Houston HFC Friends

Web Site

Snapshots

HFC Friends Houston

2012-2013 HFC Friends President: Alissa Maples

Statement of Purpose

HFC Friends supports the mission of Heroes for Children through volunteer efforts to strengthen and expand social and emotional assistance provided to families with children battling cancer. HFC Friends strives to ensure that the special moments in the lives of these children are recognized and celebrated despite their ongoing battle with cancer.

Membership Events

Members have two get together events during the year. There are no other additional meetings unless a member signs up for a specific committee role.

Membership Coffee- Meet and Greet with other HFC Friends members to learn about childhood cancer issues and ways to volunteer for HFC

This year's Fall Coffee will be held on Wednesday, October 3rd from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Alissa Maples' home.

This year's Spring Coffee will be held on Friday, May 3rd at 8:30 am at Karen Baerenstecher's home.

Family Picnic- Date TBD-Members and their families are invited for a day of fun in the sun

Volunteer Work

HFC Friends will focus on the social assistance provided by Heroes for Children to cancer families at the main hospitals in the area. Volunteer work includes:

Heroes Milestones— members assist in the coordination of and donations to special events for cancer patients as needs arise throughout the year.

Holiday Heroes—members shop, wrap, and donate gifts to selected cancer families during the holiday season. The families receive their gifts at a holiday party attended by member volunteers.

This year's shopping days are Sunday, November 11th and Tuesday, November 13th.

Valentine’s Party—committee members plan, coordinate, and host a special dinner for cancer parents to include a nice meal and childcare. This event is an opportunity for the parents to have a “date night” while their children enjoy a fun evening of activities.

This year's Valentine's Dinner is Wednesday, February 20th.

General Administrative Volunteer work for HFC

Questions? Contact Monique Hernandez at

(713) 401-9930 x1 or mhernandez@heroesforchildren.org

Past Presidents

2011-2012 Amy Johnson

2010-2011 Leigh Wheatley

2009-2010 Chay Taylor

Hakeem's Story

Hakeem, a three year old from Houston with leukemia, has benefited from two programs through HFC Friends. In October 2008, HFC Friends helped provide Hakeem with a Spiderman themed birthday! And in December 2008, volunteers in Houston provided Hakeem and his family with a complete Christmas through Holiday Heroes. Below is little snippet of Hakeem’s battle against cancer.

Hakeem at Christmas

“Hakeem was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2006, he was only nine months old. It was something I never expected; he relapsed three times since then and had two stem cell transplants. He’s now in remission again from the second transplant. He is a very smart, funny and lovable baby and he loves to wash dishes with me. My son is my life, through it all he’s managed to smile, laugh, and play. It’s just amazing the strength that babies have; they are the biggest fighter in the world. I love my son dearly and together we will fight these horrible times away!!"

The following is a letter from Hakeem’s mom after the holidays:

“Dear Heroes for Children,

I love you guys, you are true heroes and angels. The help I’ve received from you guys time and time again [Heroes Milestones, Holiday Heroes, Financial Assistance] has overwhelmed me. You have blessed me and Hakeem when absolutely no one was there . If I can hug you and let you know what you have done for me and my son I would love to do so."