Every 3 minutes, somewhere in the world, a family hears the devastating words that their child has been diagnosed with cancer. Each year in the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age who are diagnosed with cancer.
Leia's Kids helps provide hope and support to children and their families battling childhood cancer.
Leia Hunt was first diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer when she was 2 years old. Leia underwent 31 surgical procedures, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and ultimately the insertion of a radioactive plaque in her left eye. The radiation defeated her cancer but left her blind in the left eye. She has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia first launched the organization on her 18th birthday in October 2017. But since moving to Texas 18 months ago, Leia's Kids has really gotten off the ground.
"I'm passionate about sharing my story and helping bring goodness into a world full of suffering," says Leia. "There is such a need for families affected by cancer."
Leia's Kids help provide financial and emotional support to parents whose child has been diagnosed with cancer. Expenses, such as travel to treatment, hotels, food and childcare, quickly add up. This nonprofit organization provides families with $1,000 to help reduce some of the financial burdens a family may be facing.
A cancer diagnosis is scary. With the help of Princess Marygold, Leia's Kids throw a special "Crown a Kid" party for the child to celebrate their courage. Princess Marygold is the first-ever childhood cancer survivor princess. Her mission is to bring smiles full of hope to children fighting the biggest battle of their life, childhood cancer. Cancer affects everyone, even princesses and princes. Princess Marygold helps make every child feel royal in their fight against cancer.
The “Crown a Kid” party concept stems from James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Kids with a cancer diagnosis are in for the fight of their life, but they accept the mission. The “crown” is their reward for being so brave in the fight. At each event, Leia crowns the warrior and honors the siblings that fight alongside of them.
Children can be nominated to receive funding and a "Crown A Kid" party through an online form located on Leia's Kids website. Each party is tailored to the individual child and costs $1,000. At this party, the family will receive their donation check on behalf of Leia’s Kids as well. Currently, there are 130 kids from North Texas and other states on the waitlist.
Funding for Leia's Kids comes from generous donations and community partners. Local businessman Nielsen Hernandez, owner of Nielsen’s Remodeling, feels strongly about the work Leia's Kids is doing. For every full kitchen or full bathroom remodel between August and December, he pledged to donate $1,000 to Leia's Kids.
"Leia's Kids is such a noble cause and I want to be part of it," says Hernandez. "I love being part of this community and part of change."
Customers may call 214.400.4585 or visit NielsensRemodelingTX.com and mention they've seen Nielsen’s Remodeling ad. Hernandez says his goal is to donate $25,000 by December's end.
Leia advocates for childhood cancer awareness through her faith-filled inspirational message, not only to those battling cancer but to community groups, religious groups, corporations and educational institutions.
info@leiaskids.org
LeiasKids.org
