B+ Hero Spotlight: B+ Hero Darren and Pi Kappa Phi
The relationship between a B+ Hero and their paired organization is not only special, but also reminds us of the importance behind everything that we do for the kids. Starting this summer, we will be introducing B+ Heroes and showcasing how valuable the experiences between a family and their paired organization are.
In celebration of B+ Hero Darren’s birthday today, we will be highlighting the bond between him and his paired organization, Pi Kappa Phi. Diagnosed with a form of brain cancer at only 8 weeks old, B+ Hero Darren has been a fighter and symbol of strength his entire life. These qualities, and so many others, have led B+ Hero Darren to become an incredible influence on those around him, as well as an amazing friend. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi have been lucky enough to spend time getting to know B+ Hero Darren, and develop the friendship that they have today.
B+ Hero Darren and Pi Kappa Phi spent their first UDance together during the spring semester of 2019, and have since become a large part of each other’s lives. Some of the things they’ve done together include a Santa visit and gift-giving during the holiday season, where Pi Kappa Phi created a video to wish B+ Hero Darren and his family a happy holiday. Additionally, the brothers surprised him with the gift of becoming an official sponsor of a baby giraffe in East Africa, a moment that will forever be extremely special to B+ Hero Darren, as giraffes are his favorite animal. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi love to support B+ Hero Darren and his family in any way possible, whether it’s offering help, inviting him to events, or even something as simple as surprising him with a video.
When asked to describe B+ Hero Darren, the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi had so much to say about his unique and selfless personality. While he may seem shy at first, it doesn’t take long for him to break out of his shell and make everyone around him laugh and smile. He is kind, funny, and brings a charismatic spirit wherever he goes.
His positivity has made him the perfect CEO of Happy Crates, a company founded by B+ Hero Darren and his family, and dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of children battling cancer. Happy Crates filled with toys and games are created to brighten a child’s day, even through the hardest times of their lives. Although he has faced many battles of his own, he hopes to bring happiness to children fighting in a similar situation. He is a courageous leader, which has inspired Pi Kappa Phi to do anything they can to support the fight against childhood cancer.
His kindhearted personality especially shines when he’s surrounded by the people he’s closest to. While there have been so many memorable moments between Pi Kappa Phi and B+ Hero Darren, one of their favorite memories together is the night that they had dinner with him and his family at Chick-fil-A. B+ Hero Darren spent over an hour having fun with the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi, and ended the night by giving them personalized bracelets, which said: “Darren’s Pack – Hunting for a Cure.” A day like this in the middle of a busy semester is something the members of Pi Kappa Phi truly appreciated and will always remember.
Looking forward, Pi Kappa Phi will continue to support B+ Hero Darren through anything, and plan to create many more special memories as they plan on seeing him at future UDance events. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi, along with the entire UDance Community, wish B+ Hero Darren the happiest of birthdays and the most incredible year!