Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Downing.
Hi Tina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began Feb 2017. Ever since I was six, I knew I wanted to become a doctor to help save children. I got my footing into the pediatric world at age 16 and hurdled through many obstacles with the intent of keeping my eye on my goal. I spent seven years in pediatrics before I realized that primary care wasn’t for me. I wanted to do something of more meaning; something that would change the life of children. I dove into pre-Med where my focus was pediatric surgery and oncology as I spent my entire college career conducting research. Upon the beginning stages of med school, I became pregnant and I took a step back to focus on motherhood. But it never hindered my passion; in fact, it was heightened. 2017 is the year my life was changed divinely. This was the year that opened my eyes with the clarity of the reality that I already knew, yet never truly embedded within me as life rolled through the motions. The year that made me pray ever so deeply and to hug, love, laugh, and say I love you even more to my children. I hug my children harder, I love deeper, and I live every moment in awe.
My passion for these superhero children runs deep within me and I will continue to pursue advocacy; to spread awareness of childhood cancer and to partner with research foundations to focus on less toxic treatments and a cure. Children are my life and I really wanted to do something impactful. I decided God had plans for me when I resigned from my position at the hospital and focused on my children. I was then introduced to a little boy named Blake. He had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; sadly he passed away at the age of two. My heart was invested in him and I took his passing very hard. As I looked upon my little boy’s face I cried. I was so heartbroken and so angry! Blakey passed away due to complications of failed treatments. There has to be SO MUCH MORE for these incredible little superheroes.
On the day Blakey died, I was revived with a more acute and fine-tuned purpose. The image of his lifeless body enwrapped in his mother and father’s arms ripped me apart. The sorrow and anger consumed me; I used this anger and sorrow to fuel my mission. I wanted to pave a path of advocacy and to join forces with all of the small organizations out there to make our voices louder than ever for these children. Ian is a little boy, two years old, who was diagnosed with DIPG; an inoperable brain tumor with a short life span after diagnosis. After a year past diagnosis, he is still alive today; thriving. How incredible is that? Not only do I want to help celebrate such an accomplishment, but I want to understand why his results vary so vastly from others with the same diagnosis. Little Ian “Buddy boy” is such an incredible superhero and he too has stolen a piece of my heart. I’ve been asked many times, “How can I endure these stories, how can I invest so much into children that I don’t know? Why do I care so much to advocate and stand beside these children when I have two healthy children of my own?” My answer ─ because I don’t believe that a child has to be mine to be a voice, to want to help; to love them. Because every child on this earth deserves a chance no matter what; every child is precious and should never have to fight with every cell of their body to LIVE. Because someone NEEDS to give a damn. I’ve always had this innate ability of empathy. I feel deeply and I put myself in other’s shoes.
As I began my journey, I did this privately and discretely. I don’t do this for recognition; I do it because I sincerely care. I push through this mission with the belief that children deserve a voice and the speaking of experiences whilst sharing their stories helps to spread the awareness. I don’t believe in turning away from the hard things. We need to be brought face to face with the reality that the world puts a sheath over. We need to unveil the stories of these little warriors and allow parents to focus on their children during this fight. It takes a village and no child fights alone. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many parents and children along this journey. And I’ve had the privilege of discussing many cases with parents while falling in love with each and every child virtually. I try to be as personable as possible as I believe that it’s imperative to look at each and every child as the very special child that they are; they are not just a number. It’s been a long road as Small but Mighty Heroes has come from the shadows and our mission has been introduced to the public.
I realized that being discrete and private didn’t allow for voices to be heard. This journey has never been easy. I have the most incredible support from my husband who has stuck by my side every step of the way as I continue to pursue my mission. He has wiped every tear, listened to every story, picked me up when I felt defeated and beside myself; questioning what the hell I was doing and why I thought I was good enough to try and make such a significant change. Who am I? My husband never lacked the words of support to help me get back on my feet. Through my tears, anger, frustrations, heartaches, ambitions, and so many nights of late night research and interviews, my husband has been there and has supported me. He helps in many aspects of this organization and never shows to be too busy for his services. Our children too are incredible as they both endure every event, every travel, and every effort that encompasses this organization. I couldn’t be more proud of our children for their passion to want to help sick children. After nearly seven months of publicly announcing our existence, on October 1, 2019, all of the hard work had finally been noticed. We are registered with the state of FL and the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We may be small, but we are mighty. We are here for the kiddo’s battling for their lives.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth. Everyday has been presented with a new challenge; a new obstacle. There have been so many sleepless nights reading over different cases, finding ways that we can help even in the most minute way. Researching ways to run an organization, sitting in business meetings after business meetings. Operating two warehouses to facilitate our sales that bring in the funding for our organization. The very funding that allows us to continue to help the children that we support. I’ve shed so many tears and my heart has broken time and time again. The look of sympathy when people learn of my profession; the look as though they are staring at a ghost in the flesh. The struggle of giving up my income to pursue my passion and the weight of the responsibility thrusted upon my husband’s shoulders. The stress is tremendous and nothing is easy about this journey, but through this all, it’s worth every moment. Every tear falls for a child that has a piece of my heart. Every stress is reaffirmed by my WHY. Every story that I learn of brings me even closer to my own children; makes me refocused on not taking life for granted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Founder/Executive Director of SBMH. As a small organization, I’m faced with many roles resulting in wearing numerous hats and taking care of several responsibilities. My organization focuses on advocating for children battling childhood cancer. As an advocate, we are their voice and we help where help is needed; where we can help. I believe what sets us apart is the immense passion and compassion that we have for every child and family that we connect with and support. We are here for the superheroes that we support from the moment we learn of them, through their journey and to the other end of the journey, we remain constant. Each and every small but mighty hero becomes a part of our hearts.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are a few things that help me do the best in life. 1. I write. I have a love of writing and have been writing since I was 12 years old. My first piece of work published was at age 12 and in 2013, I published my first book titled Me, by Tina Marie Lees. Writing allows me to evaluate, observe, recollect, and think. It keeps my thoughts in perspective and helps me staysane. 2. My muse and inspiration, Ron Pope, gets me through all of the rough moments. He is a singer/songwriter that produces amazing work. His lyrics pull at your soul and connect deep within. His music is a work of art and it’s my go to when I need an escape. I listen to his work on repeat and each time that I hear his songs, no matter how many times I’ve heard it, they connect with me in different ways and I get a cascade of emotions. What I do is not easy…. emotionally, psychologically and sometimes physically. But when I’m on the verge of breaking, I escape to Ron Pope’s music and it helps clear my mind and puts everything back into perspective. It’s a safe place for me to be in my feelings and it allows me to reflect so that I can get back up and do it all over again. 3. Podcast that I really like is Crime junkies. I love critical thinking and suspense. I’m extremely analytical and I thoroughly enjoy medical dramas and crime dramas. I don’t have a lot of time to watch television so since I had been introduced to podcasts, I’ve been hooked.
Contact Info:
- Email: smallbutmightyheroes19@gmail.com
- Website: smallbutmightyheroes.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbutmightyheroes19/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smallbutmightyheroes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04Ta7QPYL0ls_EId3X7Seg
Image Credits
Kim Dell
