“Imagine you are a young child once more, but something in your body is not working like the other kids in your classroom at school. All of a sudden your mum and dad tell you that you have to be taken to a hospital to have a look at the problem. As confusing as the situation already is, now you are told that you must spend a good amount of time in this hospital. Your thoughts may drift to the sunshine, to your friends, school and classmates. But you are told you must rest in your bed until the doctor has helped you get better.” – Neil McCready
When someone volunteers his or her time, money, and effort to bring happiness and laughter to unfortunate youngsters, that person can be considered a real hero. Sometimes, though, a real hero needs a little help from a hero in a half shell. Neil McCready is one such TMNT fan who uses a little turtle power to brighten young lives way down under in New Zealand.
Neil is a massage therapist in Stoke, New Zealand, and all he wanted was a way to become more involved in his community. Since he was a little boy, Neil always loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and wanted (like many of us) to be one. It didn’t take long for him to realize that his personal love and professional endeavor could be combined in a way to bring meaningful, joyous experiences to sick children. “I hope to become well known as a resource throughout this beautiful small country … for fundraisers, social events, parades and, of course, hospitals,” Neil said. “To keep imagination, hope and spirit alive as many families deal with their ill fortune with their young.”
Thanks to the creative efforts of The Pro Shop, Neil found a way to purchase a very realistic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume, not unlike those seen in the feature films. The Pro Shop has taken the time to make suits that can be purchased and worn by anyone, without having to go through Hollywood’s monster makers to make it happen. (You can watch their prop replica costume video here.) Each suit costs about $8,000, and Neil wants his very own. He will wear it in hospitals all over the country, and watch as the popular kids show comes to life for very special children already fighting unbelievable battles. “Bringing smiles, laughs, photos, videos, positivity, reinforcement, and any other requests that will hopefully further the road to health for many ill kids.”
Neil would like to let Michelangelo be the boost of fun and energy that children desperately need. He would wear the suit himself, and use the persona of Mikey to make many kids feel special. He will talk about life in the sewers, take photos, give high-fives, and talk to each individual until he or she feels like the turtle is a long-lost friend. Then he will head to the next hospital and do it all again, brightening so many days as he works his way around the country.
However, Neil’s goal needs help from all of the TMNT fans around the world. To begin such a noble pursuit, he needs to purchase the turtle costume for $8,000. Neil is working hard to do what he can on his end, but he has turned to those with sympathy in their hearts for assistance. To that end, he started a GoFundMe campaign online to raise awareness for his endeavor and to hopefully get help to make it a reality. He makes nothing from this project, and only wants to give his time. If you want to give a true hero a chance to make a difference, go here and donate to Neil’s cause. “I think there are millions of ninja turtle fans in this world, and I don’t dare to imagine how many young bodies are battling for health. But which ever side of this fundraiser has grabbed your attention I just need 8000 of you all … to make this goal achievable.” Hopefully someday soon we will all hear of the heartwarming reptile making a difference in the land down under.