Atlas, Hidden Helper Hero Award Courageous Kids Contest Winner
April 28, 2026
Atlas, Hidden Helper Hero Courageous Kids Contest Winner
Ten-Year-Old from Indiana Offers Critical Care to Combat-Injured Father
Atlas was born just after her father was injured while serving in the Army National Guard. During her infancy, his health continued to decline, resulting in 16 surgeries since his initial injury. Now, at 10, Atlas has become an integral part of her dad’s care.
Atlas has taken on responsibilities to help ease her dad’s medical needs. Because her father has an ostomy bag, it requires regular cleaning and changing. Atlas makes sure that the bathroom is cleaned and supplied with everything her dad needs. “I’m honored to watch her help him with supplies, garbage (even if it has stool on it), and making sure he is well cared for in his disability from the military,” said Amelia, Atlas’ mother and Courageous Kids Contest nominator.
“She is the leader in our home to support her father’s disability care. She truly embodies being his little helper.” - Amelia, Atlas' Mother and Nominator
Atlas is adamant about the importance of connecting with others to cope with the challenges of caregiving. She encourages others similar circumstances to share their feelings with their parents.
“Find friends and tell them how it is to have an injured parent, so they don’t think you’re strange or your family is strange,” she added. “Be a friend to others who are sad or struggling.”
“Being a military kid means that I get to help my dad and others who need it because I can do what they cannot.” - Atlas
Atlas enjoys traveling and hiking with her family. “We go to different historical things to understand why we need the military,” she said. She loves attending her art class and local swim club activities. “
She is constantly being praised by her coach for being a leader and helper to the younger or newer swimmers,” said Amelia. In the future, Atlas hopes to become a nurse, just like her dad.
During her father's combat-injury care, Atlas received an Our Military Kids activity award to pay for swim club fees. Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
Sign up to receive notifications when the 2027 Courageous Kids Contest opens nominations next year!
