Caps For Kids

Stephen D. Heinrich, M.D., Founder and President Emeritus

Dr. Stephen D. Heinrich, founder and President Emeritus of Caps For Kids, is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, and a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Louisiana State University Medical Center.  Since 1988, he has served on the staff of over nine hospitals, written two books, published approximately 85 manuscripts, and organized or directed ten post graduate courses.

In 1993, Dr. Heinrich founded Caps For Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hats and scarves autographed by celebrities to children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer when they have lost their hair as a result of chemotherapy.  Under the direction of Dr. Heinrich, Caps For Kids has expanded its reach to over 90 hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, and enlisted the support of more than 100 volunteers at those locations.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Virginia Military Institute in 1977, Dr. Heinrich earned a Master of Science from the University of Arizona in 1979.  Upon receiving a Doctor or Medicine degree in 1983 from the University of Arizona, he moved back to Virginia where he completed an internship and residency at the Medical College of Virginia before landing a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at the Children's Hospital in Louisiana State University Medical Center.

Dr. Heinrich resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He has four children, Laurie, Stephen, Ryan and Emily.

John DeWaal, President

John is the Vice President of Brand Communication for New Era Cap Co., Inc. John started with New Era in October 1994.  Throughout his 12 years, John's primary role has been to provide leadership in the company's overall marketing efforts including the creation of the current brand identity and platform as well as developing advertising and promotional campaigns.

Under his direction, New Era executed its first ever TV advertising campaign. John has led the company's Major League Baseball club sponsorship initiative. John provides direction to New Era's licensing and international market entry efforts. He has played a key role in securing and managing our licensing relationships with Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball International and other major sports entities. We benefit from John's previous six years in the broadcast advertising industry selling advertising for local radio and television stations in western New York. In his spare time, John enjoys golf and running. John lives in Lancaster, New York with his wife Kim and three children Nicole, Luke and Noah.

Lauren L. Clement, Vice-President

Lauren is the Vice President of Caps for Kids. She resides in New Orleans, Louisiana with her husband, David and their three sons: David, Jr., Cole & Colin. Lauren received a Master of Library and Information Science Degree from Louisiana State University in 1995. She has been affiliated with Caps for Kids since winter 2000.

Lauren began her relationship with Caps for Kids as the Executive Director and continued her efforts through April 2007. Lauren is currently working alongside her husband managing his construction litigation practice affording her more time to enjoy her boys. She was asked to join the board immediately following her departure and was thrilled to be associated in her new capacity. Lauren considers herself blessed for the opportunity to be involved with Caps for Kids, and honored to be serving the very special children that we celebrate.

Brian T. Landry, Treasurer

Brian is a native New Orleanian and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from LSU. He is Vice President and Director of Marketing at Childrens Hospital in New Orleans, and has served in this capacity for over 24 years. In addition to his marketing duties, his administrative responsibilities include overseeing hospital development, public affairs, volunteer services, the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network, the School Kids Immunization Program, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program, the Behavior Health Clinical Liaison Program, the Miracle League and the Parenting Center.

Brian is a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Seminary College and also on the Advisory Council of St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, a board member and Past President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater New Orleans, an advisory board member of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Catholic Schools, and a member of the DeLaSalle High School President's Advisory Board, and serves as treasurer of Caps for Kids.

Brian has a daughter, two step sons, five grandchildren, and commutes from Slidell where he lives with his loving wife, Charlotte.

Jessica Wuerffel, Secretary

Jessica is married to Danny Wuerffel. Jessica graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI in 1997 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She joined Americorps *VISTA out of college and was stationed in Santa Rosa Beach, FL where she affiliated a Habitat for Humanity branch. Jessica ended her term with VISTA in December of 1998 to work for Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans. She also worked with Carver High School students on ACT training. Jessica has continued to volunteer with Desire through today. She and Danny married in June of 1999 and Jessica became a "full-time volunteer". Her volunteer work includes Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Orleans, Lighthouse for the Blind, STAIR reading program, Desire Street Ministries, and Caps for Kids. Jessica is involved with team Bible Studies and Bible Study Fellowship.

Jessica is actively working with other NFL wives to procure signatures from current and former professional football players. She has three beautiful children, Jonah, Joshua, and Macy.

Cristy Ecton

Cristy is the Caps For Kids chapter liaison and the Outreach Coordinator at Children's Medical Center - Dallas, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She is the editor of the CCBD department publications including the annual report, employee newsletter, physician newsletter, program brochures, patient family newsletter and department web site. Cristy also acts as the department liaison to the hospital and medical school public relations departments as well as supports external fund-raising organizations and advocacy/support groups.

Harold D. McKay

Captain Harold D. McKay is a Logistics Officer in the Canadian Air Force, presently working at National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa. He graduated from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont in 1982. Harold is married to Pamela Burnley and together they are the proud parents of three beautiful sons: Matthew (92), Daniel (94) and Christopher (96). Matthew was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August 1994 at British Columbias Childrens Hospital in Vancouver. He underwent surgery in Vancouver and began his chemotherapy treatments there. Harold and his family relocated to Ottawa in January 1995 and Matthews treatments continued at Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

Harold first became involved with Caps for Kids in the fall of 1996 after reading of the program in a Sports Illustrated for Kids article. It was at that time that he introduced Caps for Kids to CHEO in Ottawa. This coincidentally was about the same time that Matthew lost his hair as a result of his cancer treatments. The CHEO program became the first Caps chapter outside of the United States. It now houses the only distribution center outside the continental US. Harolds experience with Matthew and his battle with cancer allow him to bring not only a parents perspective, but also a patients parents perspective to Caps for Kids. I find my involvement with Caps for Kids to be extremely rewarding. I have the opportunity to work with some great people...I like the simplicity of the Caps for Kids concept AND, most of all, I like the smiles on the faces of the children when they select or receive a signed hat of their choice!

Dan Milham

Dan is an AMS Meteorologist who recently retired after more than 31 years on the air at WDSU TV, in New Orleans. He was a frequent winner of the New Orleans Press Club's annual Best Weathercast Award and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Originally from Detroit, where his broadcasting career began, Dan made New Orleans his home in 1973. His first job in the Crescent City was as a manager and on-air personality for WGSO radio. Those call letters have recently resurfaced on the local radio scene under new ownership. Four years later, in 1977, he joined WDSU as a weekend weathercaster. In 1980, he moved to weeknights as their chief Meteorologist and served in that title through December 2008 when he retired and became WDSU's first Chief Meteoroligist Emeritus. He'll appear on the station occasionally during weather emergencies.

Most of the time now Dan earns extra retirement funds as a photographer, plays golf as often as possible and enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his granddaughter.

Zack George Minasian

Zack is originally from Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Missouri, has been married since 1974 to Barbara, and together they have 4 boys: Rudy, Perry, Calvin, and Zack, Jr. Zack began his career in professional baseball in 1966 as a clubhouse attendant in the Los Angeles Dodger minor league system under the great Tommy Lasorda. Mr. Lasorda's knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine love of the game was embedded in Zack many years ago. Zack is currently the Equipment/Clubhouse manager for the Texas Rangers major league baseball club in his 14th season. The Major League Baseball Equipment Managers Association, of which Zack is a part, has pledged their support to the CFK organization. Since learning of the CFK program Zack's baseball efforts have become two fold, to win the World Series, and to keep these special kids in the hats of their favorite stars. He looks forward to assisting CFK in any way possible and is honored to be included in the Caps for Kids organization. GOD BLESS THE KIDS and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Jon Glesing

Jon was hired as Indianapolis based niche retailer Hat World, Inc's first Marketing Director in the Spring of 1999 when the company was less than three years old and operated just 50 stores. Jon also brought a professional background in sports-related media and public relations which included work with the Indianapolis Colts and indiana Pacers. Today, Jon oversees marketing, corporate communications, community outreach and media relations for a company that has grown to more than 850 HAT WORLD and LIDS stores across North America. Hat World is also Caps for Kids' oldest corporate sponsor. Jon sums up his job and the company's successes in Hat World's corporate motto which is simply: "Have Fun, Sell Hats." A graduate of Indiana University, Jon enjoys coaching his three young daughter's sports teams and, as if he isn't busy enough, is the official statistician for the Pacers and the Colts.

C. John Holmquist, Past President

John is married with two daughters and resides in Birmingham, Michigan. He is an alumnus of Duke University, 1972 A.B.; and Emory University, 1975, J.D. John is an attorney specializing in the representation of employers in labor and employment law since 1975. He is admitted to the Georgia and Michigan Bars. John is a member of various professional associations and organizations.

John is a member of the Duke Alumni Association, Detroit chapter past president. He is also a member of Birmingham Bloomfield Soccer Assn.--president-3 years and president of travel teams-2 years. John holds a USYSA "D" coaching license; having coached ten years. He became affiliated with Caps for Kids in 1996 and has been instrumental in the development of programs both in Detroit and at his alma mater-Duke University. He brings vision and leadership to our board.