Board of Directors
Gail Marchbanks
Gail is Kellsie’s mom and serves the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation as its President. Kellsie founded her own foundation from her hospital bed, but unfortunately passed away before she could see her dreams become a reality. Gail is the biggest supporter of Kellsie’s dream and oversees all of the activities of the foundation to ensure that Kellsie’s wishes are being fulfilled. Gail’s love and passion for children has been a valuable asset as she focuses and commits to being a full time volunteer for Kellsie’s Hope, however the “job” she loves the most is being the mom to Kellsie, Hannah & Parker. By honoring Kellsie’s wishes, Gail hopes to Raise Awareness and Funds for Childhood Cancer Research until no child has to suffer from this devastating disease. Until then, Gail intends to keep granting wishes and providing lasting memories for children with cancer and their families
Gail Marchbanks
Executive Director
Dan Marchbanks
Dan is Kellsie’s father and serves as director and treasurer of the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. He manages many of its activities with His primary focus making sure that Kellsie’s Hope runs smoothly
and that his daughter’s legacy continues. When Kellsie was going through treatment, Dan made sure she was informed and up to date on all medical processes. He met with the doctors, conducted research, and provided medical care to Kellsie while she was at home. He laughs, and says he could have earned his nursing degree! Dan’s favorite part about keeping Kellsie’s dream alive is watching the kids plan their wishes. In that time, they are planning and looking forward to their wish and not worrying about their cancer. He remembers how much that helped Kellsie.
Dan Marchbanks
Co-Director
Mary Kristi Ingram
Mary is Kellsie’s aunt and serves as the Secretary of Kellsie’s Hope Foundation Board. She was witness to Kellsie’s fun loving and joyful spirit and to the courageous battle she fought against Osteosarcoma. She was inspired by Kellsie’s relentless hope for her future, planning her wedding and making plans to give back to Children’s Hospital, even in her final days. Mary is proud to honor Kellsie’s giving spirit by serving this foundation both as a Board Member and Volunteer. Her main focus is Co-chair for the Annual Trees of Hope Event, which was also inspiredby Kellsie’s love of Christmas and a generous gift of a Christmas Tree given to Kellsie on her last Christmas. Kellsie’s Christmas Tree is always included at the event, and serves as a reminder of the goodness that was shown to Kellsie during her struggle, as well as a reminder that we must continue to do the same for others suffering from Childhood Cancer. Mary holds Kellsie’s unrelenting hope, close to her heart, hoping that a cure for Childhood cancer soon becomes a reality.
Mary Kristi Ingram
Cindy Lorentzen
Cindy was Kellsie’s Aunt and serves as a Board Member and Volunteer. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a background in Education. Cindy’s main focus with the foundation is Chairing the Nursing Scholarship Committee, and is involved in the Trees of Hope Event. Cindy spent time with Kellsie during her numerous hospitalizations over a period of years, and observed her forming amazing relationships with the nurses who cared for her at Children’s Hospital. They treated her with kindness and respect and she thought of them as her hospital family. Her nurses inspired her to enroll in Nursing School to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. She was actually enrolled in Goldfarb School of Nursing when she relapsed and was never able to fulfill her dream. Representing Kellsie’s Hope Foundation in presenting these scholarships to Nursing Students and Pediatric Oncology Nurses is Cindy’s way of honoring Kellsie, her generous spirit and her dream to become a nurse. She was also able to observe how Kellsie cared for other patients. She would win prizes to only give them away to other children who were suffering with cancer. She and her Grandma would walk around the unit at Christmas time, and pass out Christmas Cards with money in them to the children who were there over the holidays. She maintained a smile through it all and that smile was one of her greatest attributes. Cindy sees Kellsie’s smile forever present in every event, every wish granted, every check presented to Childhood Cancer Research, and in every scholarship presentation. Remembering Kellsie’s beautiful smile and generous heart is the reason that Cindy remains devoted to Kellsie’s Hope Foundation.
Cindy Lorentzen
Dr. Joe Silhavy, MD
I am a Pediatrician in practice for over 20 years. I attended St. Louis University and University of Illinois for my undergraduate degree and St. Louis University School of Medicine for my medical degree. I have three grown sons: Joey, Michael and Nicholas. I am proud to have been a part the Kellsie’s Hope Foundation since its inception. Kellsie became a part of my life in 2007 when she started dating my son, Joey. We instantly fell in love with her and she quickly became a part of ourfamily. She went everywhere with us but Walt Disney World was her favorite. She and Joey were soon to be married when she passed away. The Kellsie’s Hope Foundation strives to keep Kellsie’s dreams alive and give hope to children with cancer. I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors and have the honor of serving as the Kellsie’s Krew Director. I am also closely involved in most KHF events including our annual Trivia Night, Pub Crawl and Annual Women’s Luncheon.
Dr. Joe Silhavy, MD
Kellsie's Krew Coordinator
Dr. Melody Santos, MD
I am a Pediatrician and have been in practice for close to 20 years. I attended St. Louis University for my undergraduate degree as well as my medical degree. I am currently in practice with my husband, Joe, and we have three grown sons – Joey, Michael, and Nicholas. I met Kellsie in 2007 when she was just dating my son, Joey. She became part of our family instantaneously and, even though they never had their dream wedding, I loved her like a daughter. She was the kind of person that lit up the room, with her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and contagious laugh. More importantly, she was the kind of person that brought out the best in you. Kellsie had many dreams and being part of this wonderful organization allows me to help in making those dreams come true.
Dr. Melody Santos, MD
Volunteer Staff
Hannah Connelly
Ambassador
Ashlyn Silhavy
Ambassador
Stacy Chaney
Marketing and Event Coordinator
Michael Silhavy
Graphic and Web Designer
Joseph Silhavy, Jr.
Associate Board Member