As many know, the Boy Scouts of America has a mission to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” The concept of merit badges inspired the Purple Playas Foundation in creating our “Power Patches” that supplement our Purple Playas Coping Kit. As children accomplish such tasks as getting their first shot or an infusion poke, their nurses may recognize and encourage their bravery by awarding them a Purple Playas Power Patch.

When Kerry asked Parker and the Purple Playas Board if he could help the Foundation through his Eagle Scout Project, we were deeply touched and excited. He asked what we needed, and we immediately shared that we are giving “Power Patches” to child life, social workers, and nurses to distribute to children — but they did not have a storage system to keep the patches safe.

Kerry said that he felt honored to be able to support the Purple Playas Foundation. He not only wanted to do the project because he was a long time friend of Parker’s, but he also shared, “I just think it’s an awesome foundation. It can be really beneficial to kids with arthritis and different chronic illnesses… It’s a great way to show support for people who need it.”

So, he passionately set out to construct five very special storage boxes for our Purple Playas Power Patches. With the help of his mentor, Allan Gutcher, Kerry gathered all the supplies and tools and began building. Members of his Troop, Boy Scout Troop 212 in Lutz, worked with Kerry to build and paint the storage boxes.

Kerry discovered a few things about himself while building the Power Patch Boxes. He realized that he is a strong leader and that his fellow Scouts have his back in all endeavors. They had a fun time, while also knowing they were pouring some extra love into the world.

We are proud to announce that Kerry has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout! Since completing his project, Kerry has begun delivering the five Power Patch Boxes to UF Shands Health Pediatric Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and Camp Boggy Creek. Recipients were overjoyed to receive this great companion to our Purple Playas Coping Kits.

Each time a child receives a Power Patch for being brave at the doctor’s office, hospital, infusion clinic, blood lab, and at special camps for children with serious illnesses, they are reminded that they are strong, brave, and never alone.