chronic illness

June 1, 2020
Do you like it?
Read more

June 2020 – Meet Braelyn, A Teenager with a Contagious SMILE!

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.
July 1, 2020
Do you like it?
Read more

July 2020 – Meet Kayla, She is All About Caring 4 Kids!

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.”
August 11, 2020
Do you like it?
Read more

Revenge of the Electric Cart: A Short Film of Overcoming Through Hope and Joy

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.
October 1, 2020
Do you like it?
Read more

October 2020 – Gavin, His JOY Fills Every Room He Enters

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.
November 2, 2020
Do you like it?
Read more

November 2020 – Meet Ava, A Young Lady Who Defines Strength

Another young lady with chronic illness, named Hannah, nominated Ava for our Purple Playas’ Chronically Caring Kids stories. When they were younger, they often sat together in the infusion room receiving treatment. So when asked, “What do you think of when you think of Ava,” she said, “She is BRAVE; Ava’s stronger today than her storms.”
February 28, 2021
Do you like it?
Read more

March 2021 – Meet Westin: A Proud 4-Year-Old with a Dog Named Gronk

Gronk the dog takes good care of his chronically caring kid, Westin! This kid may only be 4-years-old, but his heart is bigger than most. He is full of life and joy. He shares that joy with his brothers, mommy and daddy, and his two dogs. All who witness his kindness instantly are filled with JOY!
March 24, 2021
Do you like it?
Read more

Kerry Wise’s Eagle Scout Project: A “One-of-a-Kind” Work of Art and Love!

Since completing his project, Kerry has begun delivering the five Power Patch Boxes. Kerry constructed them for 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.
August 2, 2021
Do you like it?
Read more

August 2021 – Meet Asher: His Character Truly Counts!

Asher is an 11-year-old fifth grader with impeccable character! We are so proud to share his story. This kid has a huge heart and caringly shares it with many other children. Asher knows what it feels like to need help and support. He grew up with systemic on-set juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).
12