Heavens Heroes raises funds so special needs children - our little superheroes - can access the alternative therapies that can change, and sometimes save, their lives.
We were amazed at how many of our loved ones — and even complete strangers — wanted to help.
There is an entire world of highly effective "alternative" therapies and treatments that are changing the lives of special needs children (we call them "our little superheroes") and their families, giving them freedom, function, and life in ways they never knew were possible - and hope for a future they often dare not even consider.
But these therapies can be hard to find, difficult to understand and navigate, and impossible to gauge their effectiveness without trying them or knowing someone who has. On top of that, many of the most effective are either not covered by health insurance or are extremely difficult and time consuming to get coverage for. It's enough to make anyone want to wave the white flag of surrender.
It's often just too much for a family of special needs superheroes struggling to survive their daily lives - the seemingly endless parade of doctor visits, medical tests, hospital visits, surgeries, and the high-level of stress, isolation, and pure exhaustion of it all.
It can be hard to find hope... much less help.
As a result, too many of these little superheroes miss out on these life-changing therapies. And that's a shame - because these little superheroes absolutely soar when given the chance. You'll never see anyone work harder or want something more than a little superhero with a goal.
They shatter every expectation placed on them, beaming with life and excitement where once only sadness and frustration existed. And they do it with the biggest smiles on their faces, spreading joy to everyone around them.
And most of the time, all it takes to make that huge difference is a single, little spark...
Sometimes, all it takes is knowing that someone, like you, is here to help.
Heavens Heroes was founded by Ian Heaven's parents - Erica and Christopher - who have lived every one of those sparks themselves. We created the organization we wish had existed when Ian was born.
As we struggled through exactly what we described above (that was written from experience), we were unknowingly building a network community of superhero families that we depended on for support, guidance, encouragement, and reprieve --- and vice versa. And its not just moral support. Having that community of families to share experiences, information, and expertise on therapies was critical in identifying the therapies that have changed our lives.
Along the way, we also compiled Team Ian: an amazing group of therapy providers, physicians, and experts who believe in Ian like we do - refusing to write Ian off despite the overwhelming odds against him. There is simply no substitute for a trustworthy team of experts providing life-changing therapies.
While we're not "out of the woods" -- and we may never be -- our family is soaring instead of suffering, loving life instead of just barely living, and giving back instead of giving up.
As we continued to meet new superhero families everywhere we went, we wanted a way to share the resources, the hope, and the joy that we have with them --- so they don't have to go through the same hardships we - and other hero families - have experienced. After all...
That's why we created Heaven's Heroes.
We identify special needs superheroes and work with their families to build fundraising campaigns that cover the cost of life-changing therapies. Our Angel Donors cover every dollar of our operating costs, so 100% of every public donation goes directly to each little superhero's therapies - never to the family, never to us.
We also provide a community of superhero families who can share knowledge, experience, and encouragement - because we realized early on that the most valuable thing isn't the money. It's knowing you're not alone.
Whether you donate, become an Angel Donor, or apply for help - every action creates a ripple that changes lives.
