the Shining Stars Foundation
The mission of the Shining Stars Foundation is to empower and support children with cancer, young adult survivors, and their families through recreational and social programs. Through these experiences, we help families move beyond survival mode toward a place of joy, connection, and truly living again. Our programs are designed to support the entire immediate family, including patients, siblings, and parents, recognizing that cancer impacts everyone.
Since our founding in 2001, we have served more than 1,300 patients and 5,500 family members, and that number continues to grow. Each year, we offer 70+ days of programming filled with outdoor, recreational, and social experiences such as adaptive skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, rafting, biking, swimming, climbing, and boating.
Shining Stars is one of the few nonprofits in the country providing long-term, year-round support through recreational programming for families at any stage of the cancer journey, including treatment, relapse or remission. Every program we offer is completely free of charge to the kids, young adults, and families we serve.
Our Services
Family Services: We provide single day events and overnight programs for children battling a life-threatening illness and their entire immediate family.
Child Services: We provide two, week-long adventure camps just for the child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness.
Awareness and Educational Services: We educate the public about challenges faced by kids battling cancer though regular booths and presentations at community events. This includes presentations at local schools to help students understand the challenges some of their peers are facing and to promote acceptance.
Young Adult Services: We provide a mentor program, social outings, and retreats for young adults ages 18+ who are survivors of pediatric cancer and struggling to transition to adulthood.
Who We Serve
Children living with pediatric cancer and their entire immediate family. We also serve young adults ages 18+ who had cancer as a child.
Our History
The Shining Stars Foundation was founded in 2001 by Shining Stars CEO Kathy Gingery and a group of experienced volunteers who saw an unmet need in the Rocky Mountains for a program that would provide emotional support to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Originally focused on providing an adaptive ski experience through the Aspen Winter Games Program, the Foundation has now reached over 1,300 children and 5,500 family members! We love thinking of new and creative ways to improve the lives of the families we serve and are constantly evolving.
