Founders & Leaders

My name is Morgan Weintraub and I am a 20 year old cancer survivor. In November 2000 at eight months old, I was diagnosed with a rare type of eye cancer known as Retinoblastoma. I went through six months of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and frequent hospital visits. From the moment I was diagnosed my family stayed by my side with positive energy despite their mental anguish. Other children in the hospital were not so lucky. Some of these children were facing the fear of death without support.

I believe the mental well being of a child affects their development and ability to successfully survive. Determination along with a positive state of mind could allow a child to defeat a disease, rise up above a bad environment or, even elevate their life. Understanding the role positive energy played in my successful recovery, I knew I needed to help other children in need.

As I got older, I decided to give back by trying to help needy children smile. Many people underestimate the power a smile has in someone’s determination to succeed. My friends Christen Simons, Sydnie Shea Cohen, and I began talking about how we could lift the spirits of children in need. We discussed giving gifts, visits from mascot characters, art activities, and someone to hold your hand or to talk to. This is how C.H.O.C. came to be. I am currently working very hard to help other needy children smile.

My name is Marc Zavarro and I am a student at Western High School in Florida. I first learned about CHOC in middle school when I was given the amazing opportunity to join the first chapter of the Indian Ridge Middle School CHOC club. While being a member I had the opportunity to meet Morgan. After meeting Morgan for the first time and hearing the stories that CHOC has made, I knew that I wanted to be a long-lasting member. In seventh and eighth grade I was President of the club. Now I am giving back by being a Co-President of the Charity, while also serving as the President of the CHOC club at Western High School.

Ever since I was young I have had a desire to help children and give back to the community. This feeling has been exemplified after seeing the smiles on children’s faces during hospital visits and foster care parties. Equally important, however, is that we are promoting change through the youth of this population. By going into hospitals, foster homes, and even working with children all the way in Nigeria, Children Helping Other Children has made a difference globally. By enabling the youth of this population to use their power to make a difference, CHOC is working toward ensuring that the lives of millions of children around the globe are changed for the better. If every person gave back to their community, the world would be a better place, and happiness would be common to underprivileged children, as opposed to being something they hope for. I hope to continue my work with the Charity and continue to serve as one of the leaders of the Organization for many years to come.

My name is Sydnie Shea Cohen. I am a 20 year old Junior at the University of California at Berkeley. I am passionate about helping other children, especially those with medical or financial needs. My desire to help sick children was further fostered after meeting my friend Morgan and learning about her successful childhood battle with cancer.

I have learned so much from the children we have visited when dressing up as cartoon characters. The life size costumes can be stifling and confining which gives me a glimpse as to how it must feel to be cooped up in the hospital. I have had the opportunity to bring a smile to a child who had not smiled since his hospitalization. Knowing that you have made a child smile in turn makes you smile and changes you forever for the good.

I would love to see the charity expand to include even more members and have an even wider scope of helping sick children.

My name is Jonathan Recio and I am a 20 year old Junior at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. During my freshman year of high school, I met Morgan Weintraub, one of Children Helping Other Children’s (C.H.O.C.’s) founders. After learning about C.H.O.C., I thought to myself this is a very unique organization. It is a charity completely organized and run by teens for the sole purpose of helping children and teens. I decided this charity would be a great way for me to get involved helping children in the community. From that moment on I have helped organized, implemented, and run C.H.O.C. along with sponsoring events including hospital parties, hospital visits, and foster care field trips.
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Prior to working with Children Helping Other Children, I enjoyed the laughter and delight I brought to both younger cousins and siblings of friends through games, pretend, and play. Once I started working with C.H.O.C. I understood the importance of a child’s smile or laughter. Knowing I helped put that smile on a hospitalized child’s face reinforces my happiness.

If I could make just one child forget that they are sick in a hospital for at least a little while, I have been rewarded. This charity has opened my heart. There is nothing more satisfying than helping others in need.

All my life I have always enjoyed helping others who were less fortunate or unable to help themselves. My freshman year of high school I began to go to hospitals and entertain the sick and terminally ill kids with Sydnie and Morgan. After several visits, we decided that if we opened our own non-profit we could change the lives of many.

Being an avid golfer I have started a recycled club program to benefit kids in need of clubs to learn and play the game of golf. It brings so much joy to my heart to be able to put smiles on the faces of children in need and I love being able to put them there.