CNN Hero Richard Nares visits the grave of his son, Emilio, in Oceanside, California. After Emilio died of leukemia in 2000, Nares started a program <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F05%2F02%2Fhealth%2Fcnnheroes-nares-cancer-rides%2Findex.html">to provide transportation</a> for low-income families and their children battling cancer.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
CNN Hero Richard Nares visits the grave of his son, Emilio, in Oceanside, California. After Emilio died of leukemia in 2000, Nares started a program to provide transportation for low-income families and their children battling cancer.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Nares' program, Ride With Emilio, provides more than 2,500 rides a year for children in the San Diego area.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Nares' program, Ride With Emilio, provides more than 2,500 rides a year for children in the San Diego area.
David S. Holloway/CNN
For many children fighting cancer, it can be extremely tough to make it to their chemotherapy appointments. They don't always have reliable, affordable transportation.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
For many children fighting cancer, it can be extremely tough to make it to their chemotherapy appointments. They don't always have reliable, affordable transportation.
David S. Holloway/CNN
While his son was fighting leukemia, Nares met many families who were struggling. "No child should miss their cancer treatment due to lack of transportation," he said.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
While his son was fighting leukemia, Nares met many families who were struggling. "No child should miss their cancer treatment due to lack of transportation," he said.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Nares' nonprofit, the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.enfhope.org%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Emilio Nares Foundation</a>, also created the "Loving Tabs" T-shirt, which makes it so children don't have to take their shirts off during chemotherapy treatments.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Nares' nonprofit, the Emilio Nares Foundation, also created the "Loving Tabs" T-shirt, which makes it so children don't have to take their shirts off during chemotherapy treatments.
David S. Holloway/CNN
In addition to free rides, Nares' nonprofit provides support services and assistance to its clientele, many of whom do not speak English.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
In addition to free rides, Nares' nonprofit provides support services and assistance to its clientele, many of whom do not speak English.
David S. Holloway/CNN
A young patient smiles at his mother while a nurse prepares him for treatment.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
A young patient smiles at his mother while a nurse prepares him for treatment.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Nares recently ran from San Francisco to San Diego to help raise money for his foundation.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Nares recently ran from San Francisco to San Diego to help raise money for his foundation.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Parents involved in Nares' program often find friendship and support from other families in the program.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Parents involved in Nares' program often find friendship and support from other families in the program.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Nares visits a family in San Diego. "Sometimes, both parents have to either leave their job or cut back severely," Nares said. "Some ... don't have (an) extra $10 to pay for cafeteria food."
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Nares visits a family in San Diego. "Sometimes, both parents have to either leave their job or cut back severely," Nares said. "Some ... don't have (an) extra $10 to pay for cafeteria food."
David S. Holloway/CNN
A young patient holds his "Loving Tabs" T-shirt.
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
A young patient holds his "Loving Tabs" T-shirt.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Nares said he is driven by the memory of his late son: "Even though he's been passed away almost 13 years, it's still like he's with me. Like he's still on my shoulder or still pulling my ear like he used to."
Helping sick kids get to chemo —
Nares said he is driven by the memory of his late son: "Even though he's been passed away almost 13 years, it's still like he's with me. Like he's still on my shoulder or still pulling my ear like he used to."
David S. Holloway/CNN