Under Da Sea Adventure

Just over two weeks ago, during the week of February 21, 2011, the Clark family of Allen, TX, started off on their Sea World trip and boarded a Southwest Airlines flight bound for San Antonio. Little did they know what was in store for them when they arrived... Read about their adventure from the family themselves below.

The whole trip was a blessing from beginning to end. God, our course, knew our family needed a little diversion as this is Sarah's one-year anniversary of being diagnosed with Leukemia. Therefore, it has been a year that our family has been going to countless clinic visits, chemo treatments, ER runs, hospital visits and daily chemo pill regiments. The flight on Southwest Airlines was so exciting for the girls and the drivers who drove us around for the two days made us feel like royalty. How often do you get driven up to the front door of La Madeline's for lunch and then get picked up again by your driver when you are finished eating!?!

The Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa Hotel was beyond our expectations. The back sliding glass doors of our room opened to a partially enclosed lawn area where the kids could run and play and explore while we sat in our room or on the back porch!

The lazy river and pools were just outside our door. And Sarah found a hammock, one of her favorite things, near the pool, so she spent some time swinging and relaxing.

The Sea World tour was so special because it wasn't open to the public yet so we had the whole park to ourselves and received VIP access. Senior Trainer Mike Pool arranged a spectacular tour, and we got to see all the animals behind the scenes. Sarah held beautiful birds on her arm and cuddled a baby penguin. We sat on a blanket in the middle of majestic pink flamingos as they inspected us:) Sarah learned some sea lion training signals and was able to get Elroy the sea lion to stick out his tongue, roar, sing, dance and many other things. We were able to talk to Maca birds who talked right back!

We were even blessed enough to see special things that only trainers sometimes get to see like the baby killer whale nursing from her mother as they swam along. The trainers were in the middle of training the baby killer whale to jump out of the water and hit a ball, and we were privledged enough to see her actually catch on and do it!

We will never forgot such an amazing experience we received from Heroes for Children.

And then when we returned to the hotel, we received a call from the local ABC affiliate station KSAT12 saying we would be on the 5 o'clock news! It was so fun to watch our family on TV having such a good time. Click the link below to view footage:

http://www.ksat.com/video/26958707/index.html

Sarah said, "My favorite part was getting to pet all the animals and feed them. I've never had a chance to do that before!"

Hannah said with a remembering smile on her face, "The black and white whales (killer whales) were so beautiful when they jumped up high and splashed! And the baby one was so cute!"

Rebekah is only two so she doesn't have much to say that is actually quotable, but she does love carrying her big stuffed killer whale around.

The girls are still talking about it and sharing it all with everyone we meet. Thank you Heroes for Children, HFC Friends, Sea World San Antonio, Hyatt Hill Country Hotel Resort & Spa, our driver Carlos Morales and to everyone who had a part in making this a truly remarkable experience for our family and life-long memories.

Sincerely,

Anne, Jay, Sarah, Hannah and Rebekah Clark

Olivia's Beautiful Spirit will "Liv-On"

In November 2004, Heroes for Children was formed. Our very first application came in to support Olivia, a patient at Medical City Children's Hospital. Olivia had been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for almost three years at that point. After relapsing, her brother Tyler was her bone marrow match for a transplant in October 2004. The picture above was taken in early 2005.

From that early time of Heroes for Children, Olivia and her family were incredibly special to me and Larissa as Co-Founders, as well as to Heroes for Children as a whole. Friends of their family put on a Night of Broadway concert in the spring of 2005 to raise funds for Heroes for Children as well their family. This was a perfect event for them. Never have a met a more talented family! All of them are talented--dancing, acting, singing. The family is the epitome of the triple threat!

I absolutely fell in love with Olivia's sweet face and humor. I adored and admired her parents Joseph and Kandis. They've raised five beautiful and awesome kids and have kept them grounded as a family in a way that many couldn't. As a volunteer with a kids cancer camp, I got the special treat of spending a week with Olivia several summers in a row. Waiting for the Medical City kids to get off the bus was always great for me because I knew she would jump off and immediately give me a huge hug. She laughed and hung out with me in Arts and Crafts, and usually spent time with me at the dance filling me in on all things going on with her family.

Almost five years after Olivia's transplant, she relapsed in August 2009. Since then, I've witnessed strength and courage like no other--both from Olivia, her parents, and her wonderful family. Her cancer treatment took them eventually to MD Anderson in January 2010 after being told that no further treatment was an option. Olivia fought. She fought this battle, but she never fought alone. Kandis and Joseph made it work with traveling to and from Houston as well as juggling their other two young daughters still living at home. She fought alongside her older sister Kaitlin who stayed with her in Houston. She fought along with her family and friends who supported her both near and far. I'm proud to say Heroes for Children helped her fight a little too. She and her family were part of our Holiday Heroes program in 2009, even getting them tickets to see 101 Dalmatians the musical at Dallas Summer Musicals. We sent a "Harry Potter Party in a box" to help her celebrate her 12th birthday Hogwarts style, gave her a laptop through our Laptops for Love program, and hung out with her at the Night at the Museum event at the Museum of Nature and Science.

Joseph, Maddie, Kandis, Jenny from HFC (me), Isabel, Larissa from HFC

and Olivia front and center

On February 13th this year, I was so excited when Joseph and Kandis joined us for the annual Valentine's Dinner for HFC families. Olivia and Kaitlin had already headed back to Houston for the next day's chemotherapy. Larissa and I excitedly talked to Kandis about coming to visit Olivia with our girls when she was in town soon. Seeing Kandis and getting to hug her made my night. I love the Valentine's Dinner so much, but that hug I loved even more.

I cannot fully describe to you the shock and sadness when I learned a week and a half later that sweet Olivia had lost her ten year battle with leukemia. This past Sunday, I sat in a funeral home and watched her amazing family say goodbye to their beautiful inspiration. The funeral was like none other I've ever attended. Glee was Olivia's favorite and, of course, "Don't Stop Believein'" was her theme song. Olivia was FUNNY and her family made sure to share that. She loved music, dance, and cooking "with aspirations of one day becoming a famous pastry chef." Slideshows of Olivia's life were played to Glee songs and showed her goofy, happy, loving, and strong. I especially love the ones of silly string fights in the hospital and sneaking in her little Yorkie into the hospital!

I was blown away and truly humbled by Kandis, Joseph, Kaitlin, Tyler, Maddie and Isabel. There wasn't a stranger presiding over this service. Along with Joseph's two sisters, the celebration of Olivia's life was run entirely by her family. I watched my dear friend Kandis speak lovingly about her daughter and her children. I listened as she spoke of her love for Joseph and the blessings in her life. I closed my eyes with tears streaming down them as Tyler sang to his sister a song from Into the Woods. I bawled when Joseph sang to his beautiful daughter, his very own love song to her. I watched in awe as Maddie and Kaitlin told stories and spoke about their sister with more love than most siblings share. It was truly one of the most moving moments of my life. I told both Joseph and Kandis afterwards that if my children love and respect me HALF as much as theirs do when they are older, I will consider it a success.

Till I die, I will never know why children get cancer. I will never know why they have to hurt this way. One thing I know for absolute certain, Olivia was loved. Olivia was adored. Olivia was strong, sweet, funny, creative, talented, brave, and beautiful. Olivia's family is blessed.

To my sweet friends Kandis and Joseph--please know how much you mean to me and how knowing your family has forever changed my life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Olivia's life. What a true privilege.

To Olivia--thank you for being my friend. I will forever remember you. Please give our angels a squeeze from us. Larissa and I thank you for being in our lives and the entire Heroes for Children family loves you.

Share the Love

Sunday, February 13, 2011 marked the 4th Annual Heroes for Children Valentine's Dinner in Dallas. Members of our Women's Auxiliary, HFC Friends, served on the Valentine's committee under this year's Chair, Tracy Bundy, volunteering their time and resources to making this year's event bigger and better than ever. On the eve of Valentine's Day, this goal was accomplished with a record high attendance in the history of this event. We welcomed 32 families at Northwood Club in Dallas for a complimentary Valentine's dinner for two with onsite childcare and entertainment provided.

Families were greeted with the musical melodies of Montgomery Music & Piano and a long-stemmed pink rose for mom on their way to check in. Awaiting next was a complimentary family portrait session provided by photographer Buffy Brown, that included onsite photo printing and framing for each family to take home at the end of the night. Following photography, parents headed over to check their kiddos in to onsite childcare where over 20 professional nannies from Mom's Best Friend donated their services. Then it was off to enjoy a long-overdue evening for two that included drinks, dining, dessert and door prizes! The nearly 80 children next door also enjoyed a night full of fun activities like Valentine arts & crafts, movie, snacks, candy, and a special guest provided entertainment and balloon animals by a clown named Zoe.

As the evening came to a close all 32 families in attendance walked away with beautiful floral arrangement centerpieces from their table, silver-framed family photo, a bag of Mary Kay goodies donated for all the ladies and at least one of the 39 door prize items donated. The sincere thanks and words of appreciation were exchanged not only for the items they received, but for what a beautiful evening they were given and the memories they will take from it.

The lives of families changes significantly when a child is diagnosed with cancer. What once was normal is no more and and they're forced to adapt to new "norms" in every day life; norms that include frequent doctor visits, hospital stays, treatment and mounting medical bills. All of which put a strain on each member of the family unit. The Valentine's Dinner is designed to serve as a respite to these families and give them one night off from their valiant fight against a daily battle. Thanks to everyone involved for the continuation and growth of this mission!

To Give is Better Than to Receive

Holiday Heroes brings this saying to life!

Like Laptops for Love and Heroes Milestones, Holiday Heroes is another program that falls under the social assistance umbrella structure through Heroes for Children. The social assistance programs at HFC are each, uniquely designed and customized to fit the needs of the patient, the parents and finally, the family as a whole. Holiday Heroes is the program that provides for each and every member of a family with a child battling cancer. Here's a sneak peak into the Holiday Heroes workshop so you can get a glimpse of the time and work that goes into making every wonderous wish come true!

In early November, several hard-working groups of gift-gatherers begin operation Holiday Heroes, hunting items from their family's wish lists at "the one and only family wish-granting store," Wal-Mart. The groups involved in this year's Holiday Heroes program include:

HFC Friends, Tricor Braun, Junior Frisco Women's League, Cityplace, AED of TCU, Four Seasons Houston, Macquarie and Pro-Spirit. These members shop, wrap, and donate gifts to selected cancer families during the holiday season. These families then receive their gifts at a holiday delivery party attended by volunteers, staff and of course the families!

In 2010, 57 families across the state were adopted for the Holiday Heroes program; the largest number of families ever in the program's history! This past weekend we celebrated delivery parties in Dallas, Saturday, Dec. 4th at Cityplace Conference & Events Center, Sunday, Dec. 5th in Fort Worth at Cook Children's Decker Board Room and in Houston at the Four Seasons Hotel. Here are some first-hand accounts of what went on at these parties:

Smiles, suprises and secrets to Santa. Child-like wonder, carefree spirits, cookie eating and craft-making. A moment for every member involved to sit back and admire the strengths of these families and in the same breath acknowledge their struggles, and what an important part they played in participating in the program.

Holiday Heroes 2010 was a success on many different levels and will go down as our largest year to date. However, we hope to help even more families in years to come and invite you to continue to be a part of this program. Because without you, we could not accomplish what we do and for that we thank you!

Again, thank you!!!

Wal-Mart

WFAA Channel 8

Univision

Cityplace Conference & Event Center

Tricor Braun

Macquarie

AED of TCU

Junior Frisco Women's League

HFC Friends

Holiday Heroes Chairs

HFC Executive Board &

HFC Staff

Baby Store Sale Benefiting Heroes for Children

Need a baby gift? Holiday shopping? Bring your friends and shop for a cause!

Mark your calendars! Notfindingout.com is having an 'End of the Year Holiday Moving Sale,' beginning Monday, November 29th through the end of the year! Shop 40% off ALL in-store merchandise and 50% off Monday, November 29th (9 am-5 pm) and Saturday, December 4th (1 pm-5 pm)! The sale includes some of your favorite brands like BeBe Au Lait, Hooter Hiders, Ruffle Butts, Itzy Ritzy, Bella Tuno, Caden Lane and more!

As part of this event, notfindingout.com is PROUDLY offering a "keep the change" campaign benefiting Heroes for Children!

Get a sneak peak of their selection at notfindingout.com and shop their stock in person at their location in Dallas at 3100 Monticello Ave. Suite 120. Open daily from 9 am-5 pm.

A Party Fit for a Princess!

Saturday September 18^th marked a very special day for both, Beverly and Heroes for Children. We had the pleasure of throwing a dual celebration, honoring Beverly’s 12^th birthday party and her First Communion-two very big milestones in Beverly’s life!!

Beverly has been battling a form of cancer called Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Osteosarcoma is typically found in boys 14-16 years of age and located in places like knees or elbows. Beverly’s cancer was found in places like her throat and chest which makes her story even more compelling and rare. Through Heroes for Children’s Milestone Hero program, we were able to throw Beverly the communion and birthday bash fit for a princess!

The venue was decorated brilliantly in white and pink colors, something only 3 women with daughters could stir up and pull off (thank you Emily, Leigh and Amy)! The tables were beautifully decorated with breathtaking pink flowers and the most delicious looking candy-filled glass bowl centerpieces any tween has ever seen! The only thing that could make the room look any more beautiful would be our princess, Beverly. She sat at the head of the room, in a make-your-eyes-tear-up exquisite, sparkling floor length white gown, and of course a glimmering tiara, something no princess can leave the house without!

The evening was a huge success with the DJ playing Beverly and her family’s favorite songs, the dance floor moving, and a delicious dinner from Papasito’s. Heroes for Children is truly so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful evening. Beverly is one of many children, Heroes for Children helps through its assistance programs. To learn more, please visit our website at www.heroesforchildren.org.

Super Heroes- Team Pro-Spirit

Almost 3 years ago, my girls started doing competitive cheerleading at Pro-Spirit in Mckinney. I must admit, I wondered, what on earth am I getting myself into?! Little did I know what an incredibly awesome experience it would be not just for them, but for me as well. You see, Pro-Spirit does not just train amazing athletes, (yes, these kids ARE athletes!). They teach the kids to be thankful and appreciative for their strength, their health and the opportunities that they have before them. The gym owners, Diana and Jeff Miller, teach them to give back to their community and the importance of philanthropy at a young age.
Each year, Pro-Spirit embraces a cause, and engages the cheerleaders and their families to support this cause. Heroes for Children is blessed to be their charity of choice this year. When we kicked off this campaign, I spoke to the cheerleaders about childhood cancer and how approximately 1 in 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer. I told them about the ways HFC helps families who have a child with cancer and encouraged them to get involved, fund raise, participate in the 5K and make a difference.
Over the course of the next several months, the cheerleaders began signing up and fundraising for the Heroes for Children 5K. We were all completely taken aback though when in June, one of our very own cheerleaders, was diagnosed with cancer. The gym rallied around Lauren and her family offering prayers, support, meals, anything they could, to support Lauren and her family. Then, just a few weeks ago, another teenage girl, the sister of one of our Pro-Spirit cheerleaders, was also diagnosed with cancer. This has been a difficult journey for these families and the families at Pro-Spirit. Our kids have learned all to well the reality of childhood cancer and the importance of supporting these families during their child's battle with cancer.
I am thankful for the Pro-Spirit family and I am so PROUD that Team Pro-Spirit has over 200 members who will be participating in the 5K this Saturday!! Not only are they participating, they are FUNDRAISING!! To date, the team has raised $12,327 (and counting!!) for Heroes for Children. Watch for the sea of red "Spirit Heroes" shirts at the 5K on Saturday. Team Pro-Spirit will be walking/running/cheering in honor of our heroes, Hagan and Lauren.
Thanks Pro-Spirit for being TRUE HEROES for kids with cancer.