Our mission is to support families in our community with children facing hardship caused by the critical illness or loss of a parent, in honor of Susanna May.
1 in 12 children in the United States will lose a parent before the age of 18,* and more than half of families facing a critical illness report being financially unprepared.
*National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG)
DonateOur support is organized around four pillars: Health & Wellness, Childhood Prosperity, Education, and Essential Needs, designed to address the full picture of the challenges a family may be facing.
Susanna found that many medical expenses were not covered by traditional insurance and the extensive financial burden was unexpected. Expenses supported are insurance deductibles, out of pocket medical expenses, alternative medicine, therapy, preventative education, counseling, prosthetics, palliative and hospice care.
Susanna exhibited compassion in caring and providing for children in need in our community. We support childhood prosperity by offering support to maintain a balance for normalcy by providing day-to-day supplies, clothing, educational tools, and fees for extra-curricular activities. Children also may need therapy/counseling, grief support, emotional support, and diversion. To counterbalance stress and worry, we provide care packages and organize supportive notes or activities to support and care for children.
In the case of critical illness or tragedy, income may be reduced or stretched with additional expenses and a decrease in their ability to work. The organization offers resources for housing support, food and nutrition, utilities, cleaning services, or assistance to find additional resources for social services or assistance with housing/utilities, transportation, caregiver support, legal / financial services and funeral service expenses.
Susanna attended Catholic schools as a child. She and her husband believed in the quality of private education and the sense of community that came with it. We are committed to supporting educational needs including, tuition, tutoring, organized traditional/non-traditional courses, preschool, day care, professional services, technology and supplies that a child may need for educational purposes. Scholarships may be offered at a later date to help with educational needs.
The Board of Directors evaluates blind requests from the Application Committee from individuals that have met the criteria outlined by the organization to assure a substantial impact in the community and manages all fundraising efforts. The Board is a volunteer board; no payment is received for being on the board. Board members have voting privileges during Board meetings.
The Board is made up of the following individuals committed to making impactful donations for families with children that have a parent facing a life altering illness or death. The Board meets regularly to ensure we are continually making progress in improving the quality of life for children in our community.
Mark WernsmanChairman of the BoardRead BioMark, a Physical Therapist and the Vice President of Operations at Upstream Rehabilitation / SERC Physical Therapy, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. He initially served as a clinician and has since transitioned into a leadership role overseeing a group of physical therapy clinics. Susanna, Mark's sister, was a significant presence in his life. Raised in a large family of eight siblings, they shared a close bond. Following Susanna's passing, Mark and others felt compelled to establish a nonprofit in her honor, aiming to support families facing difficult circumstances.
Kathryn GroteRead BioKathryn Grote, Audiologist and Founder of KC Hearing Center LLC, earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Missouri State University. Formerly engaged in field sales, she combined product training with business development to support audiologists. Kathryn is a cancer survivor and is passionate about making a positive impact on others. Kathryn and Susanna were actively involved in various activities and volunteer events together. Kathryn is honored to carry on Susanna’s legacy of generosity and kindness through the Infinity - Susanna Smiles organization.
Karen PoletisRead BioKaren, a real estate agent for over 20 years working for Weichert/CJ Properties, experienced a life-changing event when she lost her youngest sister, Susanna, who left behind her four young children after being diagnosed with cancer and passing away within nine short months. Witnessing firsthand the impact on a family and their needs inspired Karen to help initiate Infinity - Susanna Smiles in honor of Susanna's legacy, aiming to make a difference for other families struggling with the loss of a parent.
Michele Spilker, CPARead BioMichele Spilker, CPA, is the founding partner of Spilker McKeone & Nelson PC. With over 30 years of experience in public accounting, Michele and her firm are actively engaged in numerous non-profit organizations, dedicated to assisting others in various aspects of business. Witnessing the devastation caused by cancer in Susanna’s family inspired Michele to become involved in this organization, aiming to provide support to other families facing similar situations.
Paul Torlina, Esq.Read BioPaul is in-house counsel for OOIDA in Grain Valley, Missouri and has been an attorney for over 20 years in Kansas City, with 15 years’ experience working with and in a Board of Trustees and not for profit setting. Paul knew Susanna from attending St. John Francis Regis grade school and O’Hara High School with Susanna and her siblings and from her family’s involvement with Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Parish. Paul's relationships with Susanna and the Wernsman family over many years were a natural inspiration to get involved with the organization.
Maegan (Mae) SpencerRead BioMaegan (Mae) Spencer is a Senior Insights Manager in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry. In addition to her professional life, she is also a mother, wife, and dedicated volunteer to many wonderful non-profits. Mae and her daughter have served their community across multiple states of residence and have a strong passion to help those in need. Mae has volunteered with several organizations with a number of years focused on Animal Welfare. She holds an advisory position at Value Unconditional, served as Director on the board for The Rescue Project as well as board for Daymon Women's network. She also acted as the fundraising and auction lead for her daughter's annual school auction. Mae is thrilled to have found a group like Infinity and to have an opportunity to support the ever evolving needs of those who are experiencing traumatic life experiences.
Families with children at home who are facing hardship caused by the critical illness or loss of a parent may apply.
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
After an application is received, a volunteer from our review board contacts the applicant. The applicant sends the bills to be covered, and the board reviews and approves the request. The applicant is then told the result and when the bills have been paid.
Yes. Your donation is tax-deductible, limited to the amount that exceeds the fair market value of any goods or services provided in return.
Yes. Please make checks payable to Infinity - Susanna Smiles and mail them to Infinity - Susanna Smiles Inc., PO Box 1139, Lee’s Summit MO 64081.
Yes. Infinity - Susanna Smiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 92-1517774.
We work with each family to understand where the need is greatest and direct resources accordingly.
Apply for Financial Support