We are excited that you decided to visit our site to learn more about the Chapel Hill, North Carolina Chapter of the For a Day Foundation!
The Queen for a Day and Hero for a Day programs are all part of
the For a Day Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Both programs are designed to counter the debilitating emotional side effects of cancer treatment in children ages 1-21 through positive attention and self-confidence building activities; in other words, we hope to help kids feel better about themselves even when they aren't feeling well. These programs empower patients by promoting beauty, courage, and inner strength, easing physical and emotional distress and giving patients the chance to be a kid again. The programs are not gender-specific, so a child may take part in any activity he/she chooses as these events are held simultaneously.
Spread the magic!! Visit our 'Contact Us' page to learn how you can volunteer with our Chapter!
After winning Miss Teen All American in 1999, Jenna felt obligated to give back to her community. Since she struggled internally with self-esteem issues of her own, she aspired to start a non-profit organization helping girls with similar struggles. Unsure of what to do or how to get started, she searched for volunteer opportunities that fulfilled her mission.
While working the Children's Miracle Network Telethon as an intern at a local TV station, Jenna met a little girl named Randa. At the same time, she wanted to find something to do with the tiaras from her childhood that had since gathered dust. Jenna brought Randa one of these tiaras and the joy on Randa's face when she looked in the mirror for the first time with her tiara on inspired Jenna to host her first event at the Children's Hospital. After word spread about Jenna's event, people have contacted her about hosting similar events in their own areas, which has resulted in Chapters of QFAD being established across the country and even a Chapter in South Africa!
Read more about Jenna's vision for the For a Day Foundation at www.foradayfoundation.org !
While completing a graduate school internship on a Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, I wanted to introduce a new program that would provide therapeutic confidence-building activities for the children receiving treatments there; one that would be sustainable long after my internship was complete. This prompted me to research non-profit organzations that provided these services, which led me to the For a Day Foundation.
I received my Master's of Social Work from UNC in May of 2008, but it wasn't until 2010 that I established the Chapel Hill Chapter of the For a Day Foundation. Doing so has enabled me to combine my love for pageantry and UNC and my passion for Social Work in pediatric oncology as I serve children and their families.
Chapel Hill is home to Carolina-blue skies and the 2009 Men's National Championship Basketball team. More importantly, it is home to the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center . The Lineberger Center is part of the North Carolina Cancer Hospital, which specializes in various cancer diagnoses and treatments. Our Chapter of the Queen for a Day and Hero for a Day programs serves children receiving treatments for cancer at the UNC Children's Hospital.
What girl doesn't like to dress up?! Complete with feather boas, tiaras, and sashes, the Queen for a Day program offers the chance for girls to mingle with pageant queens while having their fingernails painted and makeup applied by their favorite titleholder.
These "Princess Parties" give patients a reprieve from thinking about the physical affects of their treatments and help improve their confidence and self-esteem. Pictures are taken, refreshments are enjoyed, and crafts completed as everyone shares a smile and lives in the moment.
The Heroes program celebrates the real heroes in life--law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Children with serious illnesses face life-threatening danger each day with the same amount of heroism as our servicemen and women.
Firefighters and law enforcement officers are invited to the hospital to share a smile and a picture with the patients. By using firefighter and law-enforcement officer-themed events, patients are encouraged to face illness with bravery and courage, inspiring us all.
Each child has their pick of firefighter/law-enforcement hats and badges, a photo with a "hero" of their choice, and other hero-themed gifts. We invite these local heroes to attend the event and interact with the children, telling heroic stories and developing a friendship with patients.
We are working hard to plan our upcoming Queen for a Day and Hero for a Day events! Please check back again soon for updated information!
In the meantime, please visit www.relayforlife.org to find an upcoming event in your community! Relay for Life hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness of the prevalence of cancer diagnoses in all communities. It is an opportunity to remember those we've lost to this disease and to honor those who are survivors. Cancer is indiscriminate and knows no boundaries! If there isn't an event in your community, organize one today!
The Queen for a Day and Hero for a Day programs depend on donations from generous people like you! Due to immunity issues with most of the patients, many items cannot be shared between children and may not even be used from one event to another. Below are items always in need to hold successful events for the children at UNC Children's Hospital:
Rhinestone tiaras
Feather boas
"Foamies" picture frames and themed stick-on decals
Party decorations, tablecloths, etc.
Dress-up jewelry
Coloring books and crafts for girls
Glue
Large ribbon to make sashes
Items to make goodie bags (princess-themed and hero-themed pencils/pens, notepads, etc.)
Whistles and other hero-themed accessories
Temporary tattoos
Badges (Police, Fire, etc.)
Coloring books and crafts for boys
Glitter paint
Crayons
Markers
Name tags
Make-up applicators
New, un-opened make-up (blush, lipstick, eye shadows)
Fingernail polish
*All donations are tax-deductible
If you enjoyed visiting our Chapter website, you may enjoy these other Chapter websites, too!
Don't see your city listed? It doesn't necessarily mean there isn't a Chapter established, it might just mean that they don't have a website yet! Visit www.qfad.org for a comprehensive list of active Chapters throughout the country and contact information for their respective Directors.
Dallas:
www.queenforadaydallas.us
South Africa:
www.reachforadream.org.za
Miami:
www.qfadmiami.com
Tampa:
www.qfadtampa.org
Detroit:
www.detroitqfad.com
Grand Rapids:
www.grandrapidsqfad.org
Cleveland:
www.queenforadaycleveland.com
Memphis:
www.myspace.com/qfadmemphis
Still don't see your city listed? Apply for Directorship by completing and submitting the required forms found on the National website and get started today!
Thank you for visiting our website! We hope you will visit often to keep updated on our Chapter events, enjoy our photos, or learn more about how you can help bring joy to a child with cancer.
We'd love to receive feedback from your visit! Drop us a line using the contact form to the right to inquire about volunteer opportunities with our Chapter, submit suggestions for improvement, or pose questions about the For a Day Foundation.
P.O. Box 4294
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ChapelHillQFADFoundation
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/ChapelHillQFAD
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