KATELYN’S KRAFTS

Katelyn’s Krafts began with something simple but powerful: Katelyn’s love for creating and helping others.

Crafting was her outlet, her joy, and something she turned to often—especially during long days in the hospital. It gave her a sense of comfort and a way to express herself, even in the hardest moments.

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FROM HOBBY TO HOPE

In 2021, while in remission, Katelyn wanted to share that same comfort with other children on the oncology/hematology floor. She began putting together holiday gift baskets and collecting craft supplies to donate to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She poured her heart into it—raising money, gathering donations, and hand-picking crafts she knew other kids would love. Trips to Target and local craft stores became some of her favorite moments, always thinking about how to bring a little joy to someone else walking a similar path.

Today, Katelyn’s spirit lives on through Katelyn’s Krafts. What began even before her passing, when Melissa Jackson from the Feel Better Foundation first had the idea for Katelyn’s Kraft Nights, has grown into something deeply meaningful. Katelyn was able to help launch the program and participate in a few Katelyn’s Kraft Nights herself, and she was so excited to have a craft night named after her.

After Katelyn’s passing, the Strong Like Katelyn Joy Fund, together with the Feel Better Foundation and the Glitter Guild, expanded that vision into a monthly program. Katelyn’s Kraft Nights now bring families affected by cancer together to create, connect, and find moments of joy in community. What started as both a shared vision and one girl’s thoughtful gesture has become a space filled with creativity, laughter, and support.

A smiling young girl sitting among a large collection of toys and games, including arts and crafts, dolls, water globes, and various playsets, in a room with beige carpet and a gray wall.
Two children wearing face masks in a hospital room, one standing next to a table with a colorful craft kit, the other sitting on a hospital bed with rocks nearby.
Pink heart shape on a black background.
Four young girls standing in a store aisle, some wearing casual clothes and sneakers, one girl holding a pink and white beverage, shelves with school supplies behind them, and a large advertisement with a woman's face and macarons in the background.
Group of smiling people, including children and adults, gathered around a table with gift bags and boxes, possibly at a charity event or toy drive, with a large wall mural of tree, butterfly and bird designs in the background.
The photo shows the open back of a vehicle filled with shopping bags and boxes, containing various items including toys and art supplies. There are two children smiling and leaning on the headrests of the seats.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Katelyn showed us how something as simple as a craft can bring light into someone’s day. We’re honored to continue sharing that light. There are many ways to get involved in the Katelyn’s Kraft program including:

  1. Donate or sponsor a Katelyn’s Kraft Night

  2. Host a craft drive at your school, church, or workplace

  3. If your family is navigating a cancer diagnosis, we would love to have you join us—visit our Events page for upcoming Katelyn’s Kraft Night.

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Table filled with toys, arts and crafts supplies, and art paints, with chairs around and people shopping in the background.
Child wearing pink long-sleeve shirt working on craft project with colorful foam blocks on a table.
Group of people, including children and adults, wearing masks and participating in an art activity with colorful paints and supplies at a table in a room with a mural of trees and birds on the wall.