Why HopeKids?
Why HopeKids?
Each year in the United States, approximately 500,000 children cope with life-threatening medical conditions 1. These conditions affect the entire family with more than half of parents suffering from acute stress disorders 2 and 80% of siblings having elevated levels of posttraumatic stress 3. In addition, illnesses contribute to over 62% of bankruptcy filings each year 4. More than $800 million is spent on medical research annually to find cures for cancer or other diseases, but these families need support now. Numerous studies show that hope can increase one’s overall ability to cope 5 and that familial support in chronically ill children is vital 6. HopeKids understands we are not a cure for these illnesses, but we believe HOPE IS A POWERFUL MEDICINE
“Parents feared the complete loss of hope because it would be like giving up on their child and giving up a future with their child and their family and because that would leave them mired in dark and negative thoughts.”
$54,270
Mean per-patient annual direct cost of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Seven to 16 times higher than the mean per-capita health expenditure in the U.S.10