About Us
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About Us *
Adam & Ali founded Journey Like June Foundation in 2023 in memory of their daughter June Dallas Peden-Stade. Adam & Ali know, first hand, how difficult it can be to navigate through the world of having a child with cancer. June's journey through cancer was very tough, but she never lost her smile, hope, or love of life. Ali & Adams goal in starting the foundation is to help local kids and their families to Journey Like June and keep their hope and love of life.
June Dallas Peden-Stade
June was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, on September 20, 2020, at 13 months old. June went through many different treatments including chemo, immunotherapy, tandem stem cell transplants, and radiation. She had multiple surgeries, a couple of treatment related infections, and countless nights admitted in the hospital. She passed away after a long fight with Neuroblastoma, on December 22, 2022, at 3.5 years old.
Even though June spent most of her life in the hospital, she was the happiest and brightest little girl. June was able to make the most of every day, in or out of the hospital. While she was in the hospital, she loved to walk laps around the pediatrics unit, play soccer with the nurses in the hallway, and make friends with the other kids admitted on the unit (especially the babies). She was especially good at convincing the nurses to get her candy or some other type of treat. June was able to encapsulate any room she was in with her goofy and sassy personality, she made a friend wherever she went. June was an old soul. She loved being outside, gardening with mom, any type of animal (especially her 2 dogs, Dolly and Merle, and 2 ducks, Tammy and Winona), and playing with her friends.
To Journey Like June is to enrich the lives of children affected by childhood cancer through fierce advocacy, familial support, and education. Our mission is to help carry the load, no matter how heavy, and ensure that no child or their family feels alone.
Spreading June’s sunshine one kid at a time
Our impact
Provided over $23,000 in financial assistance directly to local families so far in 2025
Provide a community for families and children to meet and find support
Provided numerous in- hospital programs to help enhance hospital stays
ALL donations, grants, and money raised stays right here in Central Illinois
To read more about what we do, head to our programs page!
Meet the Team
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Ali Peden- Stade
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ali is June’s mom. Ali runs the day to day operations of the Journey Like June Foundation.
Any foundation questions/ inquiries can be directed to Ali at JLJ@journeylikejune.org
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Adam Stade
CO-FOUNDER
Adam is June’s dad and helped found the Journey Like June Foundation.
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Aticia Peden
CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER
Aticia is June’s mimi. She is the creative mind behind a lot of events and activities. She also coordinates and runs our auction at the golf outing every year.
Contact: aticia@journeylikejune.org
Board Members
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Melissa Hansen Schmadeke
PRESIDENT
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Taryn Grant
VICE PRESIDENT
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Haley Coffey
TREASURER
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Teri Brandt
SECRETARY
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Connor Fitch
BOARD MEMBER
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Abigail Salzeider
BOARD MEMBER