We are so thankful to our sponsors who made this week possible. Please take a moment to learn their stories, their love for our kids, and to appreciate their efforts and big hearts. This week couldn’t have happened without them.
Advocates for Trisomy 13 & 18 Sponsorship Level
BaBa and MorMor are so thrilled to take this opportunity to highlight and uplift our precious granddaughter, Stella Spoelker. Not in our wildest dreams could we have imagined the powerful impact Stella continues to make on this world and the Trisomy 13 and 18 families. There’s not a single day that goes by where we don’t think about her and give thanks for the 39 days we were able to see her, touch her, and love her. And while we can no longer physically touch her…she continues to touch us and is ever present. Continue to change the world, sweetheart, as we all come to understand The Stella Effect!
As Stella’s great aunt, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community of love and support for Trisomy 13 and 18 families. Stella will always be our North Star, guiding the work of this organization.
We are grateful for Don and Betty Spoelker’s generous, annual donation to The Stella Effect and their ongoing encouragement and support for our mission.
Nelson Family Foundation supports all causes related to children inpatient and ongoing, extensive medical care for babies and children. Our daughter Maggie was born in 2020 with a genetic condition called Trisomy 18 or Edward’s Syndrome. The first few years of her life were full of uncertainty and fear as we navigated life in the way God intended for her. She just celebrated her 3rd birthday. Nelson Family Foundation was inspired by her and the light she continues to spread across the world.
Our sincere thanks to Aldridge Electric for their sponsorship of The Stella Effect! Aldridge’s decision to support our camp stems directly from their culture of charitable outreach and their deep commitment to backing the families within their workforce. Inspired by our daughter Izzy’s journey with Trisomy 13, Aldridge contributed to this year’s stay at The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), and we are so grateful.
As Stella’s aunt, I am extremely blessed to know and to be a part of the strong and loving Trisomy 13 and 18 community. These families are some of the strongest people out there. Stella taught me (Aunt Hanna) more than I will ever know about love, family, patience, and empathy. Stella is the brightest star in my sky and reminds me everyday we all need each other.
Extra To Love is a non-profit benefitting families of people with Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18, genetic conditions in which an extra chromosome is present. ETL provides financial assistance for costs associated with supporting the life of an individual with one of these diagnoses and aims to connect and support the community through our podcast and social media content. The Trisomy 13 & 18 community has many gaps in support and ETL is honored to work to fill those gaps, as we believe extrachromosomes are just Extra To Love.
More Amazing Advocates: Andrew and Molly Tuller Dean and Val Adams Chris Holtman The Kleber Family in honor of Reece The Garrett Family The Willard Family In honor of Amaris Kishore and Kitty Palla D.D. Hendrickson
Travel Sponsorship Level
Grace Victoria was a fierce and joyful light in this world. A proud Trisomy 13 warrior, she lived boldly and beautifully for six and a half incredible years before passing away in March of this year. Grace went on many adventures and approached life with wonder, laughter, and bravery. She was her family's greatest joy — a rule breaker, trailblazer, and warrior who constantly defied expectations and loved with her whole heart. Her spirit is dearly missed by our entire community, but her impact lives on in every story we tell and every child we celebrate. We are forever grateful to her family for continuing to honor her legacy with us.
This generous $500 donation came from angel dad Jeff Gilmore’s godparents, Sean and Jude Gogan. After hearing Riley’s parents share about their upcoming trip to camp, they knew they wanted to be part of making it possible. Their gift is a beautiful way of loving on their godson while honoring the memory of Riley Bear. We’re so grateful for their support.
The Edwards Syndrome Association exists to advocate for equitable medical care, advance education, and strengthen support systems for individuals living with Trisomy 18 and their families. We empower caregivers through trusted resources, professional engagement, and collaborative partnerships that enhance healthcare navigation and community inclusion. To learn more about The ESA and ESA programming and resources, visit www.edwardssyndrome.org or follow The ESA on social media.
We proudly support the Stella Effect through our love for Stella and the entire Spoelker family. Our niece was an incredibly special little girl. We were blessed to be able to see her and spend precious time together during her short yet impactful life. Although she is no longer physically with us, we continually feel her spirit, strength and love. We encourage everyone to support Trisomy 13 and 18 families through the Stella Effect. It has and continues to be a blessing in our lives and the lives of others.
Special Moments Sponsorship Level
Laree + Co. is a clothing brand that was founded in 2018 as Lily Rose Boutique, in honor of Lillian Rose. In 2020, the company rebranded as Laree + Co. with a mission to create cute, comfortable, and accessible clothing for children of all abilities. They take pride in being size inclusive, offering sizes ranging from Micro-preemie to 3X. The brand aims to make sure that all children can feel confident and stylish in their clothes, regardless of their abilities. Each LC collection is named after a medically complex child or angel. They hope that when you hear their name, rather than thinking of a brand, you think of all the sweet ones they are representing. “Wear more than a brand, wear a story.™️” The Lillian Rose Foundation was established as a tribute to Lillian Rose and initially provided care packages to medically complex families. The foundation shifted its focus to supporting grieving parents and providing funeral funding for neonatal and pediatric funerals. They believe that families going through such a difficult time should not have to worry about the financial burden of laying their child to rest. The foundation strives to offer resources and assistance to help ease the stress during this challenging period. Lils had mosaic Trisomy 18 and lived for nearly 5 beautiful years earthside before moving to heaven in 2021. She was bright, funny, and so very brave. Her bright blue eyes look deep into your soul, and her smile was breathtaking. She was the essence of joy and magic. Her story is so far from over as she continues to live on through so many. Thank you to Laree + Co and the Lillian Rose Foundation for pouring so much love into our camper families. From the custom bags, shirts, and meaningful goodies inside — to supporting every apparel launch and leading the charge on “The ___ Effect” birthday fundraisers — your impact is everywhere. The special touches you help make possible aren’t just thoughtful extras; they’re reminders that our children and families are seen, celebrated, and deeply loved.
Thank you to Seattle Cookie Momster for donating custom cookies for every camper and angel family. “Our Zoey June was born on August 19, 2020. She entered this world staring at her dad and passed a minute after. She was tiny, 12 inches long and just over a pound, but had so many features from her family. She had her Daddy's lips, her brother's ears, and her Mommy's fingers, she was our missing piece. She is missed every single day. We didn't have a long time with Zoey but for the months preparing for her arrival after her diagnosis, this community of Trisomy families I found gave me hope, as well as ideas on how to cherish her life and make it special for her and our family. I am forever grateful that I found them and I love being able to contribute to our community in any way that I am able to. Every year for her birthday we hold a bake sale and donate the sales to The Stella Effect, in her honor. “
A heartfelt thank you to Elizabeth Carver of EC Carver Photography for helping us preserve the magic of camp through her remarkable photography. With kindness, gentleness, and a joyful spirit, Elizabeth has a gift for capturing the authentic moments that families will cherish forever. We are incredibly grateful to have her with us for a second year, ensuring these precious memories live on long after camp ends.
A huge thank you to one of our camper moms-turned-volunteers, Kailey Farmer, who took the initiative to secure donations for our welcome bag surprises and raffle giveaways. Every item was thoughtfully selected to accommodate and support the diverse, unique needs of our campers and their families. We are incredibly grateful to the following companies and individuals for their generosity: See Me Thrive, Pump Packs, Billy Footwear, 3D Tubie Dad, Thera Threads, Little Green Radicals, No Reception Club, Tobiq, Rifton, Youth Crews, Lairos, We Carry Kevan, Sand Cloud, Magnetic Me, Abrams Nation, Testa Seat, The Baldwins, Bogg, the Farmer family, Omie & Co., Verve Coffee Roasters, and many others who helped make this year's camp experience even more special. Thank you to each donor for your generosity, and an extra special thank you to Kailey for going above and beyond to make every family feel welcomed, celebrated, and cared for from the moment they arrived.
A fourth-time camper and fellow medical mom, Amber (Nuggie’s mom) knows firsthand what it takes to show up for camp. In addition to caring for her own family, she generously donated feeding hangers, flags, and sunglasses for this year’s swag bags. She’s also thoughtfully creating custom pieces for our angel families, ensuring that all families — including those honoring their babies in heaven — feel included and seen. We’re in awe of the time, love, and heart she pours into this community. Thank you, Amber!
A special thank you to Chatbooks for their generous support of our camper swag bags and for helping create a meaningful keepsake for our families. This year, every camper family will receive a personalized camp memory book filled with photos from their time together—a beautiful way to remember the joy, connection, and unforgettable moments shared at camp. This incredible gift is all thanks to Courtney Evans, angel mom to Junnie, member of The Stella Effect Board of Directors, and Chatbooks team member. Courtney's dedication and generosity made this project possible, and we are so grateful for her heart, creativity, and commitment to making camp even more special for our families. Thank you, Chatbooks and Courtney, for helping preserve these cherished memories for years to come.
Quinn Adams is a PRO Advisor with Fora Travel who plays a vital role in supporting The Stella Effect each year, helping to coordinate personalized travel arrangements for every family attending the Stella Effect’s Camp for Courageous Kids. With expertise spanning budget to luxury travel both across the United States and internationally, Quinn ensures every journey is seamless, meaningful, and tailored to each family's unique needs. e: Quinn.adams@fora.travel
Elizabeth is attending camp for the second time this year with her daughter, Eleanor. After experiencing the incredible community and joy camp offers, Elizabeth has helped spearhead fundraising initiatives and secure donations to enhance the camper experience, including cooling towels, toys, fans, and a refrigerator to help keep our campers comfortable and having fun. Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for everything!
Swag Bag Sponsorship Level
KATIE & ANDREW CLARK - As Stella’s aunt and uncle, we miss her dearly every day. Supporting The Stella Effect keeps her light shining, and we are so deeply grateful to be part of this incredible, compassionate community.
JOANNE LUCKEY- The Stella Effect offers community and resources to families as they navigate unexpected challenges. It promotes a network of communal knowledge and compassionate care so that no family has to go through it alone. Shine bright, Stella Girl.
THE MUSSER FAMILY - The Musser family is attending camp for the 4th year with their family and daughter, Izzie. The Mussers are generous donors to The Stella Effect and advocates for the Trisomy 13 and 18 community. David has also become a beautiful part of camp leading us in worship and giving families space to connect spiritually together. Thank you to the Musser family for all you do.
Fundraising Family & Friends
For the past four years, our community has come together for the Compatible with Life 5K — a powerful day of movement, remembrance, and celebration. Families and friends around the country lace up their shoes, wear their shirts proudly, and raise awareness for Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18 while honoring the children we love. This event is about declaring, loud and clear, that our children are compatible with life — and worthy of celebration exactly as they are. Each year, this event raises over $15,000+ for The Stella Effect, making it our largest annual fundraiser — and it wouldn’t happen without the incredible heart behind it. A special thank you goes to Alison Helm, a devoted mom whose daughter Charlotte Grace was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 at 16 weeks gestation. Like so many of us, Alison was met with devastating statistics, an overwhelming list of possible birth differences, and the label “incompatible with life.” Amid the heartbreak and uncertainty, she found connection through Chelsea and The Stella Effect, and with other mothers walking similar paths. Charlotte lived for six beautiful days, and her legacy continues to shine through every step of this race. The Compatible with Life 5K is a labor of love from a mother to her daughter — and a lasting gift to our entire community. Thank you, Alison, for planning and pouring your heart into this event year after year. Mark your calendars for our FIFTH Annual Compatible with Life Virtual 5K: September 26th, 2026! Register here: https://www.alisonmariephd.com/compatible-with-life-5k
THE DERBY CITY NORSEMEN- this Louisville-based Minnesota Vikings fan club founded in 1994, is known for hosting game-day watch parties at Gerstle’s Place in Louisville, KY and raising thousands of dollars for local charities. Around 100 fans gather regularly during the football season to support their team and give back to the community. The DCN picks a charity every year from nominations received, and TSE was selected for 2025. The Derby City Norsemen raised $5,000 for The Stella Effect, which helped send five families to camp! We want to thank the Spoelker family for supporting TSE in so many ways, John Chawk for founding such a wonderful group, and The Derby City Norsemen for advocating for charities while cheering for the best team with the best fans. Thank you and Go Vikings! Skol!
THE ____________ EFFECT FUNDRAISERS Last year, we launched “The _____ Effect” fundraisers—an opportunity for friends and family to purchase custom merchandise to celebrate the impact our kids have made in our personal communities. This effort wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our friends at Laree + Co and the beautiful collaboration of the families who said “yes” to sharing their child’s story and spirit. Thank you to the following families for helping raise funds for camp while honoring their child’s impact on this world: Olivia, Harper, Charlotte, Nori, Omar, Haddie, Jerzey, Arrow, Claire, Eleanor, JoJo, Kade, Evalyn, Kora, Stevie, Cayden, Caroline Samuel, Maggie, Riley
LEE FAMILY - Every year, baby Zoey’s family holds a bake sale in honor of her birthday, donating the proceeds to The Stella Effect. Follow Zoey’s mom, Randi (@seattlecookiemomster), for sweet treats and glimpses into Zoey’s legacy.
DEHEL FAMILY - During Trisomy Awareness Month, Wyatt’s family donated proceeds from Casey’s What’s on The Table focaccia sales to The Stella Effect. If you’re near Havertown, PA, follow Wyatt’s mom, Casey (@_whatsonthetable_), for what looks like the yummiest focaccia around!
- MORE AMAZING FUNDRAISERS -Abbie Rogers Photography -Abby Hagemeyer -Amanda and Jeff Gilmore -Amy Thompson Wells -Angela Dehel -Araceli Medina -Brianna Smith -Brooke Fontenot -Bumi Turpin -Carol Gray -Catherine Knoght -Cathryn Cash -Christy De la Hoya -Courtney Carter -Cynthia Young -Daphne Evers -Darcy Streetman -Davena Ramkarran -Doug and Chelsea Spoelker -Elisa Armenta -Ellen and Paul Bielewicz -Erin Hettick -Franklin Heller -Heather Schimmel -Jan Krennerich -Judy Hellwarth -Kara Iqbal -Katy and Ben Lyvers -Kelsey Chrisco -Keri Page -Kimberly Shumate -Kimberly Kelleher -Laurie Ward -LeAnn Gaerke -The Hegarty Family -Madison & Andrew Dehel -Malinda Wade -Mark Coleman -Megan DeRuiter -Meredith Willard -Michelle Nichols -Mike Giacaman -Nancy Frydrych -Quantavia White -Ray Zablocki -Renee Berkowitz -Sandi Gilmore -Sarah Outman -Sean Tuggle -Smiling for Samuel -Stacy Court -Sue Ann Choate -Tiffany Pasillas -Veap Tale -Victoria Kenney -Wandelin Littlejohn