Hearts and Helmets
A 501(c)3 nonprofit Supporting first responder and healthcare families navigating cancer with a special focus on their children building a compassionate community where no child faces this journey alone.
BUILT ON LOVE, DRIVEN BY HOPE, AND STRENGTHENED BY COMMUNITY
When cancer impacts a first responder or healthcare worker, their entire family faces the battle. Your gift helps provide financial assistance, memorable experiences, and hope to the children who need it most. Every donation makes a difference. Join our mission and give hope today.
We wanted to express a HUGE thank you to Melissa Gomez with Dallas 911 Memorial stair climb for the invite to the Brotherhood Bash this year. Your warm invitation made all the difference, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to join such a meaningful event honoring our first responders. The experience was nothing short of amazing and left a lasting impression on Hearts and Helmets. The energy was inspiring, and we thoroughly enjoyed the raffles, delicious food and drinks, and the exciting auctions that brought everyone together. It was a memorable day filled with camaraderie and purpose, and we're already counting down next year. Were absolutely thrilled about the prospect of stepping up as a sponsor for the 2026 event. This aligns perfectly with our mission to support the children of first responder and healthcare worker families battling cancer and were eager to contribute more meaningfully to this incredible cause. Thank you again for these new opportunities- they mean the world to us and allow us to make a real difference for our fellow first responder families. We are also thrilled to share that we met American Warriors Association and Badge of Honor Reps, and we are genuinely excited about the potential to collaborate in supporting first responder and healthcare worker families battling cancer
I am beyond excited to share the incredible news of our new partnership with Trinity Oaks Outdoors, an extraordinary nonprofit dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and togetherness to families facing their most challenging moments. This collaboration is a dream come true, and I'm honored to work alongside such a passionate organization that truly makes a difference in people's lives-especially for their children. Together we will be a beacon of compassion, offering families a chance to reconnect, find peace, and create lasting memories through experiences that uplift and inspire. Their mission to support families during life's toughest times resonates deeply and aligns with our mission, values, and together, were committed to providing comfort and a sense of community to those who need it most. Knowing that no family has to face their challenges alone is at the heart of this partnership and were thrilled to help make that vision a reality. What excites me the most is the emphasis Trinity Oaks places on children as we do. By creating meaningful, joy-filled moments for these kids, we will ensure that young hearts find solace and strength, even in the most difficult circumstances. Whether its through outdoor adventures, shared laughter, or simply a safe space to be together with other kids going through the same thing helping these families build resilience and hope, one memory at a time knowing that they're not alone in this.
It is with immense gratitude and joy that we share in the privilege of supporting families facing the challenges of cancer. Providing a free night at the Rangers game is a small gesture that we hope brings a moment of happiness during such a difficult time. We are deeply honored to help ease the burden, even briefly, by offering an evening filled with camaraderie, excitement, and the chance to step away from the weight of illness, treatments, and doctor's appointments. Seeing your smiles and shared moments of joy last night filled our hearts with warmth and purpose.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tim and Karen Afrin for their extraordinary generosity in donating their suite to Hearts and Helmets, making this unforgettable and much needed evening possible for these families. Your support for our cause and your presence means the world to us. Tim and Karen, you are truly the best!
To the Rodriguez and Derby families, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. We remain committed to supporting you and others in our community with care and compassion.
With heartfelt regards,
Hearts and Helmets
We want to thank everyone who came out for our very 1st Smashing Cancer Classic. It was a HUGE success and couldn't have done it without you. It means the world to us and even more to the mission we were all there to support. That day, you all showed us what hope looks like, what love looks like and more importantly, what support looks like. Your energy and generosity is what's helping families and their children during their toughest moments, giving them the strength to keep fighting. This tournament wasn't just about volleyball- it was about coming together to lift others up, to remind them they're not alone, and to show cancer that we're tougher than it will ever be. Let's keep this fire burning, keep this community strong, and come back next year to do it even bigger! Thank you, Robert and Daphne for hosting, Taco, bites and beats, Lunas tamales and Kona Ice for the food and treats. Smokin Threads for designing our joint event shirts, Awards and gifts in Murphy for the amazing job on our trophies, Dallas Hispanic Firefighters Association for donating custom pocketknives and Pedro and Ashley Lozano family for donating a nice bottle of Whistle pig and spa package for our raffles. Please follow us on our Facebook Hearts and Helmets to view more pictures of the event.
Ways to Support children when their family is navigating cancer
Maintain routine, validate their feelings, and peer support.
How to Talk to Your Child About Cancer
Be honest in communicating with them
The Impact of Cancer on Families
Anxiety and depression, isolation, physical strain, loss of income, expensive medical costs, and behavioral changes along with fear and confusion in children.
About Us
Hi, we’re Nicolas and Natalie Juarez. We met working together in the ER at a hospital in Downtown Fort Worth, where we spent four years side by side. I’m a full-time firefighter/paramedic, and my wife, Natalie, is an ER nurse.
Our journey began when Natalie started feeling some uncomfortable pain in her lower abdomen. At first, we didn’t think much of it—she assumed it was just something minor or another common issue. Over time, the pain became more intense accompanied by occasional bouts of bloating. After consulting her doctor, we proceeded with an ultrasound, which revealed three masses. The following week, a transvaginal ultrasound was conducted to confirm their presence. To err on the side of caution, we were referred to a gynecologic oncologist to evaluate the possibility of cancer. While the doctor wasn’t certain, he recommended a specialist handle the surgery in case the masses turned out to be malignant.
When we met with the oncologist, he explained that the surgery would need to be sooner than later. He informed us that during the procedure, a bioposy would be taken within the first 15 minutes to determine if the masses were cancreous. In the meantime, Natalie was experiencing continued pain in her abdomen but now affecting her bladder as well. The entire situation felt overwhelming, but we were doing our best to stay focused and hold onto hope.
After the surgery, once Natalie was in recovery, we met with the oncologist to discuss how it went. He assured us that the procedure was successful and that he had removed all the masses. However, the news that followed changed everything—the masses were cancerous. In that instant, our world was turned upside down, and the fear of the unknown hit us hard.
Two weeks later, we met with the oncologist to discuss Natalie’s treatment plan. She would undergo six rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting seven hours and spaced three weeks apart. Until then, we had been so focused on the surgery and her recovery that the full weight of her cancer diagnosis hadn’t sunk in. But at the next visit, reality set in—Natalie’s hair had completely fallen out soon after her first chemotherapy session, a stark reminder of just how serious this journey was.
The following eighteen weeks were intensely challenging. We lost nearly half our income and faced the emotional and financial burdens of Natalie’s treatment. Despite these hardships, we prioritized maintaining a sense of normalcy for our 13-year-old daughter at home, who was also navigating the weight of this journey. Thankfully, we were blessed with a strong support system from our families and community. The overwhelming love and care we received gave us the strength to keep going.
For the past three years, I've been involved with a nonprofit called Stronger Together Texas, which brings together firefighters from across the DFW area to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and provide resources for cancer patients through Bras for a Cause. This past year, the support from my fellow firefighters and Stronger Together Texas was overwhelming, and it had a profound impact on us. That experience ignited something in me—a desire to pay it forward and help others facing their own struggles. We wanted to be part of something bigger, a cause that offers hope, strength, and the reassurance that no one is ever truly alone.
During this time, we noticed something crucial: there were limited resources available for our daughter. While we made sure to check in with her and ensure she was okay, we realized how important it was for her to have a space where she could express herself and connect with other kids facing similar challenges. What about the children who don’t have an outlet or don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings?
That’s when Hearts and Helmets: Juarez Heroes for Kids was born. For Natalie and me, going to the gym has always been a way to destress, but I started wondering, what about our daughter? Outside of school volleyball and club volleyball, how was she managing everything emotionally? And what about other kids who might not have those outlets? What about those who feel isolated or don’t know how to cope with their emotions?
I knew we needed to create a compassionate community for these kids. A place where they could meet others who are going through the same struggles and know that they are not alone. As a wounded warrior alumni, I’ve seen how group therapy can make a difference. I wanted to bring those same tools and resources to children—so they could feel empowered and supported through their own challenges.
Through Hearts and Helmets, we hope to provide kids with the care and community they need to heal, grow, and know they are not alone in their journey. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to helping as many children as we can—together.
Our journey began when Natalie started feeling some uncomfortable pain in her lower abdomen. At first, we didn’t think much of it—she assumed it was just something minor or another common issue. Over time, the pain became more intense accompanied by occasional bouts of bloating. After consulting her doctor, we proceeded with an ultrasound, which revealed three masses. The following week, a transvaginal ultrasound was conducted to confirm their presence. To err on the side of caution, we were referred to a gynecologic oncologist to evaluate the possibility of cancer. While the doctor wasn’t certain, he recommended a specialist handle the surgery in case the masses turned out to be malignant.
When we met with the oncologist, he explained that the surgery would need to be sooner than later. He informed us that during the procedure, a bioposy would be taken within the first 15 minutes to determine if the masses were cancreous. In the meantime, Natalie was experiencing continued pain in her abdomen but now affecting her bladder as well. The entire situation felt overwhelming, but we were doing our best to stay focused and hold onto hope.
After the surgery, once Natalie was in recovery, we met with the oncologist to discuss how it went. He assured us that the procedure was successful and that he had removed all the masses. However, the news that followed changed everything—the masses were cancerous. In that instant, our world was turned upside down, and the fear of the unknown hit us hard.
Two weeks later, we met with the oncologist to discuss Natalie’s treatment plan. She would undergo six rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting seven hours and spaced three weeks apart. Until then, we had been so focused on the surgery and her recovery that the full weight of her cancer diagnosis hadn’t sunk in. But at the next visit, reality set in—Natalie’s hair had completely fallen out soon after her first chemotherapy session, a stark reminder of just how serious this journey was.
The following eighteen weeks were intensely challenging. We lost nearly half our income and faced the emotional and financial burdens of Natalie’s treatment. Despite these hardships, we prioritized maintaining a sense of normalcy for our 13-year-old daughter at home, who was also navigating the weight of this journey. Thankfully, we were blessed with a strong support system from our families and community. The overwhelming love and care we received gave us the strength to keep going.
For the past three years, I've been involved with a nonprofit called Stronger Together Texas, which brings together firefighters from across the DFW area to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and provide resources for cancer patients through Bras for a Cause. This past year, the support from my fellow firefighters and Stronger Together Texas was overwhelming, and it had a profound impact on us. That experience ignited something in me—a desire to pay it forward and help others facing their own struggles. We wanted to be part of something bigger, a cause that offers hope, strength, and the reassurance that no one is ever truly alone.
During this time, we noticed something crucial: there were limited resources available for our daughter. While we made sure to check in with her and ensure she was okay, we realized how important it was for her to have a space where she could express herself and connect with other kids facing similar challenges. What about the children who don’t have an outlet or don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings?
That’s when Hearts and Helmets: Juarez Heroes for Kids was born. For Natalie and me, going to the gym has always been a way to destress, but I started wondering, what about our daughter? Outside of school volleyball and club volleyball, how was she managing everything emotionally? And what about other kids who might not have those outlets? What about those who feel isolated or don’t know how to cope with their emotions?
I knew we needed to create a compassionate community for these kids. A place where they could meet others who are going through the same struggles and know that they are not alone. As a wounded warrior alumni, I’ve seen how group therapy can make a difference. I wanted to bring those same tools and resources to children—so they could feel empowered and supported through their own challenges.
Through Hearts and Helmets, we hope to provide kids with the care and community they need to heal, grow, and know they are not alone in their journey. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to helping as many children as we can—together.