Recipients
The Szott Foundation has been fortunate to grant the Gift of Time to 11 loving families and have given away over $130,000! Read on to learn more about our recipients. Each gift recipient was chosen based on an extensive analysis of family needs.
December 2009
Wendy Morales and Krystell Serrono
Seven-year-old Krystell Ruby Serrono of Inver Grove Heights, MN, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in August 2009. She has had surgery to remove a tumor on the bone in her upper left arm, and now she is getting chemotherapy.
Krystell is a very happy little girl. She enjoys dancing, dressing up, and reading. She is strong and is adjusting to this huge change in her life. When she first started chemotherapy, her mom was still working and had to leave her alone in the hospital. One day a child life specialist asked her what she wanted to wish for. She replied that she wished her mommy could be with her all the time. Krystell’s wish has now come true with an $8000 Gift of Time award!
The Szott Foundation wishes Krystell and her mom, Wendy, the very best.
June 2009
Anonymous recipient
It was with great pleasure and gratitude that the Foundation was able to give $13,000 to a family from Savage, MN who wishes to remain anonymous. Their 12 year-old-son was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August 2008. His mother was able to stay at home with him and his two siblings when they were smaller, and now his father will be blessed to have time at home with the children.
June 2009
Lynell Gupta and Grant McGarry
We were honored to award Lynell Gupta and her son with $6,000. Lynell’s son, Grant McGarry, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in May of 2007. He began his chemotherapy in September of that year and finished it in March 2008. Grant remained cancer free until January 2009, at which time it had metastasized to both lungs.
We were sad to announce that Grant McGarry died on July 20. He was a special young man and will be missed by many family members and friends who loved him very much.
March 2009
Eric, Samantha, and Tyler Orton
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation was honored to present its eighth Gift of Time award of $14,000 to the Eric Orton family of Ogilvie, MN. Eric has two children; Samantha is fourteen years old and her brother, Tyler, is fifteen. Sammy was diagnosed in August 2008 of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, which is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. She underwent a stem cell transplant at the University of MN in April, and her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, which Eric’s aunt and uncle founded. We wish Sammy all the best with her recovery.
February 2009
Jahn, Jenna and Marissa Johnston
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its seventh Gift of Time award of $10,400 to 14-year-old Jenna Johnston, her mom Jahn, and her twin sister, Marissa, of Chisago City, MN. Jenna was diagnosed in August 2008 with a rare form of childhood cancer called rabdomyosarcoma. We wish Jenna all the best as she continues with her cancer treatments at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital.
December 2008
Mark, Kathy and Alex Simanek
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its sixth Gift of Time award of $8,400 to Mark and Kathy Simanek of Excelsior, MN, at the 2008 Abby Invite. Their oldest son, Alex, was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing’s Sarcoma in August 2008.
Alex responded well to treatment and a stem cell transplant. We wish Alex and his family a healthy and happy future. Keep up to date on how Alex is doing by visiting his website.
October 2008
Grant, Sherri and Kyle Levanen
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its fifth Gift of Time award of $11,000 to Grant, Sherri and 16-year-old Kyle Levanen of Duluth, MN, in October 2008. Kyle was diagnosed with T-cell ALL, a form of leukemia, in February 2008. Kyle is an only child and he is Sherri and Grant’s miracle baby. You can keep informed as to how Kyle is doing by visiting his website.
October 2008
Justin, Jodi and Jordyn Olsen
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its fourth Gift of Time award of $9,000 to Justin, Jodi and 2-year-old Jordyn Olsen of Pipestone, MN, in October 2008. Jordyn was diagnosed with progressive stage IV Neuroblastoma in June 2007. Jordyn’s mother says, “Jordyn is a precious little girl with a giant heart who fights harder with every prayer and thought sent her way. We are privileged to have been given this child.” You can keep up to date with Jordyn and her family by visiting her website at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jordynolsen.
July 10, 2008
Paula and Cameron Allen
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its third Gift of Time award of $25,000 to Paula and Cameron Allen of Minneapolis, MN, on July 10, 2008. A formal presentation was made to Paula and Cameron at the 2nd Annual Tournament for Time on August 16, 2008.
We are sad to announce that Cameron passed away on September 14. He was a special boy who left many loved ones and friends behind.
May 12, 2008
Nathan, Dawn and Elijah Carlson
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation presented its second Gift of Time award of $25,000 to Nathan, Dawn and Elijah Carlson of Janesville, IA, on May 12, 2008 at the U of M Masonic Cancer Research center in Minneapolis.
Little Elijah went home to Jesus on May 21, 2008. Elijah touched many hearts in his short life and will not be forgotten by his many friends and family.
December 15, 2007
Larry, Debbie and Brooke Plemel
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation was proud to present its first Gift of Time award of $25,000 to Brooke Plemel and her family on December 15, 2007 at the Abby Invite Gymnastics Fundraiser.
Brooke went home to Jesus on January 12, 2008. She was a precious “guardian angel” to many and will be loved and remembered by her many special friends and family.