The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation

🌴🌊 𝗔 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝗶 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 🌊🌴 Adrian, a bright and determined young man, was ready to take on college life after graduating high school. As a captain of his swim, water polo, and Science Olympiad teams, he thrived on teamwork, problem-solving, and competition, even earning a spot at state for his activities. But life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma. Instead of moving into his college dorm, Adrian faced 6 grueling rounds of chemo, countless challenges, and the isolation that comes with low white cell counts. Through it all, Adrian’s resilience and spirit shone bright. And thanks to the generous support of the Jennifer Hudson Show and Denny's, Nik’s Wish was able to grant his dream wish, a trip to Hawaii! This trip gave him the chance to recharge and reconnect with his loved ones. 💙 Thank you to everyone who supports Nik’s Wish and helps create these life-changing experiences for warriors like Adrian. Together, we’re bringing joy, hope, and strength when it’s needed most. #NiksWish #WishGranted #HopeAndHealing #AdriansJourney

🍀🏃♂️🍻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝟱𝗞 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲! Don’t miss your chance to lock in your spot before the next price increase on 1/25! Grab your green gear and get ready to run, walk, or crawl for a great cause—bringing JOY to young adults battling cancer. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: 🍀 Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 12:00–3:00 PM 🍀 Mercyhealth Sportscore One, 1288 Elmwood Rd, Rockford 🍀 Beer, fun, and making a difference in the lives of young adults battling cancer! Enjoy beer stations along the course, shamrock-themed fun, and a post-race celebration featuring cold brews, a silent auction, and the iconic 50ft long shot ski! Stay tuned for details about our ShamROCKED fundraiser and your chance to win a one-of-a-kind bottle of Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey straight from Ireland! 💚 🔗 Register today before prices increase: https://lnkd.in/eGtVagaA Want to sponsor or donate? Contact Tammy at tammy@nikswish.org or call 815-262-9678. #ShamrockBeerRun #NikolasRitschelFoundation #RunForJoy #RockfordEvents #RockfordRunners #Shamrocked

🏁✨ Donor Spotlight: Max Kahler Racing ✨🏁 Max Kahler has been a dedicated racer in asphalt late models and super late models for the past 8 years, competing primarily in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. His accomplishments include winning the 2020 Big 8 Late Model Championship, the 2020 National Short Track Championship, the 2023 Dells Raceway Park Super Late Model Championship, and the 2024 ASA Midwest Tour Jim Sauter 200. But no only is Max a superstar on the track, he also has a heart of absolute gold and has been supporting the mission of the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation through fundraisers of his own. Max’s connection to the Foundation (Nik’s Wish) began through his family. As a friend of his mom and her family, Kelli introduced Max to the amazing work the foundation does for young adults fighting cancer. Max’s involvement with the Kulwicki Driver Development Program further inspired his fundraising efforts. Part of the program’s mission was community service, and Max couldn’t think of a better organization to support. Fundraisers for Nik’s Wish hold a special place in his heart, especially after raising money for a wish that touched his racing family deeply. This experience motivated him to continue his efforts, ensuring more young fighters can experience their dreams. "We could not think of a better organization to help out and to raise money for. It hits pretty close to home with the Nik’s Wish recipients being about my same age. Knowing that you can bring joy to those in the darkest time in their life is an incredible experience. The Driver Development program may be over, but we’ll keep supporting Nik’s Wish as long as we can." We are so grateful for the generosity and heart of supporters like Max and Max Kahler Racing. Together, we are making wishes come true for young adults fighting cancer. 💛 🌟 Join Max in supporting Nik’s Wish! Your kindness can help bring light to someone’s darkest days. Visit https://lnkd.in/dXNaCzNw to learn more or donate today. #NiksWish #MaxKahlerRacing #GivingBack #YoungAdultCancerFighters #LateModelRacing #LateModel #cancercommunity #cancerwish #LOVEWONcancerzero

🌴 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗼𝗻 🌴 On November 18th, 2022, life took an unexpected turn for Jaydon when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma after persistent knee pain. It’s been a journey filled with every emotion imaginable—fear, anger, jealousy, and yet, amidst the darkness, moments of appreciation, humor, and a newfound inner strength. 💛 To honor his incredible resilience, Nik’s Wish delivered pure joy to Jaydon with a dream trip to Hawaii 🌊, where he could relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories with his parents, who have been unwavering pillars of strength throughout his battle. We want to send an extra special thank you to Captain Bruce for their generosity and partnership in delivering these lifetime memories to Jaydon! #Hawaii #NiksWish #Joydelivered #lovewoncancerzero #osteosarcoma #dreamtrip #cancercommunity #cancerjoy

Nik's Wish is proud to be the charity partner for Star Wars Night with the Rockford IceHogs on January 11, 2025. 🌟 Proceeds from the 50/50 and chuck-a-puck will be given to Nik's Wish and support us to deliver more JOY! Join us for an evening of action, excitement, and giving back. Your ticket purchase supports young adults battling cancer. Together, we can make their wishes come true! 🎟️ Tickets start at just $22 – get yours today and help us spread hope and joy! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eQci4mXC #NiksWish #StarWarsNight #GiveBack #HolidayGiving #SupportCancerFighters #IceHogs #MakeAWish #CharityNight

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!🍀 Join us for beer, running, beer, walking, beer, stumbling, beer & partying at Sportscore One again this year! Last Year's Events Sold Out Early so make sure to sign up now to secure a spot! This race benefits Nik's Wish and helps us deliver more JOY to young adults battling cancer. 🍺 The festivities begin Saturday, March 15th at 12:00pm at the Sportscore! The walk/run starts at 12:00 Noon and we'll keep the party going until 3pm! 🍺 All registered participants get a souvenir beer glass, Shamrock Beer Run T-shirt and an event medal for completing the course. 🍺 This is a race course like no other! We feature 5 local craft breweries along the course route, so participants receive an (optional) 3 ounce sample from each brewery along the route, and are greeted with a 16oz pint of their favorite choice at the finish line! Learn more about the race and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/g739im4N

𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱! Nik's Wish brought Uriel's Star Wars dream to life! 🌟 Through facing countless battles with cancer and enduring over 30 surgeries, Uriel never let his faith in God waver. Uriel’s wish? To live out his Star Wars and Disneyland dreams at Galaxy’s Edge, where he could stand alongside his favorite characters in the land of magic and adventure. 🌌⚔️ The strength and light from Uriel and other cancer warriors just like him remind us all that hope shines brightest in the darkest times. And, of course, that a wish-come-true can make all the difference. May the Force always be with you, Uriel! #NiksWish #galaxysedge #JoyDelivered #CancerWarrior #StarWarsMagic #lovewoncancerzero #nikolasritschelfoundation #disneyland

We're closing out our 2024 wishes by sharing our final Memory Makers from the past year. We are so immensely proud of the JOY delivered in 2024 and looking towards 2025 with so much hope. 💙 Each year, we create special 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 squares to give to the generous donors who directly fulfill the heartfelt wishes of young adults fighting cancer. These squares are a symbol of our immense gratitude and the priceless, life-changing memories their kindness helps create. To our donors: Thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity brings light, hope, and JOY to cancer warriors when they need it most. Together, we’re making wishes come true! ✨ #NiksWish #MemoryMakers #Gratitude #CancerWarriors #MakingMemories

Johanna’s wish was simple yet profound: 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 after 8 years together. Despite battling Stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma for six years, Johanna’s strength and love were shining brighter than ever on her beautiful day. 💙 Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we delivered her dream—a beautiful wedding filled with love, laughter, and surrounded by those who cherish her and her new husband, Drew, deeply. 💍 Here’s to Johanna, her incredible journey, and the power of love and resilience. Nothing is better than LOVE and JOY! #dreamwedding #lovewoncancerzero #nikswish #beautifulbride

We're kicking off 2025 by sharing our final Memory Makers from 2024. A year full of kindness and joy delivery. 💙 Each year, we create special 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 squares to give to the generous donors who directly fulfill the heartfelt wishes of young adults fighting cancer. These squares are a symbol of our immense gratitude and the priceless, life-changing memories their kindness helps create. To our donors: Thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity brings light, hope, and JOY to cancer warriors when they need it most. Together, we’re making wishes come true! ✨ Kerry R.S. Hughes Co., Inc. #NiksWish #MemoryMakers #Gratitude #CancerWarriors #MakingMemories