Peachy the Magazine October/November 2013 | Page 106

Heroes for Children
“Larissa and I had learned of each
other through a mutual acquaintance
—our daughters were treated at the
same hospital—and we had exchanged
emails,” Scott recalled. “When we
finally met, we were instant kindred
spirits, we cried and hugged.”
Linton and Scott’s bond became the
catalyst for Heroes for Children,
which gained greater manpower, a
new name, and a new logo—a heart
surrounded by two children holding
hands, in honor of Allie and Taylor.
“We made the intentional decision
from the start to not get into research
fundraising, but to raise funds and
assist families affected by childhood
cancer,” said Scott. “Of course we
want a cure for cancer to put us out

Heroes for Children founders, Larissa
Linton and Jenny Scott at the Heroes
and Handbags event
106

PEACHY

of business, but until that time, we are
focused on supporting families facing
childhood cancer.”
Today, HFC serves any family
affected by childhood cancer in eight
pediatric hospitals in Texas, primarily
in Dallas and Houston. HFC works
with hospital social workers to identify families who need assistance in
paying medical bills, a utility bill,
a car payment, or child care. HFC
receives an average of 100 to 150
requests each month, and an average
gift request is $750. Last year, HFC
assisted 835 families, and they are
on pace to serve 900 families in 2013.
HFC is a donor driven organization
with an annual budget of nearly $1.5
million. It is projected to grow to $2
million in the next year. HFC leverages these financial contributions by
deploying its large volunteer base.
Generation Heroes, a young professionals group, and HFC friends, a
women’s auxiliary group, organize
HFC’s annual events: The Heroes and
Handbags event and Heroes for Children 5k run/walk.
“Our Heroes and Handbags event
raised over $400,000 this year,” said
HFC Executive Director Kristy Hensel.
“Our annual 5k brought out over 1,800