About Us
How Operation Sparkle Battle Box Started
We are so thankful that you're here. Our mission is to bring hope to all little warriors as they bravely fight cancer. Childhood shouldn't have to hurt, but when it does, a little sparkle can make it better.
Our Story
Our Sarah was born with a severe primary immunodeficiency called CVID, and ALPS, a condition allowing her blood cells to grow out of control greatly increasing her risk of cancer. In the fall of 2018 at the age of 4, she underwent her initial cancer workup due to her lymphoproliferative disorder. During that time, people would send her little things to cheer her up. Small stuffed animals, bead kits, Lego, Barbies. We saw the huge joy it brought to her during those hard days. It made hospital admissions more bearable. Joy from a small gift.
November 2nd, 2021... the day our world turned. Her monthly bloodwork signaled a major problem. Over the course of the next year, Sarah would travel the 5 hour round trip to Houston for treatment for Non Hogkin Lymphoma 73 times.For her birthday, she told her oncologist that she was getting 100 Police Patches, as her dream since she could talk is to be a cop. The law enforcement world showed up, and Sarah has received over 4,000 patches and 400 challenge coins. Her mission became clear, to pay it forward, and send battle boxes herself. The girls started sending care packages to fellow cancer warriors and kids with life threatening diseases. And it grew, and grew, and grew. Growing into a now 501(c)3 Non Profit Public Charity.
What started as sending care packages to local kids in our town fighting cancer, to mailing them nationwide, one thing became a priority... to spread Sarah's Sparkle and bring hope to those who need it the most. Our reach has grown, as she now advocates in DC with Congressmen for Pediatric Cancer Research, attends cancer events, and has spoken at other Childhood Cancer Events. She currently is undergoing a 2nd fight with this dreaded disease, NRSTS Synovial Sarcoma, a direct result from the harsh treatments from lymphoma. Her vision, is to continuing sending Operation Sparkle Battle Boxes and fight for a CURE to Childhood Cancer.
Meet The Team
Sarah
Founder & CEO
11, lover of all things llama and law enforcement with a sprinkle of Minecraft on top. Side kick to Payson, instigator to Drew and Eli. 2 time cancer warrior.
Payson
Founder & CEO
15, lover of all things beads, nail art, and crafts. An amazing sister, daughter, and friend. Dreams to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. Side kick to Sarah. Peace maker to Drew and Eli.
Aimee
Chief Operating Officer
Hi, my name is Aimee, and I am Sarah's Momma. While this journey of childhood cancer is not one any parent chooses to be on, I strive to support the girls on their non profit mission to bring hope and sparkle to other little warriors. Hearing that there is something wrong with your child is will absolutely rock your world, but holding on to hope is so needed. It's through this mindset that we pour our time, love, and energy into helping others. While we have no control on treatments or having the power to eradicate cancerous cells in our kids bodies, we can control being a support system to other families going through similar struggles.
Shelby Nadeau
Hi, my name is Shelby Nadeau, and our family began this journey January of 2022 after my son Stryder was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma. I am only one of many parents who have found themselves navigating life through the childhood cancer world. As we were navigating life alongside our son battling cancer, we made new friends who are now like family, and because of theses friendships I have made along the way, I have made it my mission to be there emotionally and mentally to offer guidance and advice for other families and their children as they navigate their own unique cancer journeys.
Drew (Sarah's Absolute Protector
Social Media Assistant
Bryan
Board Member & Sarah's Daddy
