Carli's Butterfly W.I.S.H.E.S Foundation was was officially recognized by the State of Texas as a nonprofit organization, November, 2012. CBWF was founded by Carli's parents, Bradley & Valerie Simmons, of Burkeville, Tx. They proudly adopted the 7th foor at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Tx. The 7th floor is the Progressive Care Unit, or PCU.
Our goal with Carli's Butterfly W.I.S.H.E.S Foundation is to provide toys that provide stimulation for the children, such as the Twilight Turtles or Ladybugs and blankets to warm their hearts. CBWF also provides toys, crayons, coloring books, and snacks to the patients. The PCU has young adults from time to time. We provide movies, video games, and electonic items, such as headphones, to make their stay as pleasant as possible. Gift cards, parking tokens, and washing powder are just a few of the many things we provide for the patient's parents or guardians. CBWF also provides a meal for the families that are present on the PCU during the holidays. During that time, we visit with the families with much needed fellowship and just let the families know that we care. We deliver items to the patients during our visit. For example, for Easter we deliver Easter baskets and blankets, and for Thanksgiving we deliver pajamas and light up pillow pets. Christmas is a special time for us, the patients, and thier families! With your support, we are able to deliver a goodie bag,designed specifically for each patient and their abilities. The parents or gaurdians also receive a monetary gift.
CBWF set a goal two years ago to provide a Starlight Fun Center Unit. "Starlight® Fun Center® mobile entertainment units provide the healing power of play to pediatric patients anywhere in a healthcare facility. Powered by the Wii U from Nintendo of America, Fun Center units offer family-friendly video games and online accessibility to provide kids and families with distraction, fun and a sense of normalcy.Fun Center units can roll bedside, so that even patients with limited mobility can play or watch movies – by themselves or with family members and friends. Due to their accessibility, Fun Center units are easily integrated into physical therapy and therapeutic treatments, further improving the healthcare experience." We are exstatic to announce that we met that goal this year and the PCU at TCH received their first Starlight Fun Center Unit! Slowly, but surely, we are assuring that the PCU is no longer the "forgotten" floor at TCH.
Why CBWF was created:
"As Carli's parents, we spent time on several floors of TCH and were thankfully showered with love and help from other foundations. After spending two weeks in Texas Children's Pediatric ICU, we transfered to the seventh floor, which is the Progressive Care Unit, or PCU. I believe in fate, and I believe that it was meant for us to see the difference on this floor and our previous homes; I say homes because that is basically what they are. We called the seventh floor home for three months and I met several parents that had lived there for over a year. Not once did we have a meal provided or a blanket or toy given to Carli. I will never forget the look on Carli's face when a stranger brought her a baby doll on the bone marrow transplant unit months before she was placed in the ICU. We knew something had to change. The nurses called the PCU the forgotten floor. If we can help it, that name will be erased forever."
CBWF set a goal two years ago to provide a Starlight Fun Center Unit. "Starlight® Fun Center® mobile entertainment units provide the healing power of play to pediatric patients anywhere in a healthcare facility. Powered by the Wii U from Nintendo of America, Fun Center units offer family-friendly video games and online accessibility to provide kids and families with distraction, fun and a sense of normalcy.Fun Center units can roll bedside, so that even patients with limited mobility can play or watch movies – by themselves or with family members and friends. Due to their accessibility, Fun Center units are easily integrated into physical therapy and therapeutic treatments, further improving the healthcare experience." We are exstatic to announce that we met that goal this year and the PCU at TCH received their first Starlight Fun Center Unit! Slowly, but surely, we are assuring that the PCU is no longer the "forgotten" floor at TCH.
Why CBWF was created:
"As Carli's parents, we spent time on several floors of TCH and were thankfully showered with love and help from other foundations. After spending two weeks in Texas Children's Pediatric ICU, we transfered to the seventh floor, which is the Progressive Care Unit, or PCU. I believe in fate, and I believe that it was meant for us to see the difference on this floor and our previous homes; I say homes because that is basically what they are. We called the seventh floor home for three months and I met several parents that had lived there for over a year. Not once did we have a meal provided or a blanket or toy given to Carli. I will never forget the look on Carli's face when a stranger brought her a baby doll on the bone marrow transplant unit months before she was placed in the ICU. We knew something had to change. The nurses called the PCU the forgotten floor. If we can help it, that name will be erased forever."
"Carli Simmons"
Carli Grace Simmons was born Dec. 8th 2009. Our bundle of joy began reaching milestones right on time, as she began developing into a happy, active toddler. Carli had a smile that would melt a heart of steel and a contagious laugh. She was 15 months old when she began showing signs of physical weakness. After a visit to Texas Children’s in Houston, we heard the words that any parent would dread to hear. Carli was diagnosed with a very large brain tumor. Atypical Teratoid Rahbdoid Tumor is a big word for such a little girl. However, Carli has had that word attached to her since March 30, 2011. ATRT is a very rare and aggressive tumor that only affects approximately 30 children in the United States yearly. During the following months, Carli had her tumor removed and several additional surgeries. Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, radiation, and three rounds of bone marrow transplant. Our little fighter completed all of these treatments with such an amazing spirit and the determination to keep the “FIGHT” alive even when the odds were against her. Carli experienced major side effects with numerous setbacks and April, 26, 2013, her earthly journey ended. Her memory lives on in the smiles of other children and their parents on the PCU. Though she be but little, she is fierce! We love you to the MOON & BACK !!
This is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization!