Statements
Mission
HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. We focus on five research-driven impact areas to ease the journey for families who are walking through the hardest time in their lives: Hope & Anticipation, Family Focus, Community & Support, Safety & Acceptance, and Economic Support.
Background
Founded in 2001, HopeKids is a national organization with seven chapters across the U.S. in the following areas: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas City, Minnesota, Middle Tennessee, North Carolina, and North Texas. Our vision is to restore hope and transform the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions, their families, and the communities in which we serve.
Impact
Through our HopeDay (larger/public) and HopeCommunity (smaller/intentional or private) programs, we have five areas of impact: Hope and Anticipation (look forward to the future and foster a positive outlook), Family Focus (we provide activities for the whole family, the whole time - strengthening the family through increased time together), Community and Support (connecting others on a similar journey to reduce isolation), Safety and Acceptance (activities are provided in a safe environment with the focus on inclusion), and Economic Support (all programs are pre-organized and offered free of charge - thereby reducing financial stress on the family).
Needs
Each year in the United States, approximately 500,000 children cope with life-threatening medical conditions. These conditions affect the entire family with more than half of parents suffering from acute stress disorders and 80% of siblings having elevated levels of post-traumatic stress. In addition, these illnesses contribute to over 62% of bankruptcy filings each year. More than $800 million is spent on medical research annually to find cures for cancer or other diseases, but these families need support now. Numerous studies show that hope can increase one's overall ability to cope and that familial support in chronically ill children is vital. HopeKids understands we are not a cure for these illnesses, but we believe HOPE is a powerful medicine.
CEO Statement
HopeKids provides a unique and powerful support community for the child with the life-threatening diagnosis, their siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers, etc. All of our events are centered on the whole family - the whole time, to prevent siblings from being unintentionally overlooked, and connecting families through similar experiences, diagnoses, etc. Therefore, it is not unusual to see a 'siblings only' event on our calendar, 'date night' for parents, or 'grandparents day' - to ensure we are intentionally connecting these individuals as well, thereby reducing isolation and supporting them on their journey.
Board Chair Statement
For more than 20 years, HopeKids has provided ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. Our first chapter launched in 2001 and we currently have seven chapters in AZ, CO, MN, TX, KC, NC, and TN. The Middle Tennessee chapter launched in mid-2019 and currently serves almost 300 HopeKids with more than 1200 family members. In 2022, we offered more than 235 unique and fun events for our families in TN - with 4,377 participants. We strive to keep kids focused on the future, looking forward to the next fun event around the corner, rather than dwelling on what they are dealing with in the present.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Human Services - Children's and Youth Services |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Family Services |
| Tertiary Category: | Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines - Cancer |
Areas Served
HopeKids Middle Tennessee serves families who reside in Tennessee and are approved for enrollment through our online application process. The child's physician must confirm a life-threatening diagnosis. Family referrals are provided by local medical providers, including but not limited to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital, East TN Children's Hospital, Make-A-Wish, and Gilda's Club Middle TN.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Houston |
| TN - Humphreys |
| TN - Stewart |
