As we gear up for our 4th Annual Masquerade Ball, I am nostalgic thinking about how far CHF has come as an organization. What started as a simple idea, inspired by one incredible little girl, has developed into a program that brings smiles and joy to seriously ill children through two monthly hospital visits. Since CHF was conceived, we have brought hope and healing to almost 4,000 children in Oregon. That is fantastic! Every child we serve with the Chelsea’s Closet dress-up program is precious to us. Our local community pulls together every month with the help of staff, volunteers and Board members who sacrifice personal time and energy to make sure these incredible children laugh, pretend play and forget the scary situations they are facing. Our goal is not to cure cancer but simply to remind seriously ill kids just to be kids. These superheroes and princesses have courage in their steps, light in their eyes and enormous smiles ready to fight any battle. Seeing these kids transform into their chosen “character” reminds us all to have fun and play as children, inspiring hope and healing in ways that medicine cannot.
As we enjoy our summer plans with our families, I also reflect on children who are stuck in hospitals for their treatments. Cancer and other serious illnesses do not take breaks and strike when they dare, so hundreds of families in our community are in hospitals focused on simply seeing their child regain health- not taking a trip to the beach or visiting Mickey Mouse. These strong willed, courageous and relentless children who fight just to get out of bed or walk around the hospital wing, are my superheroes.
We hope you will join us on October 12, 2013 at the Governor Hotel for our 4th Annual event as we honor these amazing children and raise funds to further support the mission of the Chelsea’s Closet dress-up program. If you are interested in attending, donating or sponsorships, I welcome you to visit our website for more information: www.chelseahicksfoundation.org.
