Sisu Children’s Fund is a public charity that takes pride in giving grants directly to families in need. Although we give priority to children in Whatcom and Skagit counties, we have the ability to help families throughout Washington state. Since 2000 we have raised over $90,000 to children and young adults with medical problems or physical disabilities not covered by insurance.

How it started

Frank and Barbara Sanchez started this charity in November 2000 in memory their daughter, Jolene. Read their story below:

We started this charity in memory of our daughter, Jolene.

Jolene was 17 when the photo to the right was taken. A year later, when she was attending Skagit Valley College, her brain tumor came back.Jolene fought brain cancer for years, and went through four surgeries. She had a stroke during her second, paralyzing the right side of her body. For much of the time she was alive she went through various medical treatments and physical and speech therapy. She participated in therapeutic horseback riding and a brain retraining program, both at great cost and neither covered by insurance.

After Jolene, our only child, died at age 21, we no longer could say, “We leave everything to our children.” We reflected on the other children and families we met throughout Jolene’s struggle against cancer who were also suffering from physical disabilities and going through major medical treatments. We wanted to find a way to help families provide medical treatment and equipment when they couldn’t afford it on their own — or if insurance came up short.

2023 Board Meetings

March 22nd, June 21st, August 23rd, and November 15th.

Meet our board members

Sisu Children’s Fund is governed by community members and health specialists throughout western Washington.

Frank Sanchez

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Frank, the President of Sisu, is a retired mechanical engineer and founded Sisu with his wife, Barbara, in November 2000.

Barbara Sanchez

Barbara Sanchez is the secretary and founder of Sisu Children’s Fund. She is retired and has worked for the Bellingham School District and for a Seattle radiology group.

Ron Effa

Ron, the treasurer, is a retired consulting engineer. “It is very satisfying to be involved with a local charity where 100 percent of donated funds goes directly to help children and young people in our immediate area,” Ron said.

Elaine Maki

Elaine graduated from Western Washington University with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She owns Bell SLP Services, which provides speech-language diagnostic and therapy services to children and adults in both private practice and school settings.

Marianne Story: Marianne, a kitchen and bath designer, is co-vice president and volunteers on Sisu’s board to help all kids who are in need.

Susan Sanchez: Co-vice president, City of Seattle, Public Works Department

Terry Carten:

Will Carten: 

Harley Draven: Has been an ADA advocate for over 25 years. She also has close to 40 years of experience working hand-in-hand with the elderly & persons with disabilities.

Eleanor Long: Taught for 25 years as a special education teacher and a reading specialist.  She is also an avid traveler who enjoys long treks, including the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Via Francigena in Italy.

Gloria Rhoades: Retired in 2015 after thirty-five years as an elementary school librarian and technology teacher in the Sedro-Woolley School District.  She’s enjoying retirement and being part of the Bellingham community where she has lived with her family since 1977.

Kyann Flint: Graduated from Western Washington University in 2015, Kyann is now a Rec Leader at Max Higbee Center. She is also a Here Now Next Mentor at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Kyann is a disability activist who loves to travel and drink coffee.

Loren McPhillips:

Dr. Frederic Braun: Medical advisor, neurologist.