Last week, I got to be a part of something that really proved that Kansas State University is one of the best places around. My fraternity hosted an event that was called, “Kakes for Kaiden.” This event helped raise money for Kaiden Schroeder, a McPherson child, who is fighting leukemia. It was a huge event that hosted between 500-700 students. Many attractions included: all-you-can-eat pancakes, a photo booth, a visit with Coaches Bill Snyder and Sean Snyder, Willie the Wildcat, K-State cheerleaders, as well as a huge World Series Watch Party on our fraternity’s deck around a fire pit.
FarmHouse Fraternity (whose international philanthropy is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation) decided to host this event for Kaiden, not only due to my hometown ties with McPherson, but his connection and love of the K-State Football program.
I write this, not to brag on my fraternity or myself, but to express how blessed I am to be at Kansas State University. Here at K-State, a popular slogan is “Family.” This came about a couple of years ago because of the small-town Manhattan feel, with the most personable fans, loving tailgaters and loyal students. But on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, “Family” meant more than Bill Snyder’s Football squad.
I watched hundreds of students come to the house, not having any clue who Kaiden is, many of them donating well over the suggested amount. I can’t tell you the amount of people who asked me who Kaiden was, how old he was, where he was from, and so on. They loved learning about him and they were so impressed with the strides he is making; the support from college-aged people, who had heard that a fellow “family member” was fighting cancer, was overwhelming!
The meaning of “Family” really clicked for me when I watched three fellow Wildcats sit down to write a note to the Schroeder family. They wrote lengthy notes and signed them personally. The notes were so touching that I asked them if they knew Kaiden. They all shrugged and said, “No, we just felt compelled to encourage a future Wildcat.” On campus the next morning it was a proud moment spotting students wearing “Kakes for Kaiden” t-shirts.
I am proud to attend a university where greek letters on one’s shirt, having homework and other events, don’t stop my fellow wildcats from from bonding and putting other’s needs first. Particularly a little boy from McPherson, who is battling cancer.
I will no longer refer to “Family” as only being associated with our football program, but to this Kansas State University as a whole. I want to thank everyone who made this event possible for the Schroders: Bill Snyder, Sean Snyder and the Kansas State football coaching staff, as well as the cheer team and Willie, and to all of my fraternity brothers, especially our philanthropy chair, Charles Musil.
FarmHouse Fraternity sends our thoughts and prayers with the Schroeder Family. We are so happy to see Kaiden making great progress! His positive outlook on life and his perseverance are inspiring to so many of us here in Manhattan.
FarmHouse Fraternity (whose international philanthropy is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation) decided to host this event for Kaiden, not only due to my hometown ties with McPherson, but his connection and love of the K-State Football program.
I write this, not to brag on my fraternity or myself, but to express how blessed I am to be at Kansas State University. Here at K-State, a popular slogan is “Family.” This came about a couple of years ago because of the small-town Manhattan feel, with the most personable fans, loving tailgaters and loyal students. But on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, “Family” meant more than Bill Snyder’s Football squad.
I watched hundreds of students come to the house, not having any clue who Kaiden is, many of them donating well over the suggested amount. I can’t tell you the amount of people who asked me who Kaiden was, how old he was, where he was from, and so on. They loved learning about him and they were so impressed with the strides he is making; the support from college-aged people, who had heard that a fellow “family member” was fighting cancer, was overwhelming!
The meaning of “Family” really clicked for me when I watched three fellow Wildcats sit down to write a note to the Schroeder family. They wrote lengthy notes and signed them personally. The notes were so touching that I asked them if they knew Kaiden. They all shrugged and said, “No, we just felt compelled to encourage a future Wildcat.” On campus the next morning it was a proud moment spotting students wearing “Kakes for Kaiden” t-shirts.
I am proud to attend a university where greek letters on one’s shirt, having homework and other events, don’t stop my fellow wildcats from from bonding and putting other’s needs first. Particularly a little boy from McPherson, who is battling cancer.
I will no longer refer to “Family” as only being associated with our football program, but to this Kansas State University as a whole. I want to thank everyone who made this event possible for the Schroders: Bill Snyder, Sean Snyder and the Kansas State football coaching staff, as well as the cheer team and Willie, and to all of my fraternity brothers, especially our philanthropy chair, Charles Musil.
FarmHouse Fraternity sends our thoughts and prayers with the Schroeder Family. We are so happy to see Kaiden making great progress! His positive outlook on life and his perseverance are inspiring to so many of us here in Manhattan.