About us

I always knew I wanted to work in pediatrics. My innate love and care for children helped to guide my path in career choice, but never did I realize the path would lead me to where I am today. My journey began in Feb 2017. I got my footing into the pediatric world at age 16 and hurdled through many obstacles with the intent of keeping my eye on my goal. I spent 7 years in pediatrics before I realized that primary care wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something of more meaning; something that would change the life of children. I dove into pre-Med where my focus was pediatric surgery and oncology as I spent my entire college career conducting research. Upon the beginning stages of med school, I was surprised with news of expecting my second child, and I took a step back to focus on motherhood. But it never hindered my passion; in fact, it was heightened.

2017 is the year my life was changed divinely. This was the year that opened my eyes with the clarity of the reality that I already knew, yet never truly imbedded within me as life rolled through the motions. The year that made me pray ever so deeply and to hug, love, laugh, and say I love you even more to my children. I hug my children harder, I love deeper, and I live every moment in awe. My passion for these superhero children runs deep within me and I will continue to pursue advocacy; to spread awareness of childhood cancer and to partner with research foundations to focus on less toxic treatments and a cure.

Children are my life and I really wanted to do something impactful. I decided God had plans for me when I resigned from my position at the hospital and focused on my children. I was then introduced to a little boy named Blake. He had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; sadly, he passed away at the age of 2. My heart was invested in him, and I took his passing very hard. As I looked upon my little boy’s face (who at the time was close to Blakey’s age) I cried. I was so heartbroken and so angry! Blakey passed away due to complications of failed treatments.

There must be SO MUCH MORE for these incredible little superheroes. On the day Blakey died, I was revived with a more acute and fine-tuned purpose. The image of his lifeless body enwrapped in his mother and father’s arms ripped me apart. The sorrow and anger consumed me; I used this anger and sorrow to fuel my mission.

I wanted to pave a path of advocacy and to join forces with all the small organizations out there to make our voices louder than ever for these children.

Ian is a little boy, 2 years old, who was diagnosed with DIPG; an inoperable brain tumor with a short life span after diagnosis. After a year past diagnosis, he is still alive today, thriving. How incredible is that? Not only do I want to help celebrate such an accomplishment, but I want to understand why his results vary so vastly from others with the same diagnosis. Little Ian “Buddy boy” is such an incredible superhero and he too has stolen a piece of my heart.

I’ve been asked many times, “How can I endure these stories, how can I invest so much into children that I don’t know? Why do I care so much to advocate and stand beside these children when I have 2 healthy children of my own?”

My answer ─ because I don’t believe that a child must be mine to be a voice, to want to help; to love them. Because every child on this earth deserves a chance no matter what; every child is precious and should never have to fight with every cell of their body to LIVE. Because someone NEEDS to care.

I’ve always had this innate ability of empathy. I feel deeply and I put myself in other’s shoes. As I began my journey, I did this privately and discreetly. I don’t do this for recognition; I do it because I sincerely care. I push through this mission with the belief that children deserve a voice and the speaking of experiences whilst sharing their stories help to spread awareness. I don’t believe in turning away from the hard things. We need to be brought face to face with the reality that the world puts a sheath over. We need to unveil the stories of these little warriors and allow parents to focus on their children during this fight. It takes a village and no child fights alone.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many parents and children along this journey. And I’ve had the privilege of discussing many cases with parents while falling in love with each and every child virtually. I try to be as personable as possible as I believe that it’s imperative to look at each and every child as the very special child that they are; they are not just a number.

It’s been a long road as Small but Mighty Heroes as we became an official nonprofit at the beginning of COVID, but we remain dedicated, committed, and determined to continue to help children through their battle and their families. Many obstacles presented themselves in our path, but we remain resilient and creative. We will continue to grow and move forward as everything that we do is for the children who battle a hellish fight. These children deserve all the love and care that this world has to offer. Today, we work tirelessly to bring the community together as we support over 350 children with applications coming to us daily. 

As we say here at SBMH “It takes a village, and no child fights alone.”

Jim Bruffy is a retired food service/seafood executive, after 48 years in various sales, marketing, financial and director

roles. 

With this experience, Small But Mighty Heroes welcomed Jim to help grow our cafe headquarters that is designed to be a means of daily fundraising and a way for the community to come and support our cause by ordering a coffee, tea, smoothies or any item from our menu. 

Jim has been married to his wife Patricia for 45 wonderful years and is a proud father of two wonderful children,

and 4 blessed grandchildren. Jim currently serves on two Board of Directors, and 3 previous Boards. Although Jim remains active and busy, he enjoys reading, walking, travel and spoiling their little maltipoo, Daisy.

Jennifer "Jenn" Hebblewhite serves as the Treasurer  and Operations Director for Small But Mighty Heroes.  She has earned fifteen President’s Volunteer Service Awards since 2003.  Through the years, she has dedicated her time to benefit children.  She has more than 3,000 hours of  serving on PTO Boards as the Fundraising and Event Coordinator which is why we are happy to welcome her to our team.  

Jenn grew up in Tampa, Florida. and has been married for more than 26 years with one adult daughter.  Previously, she spent 21 years working for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  Jenn is a Residential Realtor with Price, Wright, & Dunn, Inc. working in Tampa Bay and seven counties within West Central Florida.

At Small But Mighty Heroes we believe "No child fights alone".

Together Everyone Achieves More