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Old Dominion University vs. Virginia Tech and Norfolk State University vs. Hampton University games saw “healthy” competition from Childhood Cancer Awareness Month events

Virginia Beach, VA (September 17, 2024)—It was a weekend of giving for Chartway Credit Union and the Chartway Promise Foundation, as representatives from both organizations appeared at two big football matchups across Hampton Roads in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. On Saturday evening, the Chartway Promise Foundation and its partner, Toby’s Dream Foundation, granted a dream to five-year-old Karlysle at the Old Dominion University (ODU) football game. The moment occurred on the field after first quarter play during the ODU Monarchs' game against Virginia Tech at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Promise Hero, Karlysle Sitler, who is currently battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), was surrounded by his parents, Christina and Aaron, and his younger brother Cyprus, as his dream of visiting Disney World was announced. The surprise reveal, captured live on the Jumbotron, brought smiles and cheers from the crowd when Karlysle and his family learned they would soon be visiting Disney World. 

"We are incredibly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Christina Sitler, Karlysle's mother. "This journey has been so difficult for our family, but seeing Karlysle’s joy today and knowing that we’ll soon make these special memories together at Disney World means the world to us. We can't thank the Chartway Promise Foundation and Toby’s Dream Foundation enough for their kindness and generosity."

 Karlysle, visibly excited about the big announcement, added, "I can’t wait to meet Mickey and go on all the rides!"

"Our mission is to bring joy to medically fragile children like Karlysle, and today's events are a true reflection of that purpose," said Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation. "Partnering with Toby’s Dream Foundation allows us to create unforgettable moments for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. We’re honored to be a part of Karlysle’s journey and to create lasting memories for his family." 

“We couldn’t be more excited to make this dream a reality for Karlysle and his family,” said Brian Schools, Chartway Credit Union’s president and CEO. “Bringing joy and helping them forget their challenges, even for a moment, is what our Chartway Promise Foundation is all about. And it’s moments like these that demonstrate the incredible impact we can have in the communities we serve, and the impact community members can have through their donations and philanthropic spirit.”

Earlier on Saturday, at the annual Battle of the Bay football game between Norfolk State University (NSU) and Hampton University, there was an on-field check presentation of $60,000 from Chartway Credit Union for the Norfolk State University Foundation to support university initiatives. Chartway was the game sponsor. Additionally, the Chartway Promise Foundation is going “gold” this month to support the NSU Spartans and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To help draw awareness to childhood cancer, the game announcer invited the crowd to celebrate a recent wish for another Promise Hero and her family. Fifteen-year-old Chanel Garcia, also fighting leukemia, will visit Hawaii this December thanks to a grant from the Chartway Promise Foundation to its partner, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. Excited about her trip, Chanel shared what she most looks forward to, “I want to swim with dolphins, visit a volcano, go to a luau, and see some sea turtles.”   

Every September, Chartway Credit Union and its charitable arm, the Chartway Promise Foundation, observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by partnering with local charities to make wishes and dreams come true for medically fragile children. In 2023, the Chartway Promise Foundation raised $250,000 during September that was included in the more than $1M granted this year to 21 partner organizations across the credit union’s Virginia, Texas, and Utah markets. CPF invites credit union members and the community to participate in fundraisers to benefit even more medically fragile children and events where the foundation will grant wishes and dreams to more children with cancer. Upcoming events include:

Monday, September 30

Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, Virginia Beach, Va.

Dream Reveal partner: Toby’s Dream Foundation 

Friday, October 4

Night for Hope: Bubbles & Bourbon cocktail party, auctions, tastings, live music, family testimonials at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, Va.

Wish Reveal partner: Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia 

For those who cannot attend these planned fundraisers, donations to the foundation can be made at any Chartway Credit Union branch, online, or by becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser.

Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at www.Chartway.com and the Chartway Promise Foundation at www.chartwaypromisefoundation.org.

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Chartway Credit Union & Chartway Promise Foundation

Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $2.9 billion credit union proudly serves more than 230,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has granted nearly $15 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toby’s Dream Foundation

Founded in 2009, Toby’s Dream Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy to children with life-threatening illnesses by granting them the dream of a lifetime. They serve children who are treated and referred from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk and from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For more information, visit tobysdream.org. 

Make-A-Wish® Greater Virginia 

Make-A-Wish® delivers life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Their goal is to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey and helps them build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. For more information about Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, visit va.wish.org.