Starlight Children’s Foundation, announces its first major distribution of 100,000 Starlight Brave Gowns to hundreds of Starlight partner hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country, in partnership with Athletes for Hope whose member athletes will help deliver Brave Gowns to pediatric patients throughout the U.S. Created with children in mind, Starlight Brave Gowns bring smiles to hospitalized children by transforming drab, uncomfortable and embarrassing hospital garments into fun, comfy and colorful gowns that help sick kids feel like superstars.
Thanks to individual donations and a one-for-one matching grant provided by Niagara Cares, Starlight and Athletes for Hope will deliver the first 20,000 gowns this week featuring designs created by Michaels, the program’s official launch partner, with an additional 80,000 gowns bringing smiles to pediatric patients throughout the summer and into the fall.
Athletes for Hope is launching its new partnership with Starlight by teaming athletes up with the charity for special deliveries and visits. More than 60 athletes have signed on to help Starlight donate Starlight Brave Gowns to children in hospitals from coast to coast. Athletes include Carl Edwards, Jr. of the Chicago Cubs, Vince Biegel of the Green Bay Packers, new Seattle Seahawk Eric Pocic, Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox, racing phenom Rob Megennis and current Portland Thorns and US Women’s National Soccer team defender Meghan Klingenberg, among others.
Michaels Stores is the program’s official launch partner and created the inaugural designs for Starlight Brave Gowns. Featuring creative designs and cool characters, Starlight Brave Gowns tie on the side, not down the back, with hospital-approved snaps on both sleeves for easy IV and chest port access. Current Michaels designs include an astronaut, princess, an explorer, a cowboy and many more, with additional designs arriving in hospitals later this year. Best of all, kids love them.
An upcoming special event in Los Angeles will be held to celebrate the program with the support of Michaels and a celebrity visit from actress Alyson Hannigan and her family. Additional funding is provided by Niagara Cares for research and continuing development of the groundbreaking program. Visit starlight.org to learn more about Starlight Brave Gowns and donate $25 to give a gown to a hospitalized child in need today.
Follow along on Twitter (@Ath4Hope) and (Instagram) as we highlight our athlete hospital visits and go to starlight.org to learn more about Starlight Brave Gowns and donate $25 to give a gown to a hospitalized child in need today.