Our mission is to be the voice of pediatric cancer warriors by spreading awareness, advocating and providing tailored support for children battling cancer and their families.
47 children are diagnosed with cancer each day. Every 3 minutes, somewhere in the world a family hears the devastating words that their child has cancer. Funds raised by supporters, teams and sponsors help us provide tailored support for the children and their families as they battle through their fight with cancer.
Learn about our generous sponsors or how to become one!
Come join the Small But Heroes Team
Phone number: 813.772.4584
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.”
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
Samuel Sklar has joined Small But Mighty Heroes to help focus on medical research for pediatric patients. Samuel is a future medical student. His hobbies include gardening, reading, and volunteering his time to help others. Samuel has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in Medical Sciences. He is excited to be starting medical school this upcoming August. He plans to use his medical education to bring awareness and change. Samuel joined Small But Mighty Heroes after attending one of our fantastic charity events. Everyone involved was incredibly kind and passionate about making a difference in our cause. He is so grateful that he has been able to join this exceptional organization and help make a dent in the impact of pediatric cancer.
She is a wife, mom of two girls (7 and 3) and a boy dog mom to a golden retriever and yellow lab. Alexsis and her husband also own a Collectible Card small business selling sports and game cards in their eBay store and expo shows. Her educational background consists of early education, psychology and business administration. She has always been an advocate of giving back to the community and lending a helping hand when possible. It is in her nature to have compassion and dedication to any cause that involves children specifically.
Alexsis first learned about Small But Mighty Heroes last year during Girl Scout cookie season. Her daughter's troop nominated us as their Hometown Hero and donated cookie boxes that assisted with options for the organization. Since then, Alexsis and her family have enjoyed the events that they have been able to attend. She has also shared via multiple social channels the mission of SBMH and the request for any type of support. Alexsis and her husband also advertise to their customers that Small But Mighty Heroes is their sole nonprofit organization in hopes to increase visibility and knowledge.
Alexsis decided to join SBMH on a more direct level due to knowing that she can make a difference and put her abilities and resources to better use on a daily basis and hands-on collaboration. She is confident that SBMH will grow in the right direction under a brilliant leader such as Tina and with the rest of the team coming together to build the village needed for the children and their families in need of this prominent organization. Alexsis is honored to be on this team consisting of such caring and life changing advocates.
Carla, the dynamic force behind E.C.H.O - Elite Cleaning & Household Organization LLC, is not just a cleaning and organizing professional; she's a compassionate warrior, standing shoulder to shoulder with Small But Mighty Heroes. With Carla, there are no strangers, only potential allies in our mission to make a difference in the lives of children and families battling childhood cancer.
Her journey with Small But Mighty Heroes began when she stepped onto the fundraising committee during the electrifying Dancing For Heroes event. As she witnessed the dedication and passion of those involved, Carla was inspired to join forces with the organization, driven by a desire to support the hundreds of children receiving tailored assistance.
In every task she undertakes, Carla brings with her a relentless commitment to excellence and a heart overflowing with empathy. Whether she's transforming living spaces or rallying support for a noble cause, Carla is an indispensable member of the community—a beacon of hope and compassion in our village.
Learn the 'WHY' behind SBMH and learn about the Founder and Executive Director.
Learn the 'WHY' behind SBMH and learn about the Founder and Executive Director.
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