How Miracles for Kids is Changing the Lives of Families in Crisis

3 ways to “be the miracle” for families fighting for their children’s lives      

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that when a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, more than half of parents struggle with anxiety, depression, inability to work, financial stress, and more. Managing everyday care takes an enormous toll on family dynamics, social relationships, and emotional wellbeing – particularly in a climate marked by the added stress of a pandemic. Miracles for Kids empowers individuals and communities to “be the miracle” for these families, making it easy for people to support parents struggling to win the battle against a child’s life-threatening illness.

When a family is brought down by the devastation of a critically ill child, Miracles for Kids is there to pick them back up. Bills do not stop when tragedy hits, so the organization helps to keep the lights on, water running, and more. Families in crisis can get overwhelmed by expensive housing costs, so Miracle Manor provides a place to stay. With a holistic approach, Miracles for Kids helps to heal families through access to services like healthcare, counseling, and outdoor activities. Getting basic necessities can be challenging for families in crisis, so the Miracles team assists in gathering essentials necessary to survive. 

“A parent is never prepared for a child’s critical diagnosis,” says Miracles for Kids Co-Founder/CEO Autumn Strier, “and the devastation it causes can happen all too quickly. Our mission is to be the empowering support families need at a time of severe stress and the repair that follows, offering hope and vital assistance so their focus can remain on fighting, and winning, the battle.”

Thanks to Miracles for Kids, anyone can become a miracle maker by engaging in one or more of the following different ways:

1. Give. Every donation helps to pay bills, provide household goods, food, clothing, and other essentials. In-kind donations are also needed to fill baskets and boxes delivered monthly to families, such as wellness items, arts/crafts, packaged food, seasonal items, and cleaning goods. One time and recurring gifts are appreciated.
2. Volunteer. Individuals, businesses, youth groups, school clubs and community organizations are needed all year to support ongoing programs and signature events. Offering both in-person and virtual opportunities, including assembling/delivering our Kindness Box of Miracles or Baskets of Miracles and assisting at fundraising events. 
3. Partner. Companies can drive CSR, increase exposure and engage their employees to make an impact through event/program sponsorships, employee contributions, in-kind donation drives, volunteering, corporate match programs, and more. For those looking to engage year round, the organization’s Corporate Partner Program offers customizable experiences to maximize corporate goals. 

Learn how you can be the miracle for families who are fighting for their kids’ lives. Visit the Miracles for Kids website to find even more creative ideas to “be the miracle.” Follow on Instagram @MiraclesForKids to see how your efforts make a difference or simply spread the message. Learn more and discover ways to get involved – such as internships, community programs, giving circles, or events at MiraclesForKids.org.                                           

About Miracles for Kids:

Miracles for Kids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving children with life-threatening illnesses and the families that care for them. Founded in 2002, and led by Co-Founder &  CEO Autumn Strier for nearly 20 years, the organization creates stability for families that are crumbling from the financial and emotional devastation of fighting for their child’s life. With programs providing financial aid, basic needs, housing, and wellness to patients and their families, Miracles for Kids fulfills a mission to help caregivers battle bankruptcy, homelessness, hunger, and depression, so they can concentrate on what matters most. Based in Irvine, California, the Miracles team currently serves CHOC Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Rady Children’s and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, and will be expanding to Loma Linda University Hospital in 2022. Follow on Instagram @MiraclesForKids to see how your efforts make a difference. Learn more and discover ways to get involved at MiraclesForKids.org.