Like a spark from Ada's spirit
Where hope ignites and love fuels the fight against childhood cancer
Our story
Adalyn “Ada” Rose Swenson, age 5, passed away on July 22nd, 2023 while being snuggled by her parents after a 14-month battle with leukemia. A parent should never have to write those words so we started Ada’s Spark to help shorten the path to cures and to support bereaved families.
Ada had a good life, with lots of friends, family, joy, and fun experiences. Since her diagnosis in May of 2022 she had spent around 250 days in a hospital and closer to 300 days away from home (i.e. not inpatient but out of our home for care). For the vast majority of that time she was having a ball including laughing, playing with nurses, playing with hospital dogs, having school in the hospital, finding the messiest toys/paint/sand and enjoying them, exploring hospitals by foot/bike/wagon/toy fire truck and talking to strangers, playing with us and making us smile, etc. This experience was/is undoubtably hard, but Ada taught us how to live a longstanding family mantra of Tami and Joel’s: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Ada was a loving, funny, smart, feisty, and determined little girl who would have done great things in this world. Her body can’t do those things anymore but we carry her spirit within us and fight for change in her memory.
To learn more about Ada read her obituary or read about her cancer journey.
What We Do
01.
— We Fund Hope
Fueling the future of pediatric cancer research by funding groundbreaking initiatives focused on finding cures and treatments with minimal side effects. With our board’s extensive research background and connections to leading medical professionals, we’re dedicated to advancing innovative solutions for childhood cancer.
02.
— We Amplify Voices
Advocating tirelessly for children battling cancer, ensuring their voices are heard within both legislative chambers and medical corridors. Our advocacy efforts aim to shape policies and systems that prioritize the needs and rights of young patients and their families.
03.
— We Celebrate Life
Celebrating the precious gift of life and honoring the resilience and strength of children and families affected by cancer. Through special celebrations, remembrance events, and joyful gatherings, we create moments of joy and connection that affirm the beauty and significance of every life touched by cancer.
04.
— We Illuminate Paths
Shedding light on the journey of childhood cancer for families through curated educational resources. From treatment options to support networks, we empower families with knowledge to navigate their path toward hope and healing.
05.
— We Spark Joy
Igniting smiles and spreading cheer through engaging events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funds. From vibrant fundraisers to heartwarming toy drives, we infuse moments of joy into the lives of children battling cancer and their families.
06.
— We Support Grief
Providing compassionate support and guidance to bereaved families. Recognizing that each journey through grief is unique, we offer resources, volunteer support, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to fostering healing and resilience.
Impact Stories
These fun toys truly make such a difference to so many of our patients' experience here at the hospital, providing comfort, joy and a new way to scare staff or make a mess. Thank you for your generous donation to support our patients and families around the holidays. We're so appreciative of your efforts, and please know the great impact your donation had! We're so honored that you chose to give back to AFCH patients, families and staff in honor of your Ada."
– American Family Children’s Hospital Child Life staff regarding Ada’s Holiday Toy Drive, 2023
