Meet Azara, age 11, from Virginia – our first-ever Hidden Helper Hero Award recipient! 

Azara and her sister Sinaiyah are the daughters of two U.S. Air Force Veterans. Throughout their father’s recovery from combat-related injuries, their mother, Omayra, has taken on the role of caregiver not only for Azara and Sinaiyah, but their father, Nima, as well.

Though done with love, this role often takes a significant toll on both caregivers and the “Hidden Helper” military children who assist with caregiving duties. As a result of years of dedicated caregiving, Azara’s mother began to develop serious medical conditions of her own. 

As her mother pursued treatment, Azara found herself stepping up to take on an even greater role in assisting both her mother and father throughout their recovery. At times, this role included tasks such as making sure her mother could properly eat a meal and assisting her in getting into bed. 

“My whole life, my mom has been the best at working with all the curveballs thrown at her,” said Azara. “She has helped us when we are sad and always loves and takes care of us. It is still hard because Mom doesn’t feel good a lot of the time. [But] she is the best mom anyone could have.” 

Her mother’s recovery was hindered by ineffective treatment plans and other significant medical roadblocks, which she has since fought to correct.

“The unfortunate truth about what I experienced is that I am not the sole victim,” said her mother, Omayra. “My husband and children suffered right along with me. The family is a system that should be treated as such; when one hurts, all suffer.”

When Azara was asked what she would like others to know about Hidden Helper military kids, she told us: “I wish they knew the struggles that kids like myself go through. If they did, they would have a better understanding and different point of view of us. If other people knew the struggles of Hidden Helper military kids, they may have a soft spot in their hearts for us.”

Azara and Sinaiyah have each received multiple Our Military Kids activity grants to cover fees for STEM, dance, gymnastics, violin, and piano lessons throughout this time of recovery. Azara and family, we are so grateful to you all for your service and sacrifice and are so proud to support you and your family!