Hero’s In Disguise: Mascots Making A Difference
Apr 4, 2020, 6:28 PM | Updated: 6:53 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A group of mascots are not only all about entertaining crowds, but also about changing kid’s lives. To many of these kids, they’ve become “Hero’s in Disguise.”
The job of a mascot is to bring the fun and entertainment, and keep the fans coming back for more, but there is a softer, gentler side many may not see.
The Mascot Miracles Foundation in Utah is bringing miracles to a special group of kids who have a variety of life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.
The non-profit organization was founded seven years ago and uses mascots to bring smiles and hope to children of all ages. To date, there are about 30 local mascots in the organization and many national mascots who get involved.
Rich Ellis is the founder of the nonprofit organization that helps more than 1,100 families.
“It’s almost like they know that these mascots are their protectors,” Ellis told KSL. “Every time they’re around these mascots, nothing’s going to happen to them. Everything’s okay.”
“They make me smile again,” said 21-year-old Kimmie Hansen, who has been suffering from seizures all her life and has a rare intestinal disease.
“We now call it the mascot effect,” said Kris Hansen, Kimmie’s mom. “She will go as little as 5 days after seeing a mascot friend without any seizures, to as much as 14 days without any problems.”
“I would say that they are working literal miracles,” said Kristina Hone, the mother of Eliana.
The 8-year-old girl suffers from a gene mutation that effects the brain.
It’s not just about changing kids’ lives. What these mascots are doing are also changing their lives as well.
“I love it because it’s bigger than me. It has nothing to do with me. That’s one of the reasons why we as mascots hide our identity cause we don’t do it for use, we do it for the kids,” one mascot told KSL.
