Our Mission

Hope Hits Harder is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer.

Who We Are

In 1997, my 33-year-old wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I felt so helpless and out of control of the situation, as any husband does when he cannot “fix” what is happening to his wife. At the time, my daughter had just turned three, and the prospect of her not having a mom, and of me having to raise her on my own, were both sobering and frightening. I wanted to do something – anything – to help others in the same situation and give them hope.

One thing I did have, was friends. So in 1998, I put together a group of golfers, and the first “Teed Off at Cancer” golf tournament was held.

This group has grown to include not only friends but business associates and supporters. What started out as a small golf tournament has grown into one of the largest charity events in the city. With the money that we raise, we are proud to support The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Methodist Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital. As our mission evolved, so did our name. Formerly Teed Off at Cancer, Hope Hits Harder aims to provide immediate hope and comfort to children battling cancer and their families. CANCER HITS HARD, BUT HOPE HITS HARDER.

Our Team

  • Tom “Tbone” Bounds

    Founder & President

  • Jana Bounds

    Founder & Vice President

What We Do

Our goal is to take a portion of the immediate burden off of the shoulders of the families that have just found out that their child has cancer. Many of these families have little or no insurance, some are from out of town, and some must give up their jobs to stay at the hospital with their child. We want to give them a little HOPE that people care, and that help is available. These are some of the products and services that we offer:

HOPE Bags

In 2009, we developed the HOPE Bag (Helping Others Persevere Everyday). This large insulated bag is given to every newly admitted child with cancer at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Methodist Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital. The bag contains the essentials a family might need when they find themselves suddenly in a crisis.

  • $50 HEB card
  • $50 Valero card
  • Whataburger meal vouchers
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Lotion
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Comb and brush
  • Deodorant
  • Razor
  • Soap
  • Chapstick
  • Digital thermometer
  • Laundry detergent
  • Fleece blanket
  • Snacks
  • Water and Gatorade
  • Paper and pens
  • Playing cards
  • Coloring book and crayons
  • Stuffed animal
  • Backpack
  • Flashlight
  • Books

HOPE Packs

Older pediatric oncology patients tend to be overlooked when it comes to community outreach. These modified HOPE Bags have items like a Bluetooth speaker, wireless portable phone charger, puzzle books, snacks, fleece blanket, toiletries, socks, and gift cards.

Camp Discovery

Camp Discovery is a unique camp experience for children battling cancer. This camp gives children with cancer a true summer camp experience with caring volunteers and other kids who are fighting the same fight. With the help of Party City, we are able to fund almost all 140 campers to attend this week-long camp.

Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone

In partnership with the Garth Brooks Foundation and the Troy Aikman Foundation, Teammates for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children’s health and education through the implementation of Child Life Zones. The zones are playrooms for kids within children’s hospitals where they can laugh, play, and just be kids! The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio is the newest recipient of a Child Life Zone, and Hope Hits Harder is sponsoring a music room and recording studio within the Zone. The Child Life Zone is for all of The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio’s patients to enjoy.

Flashes of Hope

Hope Hits Harder is proud to underwrite this program at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Methodist Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital. Flashes of Hope provides professional photos for the children and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This day includes hair and makeup sessions for the patients and families, followed by a photo shoot that captures some incredibly special moments. It is a time for the kids to feel beautiful and for the families to gather together.

Partnership with local Ronald McDonald House

Hope Hits Harder has sponsored various rooms in the Ronald McDonald Houses around San Antonio.

Toy Drive

Every December, Hope Hits Harder collects over 500 toys at the annual Toy Drive. These toys are distributed in December to the children’s hospitals in San Antonio and the families attending Survivor Alert.

Survivor Alert

Hope Hits Harder helps sponsor the educational program, Survivor Alert. This program allows families of children with cancer to meet vendors that help them with their many needs. In the past four years, Survivor Alert has been held at Morgan’s Wonderland, the only theme park in the world for children with disabilities.

Gift Cards, Vouchers, Emergency Funds

Hope Hits Harder provides additional gift cards for Valero and HEB, meal vouchers for the cafeteria, parking vouchers, and emergency financial assistance. Caseworkers at each hospital often identify families that are in a financial crisis as a result of their child’s circumstances. Hope Hits Harder is able to offer additional aid to these families, providing assistance during a difficult time.

Child Life Room at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio

In 2015, Hope Hits Harder sponsored the Child Life Room at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. This room is located on the pediatric oncology floor, just steps away from the patients’ rooms. The Child Life Room has lots of activities for pediatric oncology patients to enjoy, like arts and crafts, video games, movies, board games and more!

 

The Magik Theatre Sponsorship

The Magik Theatre is now bringing laughter and joy to children who might not be able to leave the hospital. Hope Hits Harder is excited to sponsor The Magik Theatre’s children’s hospital tour. This tour will consist of five performances at each pediatric oncology hospital in San Antonio, with a total of fifteen performances a year.

Spurs Night Out

Hope Hits Harder treats over 200 kids and their families to a fun night at the Spurs game. Attendees get to enjoy a “court-side experience” and a free meal.

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