The Crowns Mission
Crowns Against Cancer is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to creating a bit of magic and smiles by visiting pediatric patients as their favorite princesses, superheroes, and other fairytale characters. We are a group that is passionate and committed to giving back and making a difference in the lives of children.
We want to give children the opportunity to forget about their illness, even if just for a little while, and experience the magic and joy of childhood; reminding them to never lose hope, to be brave and fearless, and to always remember how special they are.
The hospitals can often be a very scary place for many children and having the cheerful, magical presence of their favorite princesses, superhero, and fairy-tale characters can be such a comfort to them at a time when they should be able to have fun and enjoy their childhood. Through our visits, we are committed to giving each child individualized attention, making each and every child feel special, and doing what we can to give them a piece of their childhood back.
Additionally, through our work we are also committed to raising awareness for pediatric cancer and taking part in the fight against it.
Our Story
Crowns Against Cancer started as a group of university students around Metro-Detroit dedicated to bringing joy to children with cancer. As we have grown, we have expanded to serve pediatric patients and special needs populations all throughout Michigan. We are committed to bringing smiles and magic through princess, superhero, and other fairy-tale character visits.
Our founders: Ilinca Caluser and Ria Perez
How Crowns Against Cancer was founded: Our founders were having tea one day, when our president Ilinca briefly mentioned the idea to vice-president, Ria. They both LOVED princesses growing up and the magic surrounding their stories. Both of them have always been very passionate about helping and giving back to the community, especially the pediatric community, and the idea for character visits popped into their heads. "The idea itself isn't a novel one, but we wanted to make the organization accessible to anyone who had a passion and commitment to help bring magic and smiles to sick and ailing children. The hospitals can often be a very scary place for many children and having the cheerful, magical presence of their favorite princesses and fairy-tale characters can be such a comfort to them at a time when they should be able to have fun and enjoy their childhood. Through our visits, we are committed to making each and every child feel special, and do what we can to give them a piece of their childhood back," they said.
While we initially (and still) are primarily focused on the pediatric cancer community, we also visit diverse cases in the hospitals and we are branching out to include various other communities including special needs.
