CHF History

The Chelsea Hicks Foundation was founded in 2009 and inspired by Chelsea Hicks. While undergoing 22 months of treatment for childhood cancer, Chelsea loved playing dress-up with her young cousins and fellow patients – and the joy of play and reminder of childhood was therapeutic for her and everyone around her.

When Chelsea passed away at the age of five, her family wanted to honor her memory by bringing imagination and play to other hospitalized children. Today The Chelsea Hicks Foundation is bringing hope and healing to seriously ill children in Northwest hospitals.

Through 
Chelsea’s 
Closet,
 we 
visit 
Portland, 
Oregon‐based
 Doernbecher 
and 
Randall 
Children’s Hospitals 
every 
month, 
where 
children in all 36 counties in Oregon and beyond the Northwest are served.

In addition to working with pediatric cancer patients, CHF’s efforts touch children aged newborn to 20 who have cardiac, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, among other serious illnesses.

From our colorful traveling armoire, patients and their siblings are able to choose and keep a brand new costume and accessories, hold a parade in the halls and enjoy the snacks, crafts and goody bags we supply. For many of these children, Chelsea’s Closet may be one of the only activities to draw them out of their room in days.

Our organization has grown considerably in nine years, and we serve more than 2,300 children and their families annually. But, tremendous opportunity remains to partner with CHF, as we work to build our volunteer base, sustain and grow our Chelsea’s Closet program and reach more children in more hospitals. 

Please join our cause and help us to inspire hope and healing through dress-up and play. See how you can help in our “Get Involved” section.