Lion Heart Lou

KiDS NEED MoRE presents Happy Birthday to you, from Lionheart Lou 

New Program launched in loving memory of Luis Salvador Mendez II

On June 10, 2021, friends and family will gather in loving memory of Luis Salvador Mendez III to celebrate his 8th birthday and launch an initiative through KiDS NEED MoRE to honor his legacy and heroic life battling DIPG.

The new program, whimsically called “KiDS NEED MoRE presents Happy Birthday to You, From Lionheart Lou” will create milestone parties and celebrations for children coping with the trauma of serious illness. Families can apply to the program to have their personalized occasion hosted by the program event specialists. The program will also promote DIPG awareness.

“Luis loved parties,” said Karla Martinez-Mendez, Lionheart Lou’s mom. “He loved opening presents and watching others open presents. It didn’t matter what was in the package, he just loved the fun of it.”

Luis’ joy for celebrating special milestones is shared by KiDS NEED MoRE and he also shares a birthday with the organization too. They both turn 8 together on June 10. 2021. The founders of KiDS NEED MoRE and the Mendez family are looking forward to many MoRE shared memories.

KiDS NEED MoRE’s Happy Birthday to you, from Lionheart Lou is chaired by the superhero’s mother, Karla Martinez-Mendez.

Luis Salvador Mendez III “Lionheart Lou” is remembered for his superhero capacity for simple joy, kindness and his love for his family and friends. His beautiful twin sisters miss their big brother and were his cheerleaders throughout his battle. He was diagnosed with DIPG in 2017. DIPG is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons. It affects breathing, heart rate, the nerves and muscles that control vision, hearing, talking, eating and walking. Luis passed away on March 25, 2019.

KiDS NEED MoRE 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families coping with the trauma of serious illness through fun and friendship.

To make a contribution or for more information visit: www.kidsneedmore.org or contact [email protected] 

Phone: 631.608.3135 

Mailing Address: PO BOX 305, Copiague NY 11726