What Do Families Receive When They Join HopeKids?
When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening medical condition, one of the first things parents do is search. They search for answers, for hope, for anyone who understands what they’re going through. And somewhere in that search, they may come across HopeKids. The question that follows is a natural one: “Is this for us?” If you have a child with a life-threatening medical condition, the answer is yes. Here’s exactly what that means.Access to an ongoing calendar of free events
From the moment a family joins HopeKids, they gain access to an unlimited calendar of free events throughout the year. Not one event. Not a single experience. An ongoing program that gives families something to look forward to every single month, for as long as they want to participate. These events are organized into three types. HopeDay events are larger, high-energy outings like sporting events, concerts, theater shows, trips to the zoo or circus, and museum visits. HopeCommunity events are smaller, more intimate gatherings designed to help families connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through — parent date nights, dads’ golf outings, moms’ book clubs, coffee chats, and private suite experiences. And virtual programming ensures that families who can’t attend in person still have something meaningful to look forward to, whether they’re at home or in a hospital room. Every event is completely free of charge. There is no cost to apply, no cost to attend, and no limit on how many events a family can participate in.
Support designed for the whole family, not just the child
HopeKids serves everyone in the family, including mom, dad, and siblings. This matters because childhood illness affects everyone, not just the child who is sick.
Parents often find themselves pulled in different directions, one parent at the hospital while the other manages the household and keeps life running for the rest of the family. HopeKids creates space for both parents to breathe, individually and together. Events like parent date nights and intimate gatherings give moms and dads a rare chance to step away from the demands of treatment and simply be present with each other and with people who understand.
Siblings are a priority too. In families where a child is seriously ill, brothers and sisters can quietly become the overlooked members of the household. At HopeKids, siblings are welcomed, included, and celebrated at every event. They are not an afterthought. They are part of the family HopeKids is here to serve.
A community of families who truly understand
One of the most meaningful things families receive when they join HopeKids isn’t a program or an event. It’s a community.
Friends and extended family often want to help but struggle to know how. They offer sympathy, but they can’t fully understand what life looks like when a child’s treatment schedule dictates everything. At HopeKids events, families meet others who already know. A cancer family meets a kidney transplant family. A parent of a newly diagnosed child meets a parent whose child finished treatment. The connection happens quickly, and it’s real.
Izamar, a HopeKids mom from Arizona whose son James battled leukemia for two years, put it simply: “We have formed deep friendships with other families through HopeKids, and it’s been a great support during tough days.”
That kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident. HopeKids intentionally designs events around it, creating a welcoming, safe environment where families can relax, talk openly, and find the support that only someone who truly understands can offer.
A safe accepting place where every child belongs
For many children with life-threatening medical conditions, everyday spaces can be difficult to navigate. Kids who are bald, wearing a mask, using a wheelchair, or relying on a feeding tube can feel stared at or set apart in ways that are painful for both them and their parents.
At HopeKids events, that experience disappears. Every child belongs. Every family is welcome exactly as they are. HopeKids events are often held privately, protecting immunocompromised children from the health risks of large public crowds. And within the community, families look out for each other naturally, because everyone understands what is at stake.
For families who have spent months feeling like outsiders in their own lives, stepping into a HopeKids event can feel like finally exhaling.
Membership with no expiration date
Once a family joins HopeKids, they are part of the community for as long as they choose to be. There is no end date tied to a diagnosis, a treatment milestone, or a child’s age. Whether a child reaches remission, turns 18, or graduates, they remain a HopeKid.
Many alumni choose to come back, not just to attend events, but to encourage families who are earlier in their journey. When a newly diagnosed family meets someone who has already walked that road and is thriving, the impact is profound. It is one of the most powerful things HopeKids can offer: living proof that there is still hope.
How to join HopeKids
HopeKids is open to any family who has a child with cancer or another life-threatening medical condition. The program welcomes all families regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, or any other factor. There is no cost to apply or participate.
HopeKids currently serves families across eight chapters in Arizona, Minnesota, North Texas, Colorado, Kansas City, Middle Tennessee, North Carolina, and Central Florida.
If you’re wondering whether HopeKids is for your family, it is. Apply here to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions qualify a child for HopeKids?
HopeKids serves families who have a child with cancer or another life-threatening medical condition. The program is open to all qualifying families regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, or any other factor.
Do families have to pay anything to participate in HopeKids?
No. Every HopeKids event is completely free of charge. There is no cost to apply, no membership fee, and no limit on how many events a family can attend.
What happens if my child finishes treatment or reaches remission?
Families remain part of the HopeKids community for as long as they choose, even after a child finishes treatment, reaches remission, or turns 18. Many alumni continue to attend events and choose to support newer families in the program.
Can siblings attend HopeKids events?
Yes. HopeKids intentionally serves the whole family, including siblings. Brothers and sisters are welcomed and included at events, because HopeKids understands that childhood illness affects everyone in the household.
What if we don’t live near a HopeKids chapter?
HopeKids offers a robust virtual program with interactive events, including cooking classes, game nights, magic shows, and more. Virtual events are available to families across the country, regardless of location.
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