Founder Karen Shayne is a CEO and a 19-year-cancer survivor. While driving home from a recording session in Spring 2002, Karen thought of "Tiger," a young boy who had been undergoing cancer treatments at the same time as Karen. Karen remembered the difficulty Tiger and his family had had with the diagnosis and treatment. Karen pulled off the road and began taking notes. Little Ivan (the nickname for her own I.V. pole), a young boy fighting cancer, much like Tiger, and Sam, Ivan’s canine sidekick and the name of her own dog who had died of a canine cancer, were born in a flurry of ideas and need.

As Karen continued to speak and perform her song "Live the Dream," a featured song at The Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, she spoke of her goals. She met with enthusiastic approval and requests for information. The idea continued to grow. (A letter from one parent is included in the appendices.)

With the assistance of Neil Carrey, a California attorney and long-time nonprofit legal consultant and the father of a child cancer victim, the Ivan & Sam Foundation was formed in 2003 as a domestic 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Cleveland, Georgia.

In 2006, Ivan and Sam moved its headquarters to Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville was not chosen only because of it being "Music City", but also for its educational resources and health are industry focus. From there, executive and advisory boards were expanded, and a corps of reliable volunteers began to fulfill the Foundation’s goals and overall mission.

In 2009, The Ivan and Sam Foundation officially changed its the name to Billy’s Wish. Billy’s Wish was formed in honor of Billy Apenowich from Bath, NY, whose strength and determination was unsurpassed in his fight against cancer. Billy passed away in 2003 after a valiant fight, but his strength and determination lives on through his family and community. The Billy Apenowich Kick Cancer Kickball Tournament was formed in 2004 and is now the signature event of the foundation.

Letter from Billy's Family

Thank you for visiting our site. One in every 330 children in the US alone will develop some form of cancer. Cancer is the #1 cause of death due to disease in pre-adolescents. However, thanks to the tremendous support of research approximately 75% of children with cancer survive the disease to lead a productive life. But more can be and must be done. Currently there are very few and limited programs available to help children diagnosed with the disease as well as their families and friends understand the challenges they will face. Those programs available are not marketed on a national level or sponsored by an established organization. Thus, Ivan and Sam was formed. The Billy's Wish Foundation is currently in the process of raising funds to develop the following children materials: Six part video series which follows Ivan's diagnosis through recovery Resource guide for family and extended family Cookbook for kids with cancer with input from kids currently in treatment For information about these materials and others, visit The Billy's Wish Project page. It is our desire to see this program available free of charge to all children who so desperately need it and to provide a quality of life for those children who are hurting. It is my hope that you will assist me in the effort to truly make a BIG difference in little lives.. Sincerely, Stan and Joyce Apenowich Co Chairmen of the Board

Executive & Advisory Board

Stan and Joyce Apenowich

Stan and Joyce are the parents of "Billy" Apenowich for whom "Billy's Wish" is named. Stand and Joyce are advocates of pediatric cancer awareness and spend their time developing programs and support opportunities for the friends and families of children facing this disease. Stan and Joyce reside in Avoca, NY

John Styll

John is President of Styllpoint Consulting and former President/CEO of the Gospel Music Association. John is also the founder of CCM Magazine, Christian music’s premiere publication which, in fact, helped spark and grow the entire genre of Christian Contemporary Music.

Leigh Brannon

Leigh Brannon serves as Vice President as well as Artist Consultant to Ivan and Sam. Ms. Brannon has over 20 years in the music industry and currently serves as a producer and artist manager. Leigh resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jayne Rogovin

Jayne Rogovin serves as Secretary/Treasurer. Jayne is a former NBC News Executive Producer and is now a respected independent producer and director working in the Nashville music industry for over 11 years.

Jed Hilly

Jed Hilly, Board Member, is Director of the Americana Music Association. Jed is an executive with over 15 years of diverse music industry experience. Until 2001, he ran Sony Music International's marketing services department. In his final year at Sony Music Entertainment, Jed served as Vice President and Global Manager of Business-to-Business implementation for Sony's Digital Asset Management and Network Strategy group. Meter Consulting.

Terry Shafer (Licensed Professional Counselor )

Terry Shafer, Board Member, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience in the behavioral field. In addition, Terry is a father of a young child facing cancer. He serves as the Board of Directors consultant and liason to the family and medical community. He is also President and CEO of Pipeline Management, LLC

Advisory Board

2009/10 Advisory Board members:

David George, Project Concern Internatonal, San Diego, CA
Harry Lay, Lay Professional Services, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma
Maria Speth, IP Attorney, Jaberg & Wilk, Phoenix, AZ
Chris Salter, President/CEO Piano Wizard, Inc., Longmont, Colorado
Pat Reynolds, Dir. of Hematology Research, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, California
Bill Watson, Music/Youth Director, Carnes Creek Baptist Church, Toccoa, GA
Lee Davis, President and CEO, Rogue Enterprises, Nashville/Atlanta

Consultants:

David Bennett

Former Tennessee Commissioner for Film and Television and now owner of Altera Productions

Tim DuBois

Tim DuBois, Formerly of Arista and Universal South and now owner of Tim DuBois Music.

Marketing Consultants:

Michael Catalano

Michael Catalano is a Nashville native who currently owns two arts and educational television stations. Michael is a master sequencing coach who creates a local framework to expand businesses. His expertise is working with non-profits and struggling companies. He is also past Executive Director of the Nashville Film Festival who through proper strategic marketing took the festival to number 8th ranking in the United States. Michael resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

David George

David George serves as our west cost Marketing Consultant. He is currently Vice President of Marketing and Development, Project Concern International, San Diego, California and has a 25-year span of working with nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society, Save The Children and the prestigious STOP CANCER. David resides in San Diego, CA.
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