Heroes for Children

Description

In December 2000, stay-at-home mom, Larissa Linton, heard the words no parent is prepared to hear: her 3-year-old daughter, Taylor, had cancer. It was two weeks before Christmas and Larissa was 8 months pregnant with her third child. After an 11-month battle with leukemia, Taylor passed away. A few years later, Larissa met another Mother, Jenny Scott, who had recently lost her baby, Allie, to the same cancer that Taylor had. Allie was only 4 months old when she was diagnosed and passed away at 9 months old. The need for a more comprehensive organization became evident to Larissa and Jenny after they recounted the blessings they each received from their community during their daughter’s treatment. Unfortunately, they each saw many other families struggling without the aid and care of others. Many times, children were left alone all day in their hospital beds while Mom and Dad worked. Families were losing their homes, having their electricity shut off, and struggling to make everyday payments. Parents were also faced with co-pays, prescriptions, hospital parking and extra gas expenses for travel to and from the hospital. It was through the desire of these two moms to serve other families battling childhood cancer that Heroes for Children was formed. Since 2004, Heroes for Children has expanded to EVERY pediatric oncology hospital in the state of Texas and has provided over $5.9 million in financial assistance to approximately 6,000 families. Heroes for Children also provides social assistance programs to support the emotional needs.