An unknown person said “Your bravery is bigger than a brontosaurus.” When Lilli Durante was four years old, her bravery was truly bigger than a brontosaurus. She woke up one day with her eyes crossed. A few days later she was diagnosed with a quick growing non-malignant brain tumor that was pressing on her optic nerve. Lilli and her family were quickly thrown into the medical arena. Courtney, Lilli’s mom, suggested Lilli choose what she was wearing as she began going through chemotherapy and meeting with medical staff, as Lilli was understandably scared. Her mom thought if Lilli were to select her own special costume she would not be as scared and it would help give her courage. Lilli chose to wear her yellow Belle Princess Dress from Beauty and the Beast. Lilli’s spirits were lifted and it brought joy to her medical providers too. For every medical appointment Lilli would select a different costume to wear, helping her to go to her appointments as her bravest self. The medical staff could not wait to see what Lilli would wear when she came in. This experience made Courtney, one of the four co-founders of Costumes for Courage, realize the emotional impact a costume could make for a child going through scary and difficult medical appointments. Such a simple choice had a powerful impact. This was how Costumes for Courage began. It was such an honor to talk with co-founder Courtney Durante about this remarkable organization.
“What we do is to make a difference.” Costumes for Courage
Since its beginnings Costumes for Courage has provided over 1500 costumes to children and early teens, along with any siblings. They serve any child going through difficult medical challenges along with any siblings. This super cool non-profit has sent costumes to 48 states and six countries. What is sent to the child is specific to the child’s wants and wishes. Extra goodies are included in each special package. These nimble four co-founders all work full-time, have families, and other responsibilities. Excel helps them keep organized and on track with all requests. Their commitment to Costumes for Courage comes from their kindheartedness to bring joy with a boost of courage to these children.
“Our goal is to continue to share the joy that Lilli’s dresses brought to other children and families in similar situations. Our hope is that, by providing costumes to children receiving treatment for or facing significant medical conditions, we can give them the extra bit of strength and courage they need to get through a difficult time.” Costumes for Courage
In addition to the costumes this fierce group of caring people supports their local Ronald McDonald House by providing occasional meals and costumes at Halloween. Costumes for Courage reaches out to families to see how they can help. Regular donors and fundraisers help provide funding support. They have fulfilled all wishes and want to help more children going through tough stuff. Lilli’s Princess Joy helped to arm her with the strength and courage she needed to go through all of her medical treatment. Costumes for Courage wants to do the same for other children and families who are experiencing medical hardships. A 2022 National Institutes of Health report states that approximately 27% of children and adolescents in the USA are diagnosed with chronic health issues. It is unclear how many children experience severe medical issues. That is a lot of children, and families, who need some joy filled with brontosaurus bravery to help them through their difficult challenges. Costumes for Courage does all of that letting these precious children know they are not alone in their fight.
“Sometimes Superheroes reside in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.” Unknown
Lilli, who is doing great, slayed her illness enduring 51 weeks of chemotherapy and an assortment of other medical procedures and treatments. Knowing first hand the difference a special costume can do to lift spirits, Costumes for Courage is on a mission to help more of these children going through so much. Courtney , along with the other co-founders Caitlin Attinger, Geoff Attinger, and Rachel Hutchinson are committed to helping children going through these hard times. For children these special costumes make a difference by bringing hope, courage, and joy. It is with honor we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on this special organization and thank them for bringing their awesomeness to the world.
For more information on this special organization or to nominate a child who needs a little extra courage, here is their information:
Costumes for Courage Website: https://www.costumesforcourage.org/
Instagram: @costumesforcourage https://www.instagram.com/costumesforcourage?igshid=divv0ksryw45
Facebook: @CostumesForCourage https://www.facebook.com/costumesforcourage
