About Us

It all started because Kelsey had leukemia…
The story of the Marshmallow Launcher began in 2002, and explains why Kelsey’s Kids President Pat Bohman understands how a life-threatening disease can impact an entire family. When Kelsey Bohman was a freckled eleven-year-old with leukemia, her parents and older sister helped her face oncology treatments at Denver’s Children’s Hospital. Kelsey’s dad donated bone marrow, and the family endured treks to Denver, motel stays, bedside vigils, insurance paperwork and separation until Kelsey emerged with a clean bill of health.

Kelsey’s family helped other children facing bone marrow transplants…
The family’s gratitude for the loving care received at Children’s Hospital needed an outlet, so in 2002 they began providing Kelsey’s Krates, a crate-full of sterilizable toys for each child to enter Children’s Hospital’s bone marrow transplant program. The family paid about $100 for each crate, (about two a month in the first few years, and four a month in 2009) but Pat knew they could do more if they had a fundraiser.

They found a way to bring laughter into the grim lives of oncology patients…
Kelsey and Pat Bohman, with help from family and friends, invented and patented the Marshmallow Launcher, a blowgun that shoots marshmallows. These toys contribute to healthy deep breathing and help change the time spent in a hospital bed from one of anxiety and tedium into fun and laughter. To date, Kelsey’s Kids have made more than 8000 Launchers for children in more than 200 hospitals and cancer camps.

Kelsey’s Kids Organization

Kelsey’s mom, Pat Bohman, is a quiet, unassuming woman who leads by example. Her tireless dedication to helping children with cancer inspires her Advisory and Executive Boards to give their time, expertise and money.