December 14, 2018
We are so excited you are joining us on this incredible journey! Our hope is to gift smiles to many children with chronic illness in “the […]
December 21, 2018
We are getting very excited about our first annual PPF GolfTournament on March 30th, 2019! It’s only three-and-a-half months away and things are revving up. Our committee […]
February 20, 2019
TWITTER CHAT! Join us on February 25th at 7:00 pm ET for a #ConditionConfident Twitter Chat From the outside, getting a diagnosis might seem like an […]
March 24, 2019
Heads up! The Purple Playas Foundation is going to be on Daytime! on Tuesday, March 26th at 10:00 a.m. on News Channel 8 (NBC/WFLA). Our CEO, […]
October 7, 2019
As children open the Purple Playas Coping Kit, SMILES full of JOY light up their faces! Our kits are a home run…bringing excitement to families, engaging […]
November 26, 2019
Holidays are a really busy time…but we ask you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and just imagine… Imagine the sound of kids […]
January 1, 2020
We are SO EXCITED to kick off our “Chronically Caring Kids” by sharing Jaxson’s story. Jaxson was the first kiddo who donated to Purple Playas Foundation. Like us, he knows how powerful it is to give the gift of SMILES!
February 3, 2020
Meet Makena (13 years old), a sweet girl with so much love in her heart! She is one of the most caring children we have ever met. For much of her life she has been a caregiver to others. Her brother was diagnosed with chronic illness 10 years ago and her best friend battled cancer her entire young life. Makena quietly and proudly gave all her love to these two, never knowing that her own body was beginning to brew up its own fierce battle.
March 1, 2020
Meet Trent (14 years old), a young teenage boy who just wants to have fun! Trent has dealt with chronic health problems since he was only 5 years old, after being diagnosed with juvenile psoriatic arthritis. However, that was just the beginning of his health journey. Over the next few years, Trent was also diagnosed with crohn’s disease, Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), kidney dysfunction, asthma and anemia.
April 5, 2020
There are so many amazing kids out there who spread kindness and love into this world; and this month we are celebrating TJ (13 years old). This teenager was diagnosed with crohns, colitis, and ethesitis-related juvenile arthritis at 8 years old. While these chronic illnesses have been difficult to endure, TJ also knows how important it is to live life to it’s fullest despite challenges.
May 4, 2020
Emily is a young adult with a great perspective on life! Emily was diagnosed with Systemic Onset Juvenile Rhuematoid Arthritis (“JRA”), at the age of 6 years old. When Emily was younger, she experienced rashes, joint pain and swelling. Often times she was unable to walk as a result of the overwhelming pain. Now at 19, her Arthritis is a bit more manageable as long as she avoids over exertion of her body and plans ahead for activities. Sometimes Emily still has aches and pains at night depending on what activity she did that day and also depending on the weather conditions.
June 1, 2020
Meet Braelyn (16 years old); he is one strong, joyful teen with an amazing dimpled smile. When he was born, he had no health concerns. At the age of 5 months old, he contracted meningitis, which resulted in multiple health issues and ultimate diagnoses. He has hydrocephalus, chewing/swallowing difficulties, neurological impairment, seizure disorder, and a compromised immune system.
June 16, 2020
The Purple Playas Foundation is proud to be co-funding a three-year pediatric rheumatology fellowship with the Arthritis Foundation at the University of Florida Health Shands Children's Hospital.
July 1, 2020
Kayla’s positive energy is so contagious because after talking to her you just want to go out there and do something good. Kayla said, “Strangely enough, living with a chronic illness has given me a very positive perspective on life. I think that I don’t take things for granted, and I am able to feel empathy for people who know what I am going through. And I was even able to start my own non-profit through this, Kayla Cares 4 Kids.”
July 14, 2020
These 3 amazing siblings created their very own fundraiser benefitting the Purple Playas Foundation!
August 1, 2020
Mitchell is a shining example of living life fully and joyfully no matter the hurdles.
August 11, 2020
Revenge of the Electric Cart is based on my childhood growing up with a mom with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). My mom was diagnosed when I was 6 years old. The specialist who diagnosed her said that she’d be wheelchair-bound within a year, but she fought that diagnosis with determination and humor. Finally, she found a good treatment when I was around 11.
September 1, 2020
Random Acts of Kindness one "Reagan's Wish" at a Time!
October 1, 2020
Meet 15 years old Gavin. One of his nurses nominated him to be featured in as a “Chronically Caring Kids” because she feels he is a perfect example of someone who, despite his challenges in life, gives back to his community, spreads kindness, and fills a room with joy.
October 14, 2020
I read him the book, “When Purple Puff Gets Scared, Tucker Turtle Teaches Him How to Be Brave”. I couldn't believe how much it helped Daniel feel at ease. Daniel then told me he was ready to have the surgery and be " brave".