Kurt, a husband and stay-at-home father of two girls, is passionate about two things—craft beer and Friends of Kids with Cancer.
In 2019, Kurt's daughter Hazel underwent treatment for a Wilm's Tumor when she was just two years old. After having her right kidney and the tumor removed and undergoing chemotherapy, Hazel is now a thriving 7-year-old cancer survivor celebrating five years of being cancer-free.
"There is no such thing as too much support for a family battling childhood cancer, but, if there were, Friends would certainly exceed it and then some,” Kurt explains.
We will eternally be grateful for all the love and support Friends provided us while Hazel went through surgery and treatment."
Throughout her treatment and for years beyond ringing the bell, Friends has provided resources to Hazel and her entire family. Hazel's family has benefitted from free programs provided by Friends like taking home toys from the Toy Closet in the hospital, academic tutoring, seeing Disney On Ice, food and snacks in the hospital, and a party to celebrate her bell ringing at the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. Hazel is currently seeing a tutor provided by Friends, which has substantially helped improve her reading scores.
“I had the nicest nurses and doctors,” Hazel tells us. “but what always cheered me up on a hard day was getting to pick out a toy from the Friends toy closet. I also loved the Friends Winter Wonderland Party. I am a certified dinosaur expert and love dinosaurs so much. Dinosaurs are my favorite, but I also like pterosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles and all sorts of wildlife.”
As a beer lover with an unexpected experience with pediatric cancer and an ever-expanding love for his daughter, Kurt organized a beer raffle for four consecutive years, donating over $110,000 to Friends of Kids with Cancer. He helped give smiles to kids just like Hazel and her sister Claire.
"I’ve been a huge fan of Side Project since my first visit to the Cellar ten years ago,” Kurt says. “Even before we had Hazel, Side Project was supporting Friends of Kids with Cancer.
When I had my raffles for Hazel, they were always very generous in donating some extremely sought-after prizes that helped bring in a lot of interest from all over the world. Literally the world, there were people from Brazil, Japan, China, England, Poland, Australia, etc. [buying raffle tickets!]"
Support families like Kurt's by purchasing For Friends Golden Lager at any Side Project Brewing location. For Friends is available in September in 4 packs for $18 and on draft for $8 for 14oz. A portion of proceeds from the sale of this beer goes directly to Friends of Kids with Cancer, helping kids with cancer... be kids!
As a Side Project La Coterie member and huge supporter of Friends of Kids with Cancer, it’s no surprise that Kurt is excited to help launch Side Project Brewing's new For Friends Golden Lager in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
"I’ve enjoyed many different Side Project beers with friends over the years and they without a doubt make some of the best beers in the world,” explains Kurt.
“More importantly though, they genuinely care about their community and their support for Friends in particular is just amazing. What a cool thing to see your favorite business and favorite charity come together! I can’t wait to cheers Side Project and Friends with friends over a glass of For Friends!"
Support families like Kurt's by purchasing For Friends Golden Lager at any Side Project Brewing location or donate below.
For Friends Golden Lager is available in September 2024. Helping kids with cancer... be kids!
