Kids’ Corner
Small Hero, Big Heart
Carter’s toy drive lights up Phoenix Children’s Hospital. escape, sparked an idea in his thoughtful mind. “My mom and I built it and took it apart so many times. I was so sad, and my mom kept making up games for us to play. I still had a lot of unopened gifts at home and told my mom that I wanted to donate them so no kid would feel the way I did during that week,” says Carter.
By Sondra Barr Photo courtesy of the Cunnius family
I
n North Phoenix, a young boy named Carter Cunnius is turning his past challenges into a mission of joy for other kids. This 8-year-old, with twinkling eyes and an unstoppable spirit, is the mastermind behind a heartwarming toy drive that is making waves in the community and brightening the days of children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
That memory led to the birth of Carter’s toy drive, which kicked off in September 2020. With an objective to ensure no child felt the loneliness and boredom he once did, Carter, along with the support of his community, started collecting toys. His endeavor began to fill trucks and cars with toys destined for children in the hospital.
Carter’s journey began in a way none of us would want. When he was only 4 years old, his doctors shared the news that he had a type of cancer known as leukemia. His days became filled with hospital visits, treatments, and many moments that required extraordinary bravery. After a challenging battle of two and a half years, Carter triumphantly emerged, being declared cancer-free one year ago.
Page 14
EigHt-yEar olD CarTer S CunNiUs ligHt up PhoE nix ChilDren’s HosPital.
Vol. 1 • No. 1
SM AL L HE RO , BI G HE AR T PAGE 9
In Carter’s words, the best part about organizing the toy
Readers, if Carter’s story inspires you, Carter was featured in there’s a way for the October issue of Epic you to be part Kids. Each month, Epic Kids of this inspiring shares inspiring stories of initiative! Carter’s kids doing amazing things cause will be back in the community. Check it in action next out at epickidsaz.com September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, inviting everyone to participate through Norterra Canyon Elementary.
Carter, shown with his sister Sammy, kicked off a toy drive in 2020.
Carter has collected thousands of toys for kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since starting his toy drive.
OCTOBER 2023
However, his experience in the hospital wasn’t forgotten. During one particularly tough week, when an infection kept him bedridden, Carter experienced the boredom and sadness that can come with long hospital stays. A small box of LEGOs, which became a source of creativity and
At 4 years old, Carter was diagnosed with a cancer known as leukemia.
drive each year is “knowing kids will feel loved and it will take their mind off of what they’re going through.” And his top pick for a universal toy? LEGOs, as he believes “everyone loves LEGOs!”
Carter, now a third grader at Norterra Canyon School, is inspiring not just adults, but his classmates too. Together, they’ve been gathering toys by the hundreds, establishing a tower that symbolizes hope, kindness, and youthful solidarity. This year marks the third of Carter’s initiative, and it’s not just about collecting toys, but also about remembering and honoring friends made along the way. Last year’s drive paid tribute to a young friend, Junior, who sadly lost his fight with cancer.
EPICKIDSAZ.COM
WHERE SUPERHEROES GRAB A BITE RESTAURANT BAR, FREE GAMING ZONE AND SHOP Desert Ridge Marketplace
16 • November 2023 • NORTH TATUM TIMES
21001 N Tatum Blvd #95, Phoenix, AZ
480-306-6780
myhyperlocalnews.com
