ELLSWORTH – The holiday season is a time for giving and Ellsworth High School sophomore Piper Van Nocker knows that better than most young people her age.

In September 2019, Van Nocker was diagnosed with a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this is a hip condition that occurs in teens and pre-teens who are still growing.

“For reasons that are not well understood, the ball at the head of the femur (thighbone) slips off the neck of the bone in a backward direction. This causes pain, stiffness, and instability in the affected hip. The condition usually develops gradually over time,” their website states. Treatment involves surgery to stop the head of the femur from slipping any further.

“I spent six months not weight bearing and six months learning to walk again,” Van Nocker said. Through hard work and determination, Van Nocker was able to walk again. She spent a lot of time in children’s hospitals, experiencing firsthand the care and commitment of medical professionals who devote their careers to helping kids. The daughter of Eric and Renee Van Nocker leads a full and busy life, participating in EHS Student Council, Forensics, 4-H and Ellsworth Hearts and Minds Club.

After her medical ordeal, she knew she wanted to do something to help kids like her. So she donated $15 to the KS95 for Kids program. She has since grown her donation amounts significantly by selling baked goods throughout the community each holiday season.

“KS95 for Kids gives money to hospitals that help sick and hurt kids like I once was,” Van Nocker said. “I started with a $15 donation four years ago and have gotten to know the people of KS95 and grown my donation amounts.”

The KS95 for Kids Radiothon is an annual on-air fundraiser benefiting two local charities, Gillette Children’s and M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital Cancer Program. To date, KS95 for Kids has raised over $20 million to help children.

“As someone who has experienced the love and care that comes from children's hospitals, and knows that it wouldn't be possible without the donations of amazing people I want to make sure that every other kid can receive that kind of love and care. I plan to move forward with my bake sale as long as I can,” Van Nocker said.

Radio DJ personality Dez Gravelle of the KS95 morning show has gotten to know the Van Ncker family and has made appearances at some of Van Nocker’s bake sales. In the three years she’s hosted bake sales, Van Nocker has raised $2,000 for the cause (not including this year). She’s had stands at area craft fairs, Common Man Tap & Table and English Lutheran Church.

For those wishing to learn more about Van Nocker’s mission, they can contact her Nockerfamily4@gmail.com or send a donation by Venmo to

https://account.venmo.com/u/Renee-VanNocker by Dec. 5.

The KS95 Radiothon for Kids will take place Friday, Dec. 6.