The Sunshine Kids

The Sunshine Kids Foundation staff, assisted by dedicated volunteers, organizes numerous events and activities annually that effect the lives of hundreds of young cancer patients and their families. They welcome your inquiries and comments as they strive to create more positive and exciting experiences for children fighting cancer.

“For a whole week I felt like I was cancer free. And let me tell you that is one great feeling!”

- Amy Ehret
Sunshine Kid

"Sunshine Kids has given me the opportunity to be a kid. I will remember it for the rest of my life. Even though I had a below the knee amputation, I now feel I can do any sport or anything"

- Katie Divulus
Sunshine Kid

"We together as a big Sunshine Kids family will feel the pride in ourselves and in eachother knowing we made it through one of the toughest and best times of our lives"

- B. Farley
Sunshine Kids Parent

"It was so easy to be close to everyone because we all shared something special. We have all been through so much and bringing us together was the greatest thing you could have done for us"

- 15 year old
Sunshine Kid

"It was so rewarding for me to be able to see the kids outside of the hospital - having fun and feeling good"

-Mary Rosen, R.N.


		G.W. Bailey Executive Director, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		After serving as a SSK volunteer for 15 years, G.W. became the Executive Director in Jan. 2001. Since creating the California Fun-Time Fantasy in 1988, he has overseen the expansion of National Events that now include ten destinations and involve volunteers nation wide working with the Foundation to provide trips and activities for hundreds of young cancer patients annually. G.W. became internationally known as a professional actor for his portrayal as Capt. Harris in the POLICE ACADEMY film series. He is also widely recognized as Sgt. Rizzo from the MASH television series and for his other feature and TV movies. He is currently a regular on the TNT television hit series, THE CLOSER. G.W. was introduced to the Sunshine Kids by his goddaughter Brandy Aldridge who had been diagnosed with leukemia. Her experiences with other Kids who were also fighting cancer had a profound effect on Brandy, her family and friends. She inspired G.W. to begin working with the Foundation and with Rhoda in an effort to create more activities that would reach as many Kids as possible. His work with the Sunshine Kids has always been dedicated to the memory of this remarkable young woman.



		Shannon Lillis Director of Operations, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Shannon Lillis joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1994. As Director of Operations she oversees the day to day operations for the Foundation. She is also responsible for the Foundation's national sponsor, Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. In this capacity she maintains relationships with affiliate offices and coordinates fundraising events across the United States. Lillis received a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington.



		Jennifer Wisler Director of Children's Services, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Jennifer Wisler joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1998. As Director of Children's Services since 2000 she is responsible for all children's events. Her main focus is the organization of National Events and the coordination of attending hospitals and volunteers across the country. Wisler received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.



		Rita Suchma Director of Development, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Rita Suchma joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in January 2009 as Director of Development. She is responsible for managing the day to day fundraising operations including identifying and cultivating new funding sources, grant writing, stewardship and managing the annual fund. Suchma began her special relationship with the Sunshine Kids over 15 years ago while working with the Houston Astros Baseball Club. As the Astros Director of Community Relations and Foundation Development she served a liaison to The Sunshine Kids working with Craig and Patty Biggio on many of the Kids’ ballpark visits and holiday parties. She is a native Houstonian and also attended the University of Houston – Downtown.


		Edrian Brooks Assistant Director of Children’s Services, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Edrian Brooks interned with The Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2005 and joined the Foundation as Activities Coordinator in August 2006. In her current position, Brooks assists in coordinating National and regional events. Brooks received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing/Management Information Systems from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana.


		Rachel Moody Development Associate, Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Rachel joined The Sunshine Kids Foundation in March 2012 as Development Associate. She assists the Development Department with stewardship, grant writing, research and fundraising events. Rachel graduated from Manhattan College in New York with and B.A. in Peace Studies and Government.


		MaryCameron Carroll Activities Coordinator, Sunshine Kids Foundation

		MaryCameron Carroll joined The Sunshine Kids Foundation as an Activities Coordinator in January 2013. Her main focus is planning and organizing local events. MaryCameron received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M.


		Ben Buchert Director of Media Services, Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Ben Buchert has been producing videos of National Events for The Sunshine Kids Foundation since December 1998. He joined the Foundation staff in 2001 as Videographer/Editor. He attends all National Events and many local Houston area events. Prior to his work at the Foundation, Buchert worked as an editor and photographer for United States Army Combat Training, Access Houston and KLP Productions. He holds a degree in Video Production from The Art Institute of Houston.


		Rich Hooper Secretary / Treasurer, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Rich Hooper began his involvement with The Sunshine Kids Foundation in 1985 as a volunteer at the annual Winter Games National Event held in Aspen, Colorado. Since then he has been instrumental in many National Events throughout the Foundation’s history. Rich is responsible for a number of special projects that relate to expansion of infrastructure as well as growth of national activities. He also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Sunshine Kids Board of Directors. Hooper served in the United States Marine Corps as a Fighter Pilot for eight years. He was a pilot for Delta Airlines for 30 years and a Senior Flight Instructor. He retired as the Chief Line Check Airman for International Operations. For the past four years he has instructed in the Aeronautical Technology Department at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee.


		Brooks Tomb Director-Regional Offices, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Brooks joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2006 when he became Director of the new Western Region Office. In his current position as Director of Regional Offices he is responsible for overseeing the coordination and management of events, staff, and fundraising activities in the Eastern and Western Regions and serving as the primary spokesperson for The Sunshine Kids in those areas. Brooks was Founder and Director of Youthvision from 1998-2001, a 501(c)(3) that provided inner city youth in Los Angeles the opportunity to create their own public service announcements while being mentored by Hollywood professionals. Brooks had 23 years of experience in Hollywood in a variety of positions, mostly in set lighting. He worked as a department head on movies such as “The Lost World,” and TV series including “Cold Case,” “American Dreams,” and “The Closer,” where he met G.W. Bailey. He became inspired after volunteering when the Sunshine Kids came to visit the set. Brooks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Columbia University in New York City.


		Aubrey de los Reyes Activities Coordinator, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Aubrey de los Reyes joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2011 as Activities Coordinator. As Activities Coordinator she is responsible for the planning and coordination of local events on the East Coast. Aubrey received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Applied Relations from Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT. Prior to joining the Sunshine Kids Foundation, Aubrey worked as the Membership & Development Coordinator for the Connecticut Science Center.


		Elizabeth Gomez Activities Coordinator - Western Region, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Elizabeth Gomez joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2011. As Activities Coordinator she responsible for the planning and coordination of local events in the Western Region. In addition, she manages hospital relationships, coordinates hospital visitations, and communicates regularly with Sunshine Kids families. Elizabeth is a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California Berkeley. Prior to joining the Sunshine Kids Foundation she worked for a non-profit as a College Advisor and Mentor for four years. In addition, she dedicated her time as a Spokesperson for the Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer Team.


		Melissa Constantino Special Projects Coordinator - Western Region, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Melissa Constantino joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2011. As Special Projects Coordinator, she is responsible for the planning and coordination of local events and assisting with fundraising events in the Western Region. Melissa graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Sociology and when she can, she enjoys producing community music events around the city.


		Natasha Gonzalez Assistant Activities Coordinator - Western Region, The Sunshine Kids Foundation

		Natasha Gonzalez joined the Sunshine Kids Foundation in 2010. As Assitant Activities Coordinator she is responsible for supporting both the Activities and Special Projects Coordinators in organizing local in-hospital and out-of-hospital activities. Natasha is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at Western University of Health Sciences. She received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami’s School of Education and obtained her Masters in Public Health from Florida International University. Prior to joining the Sunshine Kids Foundation she worked as Research Coordinator for the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of Clinical Research at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, FL.