COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — On September 27, Stonehaven Park was alive with the laughter of children, fresh-baked goods, handcrafted bracelets, crocheted creations and 3D-printed toys.

In the center of it all stands 10-year-old Samantha Thannisch, smiling as families stop to donate, shop and share words of encouragement.

This is the ‘Kids Crush Cancer Fundraising Event’, an annual effort by Thannisch herself a cancer survivor, supported by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado.

The mission is simple: to give hope and help to children fighting pediatric cancer.

From Patient to Advocate

Thannisch’s journey began when she was only five years old.

“I wasn’t feeling good one night… they thought it was just food poisoning. My mom did

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