Alyssa’s cousin Daniel Guerrero delivered an Ibanez V70CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric guitar to 13-year- old Orlando Romero, Jr. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Daniel is one of the board members of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) and lives in Chicago where Orlando is being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Orlando was introduced to the guitar by his abuelo (grandfather) when he was quite young. He has been learning since then and plays traditional Mexican music in the style taught by his abuelo.
When Daniel entered Orlando’s room to present the gift from AAFH, he found the young man surrounded by his loving and supportive family. Orlando’s adoring little sister was seated on the bed at his feet and his mother, father and both abuelas (grandmothers) were all there attending to his needs.
Orlando immediately started finger picking snippets of songs that he had learned and was thrilled to receive the beautiful new guitar that he had requested. Not only did Orlando entertain his audience but he also won over their hearts by seeing him immerse himself in his musical expression.
Our work at AAFH and the contacts we have with youths facing life-threatening illnesses is a joyful reminder of our daughter Alyssa, her passion for music and art, and the hope that it brings to patients and their families.
If you want to bring a smile on a young patient’s face, please click DONATE to make a donation of any amount.
