When tragedy strikes, one can wallow in self-pity or decide to help make the world a better place. After their first child, Charlie, died in the womb from severe birth defects in 2016, Allie and John Benson decided they would honor her memory by helping kids with disabilities. As a full-time neurodevelopmental pediatric physical therapist, Allie works with children who can’t participate in Little League Baseball, soccer, martial arts, etc. She and John saw a great need in the Tampa Bay area for these youngsters to have a chance to join inclusive recreational activities.
Founded in 2018 as a non-profit organization, Charlie’s Champs is dedicated to providing disabled children opportunities to play with other kids in team sports and numerous outdoor activities. Adaptive equipment specific to each disability is offered to enable kids to play and be a part of organized sporting events. As funding allows, the organization also donates adaptive bicycles.
“I remember one boy who received a special bike from us during the Christmas holidays,” Allie says. “My husband, who runs a construction business, dressed up like Santa Claus, and he could see the boy hiding behind a glass door. When he saw the bike he ran out and hopped right on it and said, ‘Santa, you came out from the mall in a truck to see me!’ He went from being completely shy to riding the bike all over the neighborhood.”
There are no age limits to participate in any of Charlie’s Champs activities. “Our oldest participant is 34, and we recently had kids under 2 held by their parents on an adaptive sailing trip,” Allie says. “Kids come from all over Pinellas County, and we’ve donated bikes to children in Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.”
Charlie’s Closet
Another component of Charlie’s Champs is a free equipment exchange based in the Tampa Bay area. Called Charlie’s Closet, this community assists families in donating and receiving gently used equipment and medical and feeding supplies. While having the opportunity to receive items, families also are able to donate equipment. To donate or receive equipment, you can visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/charlieschampsfl.
Funding
Small fundraisers are held throughout the year, and grants provide other financing. There are also raffles, auctions, and restaurants that will donate a percent of their sales on a particular day. “People will also sponsor a Facebook fundraiser in honor of their birthday, and we are so grateful to receive these donations,” Allie reports.
The Bensons look forward to holding more activities such as baseball, soccer, and bowling since kids who are already immune-compromised have had limited contact during the pandemic.
Today the couple has two more daughters, and Charlie’s legacy will live on in the smiling faces of the many children participating in Charlie’s Champs activities. “Charlie will always remain in our hearts,” Allie says, “and now other children can experience the joy of comfortably participating in team sports and camaraderie as their families can come together supporting each other as they raise children with disabilities.”
To make a donation or to learn more about the many activities sponsored by Charlie’s Champs, please visit www.CharliesChampsFL.com or www.facebook.com/charlieschampsfl.
