The Faith Hope Love

FOUNDATION

Stories of Impact

Real courage . Real hope . Real families

At the Faith, Hope and Love Foundation, every family we serve has a story—moments of challenge, courage, and resilience. From our very first commitment, inspired by the mission of Make-A-Wish, we vowed to bring hope and joy to children and families facing serious illness. These stories reflect the strength of children and their families, and the real impact of compassion and support.

Challenge: Three young boys, ages 10, 11, and 12, were recently admitted to the oncology unit at Saint Peter’s University Hospital with leukemia diagnoses. Their hospital stays have been long and complicated, and one of the few things that brings them comfort is building advanced LEGO sets. Child Life had already provided every set available, and the boys had completed them all.

Support Provided: Through our new connection with a Child Life Specialist, TFHLF stepped in to help replenish this source of comfort. We provided each boy with a LEGO Store gift card, allowing them to choose sets that felt right to them and bring joy and distraction during their extended stay.

Outcome: It may not seem like much, but the appreciation shared with us was enormous. These small acts of love help ease the emotional toll families face during the hardest chapters of their lives.

Young Adult Patient Facing Relapse

Challenge: A young man who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at 17 recently relapsed and returned to Saint Peter’s with concerning symptoms. Now 23, he remains on the pediatric unit, where resources for older patients are limited. His younger sister stays overnight with him on alternating nights so their parents can continue working.

Support Provided: TFHLF provided an Amazon gift card to help make his stay a little more comfortable and give him the ability to choose items that would bring ease during this difficult time.

Outcome: After receiving the support, the Child Life Specialist shared how meaningful the gesture was. He thoughtfully created a list of items to help make his stay more comfortable. Creating the list gave him a moment of distraction and a sense of control during an incredibly difficult time. The gratitude expressed was heartfelt, and it was clear that this small act of kindness brought comfort to both him and his family.

Stories of Giving — Saint Peter’s University Hospital

Domenic's Story:

Moving Forward Together

Challenge:

Domenic was diagnosed on July 13, 2023 and battled until September 19, 2025, a total of 799 days with chemotherapy on nearly all of them. His long treatment journey placed tremendous emotional, physical, and financial strain on the family. With four children at home and a parent out of work to care for him fulltime, the family faced significant financial hardship and expressed that even modest support would bring meaningful relief.

Support Provided:

TFHLF stepped in to provide meaningful relief during an incredibly overwhelming time. The foundation offered grocery assistance, helped cover essential bills, and surprised Domenic, a devoted baseball fan, with a baseball‑related gift chosen just for him. Our team personally visited the family to hand‑deliver the support, spend time together, and share stories and laughter. The visit brought comfort and reminded the family that they were not facing this journey alone.

Outcome:

The family shared that this support would allow them to catch up on other debts accumulated during Domenic’s treatment. They became emotional during the conversation and emphasized how meaningful this relief is for their family. This case reflects the heart of our mission: stepping into moments where families are overwhelmed and giving them space to breathe again.

Saint Peter's Oncology Patients

“We want to thank the Faith, Hope & Love organization for helping our family. Our son battled cancer for nearly two and a half years, which affected us emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially. Your support, helping with groceries and covering our vehicle payments, lifted a huge weight off our shoulders. We also appreciate them personally coming to meet with us and talking for a bit. Thank you so much.”

Little Vienna is bravely fighting brain cancer. TFHLF arranged round-trip rides so her mother could be by her side for every appointment.

Vienna's Journey:

Care in Every Ride

Challenge:

Support Provided:

TFHLF arranged round-trip car service, so Vienna’s mother could accompany her to every appointment, while her father could stay at work. This support relieved the family of transportation worries, allowing them to focus fully on Vienna’s care.

Outcome:

The family was deeply grateful, sharing a heartfelt note:

“Your generosity truly means the world to us. Because of your support, we are able to worry less about getting Vienna into the city for her chemotherapy treatments. Having help with transportation is such an incredible relief for our family during this time… From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, your support, and for being part of Vienna’s journey.”

— The Lagomarsino Family

Rosie's Story:

Moving Forward Together

Challenge:

Rosie is a bright and resilient little girl living with spinocerebellar ataxia type 29, a rare genetic condition that affects her balance, coordination, and mobility. As a progressive and degenerative condition, it presents ongoing challenges that can make everyday activities—especially navigating school—more difficult over time.

Support Provided:

TFHLF provided support to help Rosie’s family acquire essential medical equipment, including a wheelchair for school. This gives Rosie greater mobility, safety, and independence, allowing her to move through her day with more confidence and comfort

Outcome:

Rosie’s parents were presented with the gift at the TFHLF Gala, where they were deeply moved by the generosity and compassion shown. This support not only eases the physical challenges Rosie faces but also brings peace of mind to her family during an ongoing journey.

Rosie’s mom later shared a reflection that speaks to her daughter’s strength and the love that surrounds her:

This support reflects TFHLF’s ongoing mission to bring moments of joy and hope to children, following the spirit of Make-A-Wish.

"Rosie is so determined — she wants to do everything her big brother Isaac does. She never lets anything stop her. It’s not always easy for us, but we know we’re blessed and grateful, even with the unknowns."

With the right equipment and support, Rosie is better able to participate in school, connect with others, and enjoy the moments that matter most.

This support reflects TFHLF’s ongoing mission to bring moments of joy and hope to children, following the spirit of Make-A-Wish.

"We are truly touched and grateful for this generous gift. It makes a world of difference for Rosie and our family."

Story of Giving:

Courage Beyond Measure

Challenge:

One of the infants supported by TFHLF this year was born with a complex medical condition affecting the heart and neurological development. Before reaching their first birthday, this child had already endured extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation. Their family faced an overwhelming season filled with uncertainty, travel, and constant medical decisions.

Support Provided:

TFHLF stepped in with practical support — groceries, meals, and travel assistance — easing the daily pressures so the family could stay focused on their child’s care and comfort.

Outcome:

This support brought meaningful relief during an incredibly intense time. A family member shared how much the help meant to to them:

“We feel so blessed to receive such generous support and prayers. It truly helps as we continue through rehab and prepare for what’s next. We’re grateful for all this child has overcome and for the kindness surrounding us.”

Story of Giving: Spirit in Motion

Challenge:

Another young child supported by TFHLF lives with a progressive neurological condition that affects mobility and communication. Using adaptive equipment and non‑verbal communication, this child approaches each day with a bright spirit that inspires everyone around them. Their family navigates daily challenges with remarkable strength and love.

Support Provided:

TFHLF provided assistance with groceries, meals, and travel — helping lighten the load so the family could focus on connection, care, and creating meaningful moments together.

Outcome:

The support allowed the family to center their energy on what matters most. They expressed deep gratitude for the impact:

“So generous, so amazing, and so needed for our family. We are filled with gratitude.”

Everyone Deserves a Chance to Focus on What Matters

From our first promise inspired by Make-A-Wish to every family we help today, TFHLF strives to lift burdens, grant hope, and bring joy to children and families facing serious illness.

Head over to our Donation Page to continue helping families like these and make a lasting impact.

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