KPRC 2 and our partners at Energy Transfer, Houston Christian University and Exclusive Furniture are shining November’s KPRC 2 Community spotlight on Harrison’s Heroes and the work they do to help bring smiles to children in local hospitals.
Harrison’s Heroes was founded in loving memory of Harrison Kothari. At age two, Harrison spent several months in and out of the hospital before passing away in December 2010. Like many parents and caregivers, Harrison’s family went to great lengths to stay by his side at all hours of the day. It is now his family’s mission to help other hospitalized children with a nonprofit organization founded in Harrison’s name. The foundation is committed to “Comforting Kids. Creating Smiles.”
In addition to the many programs Harrison’s Heroes has to serve children staying in area hospitals - which includes birthday boxes, arts and crafts, and events like an in-hospital Polar Express experience around the holidays - Harrison’s Heroes is always expanding the ways in which they serve children to add some joy to their hospital stays. This year, KPRC 2′s Community partners are teaming up with Harrison’s Heroes and Sunshine Kids for a holiday “tree farm” to decorate fifty artificial Christmas trees that pediatric patients at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center may choose for their hospital room.
With four-foot-tall white artificial trees provided by Harrison’s Heroes and design inspiration including a tutorial from Regina Gust of Regina Gust Designs, trees will be decorated in November and children will choose them at a tree farm event with hot chocolate, treat bags and fun activities in early December. The trees will be decorated in themes chosen by the hospital’s Child Life Specialists, such as Mickey Mouse, Bluey, princess, Roblox, rainbow, baseball and more.
For more information on Harrison’s story and how you can help Harrison’s Heroes make an impact on children in our local hospitals, visit Harrison’s Heroes website by clicking here.