Hero Needed
In dark, and what most would consider sad moments in time, there are those who work towards lifting the beacons of hope and happiness just a bit higher. To bringing joy and laughter to those most in need of something as simple, yet daunting, as a smile. Putting their efforts into brightening those once dark areas with the compassion and hope that is much needed in this world.
One such hero is Arlington Heights Father Tim Brigham. Brigham, along with his wife Melissa and their team, are working hard at making The Superhero Collective even bigger. What is The Superhero Collective you may ask? The not for profit group is all about the betterment of sick children everywhere. To make them forget the sadness and sorrow by enriching their lives if only for a moment with a smile or a laugh. Even better bringing the awe to their eyes as they watch Batman, among other heroes, stepping through their hallways and into their rooms.
The Beginning
What started as a much smaller, still as important, toy drive for sick children, has blossomed into something much bigger. The Superhero Collective founded in 2014, not only does fundraisers, but something much more. Even though in the beginning he states he felt foolish dressing up as the Caped Crusader, seeing the after effects and all the joy it brought, relief to parents included makes it all the more worth it.
Seeing the growth and the plethora of big ideas, one that includes remodelling a home near a hospital for a family in need, is fully inspiring. Seeing the good that comes from a place of sorrow.
The Brighams sadly lost two children in late term pregnancies, their response to the pain is uplifting and hits a chord. Before every event Tim says a prayer to his children, almost a blessing on the event. That is something truly amazing. The man himself had this to say:
When you have pain, you have two options: Just be in pain or do something with it. You’re already hurt. It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter that you’re hurt. What are you going to do with it? What are you going to turn it into? That’s all I know how to do. I’ve been hurt plenty of times in my life. That’s what fuels me.
The way he puts his all into his version of Batman is endearing and, quite honestly to me, heroic in and of itself. Especially when you come across the experts themselves of the hero. Tim rises to the occasion though with a smile and a listening ear handling the kids expertly.
Recently he and The Superhero Collective had a successful black tie event “A Night in Gotham”, where tickets were purchased for what certainly looked like an amazing night of laughs, drinks, and charity.
I know I will be following not only to see what is coming for this amazing group of people, but also to see the magic as it spreads.
The Superhero Collective can be found on social media but also on their website.
All the well wishes to you heroes. Keep fighting the good fight!