We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Chulik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brian, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Our group initially started visitations at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Ward in 2010. One of our founding members (Brian Chulik), had a near death experience. After staying in the Cleveland Clinic on an extensive recovery, Brian noticed many kids going through severe health obstacles, even worse than his. Brian and co-founders Scott Smith and Jimmy Myers decided to do something to lift the spirits of children and their families going through medical adversity. This is how ‘Super Heroes To Kids In Ohio’ was formed many years ago. We wanted to help the patients endure adversity due to health issues by dressing up as familiar costumed crusaders, and honor them as THE REAL HEROES.
An increasing amount of visits happened since 2010 when we first visited the Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Ward. We have been a fully functioning 501©3 since 2014, often making 150+ visits a year to various hospitals and locations. Our group has continued to grow through the selflessness of people who want to contribute to the well-being of kids battling illnesses and overcoming obstacles. We were even fortunate enough to be recognized with the ‘Red Cross Real Hero Award’, honored by The Cleveland Police, and named ‘Murray Ridge Volunteer Of The Year’.
We are now an organization of nearly 100 individuals. From all different walks of life, it is our organization’s goal to spread good will by (1) simple acts of kindness, (2) the recognition of individuals who have battled through adversity (3) and to encourage the involvement of ‘community’ to make a positive difference in the lives of others; especially children. With over 1,100 visits to our credit, we continue to make costumed visits and work with children’s hospitals such as The Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children’s, University Hospitals, as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
We have assisted many, many, many wonderful organizations over the years. We have appeared at various charitable events affiliated with ‘Wish Organizations’, various local hospitals, and events for benevolent causes. We try to go wherever we are needed for any special situations in an attempt to bring hope and smiles to kids & people. We are thankful that this organization has continued to gain new members who give of their time, energy, and compassion. As co-founder Jimmy Myers has stated previously, “The kids are the real heroes!”
We are committed to striving to make a humble difference in the lives of others going through illness and adversity, especially children. We dress as costumed crusaders because we consider these children and families REAL HEROES! We’ll always do our best to support them during times of need. As an official 501(c)3, our board of directors works very hard to decide on how funds can be best used to fulfill our group’s mission. Each opportunity to help others by a monetary donation is carefully considered as it materializes. We regularly donate to families whose children are going through severe illness or adversity on a case-by-case basis. We will always do our very best as a registered 501©3 to fulfill our mission, and carefully consider situations brought our way that align with our mission. This may include periodic donations to organizations that match our own philosophy when certain situations arise where we can assist them in a unique way. Care packages, goodie bags, and gifts to bring smiles to children and hospitals occur frequently because of your help. We often plan special events for the Super Families that we honor as REAL LIFE HEROES! These events can be anything for renting out a drive-in movie, renting out a bowling/entertainment complex, hosting special movie events, creating a virtual comic book experience, sending awesome care packages, and developing many other special experiences for deserving youngsters and their families! We take great pride in boosting the spirits of others with your support.
You can keep track of upcoming events, donate, learn how to help us with our mission, and find out how to even join us on our public Facebook page “SUPER HEROES TO KIDS IN OHIO” ,on Youtube, and Instagram. At www.superheroestokidsinohio.org you can see more of what we do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I (Brian Chulik) look back, three things that come to mind that made it possible for this organization to thrive were:
1. Compassion: Our work is not always about grand gestures — it’s about showing up to both small and big events, being present, and making someone’s day better. Costumed visits to hospitals or special-needs centers are symbolic, yes, but what really matters is connecting and showing others that there is good in the world and people who care. We will always do our best to set a good example that kindness is so very important in the world.
2. Persistence: We have faced many challenges in our 15+ years of existence, but our group of amazing volunteers have given selflessly over a long time. Our members make absolutely no personal profit by what they do. With over 1,100 events to our credit, this group has always strived to make the world a better place through small acts of kindness.
3. Honoring the real heroes: One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that the children and individuals we visit — those facing illness, disability, trauma, or adversity — are the true heroes. While we show up in costumes as super heroes; the strength, bravery, and resilience we witness in hospital rooms, homes, and community centers far surpass anything fictional in comic books. Recognizing and honoring that is at the heart of what we do.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
At Super Heroes To Kids In Ohio, we often think of ourselves like The Justice League or The Avengers — a team made up of individuals with unique strengths and talents. Just as those superheroes learn to work together, appreciate each other’s gifts, and support one another, we’ve grown by doing the same. It’s this teamwork — leaning on each other during challenges, sharing knowledge, and celebrating what everyone brings to the table — that’s helped us develop the skills and resilience needed to keep our mission alive. Ultimately, our true power comes from that unity and our shared commitment to honoring the real heroes: the kids and families facing incredible battles every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.superheroestokidsinohio.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superheroestokidsinohio.org
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@superheroestokidsinohio8334
