Heroes for Children - Financial Assistance

Austin's Story

“Through this devastating time, it is a true blessing to see the generosity displayed by so many people. Thank you for all that you (Heroes for Children) have done” --parent, recipient of assistance from Heroes for Children
“God bless you all! The work you do reaches so many people. You deserve a golden star!” --parent, recipient of assistance from Heroes for Children

Heroes for Children enables families to focus on the most important part of treatment-the child. Providing financial assistance directly to families in need is the main focus of the organization. While caring for the sick child, parents must often face the financial strains of missed work or lost jobs. Often, it is impossible for them to work a steady job. Bills continue to pile up at home.

An average of $750 is donated directly to families. Common types of requests include:
Mortgage and rent payments
Utilities, phone, gas, car payments
Hotel and travel expenses for families to travel to and from the hospital

Funding requests vary and Heroes for Children evaluates each case to determine if the need meets our mission. Unique situations for funding often arise which are outside of these average types of assistance. Be sure to check the Case History page to see specific funding examples.

Funding to families

Since its inception as Heroes for Children, more than $750,000 has been donated directly to families in need with a child undergoing treatment for childhood cancer (dates from January 2005--December 2007). The need for our organization continues to grow. With more awareness of the organization comes more requests for funding. To date, no request has ever been denied. Heroes for Children strives to continue with the ability to fund each and every need. Without your help, we would be unable to do so.

From the Social Workers

Below are some thoughts from various social workers we work with on a monthly basis (from a 2006 end of year social worker survey):

"Heroes for Children has been the safety net for families in need. There are very few organizations in the community that patient families can rely on for a substantial amount of financial assistance that may be required to pay a bill when the parent(s) have missed work or cannot work due to their child's diagnosis." --social worker at Children's Medical Center of Dallas

"They (Heroes for Children) have provided assistance for concrete services such as utilities that I could not necessarily find elsewhere." --social worker at Children's Medical Center of Dallas

"Heroes for Children has been an invaluable support to my families. In very stressful times, when families are desperate for help with rent/bills/gas money, etc, during their child's treatment, Heroes for Children has been able to provide that help so they can focus on their child and not their bills. --social worker at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston

"The organization has made a great deal of difference in many lives. It has allow them (the parents) to breath from some of the financial stressors following such a devastating diagnosis. The assistance has allow families to pay everyday bills, medical bills, prescriptions, and take care of anything else to be able to make ends meet." --social worker at Medical City Children's of Dallas