Four years ago, we were looking for a new way to make a difference in our community. The team at Certified Radon has a heart for helping children and we knew we wanted our impact to remain as local as possible. We also had a great partner in the Missouri Mavericks, who were willing to lend a hand. After some research, we discovered the amazing work happening Children’s Mercy Hospital, not only in the care they provide to patients and families, but also their ground-breaking medical research. Their work is making a difference for families across our community, as well as children around the world. We wanted to do all we could to help, and the team at Children’s Mercy enthusiastically welcomed our support.
Over the years, Certified Radon has raised thousands of dollars to donate to Children’s Mercy Hospital in support of pediatric cancer research. We also donate toys for patients and host a hospital visit each year from Mac, the Missouri Maverick’s mascot. Still, we felt the need to do more.
In 2014 we hosted our first Certified Radon Game Day for the hospital’s Survive & Thrive Program – a program that provides ongoing support for young patients who have survived pediatric cancer and their families. The Certified Radon Game Day treats these kids and their families to a free Maverick’s Hockey game and special behind-the-scenes tour of the arena and team operations. We’ve hosted this event each March for the past four years, with up to 60 children and family members attending each event.
This event offers a few hours of fun for the families to enjoy together. For many of the families, the financial burden of medical bills limits recreational activities that would not be in the budget otherwise. These families are often also consumed by the realities of schedules full of treatments, doctor appointments, etc. – this provides welcomed break.
In the grand scheme of things, the Certified Radon Game Day is a small gesture, but we’re extremely proud that we’re able to provide this outlet and day to “just be a kid.” We appreciate the support of the great staff at Children’s Mercy and the Missouri Mavericks, and all they do to make this event happen. The smiles on the kids’ faces makes it all worth it every time!
If you’d like to learn more about the important work at Children’s Mercy and ways you can help, visit www.childrensmercy.org.
