Natrona Heights resident creates charity to help chronically ill children

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Natrona Heights resident Amy Faltot echoes late “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve's remarks with her charity project Superheroes Believe in Miracles, a nonprofit organization that sends handmade superhero masks and other gifts to children battling chronic illnesses.

Started in July 2013, Superheroes Believe in Miracles was founded to remind kids facing any type of ailment that they are strong and brave, just like their favorite superheroes.

Faltot includes the following saying in every card she writes: “Did you know you are a superhero? A very special kind of superhero? Whenever you are feeling down or sick, put on your superhero mask and feel the super powers you have within you go throughout your whole body...”

“They truly are superheroes, each and every one of these kids,” she says.

Faltot says she was inspired to act after her youngest son, Anderson, 2, was born prematurely and faced complications during the early months of his life. She says there were times she and her husband, Justin, weren't sure he would make it, and she knew she had to do something to help families who have experienced a similar feeling.

She created the Superheroes Believe in Miracles Facebook page — which now has more than 7,000 likes — where families can share their child's story and give her information like the child's name, age, favorite color and preferred gifts. Despite working part time as a claims specialist for Blackburn's Pharmacy, Tarentum, Faltot says she's been able to send more than 2,100 masks to kids across the United States and around the world.

Faltot also records the birthdays of kids who live in the United States, so she can send birthday packages each year. She sends around 75 every month.

The newest extension of Faltot's effort is her “Superheroes Believe in Miracles Cookbook Vol. 1” It includes recipes for appetizers, beverages, main dishes and desserts collected from family members, friends, Facebookers and professional chefs. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are offered.

“I love cookbooks and thought it would be something useful. It turned out even better than I expected,” Faltot says.

Some recipes feature photos and captions about the child for whom the recipe was submitted. Half of the proceeds will benefit Faltot's operation, while the other half will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

Faltot, a mother of three, says she hopes to instill in her children the importance of helping others. She attributes the success of Superheroes Believe in Miracles to her family's unwavering support.

“Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn't be able to do what I have done so far.”

The cookbooks are available for $14.99 at www.amazon.com or through Faltot at alfaltot@comcast.net.

Emma Deihle is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-380-8513 or edeihle@tribweb.com.