PCH. Please visit The Hub Fitness’ Facebook page, #kipsforkate for more information.

With your generous donations through GoFundMe and/or Kips for Kate event, we will honor Kate in the most purposeful and loving way, by giving the funds to Phoenix Children's Hospital, Neurosciences Department in Kate's name.

Thank you. All of her family and friends are forever grateful for your generosity and support.