Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Little Alora Bass is Madison’s newest “superhero” and she has the cape to prove it. She was diagnosed with a heart condition a few months ago that will require surgery on Friday, June 23 - her third birthday. When she was diagnosed, she was nominated to become a “Tiny Superhero” through the TinySuperheroes program.
The TinySuperheroes program is a nationwide campaign that provides children who are facing illness or disabilities with a sense of empowerment. Each child in the TinySuperheroes program gets a cape, because everyone knows that one thing that all superheroes, such as Batman and Superman, have in common is a cape. When a youngster is nominated to become a superhero, they are given a campaign to raise money to pay for their cape. Once that money is raised, any extra goes toward children who have not been able to raise the money for their cape.
The concept began in 2012, with Robyn Rosenberger, of St. Louis, Mo. She says she was making a “few special capes as gifts for family and friends.” She heard of a little girl named Brenna who was born with a rare and severe skin condition. When Rosenberger saw the courage and strength with which this little girl and her family faced this challenge, she had an idea. This little girl was a superhero and she needed a cape. “We sent Brenna her own cape, and within a few months, what began as a small hobby in our home in St. Louis, Mo., grew into a movement,” said Rosenberger on her website. “We began sending capes to kids all over the world to help empower them to see how truly powerful and courageous they are. Today, our squad includes over 80,000 kids and their families across the globe.”
The TinySuperheroes program may begin with a cape, but it certainly does not end there. The TinySuperheroes have the ability to complete missions that help reinforce the child's “superpower,” such as courage, love, strength and more. Once the youngster completes the mission, they receive a free patch to add to their cape. There is another free mission every month.
According to Adrianna Bass, Alora’s mother, Alora has now received her cape emblazoned with “Heart Warrior” and other inspirational messages on the back. “Please continue to pray for our girl and her doctor and nursing team as God prepares them to take care of her,” said Adrianna. Alora is scheduled to have surgery to repair a hole in her heart later this month, on her third birthday.
Alora is the daughter of Austin and Adrianna Bass.