https://www.pcanaction.org/home daily 1.0 2019-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556377373215-4IQYI24DOKZIADHHVX3A/Rectangle+1+copy.jpg Home - Join Us at an Event We host, plan, participate and benefit from a variety of events within Nebraska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556377410067-TUKYYEZFH96OMW4YM21W/Rectangle+1+copy+2.jpg Home - Become a Volunteer Volunteers are integral to our network. We have a variety of ways you can help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556377919055-HJYDV6PRIBCTY4JU4FC5/Rectangle+1.jpg Home - Make a Donation Your gifts help us to achieve our mission of helping families affected by pediatric cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557852980823-XAXQ8U50F6V882JGKJMU/MaddieSpellmanFighter.jpg Home - Maddy Sept 13, 2002 - Sept 5, 2016 Madalyn "Maddy" Spellman had a heart of gold and made friends anywhere she went, always smiling and had a laugh that was contagious. She went to her heavenly home Sept 5, 2016 just 8 days before her 14th birthday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557853637471-799BKZHL4DPP08QVDNHZ/Sabrina-Art2018.jpg Home - Sabrina Diagnosed with Bi-phenotype leukemia at 7 months old; lives with mom and dad, loves the color red, Mac N Cheese and birthday cake. Currently off active treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557853062695-QP6A0OYFYHZEBR18VCYL/IMG_0822.jpg Home - Leyna Leyna has 5 sisters and 2 brothers. She is currently No Evidence of Disease. She loves Mickey Mouse, going to school, and playing with her fainting goats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556375159747-O2I4XK16EI5UJAFRZARF/Untitled-6.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556498372849-2LHBV29MBCGT5GUK9W4W/Pattern_2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1556499291731-885ORCQJYWQKAGYMN69Q/Blue.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557440806352-IUSB1F79R34R68PDRQFG/2.jpg Home https://www.pcanaction.org/donate daily 0.75 2019-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557350136894-9MV3DOVUKCF0T469AID6/Yellow_bg.jpg Donate https://www.pcanaction.org/mission-index-impact daily 0.75 2025-05-12 https://www.pcanaction.org/facts daily 0.75 2021-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632093010332-1CDUHJSIF1ZWZHUDBF95/Survivor.png Facts - Survivorship Childhood cancer survivors are at significant risk for secondary cancers later in life. 74% of childhood cancer survivors have chronic illnesses, and some 40% of childhood cancer survivors have severe illnesses or die from such illnesses. In the last 20 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two pediatric cancer drugs—Clolar (clofarabine) and Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi)—that were initially studied in children. Other drugs for children’s cancers were first studied in or approved for adults with cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1565976942488-QDDZDLF99XJ3XWGEVYQV/53af5395221a9.image.jpg Facts - Incidence Rates This year an estimated 15,780 children will be diagnosed with cancer in the US, that’s more than a classroom of kids a day. 35,000 children are currently in treatment for cancer. Cancer kills more children than AIDs, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and congenital anomalies combined. The average age of death for a child with cancer is 8, causing a child to lose 69 years of expected life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557854117074-BNGXNO1Y5RNC870NJ5TM/NE-map.png Facts - Nebraska Facts Nebraska ranks in the top 25% highest pediatric cancer incidence rates in the US but ranks 6th in mortality rates. Every 4 days a Nebraska child will be diagnosed with cancer, which averages to approximatley 87 new diagnoses each year. Nebraska will lose 1 child every month to pediatric cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343505941-1761N8L73P21D6E68EI5/Blue_bg.jpg Facts https://www.pcanaction.org/mission-history daily 0.75 2024-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632093123923-16K5IDOUBHH7POLH9NJH/Alex-Angel.jpg Mission & History - The mission of Pediatric Cancer Action Network is to reduce the financial burden placed on families diagnosed with pediatric cancer and to advocate for a cure through awareness, education and action. While the fight against pediatric cancer is taking place worldwide, our primary focus is at the state level working in and around Nebraska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343527760-CEH52RSUBFES3TRZ20LV/Coral_bg.jpg Mission & History https://www.pcanaction.org/board-staff daily 0.75 2025-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/cb2252e4-9798-413f-bb56-3706d3d74d20/FA9F26C5C3514601A6F6B66630256FED.jpg Board & Staff - Shari Peters Shari Peters, Board of Directors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092744091-HHKGX92IOVI6S9P7AEDS/DSC_5087.jpg Board & Staff - Erika Shelton Vice-President, Board of Directors and Co-founder of Pediatric Cancer Action Network Erika is a hair designer and salon owner in Lincoln, NE. Her cousins daughter, Leyna, was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma as a toddler. While seeing the struggles that Leyna and her family went through during her diagnosis and treatment, Erika was eager to help them in any way she could. Now that Leyna has "No Evidence of Disease", Erika is motivated to help other families in Nebraska that are affected by pediatric cancer. (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092351191-864VG68GMXHT2HYQ4TQF/Headshot.jpg Board & Staff - Karri Ahlschwede Karri Ahlschwede President, Board of Directors and Co-founder of Pediatric Cancer Action Network. Karri is a registered nurse and mother of seven children, one of which was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma at the age of 18 months. During her daughter's treatment, she was moved by the number of people who reached out to her and to her family. She was motivated by the kindness of others to incorporate PCAN in order to "pay it forward". While her daughter, Leyna is currently "No Evidence of Disease", too many of the friends she made during treatment are either still fighting for their child or mourning the loss of their child. (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1bf30937-61d7-411e-bbd2-ae522b465888/Steph_Profile.jpg Board & Staff - Stephanie Tomlinson Board of Directors Stephanie lives in Lincoln, NE with her husband and three children. She works from home for a talent management software provider, helping organizations align technology solutions to achieve global business initiatives. After helping raise funds for another local organization, Steph was motivated to do more. She had attended PCAN events in the past and was inspired by the support and resources PCAN provides to families in Nebraska. As a board member, Steph hopes to amplify that work, spreading awareness and advocacy for children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/5ec8bdcb-e915-43a5-8a23-ab80231e18fa/abheadshot.jpg Board & Staff - Ashley Bowers Board of Directors Ashley lives in rural York County with her husband and four children. In 2014 her youngest son, Silas, was diagnosed with Pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 3. After experiencing Silas undergoing treatment for 3 years Ashley became inspired to help other families going through similar situations. Following the end of Silas’ battle in 2017, Ashley looked for ways that she could best serve families that were going through similar situations while also spreading awareness and advocating for better research and treatment options for all kids facing a cancer diagnosis. Ashley has made it her life’s mission to advocate for Nebraska families, like hers, going through some of life’s toughest battles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092763592-R1137OZ13F85WGTMDVPA/jayme.png Board & Staff - Jayme Shelton Board of Directors Jayme believes to be the best, you must surround yourself with positive people that encourage you to grow. He’s found this to be true as a dedicated family man, Realtor and co-owner of Eve Salon and Spa, Black Swan Dress Boutique and Fundamentals Athletic Academy in addition to being a board member for the Pediatric Cancer Action Network. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/29ddfa14-b03c-4ecb-8dee-fe0dc2e2b551/1S8A9195+copy.jpg Board & Staff - Lori Arterburn Board of Directors I live in Grand Island with my two kids. I am a financial accountant for a company out of Kearney. My daughter, Emersyn, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in December of 2021. After two surgeries to remove the tumor, she underwent six weeks of radiation and 9 rounds of chemotherapy. After many hurdles, she completed treatment in April of 2023. After watching her fight her battle, I decided I wanted to advocate for our kids to have better treatment options, educate parents about resources available to them and to bring more awareness about pediatric cancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092809395-RUW5SWXG7ZNU5ZH6KPT3/JesKjar.png Board & Staff - Jessica Kjar Secretary, Board of Directors Jessica has been a pediatric nurse since 2008. Jessica has loved taking care of children since the beginning of her nursing career and her passion for caring for those battling cancer began from her grandfather who battled and passed from cancer when she was young. Fortunately, straight out of nursing school, Jessica found her calling at Children's Hospital to be able to provide care and support to children and their families battling cancer. Jessica has a passion to raise awareness of the unspoken support these families need to have hope and to meet the needs that are calling from every day life. Jessica helped fundraise for PCAN in October 2015 by joining team PCAN who ran in the first annual Nebraska Marathon event in Omaha. Jessica also was touched by Leyna Ahlschwede and her family during Leyna's journey with neuroblastoma. Once Jessica heard about the mission that Karri and Mitchell were embarking on through PCAN, Jessica knew she wanted to do more for this network to be able to provide resources and relief for families during such a vulnerable time in their lives. (2016) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092317078-F4LT80KUSFWZJJRLVUVT/Gary+Headshot.jpg Board & Staff - Gary Peters President, Board of Directors Gary and his family live in Aurora, Nebraska. In 2011, his oldest son, Jacob, was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma at the age of 16. Jacob died fighting cancer on November 16 of that same year. After watching Jacob fight his battle, Gary was looking for a way to continue fighting in his honor when he learned about the efforts of Karri and Mitch and all of their daughter's supporters. Raising awareness and finding support for kids and families that are in the fight has become a passion and calling in his life. (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/6508994a-683a-4563-9d08-11b330e59ba6/329362755_3508143449429516_1745648365725828784_n.jpg Board & Staff - Mitchell Ahlschwede Board of Directors and Co-founder of Pediatric Cancer Action Network Mitch is married to Karri Ahlschwede and resides outside of Pickrell where they raise seven children, horses, goats, and other various animals. When he is not working as a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railways, he spends time with his family, enjoys reading, outdoor recreation and attends Christ Lutheran Church, Pickrell. He was completely unaware of childhood cancer until his youngest daughter was diagnosed with Stage IV, High-Risk Neuroblastoma in Feb of 2013. Being exposed to Leyna's brutal and relentless treatment became an impetus to do more for children with cancer and their families. Mitch became involved in several awareness campaigns leading to legislation at the state level that funds pediatric cancer research and is excited to work as part of a growing organization aimed at families and children facing this fight in the state of Nebraska. (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1632092445725-1YVYIT1P9UUPMP306RUB/Screen+Shot+2021-09-09+at+3.07.46+PM.png Board & Staff - Kerri Merkel Treasurer, Board of Directors Kerri is a registered nurse, a wife, and mother of two boys. She and Karri Ahlschwede have been friends for over 20 years. Kerri was impacted immensely by the struggles that Karri and her family encountered during their daughter's cancer battle. With the help of others, Kerri put on a great fundraiser to help support the Ahlschwede family. The success of that fundraiser inspired her to do more! Her goal is to be able to help other families during their struggle with pediatric cancer. (2014) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/c6bfe493-7176-4610-978e-e7f8296717d5/hoppe-lesa-col-5x7.jpg Board & Staff - Lesa Hoppe Board of Directors Dr. Lesa Hoppe is a registered nurse, an Associate Professor of Nursing, and mother of three. Her family lives in Lincoln, NE. Lesa teaches courses in research & evidence-based practice and in community-based nursing, with a love for maternal-child health and public health. Lesa is inspired to do more to create awareness about the incidence & prevalence of pediatric cancer. Lesa has known Karri since nursing school together and has followed PCAN since Leyna’s neuroblastoma diagnosis. Lesa’s family attended events such as Pancakes for PCAN for many years, and enjoyed participating in initiatives such as Eat, Drink, Cure in the local community. She is looking forward to advocating for and honoring children and their families that have battled pediatric cancer through continued service & support as a member of the Board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343565726-ELKLHN7W9JP3638XUXJQ/Green_bg.jpg Board & Staff https://www.pcanaction.org/faq daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343606734-AZTKYAW5740R3PALSG52/Pink_bg.jpg FAQ https://www.pcanaction.org/sponsors daily 0.75 2019-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249204807-3Y8XQ53ZWYDTGBD6O80K/ElderJewelry.jpg Sponsors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557349752845-6MNMVCHXOV9KQ2D92MAE/Bigler+Motors.jpg Sponsors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557349785007-P3D5YCUYNIA32ZHUF2SM/Northwestern+Mutual.jpg Sponsors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557349728344-83BR1BORBJJL5SN6CHO3/Eagle+Printing+%26+Sign.jpg Sponsors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249161522-4AMSLDRF980Q943HY6VA/eve+a+salon.jpg Sponsors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343651932-UZGNRA0E0ZYY9EM4WPBM/Yellow_bg.jpg Sponsors https://www.pcanaction.org/photo-gallery daily 0.75 2023-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249342152-L9DASB2NY9JG52IE8A6P/BooJulieKerriEdit.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249907908-GEKNVPIV295AE6LJ57D2/HuskerBBCapitalResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249484806-S9Q2YQ5K87WPXJVJA71U/HuskiesFootballGameResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249981763-NQJC0RC5OHCQSCTNSFWT/SandVolleyballPicResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249530052-8TWDUHOBC5MUTWXSCLVK/SpeakingFootballResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249785557-VB2IKNQUQND2ORWTJD8E/MrsMissNELeyna.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249835277-BC0J7IMTGOAVDU7N50PZ/GOLDcapital.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/74418d0c-e29a-462c-bc78-bebccce32b24/0-2.jpg Photo Gallery - Make it stand out Pancakes for PCAN 2023 @ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249388160-Q7EQV7CAHZYAPRIFJV0G/ErikaBooZooEdit.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249931358-FPL4S3NVOR49NW7NVIHN/BoardGirlsResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249419853-UTZ5BAFRG5MZANW2U7CK/FootballGameEventResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249458603-4S14VGLVCP3V9K8A6AIH/PatriotsFootballGameResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/57886618-9f56-4d5f-828b-c3f605c416c9/0-1.jpg Photo Gallery - Make it stand out Pancakes for PCAN at Good Shepherd Lutheran 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249955821-M5PXPH0LLPDBZ4JAE4EQ/NorahLeynaSandPicResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1555249882651-5ECF36QAPPWE58K89FVV/CapitalCrowdResized.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343712171-AT0NIR07EH7536GVMLRI/Blue_bg.jpg Photo Gallery https://www.pcanaction.org/events daily 0.75 2024-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1571965619480-ULY0M42VSO496RLUDJ0I/IMG_6891.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1566226667974-VU2HPVJHEHLYMD97FMX6/112.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1582588099013-8RXKLNVBLK0OKTLL5WBB/pancakesPCAN.jpg Events - Save the Date! Save the date! Pancakes for PCAN 2020 will be Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at Good Shepherd Lutheran https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1a6e2f83-d155-45c3-bfa4-0a057976b3cc/Screen+Shot+2023-11-30+at+9.03.41+AM.png Events - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1582588260017-PAEPY7VBY4Z44UVRLO7E/IMG_3854.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557854589438-ZIHFBEYCP2YFFKUMB4R5/gary+in+color.png Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343853702-FTW42XKBA1OY4Y3D7Q6Y/Blue_bg.jpg Events https://www.pcanaction.org/volunteer daily 0.75 2024-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca6ed0bfd679336688750d3/1557343890205-KXU0M44H63HHXKPIIZRK/Coral_bg.jpg Volunteer https://www.pcanaction.org/contact daily 0.75 2019-08-16 https://www.pcanaction.org/financials daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://www.pcanaction.org/payments daily 0.75 2019-05-14