Events Archives - enCourage Kids Foundation

35th Anniversary Gala Announcement

rbrochard — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:32:08 +0000

Dated: March 10, 2020

As an organization working with a medically vulnerable population, enCourage Kids’ primary responsibility is to our community – our children, our families, our hospital partners, and you, our supporters.

With that in mind, we have made the difficult but prudent choice to postpone our 35^th Anniversary Gala scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th.

We know this will cause inconvenience to many of the hundreds of supporters – longtime and new – who have generously contributed and planned to attend. We will miss this opportunity to spend time with all of our committed guests, but we hope you will continue to consider your support to be a worthy contribution toward children and families facing daily health related difficulties.

COVID-19 has already begun to make enCourage Kids’ work with our hospital partners challenging, as healthcare facilities have started to restrict access. And, the postponement of our major fundraising event will have immediate and long-term impacts on the ways in which enCourage Kids supports the children and families we serve both in and out of the hospital.

We are developing plans to replace the funds we would have raised at our Gala, which had a $1.5 million goal. We will need your help to continue our work, especially now. Your additional contributions, small or large, will help our children and families find joy, hope, resilience, and healing.

We are monitoring this quickly changing situation and look forward to rescheduling in the months ahead. In the meantime, we hope you will stay tuned, remain committed, and keep safe.

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International Volunteer Day

rbrochard — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:23:58 +0000

“The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” – DeAnn Hollis

At enCourage Kids Foundation, we are extremely grateful to have a group of volunteers who are committed to making a significant impact in the lives of children facing medical challenges. From volunteering at events to taking time out of their busy workday to put together treat bags to spending a weekend at camp to facilitate activities just to see them smile, they truly go above and beyond to work towards a world where every child—regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.

To our incredible volunteers, THANK YOU for all of your continued hard work and dedication to the sick children and families that we serve at enCourage Kids. We could not do it without you!

In honor of International Volunteer Day, we wanted to share with you how our volunteers brighten the lives of children with a few stories below.

To sign up or for more information, please visit encourage-kids.org/volunteers or contact Briana at Briana@encourage-kids.org or 212-354-2878.

Meet Angelae

Angelae has been a volunteer with enCourage Kids for over 20 years. She is constantly relocating for work; however, she makes it her priority to attend events even if that requires her to fly in for only 24 hours!

What makes you so passionate about our mission?

From the amazing, wonderful staff to the volunteers, to the children and their families, of course. It fills my heart with pure and utter joy and happiness. Helping one another and our community is what makes the world go round, isn’t it? And the EKF does an amazing, absolutely amazing, job of making each and every child and their family feel special…as they are. It is my pleasure and my honor to be a volunteer with the enCourage Kids Foundation.

What is your favorite event/memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids?

I enjoy the look on the faces of the children and families. It is priceless and is one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences in my life. Every moment is a treasure and a favorite but camping at Camp Pontiac is one I always look forward to. Seeing the families’ faces and witnessing them enjoying every moment, I can’t stop smiling and it means so much to me to be even a little part of helping make that happen.

From Volunteer to President & CEO: Meet Michele

Our President & CEO, Michele Hall-Duncan, started out at enCourage Kids as a volunteer. After volunteering for four years, the company she was working at got taken over by another company and she lost her job. They gave her opportunity to move to Dallas or take the severance package and stay in New York City. Not wanting to leave the city, she chose the latter option. Right around that time, a young lady at the foundation was about to go on maternity leave. Leadership asked if Michele was willing to take over her job for three months, and she said sure. It would be a great opportunity for her to look for another job. That was 23 years ago. Since then, Michele has held many roles at enCourage Kids as she passionately works to make hospitals a better place to get better. If you would like to hear more about Michele’s story, you can watch her interview on The Donna Drake Show.

Meet Walter

Walter has been volunteering with enCourage Kids for over 10 years now. He first volunteered with an honor society during his freshmen year of college and has been volunteering ever since. We can always find Walter joyfully skipping around our events making sure everyone is having a wonderful time.

What makes you so passionate about the mission?

I’m passionate about the mission because of how happy the kids and families are with enCourage Kid’s work. I can only imagine how difficult it is for families at home. I showed up to camp with a bag that can fit as an overhead carry-on. Many of these families had car trunks full of just medical devices they needed to make it through the weekend. It is just wonderful to be able to give the kids and their families respite from the challenges they face. The joy it brings them is palpable and contagious.

What caused you to stay with enCourage Kids as a volunteer?

The staff was always incredibly kind and respectful to us as volunteers. As the years have passed, there were new faces, but the culture has always endured (and many of the old faces returned). enCourage Kids always makes sure we volunteers are well fed, informed, included, and entrusted with jobs that have a strong and direct impact on the event’s outcome. The staff spends days, weeks, and months preparing, but then trust their volunteers on the day of to help tie it together. The staff also gives us a lot of autonomy and responsibility, but also the perfect amount of guidance, to do our best and get creative.

You can also see how much the staff genuinely cares about the mission every time they speak about it. I have only started to get to know the children, but the staff has all their names and bios memorized, and whenever they do speak of families and kids, their eyes light up and smiles grow wide. As I work with the children more and see how much positivity an experience with enCourage Kids can add to their lives, it’s even easier to see why the staff are as amazing and happy as they are.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids?

Oh, definitely the ping pong ball game at Camp Pontiac during Minute to Win It. I have re-watched that video over 100 times. (See video below)

Meet Jody

Jody has been a volunteer with enCourage Kids for over 20 years. She is our go-to musician and we love to watch her perform for our kids and their families. volunteer with enCourage Kids.

What makes you so passionate about our mission?

Bringing smiles to children is the greatest thing and act I could ever do.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids?

There are just so many memories. From meeting the fabulous families to creating lifelong connections. I am an industry professional, so when I have the opportunity to arrange tickets to shows, I am more than happy to do so.

This summer at Camp Pontiac, enCourage kid KE and I started talking about how much he loves The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I was happy to reach out to friends who made it possible for KE to receive merchandise from the show.

Meet Mike

Mike has been volunteering with enCourage Kids for over 20 years. He found out about enCourage Kids Foundation through one of our community partners, LOG-ON, when he was interning there. Mike has volunteered at almost every single one of our events since 1999 and has developed strong and trusting relationships with the families that we serve.

What makes you so passionate about the mission?

My brothers and I were very fortunate to be able to have a fairly healthy and normal childhood and it saddens me so much that others cannot just live carefree and enjoy their youth at times. If donating my time, energy and personality can help brighten their days just even for a little while, I feel like it’s the least I can do. I have loved meeting the kids and their families and some have become like family to me as well over the years.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids?

Fundraising is always important and I take pride in working hard at those events to raise as much money as possible to be able to do as much as we can for these families and the hospitals, but all of the events where we get to do fun and exciting things with the kids and their families directly is the most rewarding for me. The first few years of Camp Pontiac I was not able to join due to work obligations, but once I attended and was able to spend an entire weekend with so many kids and their families it changed my life forever.

You get to meet amazing people and hear their stories and take their minds off of their difficulties for a bit. They also get to meet other kids and families that are going through things as well and see they truly aren’t alone.

Is there anything else you want to share about your time with enCourage Kids?

One of the most powerful moments I have ever experienced that resonate with me to this day actually occurred at that first Sports Auction. I was introduced to one of our guests of honor and his family a young man who was there to see his favorite Yankee at the event. As we were walking around I asked him if he was planning on playing or working for the Yankees one day and he told me that he only had a few years left to live, so he didn’t think that could happen. I immediately became super emotional and he told me not to cry but said he expected me to live my life to its fullest and do a lot of great things since he didn’t have a lot of time to do them himself. His memory and words inspire me to this day. (Totally crying just remembering this.)

Meet Marisa

Marisa has been a volunteer with enCourage Kids for a little over 10 years. She originally started working with enCourage Kids as an intern her freshman year of college and stayed involved once her internship ended. Working in the medical field, she understands and demonstrates the importance of making the hospital a better place to get better.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids?

My favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids is my very first time at Camp Pontiac. It was an amazing experience I will never forget- bonding with staff and other volunteers, having a ton of fun with the kids making s’mores at the big bonfire, playing games. It really set the stage for my continued involvement with EKF all these years. As a healthy child, I always dreamed of going away to summer camp, and it made me really appreciate the experience that this weekend allows for families of seriously ill children.

Is there anything else you want to share about your time with enCourage Kids?

It has been an absolute pleasure volunteering for EKF all these years. The staff is so extremely welcoming and the other volunteers have become lifelong friends due to our shared passion for the work EKF does.

Meet Casey and Rob

Casey was enCourage Kids’ Manager of Special Events for almost 3 years. She and her husband, Rob, are extremely passionate about making a difference in the world. As volunteers for about four years, they continue to brighten the lives of many enCourage kids.

What makes you so passionate about enCourage Kids?

Since enCourage Kids started out, their goal has been to enrich and strengthen the quality of life of children with illnesses or disabilities. When you see the children and their families, whether at an escape or with a clown in the hospital, you are overwhelmed by the hope and excitement you don’t expect to see. enCourage Kids families, give perspective on life. It is so amazing that they have an outlet like enCourage Kids to be themselves and feel relief if only for a little while.

What is your favorite memory of volunteering at enCourage Kids?

Our favorite memories, since we can’t pick one, are when families arrive at camp, or Loony Louie comes into the hospital, and you can feel the happiness and excitement!

Casey also shared her favorite staff memory:

We were at a hospital visit with Gala Honorees at NY Pres. As always on Tuesdays, Loony Louie was preforming and we got to sit with the children and watch his show. There was one child who was resistant to come into the playroom but came and sat in the back. As the show was going on, you could see the child get more comfortable and smile at Louie’s silly jokes and tricks. Eventually, this child was the most involved participant in the room and even helped him with a trick in front of the room! The way enCourage Kids works with Child Life Specialists to make a kid feel like a kid was so obvious to me in that moment. I was so proud to be a part of it all.

Meet Sarah Jane

Sarah Jane started with enCourage Kids as an editorial intern the summer after she graduated from college. During her time as an intern, she helped with many events and continued to help as a volunteer once her internship ended. Being one of our newer volunteers, Sarah Jane has already stolen the hearts of many of our enCourage kids and their family members.

What makes you so passionate about our mission?

I’m so touched by EKF’s determination to bring fun and laughter to the kids that need it most. These kids and their families go through so much, seeing the difference EKF’s events make in their lives is truly amazing.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering with enCourage Kids Foundation?

My favorite EKF event is definitely Camp Pontiac! S’mores are always a real highlight.

Is there anything else you want to share?

Just that I’ve been so thankful to contribute in any way I can to EKF and EKF families!

To sign up or for more information, please visit encourage-kids.org/volunteers or contact Briana at Briana@encourage-kids.org or 212-354-2878.

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Summer Series #1: enCourage Kids’ Night at Citi Field

rbrochard — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 14:46:49 +0000

17th Annual enCourage Kids Night at Citi Field

The day started off with rain and storms, but as the start time approached for enCourage Kids’ 17^th Annual Night at Citi Field, the sun came out and the weather was nothing short of perfect. On Thursday, June 13^th, over 800 enCourage Kids supporters and families gathered for a great night cheering on the New York Mets against the St. Louis Cardinals. Each child was greeted with an enCourage Kids’ t-shirt and a foam finger, before being shown to our private area in the Bullpen Plaza full of hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and more.

While they were eating, the kids and families had the opportunity to wander around to have their face painted, watch a clown work his magic, and get tattoos from a volunteer and a Mets’ Wife. They even got the chance to create their own signs to cheer on the Mets with poster board and markers. Right before the game began, Mr. Met stopped by for a special visit. Each of the kids and their families had the chance to meet him and take their picture before heading into the stadium to take their seats.

Each year, we get the special opportunity to let one of our enCourage kids throw out the first pitch to start the game. This year, the honor went to Dorian Solimano. She went out on the field with her dad and threw quite the underhanded pitch, showing off her skills. After taking pictures, everyone headed up to their seats and the game began.

With our seats so close to the field, we kept our eye on the skies to see if we could catch a homerun ball at any point during the game. A few flew our way and one even landed at the front of our section for one of our supporters to take home.

It was a great night full of fun, food, and baseball. Thank you to our families, supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who made this night possible! We can’t wait to see you next year. Go Mets!

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

Child Life Spotlight

In our mission, it says we support the Child Life Community, but many people ask “What is Child Life?” In this section, we hope to shine a light on the work Child Life Specialists are doing in hospitals around the country and how enCourage Kids is supporting them in this work.

A Child Life Specialist is a trained professional that works closely with children and their families in a hospital or other medical setting, providing support and helping them cope during traumatic and difficult situations. Child Life Specialists develop coping strategies for pediatric patients and their family members to decrease the stress and anxiety that comes with the challenges of hospitalization. Their goal is to make a hospital experience as comfortable and positive as possible. One of their most important roles is to explain a child’s diagnosis and/or treatment in a way that the child will be able to understand and know exactly what is going on.

LEARN MORE

Family Outing to Six Flags Great Adventure

On Wednesday, July 10^th, our enCourage Kids families enjoyed a fun family outing at Six Flags Great Adventure! Over 520 people were in attendance, riding roller coasters, having dance parties, and eating a delicious lunch. Six Flags generously handed out superhero capes to all our kids and they visited with all kinds of characters! enCourage Kids mom, Darcy, said “I just wanted to send a great big thank you for the Great Adventure Trip. My kids of course absolutely loved it and you can tell by all the smiles. Thank you so much again. We always enjoy your events that we can go to!!”

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

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Starry Night 2019

rbrochard — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:48:13 +0000

GET YOUR TICKET HERE

One of our favorite events of the year is coming up soon on Tuesday, May 7^th! Hosted by our incredible Young Professionals Committee, it is a night full of fun in support of our mission. With your ticket, you can get access to a three-hour premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and exciting raffle prizes. Starry Night is held at the beautiful 230 Fifth, which features incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building. Tickets are just $75 online or $85 at the door. Check out below to see some of our incredible entertainers and raffle prizes.

You could win:

Hotel Stay at the newly renovated El San Juan in Puerto Rico
Tickets to a New York Red Bulls Game
Tickets to a New York Mets Game
Tickets to a New York Yankees Game
Tickets to Live Tapings of Daytime Talk Shows
Tickets to the New York Hall of Science
Classes to Rumble
Crunch Membership
Foot Locker Gift Card
Nautica Gift Basket
Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones
Kendra Scott Necklace
DryBar Gift Card
Makeup Application Session by Paulo Siqueria
Eyebrow Shaping session by Paulo Siqueira
JUVA Skin Certificate and Products
Public House Gift Certificate

Entertainment for the evening includes:

Caricature artist- Ed Steckley
Caricature artist – Jason Chatfield
Relaxation Station – Oasis Day Spa
Magic and tricks – Looney Louie
Illusionist- Matias Letelier

Join us in taking steps toward a world where every child—regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.

We cannot wait to see you on Tuesday, May 7^th!

GET YOUR TICKET HERE

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2017 Events

rbrochard — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:45:05 +0000

NOVEMBER 28, 2017
Our Holiday Happy Hour broke records, raising over $11,000 which will send 440 cuddly bears to hospitalized kids. Read more about it and view photos from the evening.

OCTOBER 23, 2017
Over 200 guests enjoyed great food and drinks while helping to raise nearly $180,000. View photos and a video from the evening.

OCTOBER 5, 2017
More than 50 people dined at Sauce Restaurant to benefit enCourage Kids, enjoying delicious food and helping to raise over $850.

JULY 17, 2017
Our 14th Annual Golf Outing had a record breaking year, raising nearly $280,000 for our programs. View more photos from the day.

JUNE 15, 2017
Over 800 enCourage kids, families, and donors cheered on the New York Mets at our 15th Annual Night at Citi Field, raising nearly $83,000 for our programs. View more photos from the game.

MAY 9, 2017
Our annual Starry Night, hosted by the Young Professionals Committee was a huge success – raising more than $24,000 and selling out for the first time in 7 years! See more photos from the event.

MARCH 16, 2017
Over 850 attendees helped raise a record breaking 1.8 million dollars at our 32nd Annual Gala. Read more about the evening and view photos from the event.

FEBRUARY, 3, 2017
Over 140 attendees played their best hand during an evening of casino style gaming, raising over $24,000 for our programs. View more photos from the evening.

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Breaking Records at our Annual Holiday Happy Hour

rbrochard — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 19:11:27 +0000

More than 175 guests joined us on Giving Tuesday for our annual Holiday Happy Hour at The Ainsworth, hosted by our Young Professionals Committee. Fun was had by all as we enjoyed a beer and wine open bar, followed by lots of happy hour specials. Guests had the opportunity to network and catch up with friends – all while giving back! It was an incredible way to start the holiday season.

“I thought the Holiday Happy Hour was a great success in bringing many different groups of people together to support an amazing cause,” shared Committee member Nadeea Zakaria. “The festive and charitable spirit of all the guests and donors was really evident throughout the night and highlighted how meaningful and important the foundation’s work to support children and families is.”

The excitement was palpable as guests rallied around the raffle table while we pulled our raffle winners. This year’s raffle prizes consisted of amazing items and opportunities including Nets tickets, fitness memberships, tickets to LIVE! With Kelly and Ryan, restaurant gift certificates, and Daily Show tickets just to name a few.

“The Holiday Happy Hour is my favorite event of the year,” said Committee member Linda Shapiro. “It’s a great holiday get together for an amazing cause. Knowing all our hard work will benefit children who are unfortunately in the hospital during the holidays, makes it so worthwhile.”

Thank you to all of our guests and all those who donated and purchased raffle tickets. With your support we raised a record-breaking $11,055, which will send over 440 cuddly teddy bears to hospitalized children this holiday season—a time when comfort is needed the most.

A huge thanks to our Young Professionals Committee and all of our guests and volunteers for making this the highest grossing Holiday Happy Hour yet! We’d also like to send a big THANK YOU to The Ainsworth for hosting us for the second year and to A Perfect Match Photography for helping us capture the evening so perfectly.

Interested in joining our Young Professionals Committee? Contact Emma at emma@encourage-kids.org

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Making the Miles Matter in the NYC Marathon

rbrochard — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:11:44 +0000

Over 50,000 runners and walkers alike crossed the finish line during the historic NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 5th. Each marathon participant is heroic in their own way, but seven specific individuals stood out to us – our Team enCourage Kids runners! Each of our runners came to enCourage Kids with a different reason for running the iconic race, but all of them left feeling the same – inspired by our kids and families, and by their own commitment and dedication.

Veteran runner and Team enCourage Kids member Jenn Valentine is also one of the dedicated members of our Young Professionals Committee and a long term enCourage Kids volunteer. This year was Jenn’s third time running on Team enCourage Kids and her seventh time running the TCS New York City Marathon.

When asked what helped push her through the miles, Jenn said, “I have always had a great support system with my husband, family, and friends, but running for enCourage Kids has given a new meaning to my miles! Being able to fundraise and support such a great cause helps push me through when it gets tough out there.” And with 26.2 miles to conquer, it definitely gets tough from time to time – but we are so lucky to have Jenn power through each mile for our kids and families.

Not everyone has had a life-long passion for running like Jenn. For team member Andreea Boitor it has been a long journey to get the NYC Marathon. Andreea has been a part of the enCourage Kids family for quite some time, working as a Senior Account Executive at the creative agency Geometry Global – the brains behind many of our creative marketing campaigns, but has never been “a runner” – until now!

When she first moved to NYC four years ago, Andreea used to hate running. She came across the NYC Marathon one day while out in the city and was instantly inspired. “I was mesmerized by the energy and the adrenaline that accompanied the event, and I decided that one day I wanted to run this race,” she explained. Andreea shared that she has now grown a love for running, and that running the NYC Marathon on behalf of enCourage Kids meant a great deal to her.

“I ran on behalf of Danielle, Christina, Tyriee, and every single child out there that is dealing with a health issue. I ran so that hopefully they will have at least one extra smile on their faces!”

We love having Andreea on Team enCourage Kids for her drive and passion to spread smiles.

Another enCourage Kids smile spreader is team member Bernie Cano. Bernie ran this first marathon last year on Team enCourage Kids and has since found a new passion – the 2017 NYC Marathon was Bernie’s fourth full marathon in a year! Like many other newcomers to running marathons, Bernie will have had to buy all the necessary gear and sports apparel to help him cross the finish line. Nike is a popular brand that people turn to when they’re looking to buy what they need in preparation for their run. Those thinking of doing the same may want to look at this first in order to find any available coupons and promo codes that will help them make savings on the price of their items at the checkout.

“It’s such an amazing experience and an honor running on behalf of the children,” Bernie shared. “26.2 miles is rough but when you think of how strong these children are it helps to get you through. I’m so proud to be a part of this charity. I’ll be running for enCourage Kids for as long as I can.”

Bernie is not only a member of Team enCourage Kids, but also a dedicated volunteer. He has joined us at our annual Camp Weekend, volunteered at different fundraising and Escape events throughout the year, and was even Santa’s “special helper” at last year’s annual NYC Holiday Party. Bernie comes to each event with the same excitement and passion that he brings to the marathon. We are so lucky to have Bernie on our team!

We are so proud of our dedicated runners. 26.2 miles is no easy feat, and we are honored that these incredible individuals decided to make the most of their miles. Because of their passion and dedication they raised over $19,000 for our programs – helping us spread smiles to children who need it the most. Thank you Team enCourage Kids for helping us change lives, one smile at a time! We don’t want it to stop there though. We are always looking for more ways to be able to raise more money for this charity, like looking at this crowdfunding website to see if we can find any new ideas on how to carry on changing lives for the better. If you’re interested in donating to this charity, you could consider looking at different ways to help them out. Those people who don’t want to run for the cause, could consider other options of fundraising. Printing wristbands can be a nice way to raise more awareness for the work of this charity, SleekWristbands.com could be used to create the perfect silicone bracelets to sell for small donations for the organization.

Although, if you are interested in running the 2018 TCS NYC Marathon, you can find more information on how to join Team enCourage Kids contact Emma – emma@encourage-kids.org

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Artists for enCourage Kids

rbrochard — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 19:01:07 +0000

Artists For enCourage Kids

Breaking Barriers Through Creative Arts Therapies
#ARTISTS4EKF

enCourage Kids is thrilled to announce Artists for enCourage Kids.

Katrina “Kat Tat” Jackson

Artists from all over the country are coming together to create one-of-a-kind artwork on 10×12 inch pine boards in conjunction with our Breaking Barriers campaign. While Leif Becker, world record holder, prepares to break 12,000 boards in a 24-hour period on May 11th, these artists are creating inspirational works of art reflecting various barriers, issues facing society today, as well as works of hope and inspiration.

“I am overwhelmed at the caliber and scope of artists that have joined the ‘Artists for enCourage Kids’ campaign,” shares Executive Director Michele Hall-Duncan. “Listening to the artists tell their stories about the boards they have created is enlightening and inspiring. Some of them have never painted on wood before and were excited about that challenge.”

The pieces will be auctioned off on May 12th and the proceeds will support creative arts therapies in pediatric facilities.

enCourage Kids Foundation has supported creative therapies including art in the hospital setting for over two decades. Projects range from murals to art therapists, art supplies, artists in residence and so much more. Over 1.3 million in support has been provided.

“Some of these kids are in the hospital for weeks or even months at a time. I cannot imagine the frustration and powerlessness they may feel,” says Michele. “Creative therapies, especially art and music, help bring those feelings to the surface often helping clinicians to manage coping skills for the patients. For some kids, art and music are absent from their regular school curriculum as well.”

[WPSM_AC id=2396]

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Breaking Barriers Board Stories: Zuri

rbrochard — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:54:44 +0000

Like most ten year old girls, enCourage kid Zuri loves hanging out with her friends after school, attending birthday parties, shopping trips, and other activities. Unlike most ten year old girls, Zuri faces the barrier of living with sickle cell disease.

Due to her disease, Zuri’s red blood cells contort into a sickle – or crescent – shape. These cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy cells and blocking blood flow, causing pain, fatigue, and infections.

Growing up and living with sickle cell has not been easy for Zuri and her family. “Zuri often experiences attacks of pain, gets very tired very often, and has even suffered infections from her disease,” explained mom Nathalia. Many times, these symptoms will result in multiple hospital visits, different medications, and occasional blood transfusions.

“The hardest part is that she often misses school and has to endure frequent hospital stays. Sometimes we feel like sickle cell prevents Zuri from being a kid.”

Like many children in our program, Zuri has experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation due to her illness. Missing many days of school, outings with friends, and special occasions due to pain attacks or hospital stays is not easy for any child to endure. “Sometimes I wonder why I have sickle cell,” Zuri shared, “but I’m so thankful for my friends at enCourage Kids who make me feel normal.”

Zuri and mom at our 2015 NYC holiday party at Clyde Frazier’s

Through our Escapes program, Zuri has found a second family; a group of friends who care about and understand her feelings and condition.

“Knowing that she has a support system – this big community of love – to help her get through her barrier of sickle cell disease is so special. We cannot thank enCourage Kids enough for all that they have done and continue to do for our kids,” Nathalia expressed.

Zuri and her family have enjoyed many enCourage Kids outings over the years. Some of their favorites include movie nights, sports games, holiday parties, and our recent board decorating event with martial arts master Leif Becker in preparation for Breaking Barriers.

Nathalia artfully shows a sickle cell on her board, with her daughter’s name framing the curved shape. She painted the word ‘believe’ inside a heart, showing that she believes one day there will be a cure to Zuri’s disease. On Zuri’s board, you can see the phrase ‘let’s be one’ boldly written. Zuri’s barrier board represents the importance of sick children feeling comfortable and included among friends and family during times where they may feel like an outcast due to their illness.

“I am so thankful for enCourage Kids every day,” Nathalia shared. “You make our children feel ‘a part of’ instead of not – and it is such a blessing.” Zuri and her family will be enthusiastically cheering on Leif as he breaks through their boards on May 11th!

To learn more about Breaking Barriers, click here.

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Breaking Barriers Board Stories: KE

rbrochard — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 18:15:35 +0000

Imagine having a birthday and not being able to indulge in your own cake. For enCourage kid KeVaughn (KE), that is his reality. KE has celebrated all of his 14 birthdays without cake, as his illness, Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder (EGID), causes his body to reject food. Because of this, KE gets the majority of his nourishment through a tube that flows directly from a backpack into his stomach.

For most young men, this would be devastating! No cake? No junk food like pizza? Well, not for KE! “I don’t need pizza or birthday cake!” he says. In fact, despite having his feeding tube, along with several other diagnosed illnesses, including irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory airway disease, hiatal hernia and anemia, KE says there’s nothing he can’t do and no barrier that he can’t break!

KE and mom, Colleen, will be cheering on Leif on May 11th

It is that bravery and can-do attitude that defines KE. Although he was officially diagnosed with EGID at age two, he spent much of the time before that visiting doctors, specialists and undergoing scary medical procedures.

He currently travels to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia approximately every two months for treatments to ward off the symptoms of his disease, which include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, leg pain, bloating and anemia. Attached to 3 tubes by IV pole every night, KE must take over 14 different medications and undergo multiple breathing treatments daily.

“When he was first diagnosed he was only drinking a formula by mouth and allowed to chew ice cubes – nothing else. It was very hard to explain to a baby why all food and drinks were gone,” shared mom, Colleen. “Now he has more food in his diet, but he’s on a trial medication in order to have those foods. There’s not much research or awareness about his rare disorder, so we don’t know the long term effects or outcomes.”

But through it all, KE is all smiles. When we asked him what his biggest barrier was, he struggled to find an answer. “If I didn’t have my disorders, I wouldn’t be a part of enCourage Kids,” KE explained. “I’m happy with them. They are a gift. They are a part of my personality.”

KE and friends at our annual weekend at Camp Pontiac

While his barrier board visually depicts his rare medical condition, it also represents the struggles KE endures on a daily basis and the strength necessary to overcome them.

“We are a family here, we all help each other through our barriers,” Colleen expressed. “My son has been able to make friends who actually understand him, instead of looking at him strangely.”

Through enCourage Kids, KE and his mom have found an extended family. KE loves attending Escapes events, particularly if enCourage Kids teen ambassador Carly Rose Sonenclar will be in attendance! KE is Carly’s self-proclaimed “number one fan” and the two have become best friends. He loves to listen to her music and attend her shows any chance he gets.

KE with best friend and enCourage Kid teen ambassador Carly Rose Sonenclar at our 2015 holiday party

Some of his other favorite activities include making art, break dancing, and hanging with his enCourage Kids best friend, Briana. Recently, Briana spent the day messaging with KE to help him complete a difficult homework assignment. When he thanked her, Briana texted back “you’re welcome little bro!’ – proving that we truly are a family at enCourage Kids.

Like all of our children, KE goes through so much on a daily basis and faces it all with courage and strength that surpasses some adults. “enCourage Kids helps heals many children like me,” KE shared. “They help us break our barriers!”

To learn more about Breaking Barriers, click here.

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