Celebrating 31 years!
Since 1995, The Shadow Buddies Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Kansas City, has been bringing smiles, hope, and companionship to medically challenged children across the country and around the world in the form of cuddly, plush Buddies. When children are faced with a health care challenge, they need a friend to bring along on their journey.
Our Shadow Buddies can be there to help your child feel safe and secure during a frightening medical experience. These plush pals help your child understand that no matter what type of illness they may have, they are never alone. Your child can proudly proclaim they have a friend “just like me.”
News & Upcoming Events
Buddies of the Month
February is here! Meet our very special Buddies of the Month: Heart Buddy & Burn Buddy. Throughout the month, we'll be working with communities all over the country to connect those in need with a Buddy of their very own.
Click the button below to browse buddies!
Join our 11th Annual
“Shoot for the Kids” Event
The fan-favorite annual fundraiser if back!
Once again, we’re partnering with MedDevelopment and Powder Creek Shoot Park to bring our community together for a fun clay shooting event benefiting Shadow Buddies kids.
Register NOW to reserve your preferred flight time on April 23, 2026.
Registration is OPEN!
2026 Golf Classic
Registration is now open for the 18th Annual Golf Classic benefiting Shadow Buddies!
Join us for a day on the course that makes a meaningful impact—supporting children through comfort, confidence, and compassion. Secure your spot today and help us drive hope forward.
Tap below to register and/or learn more.
KC Mavericks partner with Shadow Buddies
Shadow Buddies is thrilled to team up with the
KC Mavericks this season!
$10 from each ticket purchased through our link goes directly to support Shadow Buddies.
Join us during the ‘25/’26 season- ALL season long! Go Mavs!
Magical Flight
2025
Thank you to all those who attended, volunteered, donated, and cheered us on! We’re so grateful to our sponsors, especially our partners at Delta Airlines.
It was a truly MAGICAL day!
View + shop our collection of customizable buddies.
Learn more about our mission + contribute to our cause.
Who We Are
A children’s charity organization dedicated to illumination, compassion, and emotional support through the education of children and adults regarding illness, disability, or medical treatments.
Our Mission
The mission of the Shadow Buddies Foundation is to provide emotional support through education regarding illness, disability, or medical treatments. The foundation accomplishes this through unique programs designed to enhance the lives of children and adults. In pursuit of that mission, the foundation will continually raise funds, develop new programs and build relationships between organizations with complimentary goals.
Our Goal
Our goal is to help children understand their medical conditions and act as comforting companion that kids can share their experiences and treatments. A Shadow Buddy brings comfort and compassion to children while they undergo treatment for their illnesses or conditions.
Follow us on Instagram
@shadowbuddies
