NORFOLK, Va. — At the Sentara Brock Cancer Center in Norfolk, a heartwarming surprise unfolded this month as WTKR News 3 honored a ten-year-old girl who is making a significant impact in her community with an Everyday Hero award.
Elizabeth Huddle created coping boxes for children whose parents are battling cancer. Her inspiration stemmed from personal experience.
"I know it’s hard when your parent has cancer," Elizabeth shared, expressing her desire to help others who are going through a similar journey.
In October 2023, her mother, Kathryn Hughes, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Elizabeth said that while her parents helped quell their fears, the experience was challenging for her and her little brother.
Her mom’s cancer is now in remission, but Elizabeth is committed to helping other children. With her family’s journey in mind, she began crafting the boxes as part of a project with her Girl Scout troop. She filled several boxes with comforting items designed to ease worries for children facing such distressing situations. For example, the boxes include colorful fidget spinners, soothing squishies, and large coloring books to provide moments of distraction and relief.
Elizabeth also took it a step further by including a special book titled "What Happens When Someone I Love Has Cancer." She explained, "I wanted to include that to help walk other kids along this journey because it helped my brother." Her aim was to make it easier for younger kids to understand what they might be experiencing.
One recipient of these thoughtful boxes, Zavion Sellers, expressed his gratitude in a thank-you note. His mother is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and he wrote, "Thank you for the package that you got me. I really like it. I like my fidget spinners a lot. Thank you very much."
Kathryn Hughes proudly spoke of her daughter's extraordinary compassion and strength, stating, “This experience has demonstrated her empathy, and I’m so incredibly proud of her.”
WTKR News 3’s community partner, Southern Bank, celebrated Elizabeth’s actions with a $300 gift card. Overwhelmed with joy, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Seriously? Oh my God!!”
Elizabeth Huddle’s story is one of remarkable bravery and empathy, shining a light on the power of kindness in the face of adversity.
