Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
PLATINUM LEVEL
The McKown Family
GOLD LEVEL
est. 2001
NORMAN NORTH SPUD Week
SPUD WEEK 2026
2026 SPUD Recipient Applications
Closed
Over the last 24 years, SPUD week has been able to impact over 54 families and 22 organizations. We cannot be more excited to help even more families and organizations this year! Thank you to all who applied!
meet OUR 2026 RECIPIENTS...
Micah Abernethy: Micah Abernethy is a 9-month-old who was born with a vascular anomaly syndrome that requires a team of doctors in Arkansas for treatment and medication. In March 2025, Micah had a vascular anomaly rupture in his spine, causing paralysis from T3 down. After time in the ICU, spinal surgery, and an inpatient stay, Micah is about to go to Johns Hopkins for another spinal cord rehab stay. SPUD funds would be used to pay off past bills that were not covered by insurance, find Micah the best doctors, and purchase equipment that Micah will need to live a comfortable life.
Josie Combs: Josie Combs is a student at Cleveland Elementary who was born with Marshall Smith Syndrome, which causes respiratory issues, global developmental delays, and severe scoliosis. Josie has a limited life span. She is the only child in Oklahoma with this condition. In 6 years, she has had many operations, including open heart surgery, tracheostomy, hernia repair, brain, and spinal surgeries. In 2023, she contracted COVID and a blood infection, which placed her on life support. Josie survived but needs accessible transportation. SPUD funds will go to help the family purchase an accessible van to transport Josie. She has a joyous smile and laughter that brightens every room she enters.
Cynthia Hanna: Before her retirement, Cynthia Hanna served the community as a nurse, caring for others both in schools and hospitals. Those who know her know her caring heart and selfless drive to help others. Cynthia was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in early 2025. Cynthia and her husband, Norman North Student Resource Officer, Shelby Hanna, travel to Houston every month, sometimes for weeks at a time, for her cancer treatment. Support from SPUD will go towards helping the Hannas pay for treatment and other related expenses.
Foster Care Association of Oklahoma: FCAO works to support foster care and adoptive families through mentorship programs that promote foster parent retention throughout Oklahoma. FCAO also provides children in foster care with opportunities that bring stability, normalcy, and hope. In addition to their main mentorship, they recently launched a Kinship Mentorship Program to recognize the gap with family members and close family friends who take in children. Additionally, their Dream BIG program allows foster children to live out a dream, have extraordinary experiences, and strengthen bonds within foster families. Funds from SPUD will go towards expanding their mentorship program by providing families with the supplies they need to foster a child.
OUR 2025 RECIPIENTS...
Jenny Bryan is a single mom of 4 kids. Jenny works for the Norman Police Department, and is currently in the trainingdivision. Jenny has been battling cancer since 2012 and has just recently ceased chemotherapy. She is facing this challenge head—on with prayer, strength, and resilience. Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference in helping her kids. Jenny continues to be a dedicated single mother to her children, providing for them financially and raising them alone.
Avett Langford is a 5th grader at Truman Elementary who was diagnosed with brain cancer at 22 months 01d. Heunderwent his fifth brain surgery 0n April 26, 2024, but recovery has been challenging due to complications from a blood clot discovered during the procedure. Avett previously had two surgeries as a toddler to remove a cancerous tumor, which has not grown since 2016. He has had three additional surgeries t0 manage seizures. Despite his health struggles, Avett maintains a cheerful demeanor and enjoys spending time with his family, including his two sisters, two dogs, and a cat.
Jade, an 8—year—old girl at Wilson Elementary, was diagnosed with B Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in early 2024. Her treatment will last two and a half years, placing a heavy burden on her, her mother Amber, and her brother Lane. While insurance covers much of the inpatient costs, Amber struggles financially due to time away from work, making it hard to care for Jade. No mother should have to choose between her job and her child's health. Support is needed to help Jade and her family stay afloat during this challenging time and ensure she receives the necessary treatment.
The Cavett Kids Foundation, established in 1997, is dedicated to supporting children and youth facing chronic and life—threatening illnesses. It offers free camps, programs, and support aimed at fostering Character, Coping, and Connection. The foundation’ creates a safe environment where children can feel “normal” while receiving essential medical care. Cavett Kids serves a diverse group of kids with various serious conditions, including heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, Crohn‘s disease, and kidney failure. Whether newly diagnosed or long—term patients, all children are welcomed into the Cavett Kids family, enhancing their lives and providingvital support.
