SUMMER 2024 SHENANIGANS Summer was FUN, summer was great, we played from sunup to sundown until it was oh so late!

 

MOMS WEEKEND RETREAT “Happy Mom, Happy Family” Childhood cancer is an emotional, physical and financial roller coaster that changes the family dynamics in a split second. This year we grabbed our swimsuits and sunscreen and flew across the ocean to St Croix! The beautiful BUNGALOWS ON THE BAY resort is owned by one of our Courageous Kidz survivor families and they generously donated our rooms. This FUN & Fabulous Moms Retreat was the PERFECT location for the Moms to refresh their battered spirits, laugh uproariously, meet others who immediately understood the horror, anxiety and stress of childhood cancer, and lastly relax and enjoy a slew of fun activities and return home refreshed and ready to ”‘fight one more round.”

 

FAMILY FUN DAYZ HORSEBACK RIDING or SAILING on a 42’ catamaran-YES PLEASE! Many many thanks to Iris Eppinger, Sunshine Dressage and Tim Doker/ Valiant Voyages and Capt Mathew/ OM Charters for offering these thrilling opportunities.

 

SHAKA SURF brought their A Game to Folly Beach for 37 Courageous Kidz. To the casual observer, they see a group of kids having a FUN party; my view is totally different. I see 5 year old P. , who has recently spent many days and nights inpatient with unexplained fevers; then I see P.D., who, at 8 months old, (now 18) was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma tumor that was wrapped around his lower spinal column and nerves resulting in his back bones being fused together and his right leg being ¼ inch shorter causing major back and balance issues. I see J. who could only watch as he is still recovering from a Bone Marrow Transplant. He CAN’T wait until next year! Many tears of joy were shed by the parents as they watched their children conquer their fears and “catch a wave.” I saw miracles unfold before my eyes as I observed these incredible warriors blossom with confidence and joy!

 

Breakfast, lunch or dinner - any excuse to gather our families together! When a family comes from out of town for treatment we get a group together and meet for pizza. When treating a Mom to Lunch, she mentioned how upset her 8 yr old son had gotten at baseball practice and that she would love to get him coaching lessons when God stepped in and a past Volunteer walked by and he is a Baseball Coach!!

 

FAMILY AID ($13,888) We strive to maintain a sense of normality in this world of chaos and uncertainty by assisting our families with gas & food cards, lodging expenses, utilities, even diapers and baby wipes. We helped a total of 44 times this quarter.

 

HEALING HEARTS ($3,000)The death of a child is a family’s worst nightmare that profoundly affects each member for a lifetime. Very sadly, we have contributed $1000 for three precious children this quarter***

 

Courageous Kidz is very proud of the fact that over 97.7% of all monies donated goes directly to our programs Giving... the Magic of Hope!