Championing Kids' Chance of Florida

Bloom Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Tammy Boyd, a local leader and passionate advocate for Kids' Chance of Florida (KCFL). In this heartfelt interview, Tammy shares her dedication to helping children of injured workers and the incredible impact KCFL has had on their lives.

Bloom Magazine: Tammy, can you tell us about Kids' Chance of Florida and its mission?

Tammy Boyd: Absolutely. Kids' Chance of Florida was established to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for children of workers who have been seriously injured or killed on the job. We believe that by investing in the education of these children, we can help them build brighter futures despite the challenges their families have faced.

Bloom Magazine: What inspired you to get involved with Kids' Chance?

Tammy Boyd: My involvement with Kids' Chance started in 2017. I was moved by the stories of these children and their families. Seeing the struggles they went through and the resilience they showed really inspired me. I wanted to be part of something that could make a tangible difference in their lives, and Kids' Chance does exactly that.

Bloom Magazine: Can you share some of the success stories from Kids' Chance of Florida?

Tammy Boyd: There are so many touching stories. Since our establishment in 2015, we've awarded $331,000 in scholarships to 71 recipients, and we have a 100% graduation rate for those who have completed their programs. Many of our students are still pursuing their degrees, some even at the graduate level, as we encourage them to reapply every year they are eligible. One standout story is of Dr. Melissa Cuervo, a KCFL scholarship recipient who recently graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (Bradenton Campus) on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Melissa is set to begin her Pediatrics Residency Program at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her journey from overcoming personal loss to achieving her medical dreams is truly inspiring. Melissa stated, 'My goals are to grow as much as possible as a physician, advocate for my patients, and maintain a good work-life balance over the next few years.' On behalf of the KCFL Board, we are so proud of her and all our recipients.

Bloom Magazine: The annual Kids' Chance Golf Tournament seems to be a significant event. Can you tell us more about it?

Tammy Boyd: The Golf Tournament is our flagship fundraising event, held in partnership with the WCI Conference. This year, it will be on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Hawk's Landing Golf Club. It's always a fantastic day where the workers' compensation community and golf enthusiasts come together for a great cause. Our tournament is sold out every year, which shows the tremendous support we have. Last year, we raised $63,000, our highest amount to date, and we're hoping to surpass that this year. Every dollar raised goes towards scholarships for these deserving kids.

Bloom Magazine: How does Kids' Chance support its recipients beyond providing scholarships?

Tammy Boyd: Beyond scholarships, we aim to be a support system for these children. We stay in touch with our recipients, offer guidance, and connect them with mentors and resources that can help them succeed in their educational and career goals. It's about creating a community where they feel supported and encouraged.

Bloom Magazine: What impact has Kids' Chance of Florida had on the community so far?

Tammy Boyd: Since 2015, we've had a significant impact. We've seen many students graduate with the help of our scholarships, and many are still pursuing their degrees. These kids have gone on to pursue various careers, contributing positively to their communities. Knowing that we've helped them achieve their dreams despite the hardships they've faced is incredibly fulfilling.

Bloom Magazine: What are your hopes for the future of Kids' Chance?

Tammy Boyd: I hope we can continue to grow and support even more children in the future. The need is always there, and with the community's continued support, we can provide more scholarships and opportunities. Ultimately, we want to ensure that every child affected by a workplace accident has the chance to pursue their educational dreams.

Bloom Magazine: How can people get involved and support Kids' Chance of Florida?

Tammy Boyd: There are many ways to get involved. People can participate in our fundraising events, like the Golf Tournament, or make donations directly to KCFL. Volunteering is also a great way to contribute. Every bit of support helps us make a difference in the lives of these kids.

Bloom Magazine: Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your insights and dedication to Kids' Chance of Florida. It's clear that your efforts are making a profound impact.

Tammy Boyd: Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be part of this incredible organization and to help these children achieve their dreams. Together, we can drive towards a brighter future for all of them.

Bloom Magazine is proud to support Kids' Chance of Florida and is committed to raising awareness for this vital cause. For more information, please contact Tammy Boyd at Tammy.Boyd@tristargroup.net or 813-205-0502. You can also reach out to Team Bloom, and we will connect you to a Kids' Chance leader in your area. Kids' Chance is a national organization making a significant difference across the country.