The Halder Family
Nicole Halder’s relationship with Wonders & Worries has lasted many years and taken many forms. In 2008, she discovered that she has a condition called “neurocardiogenic syncope,” and brought her daughters to Wonders & Worries to receive support.
In the years that followed, she and her husband, Rob, decided to give back through financial support and volunteer activities. Later, Nicole joined the Wonders & Worries Board of Directors and ultimately accepted the role of Board President. Presently, she serves on the organizational leadership team as the Senior Director of Development & Outreach.
Having a sick parent affects a child no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, or religion.
As a former client, Nicole has seen the emotional impact a parent’s illness can have on a child, and the value of Wonders & Worries support. Her daughter Samantha was not quite three years old when Nicole was diagnosed, and suffered symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She still talks about her assigned child life specialist, Program Director Kim Fryar. “Samantha clearly developed a bond with Kim,” Nicole says, “and she continues to benefit from the strategies and support Kim gave her all those years ago.”
As donors, Nicole and Rob felt moved to give back so other families can continue to receive the same support her family did – no matter their background. “Having a sick parent affects a child no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, or religion,” she says. “We like to know that we are helping these children and their families to develop the strategies to get through a very difficult time.”
As a Board member, Nicole was thrilled at the chance to help raise awareness and the funding needed to ensure that other families will receive the same support she did. “Everyone we know seems to have a friend or family member that has suffered from a serious illness, but didn’t have the benefit of receiving the kind of support Wonders & Worries provides.” Nicole challenges others to get involved, and make sure Wonders & Worries services are available to all families who need it. “I encourage others to think about ways they can help make Wonders & Worries sustainable in the years to come.”
We like to know that we are helping these children and their families to develop the strategies to get through a very difficult time.
It is this long-term vision for the organization’s sustainability that has become Nicole’s focus as the Board President. “I hope to help Wonders & Worries develop a strategy and the necessary capabilities to expand their services outside of Texas so that children all over the country can receive support when they need it the most.” Nicole’s multi-faceted relationship with Wonders & Worries makes her deeply committed to the organization’s success, and she is well-suited for her position of leadership during this time of growth and change.