Elysia, Hidden Helper Hero Award Courageous Kids Contest Winner
April 2, 2026
Elysia, Hidden Helper Hero Courageous Kids Contest Winner
16-Year-Old Pursues Musical Theater Dreams While Caring for Veteran Mother
At 16, Elysia understands service and sacrifice well. Her mother, Leah, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, sustained multiple, life-changing military-related injuries that often confine her to bed for more than a week at a time. Elysia, a Hidden Helper Hero Award winner from Nevada, plays an integral role in Leah’s care and rehabilitation, managing her pain, offering assistance, and taking on responsibilities.
Because her mother’s injuries require intensive caretaking, Elysia has adjusted her schedule to meet her mother’s needs, taking online dual-enrollment college courses and maintaining close communication with her teachers and coaches. The experience has also given her deep insight into the medical challenges some Veterans face, prompting her interest in a senior volunteer project in that area.
“She amazes me with how selfless she is, always looking for solutions and always looking forward,” said Leah.
“I have never met someone as self-sufficient and capable as Elysia.” -Leah, Elysia’s Mother and Air Force Veteran
As an Our Military Kids activity award recipient in 2025, Elysia participated in dance, an activity near and dear to her heart — and her future.
In addition to her own lessons, she volunteers with younger dancers and actors, serving as a role model and guide to five- and six-year-olds. Elysia loves singing and dancing and plans to attend college for musical theater. Eventually, she hopes to make it her career with a particular dream to perform on- and off-Broadway.
“I love the close friendships with other military families.” -Elysia
Elysia has received two activity awards for dance lessons during her mother's care for combat-related injuries. Learn more about the Our Military Kids activity award program at: https://www.ourmilitarykids.org
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