Giveaway from StationKid: A Nationwide Non-Profit and Children’s Apparel with Heart.

Meagan Sabich August 6, 2015 Causes, Contributors, Giveaways, Reno Moms Blog 3 Comments 517 Views

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About StationKid

At StationKid we help the critically ill children of America’s everyday heroes. We provide practical support to first responder families of critically ill children. Our mission includes such things as helping alleviate financial burden, providing life-saving medications, bringing art, music, technology and gifts to children’s hospitals, as well as raising awareness and support for America’s first responders and their families. Our mission is achieved through donations and through the sale of our high quality children’s apparel, in which the proceeds go to help a family in need.

StationKid focuses on cool designs that help children identify with firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders. StationKid attire is fun, colorful, practical and provides a proud display of support for our local heroes. We want everyone, regardless of age, to feel a sense of association and support for this extraordinary world of heroes. Our products remind children that, just like the heroes of their community, that they too are heroes when they help others. StationKid wants everyone’s inner-hero to shine brightly.

Why StationKid was started (words from the founder, Danyelle Petersen)

StationKid was started after our oldest son Tyler got sick. He doesn’t produce antibodies and it took doctors a number of years to figure this out. During this time I found myself alone for biopsies and eventually surgeries while Tyler’s dad, Ryan, a firefighter, was out doing his job. While his family seemed to be falling apart he was picking up extra shifts and missing out on critical time with our son for days on end to make ends meet. Although, in California firefighters are well-paid we found ourselves, even with great insurance struggling to pay medical bills which were exceeding $16,000 a year on average. Across the nation the average firefighter salary is about $45k and a police officers is around $60k. A child with cancer or other serious illness will cost around $20,000 out of pocket each year, not including lost wages of the spouse or person who usually has to leave their job to care for their child. First responders pride themselves on saving lives and sitting there alone on so many occasions with our son Tyler, just didn’t sit right with me. It seemed so wrong to me that there wasn’t more that could be done for my family, while Ryan was out saving the lives of others. I know this is the job he signed up for, and it is a job that he absolutely loves, which makes me incredibly happy. With that being said I was just struggling to get everything done while being alone a lot. This was overwhelming and very difficult on our entire family.

Many fire departments across the nation are made up of volunteers, people giving their lives to save others and some having children who are fighting for their lives at home. Overtime, Ryan and I began to hear countless stories about other families that were struggling and couldn’t afford medical insurance, because they were volunteers. There are lots of organizations out there to help injured first responders or the families of first responders that have passed. These organizations are so wonderful and helpful to these families, and we wanted to be part of something equally as important. I searched and searched and couldn’t find an organization to help first responders whose families are struggling currently because of a child who is critically ill. So, this is when StationKid was born. I started it to help other families that were in similar situations to ours. To help our communities show first responders how much we appreciate what they sacrifice every day and to provide them not only financial means, but counseling, meal trains, childcare and the hope they deserve. This also helps our first responders to connect more with the community and with each other. It’s extremely hard for most people to ask for help. I wanted to give them a place they could go for help.

Today my son Tyler is doing better, he used to be on weekly treatments to help him function in everyday society, but recently he has been able to be off of his treatments and has been doing well. However, we recently found out Tyler’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly and that our daughter Charlotte has the same immune system problems our son has. Luckily for us right now she shows no symptoms and we continue to hope she never does. I am passionate about StationKid, because I’ve dealt with a sick child and no one should have to navigate this stuff alone. The reason StationKid also has clothing line, in addition to the nonprofit is because I believe our communities really respect their first responders and kids like to help give back as well. The clothing line along with donations allows us the opportunity to show our support for our first responders, as well as help those dealing with a critically ill child when they need it most.

How to enter the StationKid giveaway

To enter the StationKid giveaway, please visit the website at www.stationkid.com, check out the apparel and accessories, and then leave a comment on FB letting us know what your favorite clothing item or accessory is, for a chance to win it. Please use the actual item name as described on the website so it is easily identifiable. Reno Moms Blog will randomly select a winner and the winner will receive the item they deemed their favorite.