Austin, TX, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children (CC4C) recently welcomed seven new participants into its Dream Teams program, which connects children with rare medical conditions to local high school teams. This initiative fosters community support, friendships, and lasting connections, particularly for children coping with medical challenges. The program aims to enhance the lives of these kids, with participants engaging in sports and activities, promoting inclusion and belonging amidst their health struggles. Families seeking support can access resources and information through CC4C’s website.
AUSTIN, TX – On August 1, Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children (CC4C), a nonprofit based in Austin, TX, welcomed seven new children into its Dream Teams program. The Dream Teams program pairs children with rare or undiagnosed medical conditions with high school teams and community groups for two years with the goal of providing a sense of belonging and support through shared interests, fun experiences, and lasting friendships. This initiative is especially significant for kids who often navigate the challenges of hospitals and medical treatments.
Among the new participants is six-year-old Noah, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect. By the age of three, Noah had already undergone three open-heart surgeries along with a heart transplant. He also faces kidney failure and relies on a gastronomy tube for nutrition. During a recent practice session, Noah met his Dream Team, the Georgetown High School Varsity Basketball players, who welcomed him with enthusiasm, cheers, and high-fives. His positive spirit and energy exemplify the zest for life that CC4C aims to foster in its participants.
Currently, CC4C has 15 children paired with Dream Teams throughout the Austin metro area. These Dream Teams create meaningful connections by supporting children through invites to games, practices, and special events. In addition to the Dream Teams program, CC4C offers various forms of support including financial assistance for medical expenses not covered by insurance, family well-being programs such as social gatherings and retreats, and special trips for families affected by rare medical conditions.
Families in need of resources related to rare medical conditions can access information about CC4C’s programs and support services via their website. Community members looking to contribute can participate by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring events. An upcoming major community event, the Fall Festival, is scheduled for Saturday, September 27.
In a separate initiative, on Valentine’s Day, CC4C delivered over 5,000 personalized cards and gifts to children participating in its Spotlight Children initiative. Among these children was Anayah Saber, a five-year-old with Arthrogryposis, who received support from the Leander High School Blue Belles as an honorary team member through the Dream Team program. The Blue Belles brought handmade Valentine’s cards and gifts for Anayah, significantly enhancing her and her family’s day. Anayah’s parents have expressed gratitude for the joy and community that CC4C and the Blue Belles have brought to their daughter.
CC4C’s mission extends beyond special events, aimed at providing ongoing support, resources for medical needs, and facilitating joyful family activities. The organization will host an evening event in recognition of Rare Disease Day on March 1, 2025, featuring cocktails, dinner, storytelling, a live auction, and an after-party.
Key Features of Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dream Teams Program | Pairs children with rare medical conditions with high school teams/community groups for support. |
| Financial Assistance | Provides support for medical expenses not covered by insurance. |
| Family Well-Being Programs | Involves social gatherings, retreats, and special trips for families. |
| Upcoming Events | Fall Festival on September 27 and Rare Disease Day event on March 1, 2025. |
| Spotlight Children Initiative | Delivers personalized cards and gifts to children. |
FAQ
What is the Dream Teams program?
The Dream Teams program pairs children with rare or undiagnosed medical conditions with high school teams and community groups for two years.
What is the goal of the Dream Teams program?
The initiative aims to provide a sense of belonging and support through shared interests, fun experiences, and lasting friendships for kids who frequently navigate hospitals and medical treatments.
How many children are currently enrolled in the Dream Teams program?
Currently, CC4C has 15 children paired with Dream Teams throughout the Austin metro area.
What kind of support does CC4C provide families?
CC4C offers additional support including financial assistance for medical expenses not covered by insurance, family well-being programs such as social gatherings and retreats, and special trips for families.
How can the community participate with CC4C?
The community can participate by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring events.
What is the next big community event organized by CC4C?
The next big community event is the Fall Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 27.
What happens on Rare Disease Day?
In recognition of Rare Disease Day, CC4C will host an evening event featuring cocktails, dinner, storytelling, a live auction, and an after-party on March 1, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Six-Year-Old Noah Joins Varsity Basketball
- Wikipedia: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
- CBS Austin: Leander Blue Belles and CC4C Valentine’s Day Event
- Google Search: Arthrogryposis
- CBS Austin: CC4C Supports Families with Rare Diseases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rare Disease
- Google Search: Community Support Nonprofits
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
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