CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A nonprofit serving children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses has opened its first east coast branch in Charlotte.
HopeKids offers on-going monthly social events for kids and families in their program at no cost.
"We decided that with every activity, every event, we would create a space of anticipation, of hope, and strength to get them to that event so that they can do something out of the ordinary," Executive Director, Amanda Austin said. "We just believe that hope is a powerful medicine."
When families are dealing with difficult diagnoses, planning fun events is often not on the families mind, Austin said. With the help of community partners, HopeKids takes families to concerts, sporting events and theater shows, she said.
"It's a fun place where they can find community and support and a shared experience," Austin said.
Wendy Orellana said her family was able to find community through HopeKids. Orellana's 5-year-old son has been in remission for a year after suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma. Before to his diagnosis, they didn't know any other family going through a similar situation, she said.
"That just gives our family a better understanding that it's not only us. There are more families going through this, and we kind of feel like we fit in even though it's not a place where you want to fit in," Orellana said.
She said being with other families is encouraging.
"Just feeling loved and supported, that is very good to be a part of," Orellana said.
Children up to 18 years old can apply to become a HopeKid with a sign off from their doctor. Austin said once a kid is in the program, they never age out.