Many of us know children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Medical personnel work hard to cure their patients, but families need more help just to get them through so many difficult circumstances surrounding the illness.
That’s where Leia’s Kids Foundation comes in, a Dallas nonprofit founded in 2017 by 22-year-old Leia Hunt. The two-time cancer survivor who knows the pain and uncertainty of childhood cancer endured 26 surgical procedures and lost an eye due to cancer.
PCL connected with Leia to learn how the foundation she established provides support to families navigating childhood cancer.
PCL: Describe Leia’s Kids.
LH: We’re dedicated to supporting families through their battle against childhood cancer, bringing them hope and joy. We honor each child and their family through a Crown-A-Kid party, a time to celebrate and encourage the child and family during the biggest battle of their lives. Each child receives a $1000 donation from the Foundation to cover surprise costs such as unexpected travel or childcare. Together, we make a difference in the lives of these brave children and their loved ones.
PCL: What are your goals?
LH: To create a personal relationship with each family, pay close attention to siblings, and provide inspiration while giving parents hope.
PCL: You’re like boots on the ground assistance for families?
LH: No parent should have to choose between going to work to pay hospital bills or sitting at their child’s bedside. We aspire to inspire the mightiest warriors … and work to turn hope into help and give children facing pediatric cancer their childhood back.
PCL: Tell us about your charity’s history.
LH: When I heard that families needed money just to pay for the gas to get to chemo treatment, I realized that I should raise funds to give to the families. That is where Leia’s Kids began. I raise money and donate it to a child fighting cancer. I want the family to use it for anything they need: for an electric bill, parking garage costs, or gasoline. People need to know, that in their darkest hour, they are not alone. If we help the helpless, just a bit, it can make all the difference.
PCL: What’s Leia’s Kids Foundation’s overarching mission?
LH: It’s to provide hope and support. We walk with families because we understand what it’s like to have a child with cancer. Leia’s Kids focuses on the whole family … because cancer affects everyone.