Here at Hang Tough, we encourage and enable our clientele to thrive by offering curated services and programming free of charge. You can learn more about each dynamic and unique program below.
Family Fun Events
Hang Tough offers fun events that our Hang Tough families can enjoy together. This is a time to forget about the worries at home and just be a family! Events like this are made possible by our generous donors and are free of charge to our families. Often times, when a family is focused on the medical needs of a child, taking a moment to relax and have fun takes a backseat. We seek to provide those opportunities to allow families time to re-connect and engage with one another. It is also a great time for Hero families to get to know one another and build a community. Past events include an FSU Baseball game, a trip to the Fun Station, and a morning spent at Redemptive Love Farm and Petting Zoo. To see a full listing of our upcoming events, view our calendar of events.
Parent’s Night Out
One of the most requested services from Hang Tough Hero caregivers is respite care. Many of our heroes require round-the-clock medical attention which does not allow much, if any, time for the caregiver to step away and breathe for a brief moment. Parents Night Out is a time where our parents and caregivers can drop their child(ren) with Hang Tough volunteers and enjoy an evening out. Volunteers consist of medically trained personnel, special education experts, other trained in sign language, and others who are passionate about helping our mission. All volunteers are background checked before participating at a Hang Tough childcare event such as Parent’s Night Out. Before they leave, parents and caregivers receive a gift card provided by the generous support of our Hang Tough donors.
To know when we will have our next Parent’s Night Out, check out the event calendar.
If you are looking to volunteer your time at a Parent’s Night Out or other Hang Tough event, connect with us via our volunteer page.
Santa Day
It’s the most wonderful time for the year for Hang Tough when we host Santa Day. On this day, our heroes and their siblings are offered their very own private meeting with the big man himself, Santa! For our friends who are immuno-compromised, or have a sensory processing disorder, or are uncomfortable in a public setting to visit Santa, this is the perfect day. Santa Day allows many children who have been unable to visit Santa in the past, an opportunity to experience that moment like any other child. Appointment times are required which allows us to make sure Santa knows the needs of every child that comes to visit and he also provides a small gift off the child’s wishlist. This is a very special event and the first Hang Tough program established when we were founded in 2015.
Sibling Support
When it comes to supporting our heroes, we know there’s no one that knows how to do that better than their siblings… their sidekicks! Here at Hang Tough, we understand that watching your brother or sister go through something so difficult is a challenge in itself. That is why we take time to honor those siblings who’ve gone the extra mile. Each year, we plan an event just for parents/caregivers and the siblings. We allow the sidekick the much craved individual attention from their parent/caregiver while encouraging them with praise and recognition for the amazing sidekicks they are. In the future, we look forward to continuing this event as well as beginning sibling support group opportunities.
For more information about sibling support groups and events, please visit our event calendar.
Tough As Nails Support Groups
The Tough as Nails support groups are a time where social workers meet with our parents/caregivers and provide vital support to them. It is also an opportunity for parents/caregivers to get to know other families going through a journey similar to their own. In an effort to ensure our parents/caregivers can spend this time away from their heroes and sidekicks, we provide childcare. Volunteers in childcare consist of medically trained personnel, special education experts, others trained in sign language, and others who are passionate about helping our mission. All volunteers are background checked before participating at a Hang Tough childcare event such as Tough As Nails. Our volunteers at this event play and have a great time with the kiddos right next door as the support group meets. These groups are offered monthly.
If you are looking to volunteer your time at a Tough as Nails Support Group or other Hang Tough event, message us on the volunteer page.
For more information about Tough as Nails support groups and to RSVP, please visit our event calendar.
Tutoring
Many of our Hang Tough Heroes and family members miss class time whether it be because of inpatient stays or trips out of town for treatment or follow-ups. Staying on top of school work can be challenging when juggling the appointments, the medical needs, and simply life! Hang Tough values education and wants to make sure our heroes and sidekicks are getting the same quality instruction and the best educational foundation possible. That is why we have a resource list of tutors ready to offer their time to referred Hang Tough families at no cost. Our tutors are all background checked. If you are a parent or caregiver seeking tutoring service for your hero or their sibling, request a tutor via our family relations team.
If you are over 18 and interested in tutoring a Hang Tough Hero or Sidekick, please fill out this quick form and a member of our family relations team will be in touch!
