Let me tell you about an amazing Austin-based non-profit organization. They work hard every day to improve the lives of people who need them most.
Recently, I was introduced to this group of kindhearted Austinites, known as Superhero Kids. They quietly assist children and families who have been affected by cancer and blood disorders.
Founded in December 2009, Superhero Kids works to improve the quality of life of children and their families at the Children’s Blood and Cancer Center of Central Texas, at Dell Children’s Hospital. Their other primary purpose is to make Austin aware of the progress made in the name of children battling life-threatening illnesses.
You may know a child afflicted with such a disease. The CBCC currently treats around 400 patients per year, and 70-85 Austin kids are diagnosed every year. They are the kids playing baseball down the street, or clustered together in groups walking home from school. You and I tend to see these children as mere kids, but those working with the Children’s Blood and Cancer Center (CBCC) see what we do not. They see these courageous children as real superhero kids.
I can’t imagine how much courage it takes to fight cancer and blood disorders at age seven, but somehow these kids do it. Children diagnosed with Childhood Leukemia today have a 75-85% success rate.
But dealing with these kinds of hardships demands a lot of money, time, and emotional strength. Both the children and parents must deal with the costs. That means medical bills, which can pull away most if not all of a family’s resources, and time that must be devoted to scheduling treatments and subsequent therapies, which often pulls at least one parent from work when money is extremely tight. Given the long duration of these treatments, the financial and emotional effects upon the affected family can be earth-shattering.
The Superhero Kids organization provides financial assistance to the CBCC to alleviate the expenses that families must shoulder. Treatment costs a lot of money, and much of it isn’t reimbursed by insurance companies. Transportation, basic living expenses, and special educational needs are just a few of the problems faced by the parents of superhero children.
For the past two years, Teagan Boyd, age seven, has raised money for Superhero Kids instead of asking for birthday gifts. Her and her friend Parker are the ultimate superheroes.
The organization can always use assistance from individuals in the Austin area. If you enjoy volunteering or supporting worthwhile causes, look no further. There are a few ways you can help. You can volunteer your time by joining Superhero Kids fundraisers, or by hosting a fundraiser of your own. If you would rather donate monetarily, Superhero Kids accepts gift cards as well. Your cards can be for anything from groceries to gasoline. According to the Superhero Kids website, here is how your donation helps:
$10:
• Pays for 2 cafeteria lunch coupons for family members accompanying a patient for treatment.
• Pays parking for a family for 1 day.
$100
• Pays for arts and crafts supplies at the CBCC for 2 weeks.
$500
• Pays for buying wigs for 4 patients.
• Pays for food and clothing for families in need due to expensive medical treatments
$1,500
• Pays for neurological testing of patients, which helps assist children with learning challenges that come as a result of cancer treatment and hematology diagnosis.
$5,000
• Pays for end of life services for families in need.
$50,000
• Pays for a Child Life Specialist for 1 year, to work with children to learn how to manage their fears and pain as they go through the hematology and cancer process.
You can reach the Superhero Kids HERE to donate what you can spare. These people are genuine heroes who struggle everyday to bring light and happiness to children battling the grimmest situations. Be sure to click HERE to like them on Facebook and show your support also.
A little support can make a large difference.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Superhero Kids.
Austinot Dusty asks:
Do you have a superhero kid in your life? Tell us the story.
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