One Spark of Hope at a Time
We Are dedicated to helping in the fight against childhood cancer
Meet the board
At Ada’s Spark we believe that no child should lose their life or quality of life to cancer. We believe that no family should have to battle a childhood cancer diagnosis alone. We believe that bereaved families should have all the support they need.
Our volunteer board consists of 6 parents (including Joel and Tami, forever Ada’s parents) inspired by Ada’s sparky personality and devastated by her loss. Our board has decades of research, fundraising, and non-profit experience and an unwavering desire to make childhood cancer a thing of the past.
Ada was a loving, funny, smart, feisty and determined little girl who could 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.
Our 100% volunteer board consists of Tami and Joel Swenson, Michael Poe, Kelly Teske, Lauren Walsh, and Luthien Niland. Check back shortly for board member bios!
Our Story
We Fight in Ada's Memory
Ada’s Spark is dedicated to honoring the enduring memory of our beloved Ada, whose vibrant spirit continues to inspire us. Through our unwavering commitment, we strive to ignite positive change in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer and Leukemia. Guided by our collective experiences in research, drug development, and navigating the healthcare system, we are driven to support scientific breakthroughs, charitable initiatives, and educational endeavors.
Our mission encompasses raising money for established organizations (e.g. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the MACC Fund, UW Carbone Cancer Center) to support childhood cancer research, as well as offering comfort and joy to childhood cancer patients and their families through thoughtful gestures like our annual toy drive. Additionally, we extend our embrace to bereaved families, raising money for and volunteering with organizations like Agrace Hospice, Gilda’s Club, and Camp Hope to provide compassionate support and healing. Ada’s Spark shines brightly as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to resilience, empowerment, and enduring impact in the fight against childhood cancer, leukemia and beyond.
— Our Mission
Ada’s Spark is dedicated to illuminating pathways of hope and healing for children and families affected by leukemia and childhood cancer. Through funding pioneering research, advocating for equitable access to care, and providing compassionate support, we strive to honor Ada’s memory by igniting positive change and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
— Our Vision
Our vision at Ada’s Spark is to create a world where the journey through childhood cancer is met with hope, resilience, and unwavering support. We envision a future where families find comfort and companionship in times of grief, where medical breakthroughs offer renewed possibilities for healing, and where the enduring legacy of Ada’s spark continues to inspire hope, healing, and lasting change.