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Nourishing Families During a Difficult Time
In Houston, a simple meal is transforming the lives of families battling pediatric cancer, thanks to the tremendous efforts of a local non-profit led by Brittany Hebert Franklin. The organization, Sky High for Kids, is on a heartfelt mission to provide free meals to pediatric cancer patients and their families. The initiative couldn’t be more timely, particularly during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, as it addresses an often overlooked burden: food insecurity.
Addressing the Impact of Food Insecurity
The Lovett family, who spent months at Texas Children's Hospital while their son Stetson received treatment for a rare blood cancer, experienced the harsh reality of this burden firsthand. Mary Lovett poignantly illustrates this struggle, sharing that she lost her job, her car, and her house when their lives were upended by Stetson’s illness. "When we first came to the hospital, I lost my job, my car, my house, and she's helped," she said, acknowledging Franklin’s invaluable support in their dire circumstances.
The Magic of Sunday Suppers
The Sunday Supper program offers more than just meals; it’s a small act of kindness that helps families feel a sense of normalcy amidst trauma. On one recent Sunday, Franklin delivered 170 hot meals sourced from local Houston restaurants directly to the families at Texas Children’s Hospital. For children like Stetson, these meals represent a special joy, as he excitedly declared that spaghetti was his favorite.
The Role of Community Support
Dr. Will Parsons, a pediatric oncologist at Texas Children's Hospital, emphasizes the importance of such community initiatives. He states, "Helping to take care of them and making their cancer experience just a little less challenging and a little more special means the world to us." This sentiment underscores the need for community involvement in alleviating the hardships faced by families of sick children.
A Message Beyond Meals
The work that Franklin and her team do goes beyond providing food; they offer hope and support for families navigating the darkest days of their lives. Franklin iterates that families should not have additional burdens while focusing on their child's health. "You should not have to worry about where your meal is coming from; you should be focused on saving your child's life," she stresses, spotlighting the urgency of their mission.
Supporting Pediatric Cancer Research
As Sky High for Kids continues its mission, they are also promoting a raffle for a car, with proceeds aimed at supporting pediatric cancer research and comfort programs for children in need. This effort exemplifies the dual focus of non-profit initiatives: providing immediate relief to families and investing in long-term solutions.
Join the Movement
As the holiday season approaches, Franklin is reaching out for further support from Houston restaurants to continue her mission of delivering meals every Sunday. For families grappling with the fear and uncertainty of cancer, these meals represent a return to normalcy and a reminder that they are not alone in their fight. The visible impact of these communal meals serves as a call for others to participate in the effort—an invitation to lend a hand to those who are fighting an uphill battle.
Supporting initiatives like Sky High for Kids not only changes lives in the moment but also lays the groundwork for a stronger support system for families in the future. Every bit helps, and getting involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, can make a significant difference. As we reflect on the power of community in Houston, let us consider how we can contribute to efforts that feed the body and nourish the soul during trying times.
For those interested in helping or learning more about the Sunday Supper program and Sky High for Kids, continue to follow local initiatives and join the movement toward fighting pediatric cancer with compassion and community support.
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