Become a HopeKid
Hope is a Powerful Medicine
If you have a child age 0-18 with cancer or a life-threatening medical condition – i.e., a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that may jeopardize the child’s life, we would love for your family to be a part of our program—for your child to become a HopeKid!
The first step is to submit the HopeKids application by clicking the “start new application” link below. We determine a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. If it is determined that your child is eligible, we will then send you an email with instructions on how to complete your registration. If you don’t receive that email within 4 weeks after submitting your application please contact us.
Once you complete the registration process, you will begin receiving invitations by email to our free events each month. We look forward to meeting your family soon, seeing you at many events, and helping provide hope to your family during your child’s medical journey. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical conditions qualify for HopeKids?
HopeKids serves families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. Some examples of qualifying conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Certain types of heart defects
- Cystic fibrosis
- Organ transplants
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Sickle cell disease
Children with chronic medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and spina bifida may qualify if their treating physician determines that their specific medical situation—considering underlying conditions and complications—is life-threatening.
What medical conditions do not qualify?
While we recognize the challenges families face with a wide range of medical conditions, HopeKids is specifically for children with life-threatening illnesses. The following conditions do not qualify:
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Emotional, psychological, and developmental disorders
- Other mental health conditions
Additionally, Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus do not qualify unless complications make the condition life-threatening.
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, we encourage you to consult your child’s physician and reach out to us with any questions.
My child has finished their cancer treatment protocol and is remission, can we still apply?
Applications for cancer patients can be submitted up until two years post treatment (organ and bone marrow transplant patients see next question). If your child’s cancer treatment protocol has been completed for more than two years then they are not eligible. Exceptions will be made if your child is dealing with the treatment of significant side effects or complications due to their cancer and subsequent treatment. If you feel your child may qualify under this exception, please complete the application and we will consult with your treating physician to determine qualification. Kids living with a brain tumor but not in active treatment qualify.
Does it cost anything to become a HopeKid?
There is never a cost for joining HopeKids and all events are free, however there may be some expenses you choose to incur (i.e. food at a ballgame, parking ramp at a venue, souvenirs at a concert).
Where is HopeKids located?
HopeKids chapters are located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas City, Middle Tennessee, Minnesota, North Carolina and North Texas with the majority of each state’s ongoing program of events centered around the greater metropolitan areas of Phoenix/Scottsdale, Denver, Kansas City, Nashville, Minneapolis/St.Paul, Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth. You will select the chapter you wish to participate in during the registration process.
Does HopeKids provide transportation?
No, each family is responsible for their own transportation to and from our events.
My child had an organ transplant/bone marrow transplant, can we still apply?
Applications for organ transplant and bone marrow transplant patients can be submitted up until two years post transplant. If your child’s transplant occurred more than 2 years ago then they are not eligible. Exceptions will be made if your child is dealing with the treatment of significant side effects or complications as a result of their transplant. If you feel your child may qualify under this exception please complete the application and we will consult with your treating physician to determine qualification.