Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Cofer.
Kendra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating high school, my twin sister and I shared an apartment and quickly learned what it meant to support ourselves. We both worked multiple jobs, and while it was a little scary at times, it was also incredibly exciting. I loved the independence, the responsibility, and the opportunity to build my own path.
Over the years, I built a successful career by working my way up through franchise operations and later into executive leadership and business development roles in corporate America. I had the opportunity to partner with Fortune 500 companies, present to senior executives across the country, and help organizations grow through strategic partnerships and relationship building.
While I was grateful for the opportunities and success, the constant travel eventually began to wear on me. I spent much of my time on airplanes, in hotels, and away from home. I found myself wondering what was next and what I was truly being called to do.
Looking back, I can clearly see what I often describe as a series of God moments. Doors began opening in unexpected ways, opportunities to serve kept appearing, and I felt a growing pull toward something larger than myself. At the time, I didn’t know exactly where the journey would lead, but those experiences would eventually become the foundation for our faith based non-profit, L4 Cares.
Although I volunteered throughout my corporate career, I never found that one cause that completely captured my heart. I enjoyed helping wherever I could, but I hadn’t yet discovered the community I was meant to serve.
That changed when a young boy in our community named Cash was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma and faced a long journey ahead in the hospital. Cash was a huge basketball fan, and a family friend reached out to see if we could help arrange a surprise visit from the Austin Spurs.
I had never stepped foot inside a children’s hospital before that day.
That day changed my life forever.
I saw incredible children facing battles no child should ever have to face. I saw exhausted parents trying to stay strong while navigating treatments, uncertainty, and fear. I saw families spending weeks and months away from home while doing everything possible to care for their children.
Driving home, I knew I had found the community I was meant to serve.
What began as one hospital visit eventually became Operation Superhero, a program that brings superheroes, princesses, smiles, and encouragement to children receiving treatment throughout Central Texas. As relationships with families grew, we discovered another need. Families who often met one another during the hardest moments of their lives needed opportunities to connect outside the hospital setting and create joyful memories together.
That realization led to the creation of Hero Camp, a therapeutic family retreat where children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families can simply be families. Instead of hospital rooms and treatments, they experience friendship, laughter, connection, and memories that last a lifetime.
Sadly, Cash’s earthly journey eventually came to an end, and today he rests in the arms of our Lord. For many years, we had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit as he faced cancer with a strength far beyond his years. Cash was deeply loved by so many, and his impact on our hearts and community will never be forgotten. Though we miss him dearly, his legacy of courage, faith, and joy continues to inspire us every day.
his time here was far too short, his impact continues to be felt every day through the work of L4 Cares. In many ways, his courage, joy, and spirit are woven into the foundation of everything we do. Every child we encourage, every family we serve, and every memory created through Hero Camp carries forward a piece of the legacy he left behind.
Today, L4 Cares serves children facing life-threatening illnesses, seniors, military families, and communities impacted by disasters. Through every program, our mission remains the same: to ensure people feel seen, supported, and reminded that they are never alone.
That belief continues to guide everything we do at L4 Cares.
Alongside my nonprofit work, I am also a professional photographer with a passion for nature and wildlife photography. I have been honored to receive recognition through local Best of Liberty Hill awards, and one of my favorite accomplishments was seeing a photograph I captured of a peacock walking down the railroad tracks in downtown Liberty Hill help inspire the artwork featured on the city’s water tower.
In addition to wildlife photography, I also enjoy photographing community events, families, and special moments that tell the story of the people and places that make Central Texas so special. Photography has taught me many of the same lessons that guide my nonprofit work—slow down, pay attention, and notice the stories that others might miss.
When I’m not working with L4 Cares or behind the camera, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs. We live out in the country surrounded by wildlife and nature, which provides a peaceful balance to the busy and often emotional work that fills much of my days. After years of travel and life on the go, it’s exactly where I’m meant to be.
At the end of the day, my favorite place to be is at home with my husband and our two dogs, enjoying the beauty of country life. Living surrounded by wildlife and nature has fueled my passion for photography and provides a place to slow down, recharge, and appreciate the simple things. After years of travel and life on the go, it’s exactly where I’m meant to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing a growing need with limited resources. Every year we meet more families who need support, but funding, volunteers, and infrastructure do not always grow at the same pace.
As a nonprofit founder, I’ve learned to wear many hats. On any given day, I might be working on fundraising, grant writing, event planning, volunteer coordination, community partnerships, marketing, or direct service to families. Building a sustainable organization while maintaining the personal connections that make our work meaningful has been both challenging and rewarding.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is knowing there is always more that can be done. There is always another family who needs support, another child who needs encouragement, and another opportunity to make a difference. Learning how to grow responsibly while staying true to our mission has been one of the greatest lessons of this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
L4 Cares is a Central Texas nonprofit dedicated to supporting children facing life-threatening illnesses, their families, seniors, military families, and communities impacted by disasters.
Our signature programs include Operation Superhero, which brings superheroes and princesses into hospitals and medical facilities, and Hero Camp, a therapeutic family retreat where families can connect, create joyful memories, and find support from others who truly understand their journey.
We also provide senior outreach through Operation Not Forgotten, support military families through Operation Gratitude, and respond to community crises through disaster relief efforts.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: people need to know they are seen, valued, and not alone.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Defining Success
Success isn’t measured by dollars raised or the number of programs we operate. Success is seeing a child smile after a difficult treatment, watching families form friendships that continue long after Hero Camp ends, or hearing someone say they finally feel understood.
If we can bring hope, create meaningful memories, and remind people that they have a community standing beside them, then we’ve succeeded.
Looking ahead, one of our biggest dreams is to create a permanent Hero Camp where families facing life-threatening childhood illnesses can gather, connect, heal, and create lasting memories year-round. Hero Camp has shown us the incredible impact these experiences have on families, and our vision is to create a permanent home where that support can be available whenever families need it.
We are currently preparing to launch our capital campaign, Strive 7 Ranch to make this dream a reality. If anyone is interested in learning more about the project, exploring partnership opportunities, investing in the vision, or receiving a copy of the capital campaign, I would love to connect.
Please reach out to me at Kendra@L4Cares.com or visit L4Cares.com
Pricing:
- L4 Cares services are provided free of charge to the families and individuals we serve thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, grant partners, and volunteers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.L4cares.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l4cares
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L4Cares
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/Txphotogirl4
