Characters For Kids

03/21/2023

Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks!

09/23/2022

Hey Team CFK,

I wanted to make this post since I have gotten a few requests recently and I feel it will continue to happen as we return to more requested appreances.

In May of this year I did what would be the last foreseeable hospital trip for CFK. I personally have since moved my family to West Virginia. Along with that many of my former volunteers have either moved themselves or have other obligations now.

I have always prided myself on the reliability of CFK and never canceled on an event or appreance that we agreed to do. That being said I, myself am no longer in Illinois and cannot keep up that commitment and feel it is best to look back on CFK verse looking forward. While I'm sad about it ultimately I feel it's the best for everyone.

At some point we may do something if and when I travel back to Illinois, but I cannot guarantee it like I once could.

I want to thank everyone involved in the last few years that helped me grow Characters For Kids in to what it was. We were able to visit hospitals in numerous states along with being able to partner with many great organizations. The smiles we delivered along with the memories made are something that won't be forgetten. I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish in such a short time.

Thank you for being a part of something special in Team Characters For Kids. I am greatful for all of you 🙏

-Matthew Welker (Captain America)

05/25/2022

Back to action!
Photo: Sarah Rogers Photography

05/03/2022

As of today it's been 2 years, 4 months, and 22 days since our last visit as a team to CHOI. It was the Holiday Toy Drive of 2019.

I'm excited to announce on May 19th CFK is headed back to do what we do best at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois

Deliver smiles and memories to kids who need them most.

03/21/2022

💙💛 💛💙

02/26/2022

CFK Family,

My wife and I have decided to create a charitable organization in my daughter, Ashton Welker's memory.

Our goal is to raise both funds and donations for children with Down Syndrome and/or Congenital Heart Disease.

Ashton was a blessing to our family and we hope to continue blessing other families in memory of her.

Please like, follow, and share the page for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you

Ash's Avengers is a charity organization designed to raise funds and donations for children who have Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease.

It was made in honor of Ashton Ann Welker who was born with both conditions in 2018.

12/25/2021

𝕸𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖒𝖆𝖘

12/09/2021

I have gotten a few people asking me about CFK and our Annual Toy Drive this year so I wanted to address it.

In October my daughter, Ashton passed away from Congenital Heart Disease. It was at this time I personally needed a break from CFK.

When we do visits I pride myself on becoming the hero I am portraying. Which means we have to disconnect from the reality of many situations. Us heros can't cry and become depressed around the patients we visit. Many times we do have moments just not in front of the kids.

The reality is what we do is hard. While we love it, it's heartbreaking seeing so many kids battling illnesses. And unfortunately we lose many of them. It's not something that just goes away when we leave the room. I follow many of these children's families online and try to continue to do what I can to deliver smiles and memories to them. For me it's more then just a "feel good" experience, it becomes a part of you.

So when Ashton passed I needed a break. I needed to step away from being Captain America, because I can't fulfill that role for the time being. As much as it pains me to say it, I can't. Which is what brings me back to the CFK & the Toy Drive. I need time to grieve and heal before suiting up again.

The effects of Covid when it comes to our true purpose for suiting up have been harsh. As much as I enjoy the non-hospital events it's not the same as visiting the kids. That's where our calling is. Hopefully a time will come in 2022 where that is a do-able again. Until then I am not sure how often we will make appreances.

Thank you for understanding and supporting CFK and my family.

09/02/2021

After 4 years we will finally debut this hero! And since September is "Go Gold" month I thought he would go perfectly with it.

Stay tuned for when Batman will make his first CFK appearance!

09/01/2021

Join CFK in "Go Gold For September" in honor of all the heroes who have fought and are currently battling childhood cancer.

Not a day goes by that I don't wish we could be in the hospitals delivering smiles and memories again.

Until then we'll keep spreading the word and awareness 💛

08/28/2021

Happy National Power Ranger Day!
We make a Morphenomenal Team ⚡