Heroes for Children - Our Mission

Julianna's Story

Mission Statement

Heroes for Children is a nonprofit organization providing financial and social assistance to families, within the state of Texas, with children (0-22 yrs of age) battling cancer.

Since it's inception in 2005, Heroes for Children has spent more than $750,000 on program services (as of the end of 2007). No request has ever been denied!

Currently, an estimated 12,400 children, ages 0-20 years, are diagnosed with a form of cancer in the United States . With diagnosis comes the challenge to provide financially for the family. In order to provide constant care for their child, parents frequently lose or quit their jobs. The money Heroes for Children donates directly to families helps relieve some of the strain and stress during this difficult time in their lives. Whether it is to pay a medical bill, buy gas for the frequent trips to the hospital, or keep a family from having their electricity turned off, Heroes for Children is committed to helping families. There is no other organization that provides such versatility when it comes to financially assisting families. A social worker at a Texas children's hospital said, "The impact of the aid and the hope that you have instilled in these families cannot be measured." With your help, Heroes for Children can continue to assist these families and make a difference in our community.

A social worker at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, wrote, "When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it seems that the family, even a financially stable family, has financially hard times. Having the added stresses associated with with financial burdens, is more than families should have to bear. It is so nice to have an organization that is available to help in these types of situations. No strings attached!" As one parent explained, "it is hard to ask for help, but when you receive it, there is such a burden lifted off your shoulders. You are then allowed to focus on more important things." Heroes for Children enables a family to focus on the most important part of treatment--the child.

Our Values

H – Helping families affected by childhood cancer

E – Engaging the community in our mission

R – Responding expediently to requests for assistance

O – Operating a fiscally responsible organization

E – Enabling families to focus on the most important part of treatment - the child

S – Serving children treated in Texas hospitals

The Need for Heroes for Children

Cancer treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and numerous clinic visits which can last between six months to three years. Often, a parent must take an extended leave of absence. According to information provided by the Financial Counselor of Oncology at Cook Children’s, a child's care can run from $600,000 to over one million dollars, often exceeding their lifetime maximum on benefits.

Childhood Cancer

In any given year at the main hospitals in DFW and Houston, an average of...

800       Children will be diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer

150       Children will receive bone marrow or stem cell transplants

160       Children will be in-patient at any given time to receive blood transfusions, chemotherapy, or other treatment due to their cancer

Cancer Treatment

Treatment for childhood cancers can last between six months to three years. Patients have frequent trips to the hospital, often lasting days to weeks. For most parents, a consistent work schedule is unrealistic. They work when they can, take a leave of absence, or quit their jobs in order to be there for the child.

Keep Up With Heroes for Children!

Interested in reading more about what Heroes for Children does to support families in Texas? Join us at http://heroesforchildren.blogspot.com!