Kids Wish Network Celebrates Courageous 11-year-old Pennsylvania Boy as Hero of the Year

Holiday, FL. (March 2017) Children’s charity Kids Wish Network is excited to celebrate 11-year-old Takoda Burk of Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, PA, as the Hero of the Year. Takoda was first honored as a Hero of the Month in July 2016 as part of Kids Wish Network’s program to recognize children who may not suffer from a life-threatening illness but have overcome life-altering circumstances.

Last year Takoda was walking down train tracks in his hometown with his seven-year-old neighbor when he noticed that his neighbor was not getting off the tracks and a train was fast approaching. 

According to Takoda, “My friend wasn’t getting off the tracks, so I pushed him out of the way, and I got hit by the train. It hit my leg.” 

Following the accident, he received a right lower leg amputation and twelve surgeries to accommodate a prosthesis. He now wears a prosthesis on his right leg and a big smile on his face.

Despite his medical struggles, Takoda’s incredible attitude and positive spirit caught the eye of staff members at the hospital. They nominated him as a Hero by Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, PA, which also hosted the big hero celebration. Shriners has been participating in the Hero of the Month program for over three years.

During the Hero of the Year celebration, Takoda received his award at a party in his honor. It was a true Hero’s celebration with all of his favorites, including pizza, ice cream, and root beer. Takoda was even signing autographs for his fans.

Erie Shriners Hospital for Children’s case manager, Melissa Howard, who attended Takoda’s Hero of the Year celebration, said, “I was so impressed with him and how he was looking out for other people in the waiting room, not overly concerned about himself.”

According to Micheal Widrig, Public and Donor Relations Specialist at Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, PA, “We had an awesome party! It was really special for Takoda and his family, as well as for our staff to be able to honor such a kind and thoughtful kid. Being the Kids Wish Network Hero of the Year facility was a lot of fun. The Kids Wish Network organization is so generous and goes above and beyond to make these kids realize how special they are and to make a positive impact on their lives.”

Takoda’s mother, Mellissa Howard, couldn’t help but smile as she talked about her Hero of the Year, son. “Takoda is a very kind little boy. I am very proud of him, where is he is at today, the choices he has made, and the things he does,” she said.

The Hero of the Month program recognizes children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have faced and overcome challenging circumstances, often enduring a great deal of pain and suffering. Medical professionals can nominate children in their care for Hero Wishes. Kids Wish Network currently works with over 125 facilities across the United States. 

Learn more about our Hero Wishes and visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about all of our different programs.

Anyone can become a wish granter and help provide memorable connections and opportunities. Medical professionals, family members, and others can also refer kids to receive hope-infusing wishes.

###

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.