HEROES FOR CHILDREN

For families battling childhood cancer in Texas, HFC steps in to provide direct, financial assistance for basic living needs, sometimes providing several grants throughout a child’s treatment cycle. In collaboration with pediatric oncology hospitals statewide, HFC can immediately respond to the pressing needs of families experiencing financial hardship without options. Social workers not only screen families but identify those in dire need. They also submit funding requests to HFC on the families’ behalf. The average grant request is $625 and is paid within 7 days, either to the family or directly to a creditor. The most common funding needs include mortgage or and rent payments, utilities, phone, transportation expenses, and sadly, funeral expenses. HFC will also underwrite up to 3 years of fertility preservation for young people about to undergo radiation treatment. HFC is always open to considering unique circumstances, such as travel expenses to seek specialized treatment, hearing aids when treatment causes deafness, or lab fees for potential bone marrow donors.

HFC’s Laptops for Love also provides new laptops to adolescents and young adults battling cancer. This unique program provides those without a laptop with a link to the outside world while undergoing cancer treatment, and allows young people to keep up with their school work.

HFC provides social family events for patients, parents, and siblings to help keep families together with moments of normalcy and merriment. The Program offers seasonal and holiday parties, movie matinees, and other opportunities that support parents and children. The events give families time to relax away from the hospital environment, interact with other parents going through the same struggles, and celebrate, laugh, and create memories together. NOTE: This Program is temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis. *Locations currently include Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.