February Newsletter: A Special Message from John & Debbie Higgins

Introducing The CarsonStrong Foundation: Let the Light Shine Across the Nation!

After 7 years as the Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation, our new name, the CarsonStrong Foundation celebrates our journey from a local, family organization to a national foundation helping children and families across the country.

This transition reflects Carson’s story and our commitment to making a greater impact as we continue to grow and expand our reach.

Watch the video below to hear how this new name and brand was created.

-John & Debbie Higgins, Carson's Parents

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Carson’s Corner at Stewart’s Caring Place Has Been Finished

Thanks to the CarsonStrong Foundation, a local Girl Scout troop, and an Akron creative agency, Carson’s Corner at Stewart’s Caring Place has been transformed into an inviting area for teens and families to gather, read, and relax.

Mac Love, founder of Art x Love in Akron, led the creative renovation, which features elements inspired by Carson’s love of national parks. Davey Tree donated wood to design a tree trunk and branches bookshelf, as well as a new tabletop. A new floor layout, incorporating teen-centric beanbag chairs, a couch, and high and low tables for gathering, increased the usable space.

The showpiece of the room is a collaborative holographic painting of “Carson’s Canyon”, which was worked on by the Girl Scouts, the Higgins Family, and Mac. The finished piece incorporates art by Higgins family members that are symbolic of Carson and highlights his love of, and his final journey over, the Grand Canyon.

“The new aesthetic of our library offers a more relaxing, warm environment for our participants and families to enjoy.?The library will offer a comforting place for reading, journaling, and working. We are so thankful to the Carson Higgins Memorial Foundation for their support on this project,” said Sarah Vojtek, vice president at Stewart’s Caring Place.?Read More.

UH Check Presentation

In December, the CarsonStrong Foundation presented the final installment of $40,000 to University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital for the Augment Therapy grant. UH Rainbow is the nation’s first children’s hospital to use Augment Therapy, a new treatment option for physical therapists helping to get patients excited about physical activity.

The generous grant totaling $147,000 supported the technology and hardware installation in all 21 patient rooms within the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow and the pediatric activity room and the teen lounge within the Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit at Angie’s Institute. The grant also supported two mobile carts, to give physical therapists the freedom to take Augment Therapy to the Angie’s Institute outpatient floor and other UH Rainbow floors.

“We were so excited when we heard about Augment Therapy and the opportunity to expand it at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital,” said John. “When Carson needed physical therapy, he had to ride a stationary bike and he was so bored. Something like this, which kids actually want to do, makes it so much easier. This grant has the potential to affect so many children and families in such a positive way.” Read More.

Who We Are

Founded in 2017, the CarsonStrong Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children and families impacted by cancer and other significant life challenges.

Carson Gene Higgins courageously faced neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects the body’s nervous system. While Carson’s life was short, it was rich with faith, hope, love, and strength. His examples of kindness and generosity encourage us to live and love richly, to take each day as a gift, and to give generously.

Together, we can bring hope to other families facing difficult and sometimes devastating life challenges.