18 NOVEMBER 2022 By Jennifer Marshall Through her establishment of a local nonprofit to help children with life-altering illnesses, Arcadian Kate Smolich transformed her illness into something positive. The inspiration to start Beanie Love Foundation came after Smolich was diagnosed with a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome at age 13. “The Lord gave me a heart for other children going through similar situations with life-altering and threatening diseases, disabilities and injuries. Through my battle, I felt called to bring hope to others and help encourage them through their fight,” Smolich said. She explained that during her extended stays in the hospital, visiting various doctors and undergoing treatments, she lost many friends. “I never wanted any other child to feel alone,” Smolich said. She started writing letters of encouragement and crocheting hats for children fighting cancer, but eventually lost the hand strength to do them. “Now we give beanies in our Hope Packs to children fighting cancer and other diseases or treatments that cause hair loss,” Smolich said. “The love part of the name came from wanting to share the love of the Lord and let families know that they are seen and not alone in their fight.” Hope Packs are drawstring bags filled with items chosen for a specific child based on things they like or need, and items to help make treatment less scary. They also contain a children’s joke book, a devotional, toys and a personal letter of encouragement. “Since the start, Beanie Love has grown into the multiple programs we offer year-round,” Smolich said. The children (known as Courageous Warriors) and their families can receive Adventure Bags, which contain adventure-themed crafts for kids enduring a lengthy hospital stay. And when it comes to the family, they help with groceries and necessities they might need. Volunteers are essential to fulfilling Beanie Love Foundation’s mission. According to Smolich, a hardworking crew form the Courage Creators and Encourager Squad, which offers virtual and in-person opportunities to support children and their families. There are the Melody Makers of Hope within the Encourager Squad, a virtual music program, while the Courage and Friends Reading Corner hosts a virtual reading program. The foundation places great emphasis on helping these warrior kids during the holidays, too. “Our Christmas programs provide Hope Filled Christmas Packages, Christmas Hope Houses and Christmas Cheer Boxes to families across Arizona and children hospitalized during the holiday,” Smolich said. The packages contain a Christmas blanket, teddy bear, holiday window clings, a book, a Christmas-themed coloring book with crayons, a felt tree with decorations, card games and more. The Christmas Hope Houses, designed to resemble a house, come filled with gifts for all of the children within a family. Christmas Cheer Boxes are stocked with a book, games, gifts, cookie cutters, sugar cookie mix, icing, sprinkles and other fun items. “Our programs help through giving time, gifts, friendship, prayer, support, joy and smiles so our Courageous Warriors know that they aren’t alone. We understand what our families go through because we’ve gone through it. Our goal is to walk alongside these families,” Smolich said. beanielovefoundation.org Teen with rare illness dedicates time to helping other children PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE SMOLICH Christopher, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Kate Smolich in front of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where Beanie Love surprised Christopher with a Hope Pack filled with all of his favorite things. Education & Learning for a Lifetime Friends Education based in values of: Equality • Service Peace • Community Nurturing the innate goodness, desire to learn, and special gifts in all. Join us for a Meet & Greet: November 6 – 4:00 PM | November 15 – 5:30 PM Meet our Head of School Andy Jones-Wilkins. Hear firsthand why Friends Education has earned a reputation for academic excellence. Find out how our community partnerships will enrich your child’s education. RSVP at phoenixfriendsschool.org or call for complete information (602) 562-2662 Opening Fall 2023 | Grades 5 and 6 Midtown Phoenix Now accepting applications

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