Fernando Happy with his Thick Yarn & Copic Markers

Fernando is a 19 year old who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on June 2014 when he was finishing up his Junior year at North Town Academy in Chicago. Fernando lives with his family on the north side of Chicago. He has received his chemo treatments at Northwestern Hospital and was in remission until he relapsed in July of 2016.  Fernando will be undergoing a stem cell transplant at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

When Fernando was hospitalized at Lurie Children’s Hospital, he heard about Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope through Willow Messier who was also Alyssa’s Art Therapist.  Fernando submitted his request in December through the AAFH website.   

Fernando likes to draw, knit and especially paint on canvas with acrylic colors.

On January 12th, Yoli (AAFH President) and Tim (volunteer) arrived at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to meet Willow and deliver more of Alyssa SAKs.  Willow shared with Tim Alyssa's love for the arts.  Tim also had a chance to see Alyssa's geisha collage art piece on the 12th floor. 

Willow, Tim and Yoli surprised Fernando with his gift of professional art material which included Copic markers, varies size canvases and the big thick gray yarn he had requested. Fernando is really happy to receive his gifts before his stem cell transplant. 

Fernando is looking forward to using his art supplies to paint on canvas to create some art work and to make a blanket with his new yarn.

We pray for a successful stem cell transplant for Fernando and that he enjoys the new professional art materials while he is at the hospital.

Alexis Gets Her Acoustic Guitar

Alexis is a 10-year-old who wants to learn to play guitar. Alexis lives with her Mom, Dad and one sibling in Glendale Heights, IL.

Alexis heard about Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope through Jonathan, Music Therapist at Comer Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  Edith, Alexis’ Mom, helped Alexis complete and submit her request in December.  Alexis expressed a desire for a 3/4 size acoustic guitar.

Alexis was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in early December 2016.  Her parents have been taking turns staying with Alexis at Comer Children’s Hospital while she receives her chemo.

On Saturday, January 7th, Volunteers-Daniel Guerrero (Alyssa’s Cousin), Denise Perez-Cabrera (AAFH Executive Secretary) and Yoli (AAFH President) arrived at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago to deliver Alexis’ acoustic guitar. Alexis was surprised and her Dad, Mike, was happy to see his child smiling!

We hope Alexis enjoys learning to play the guitar while at the hospital and that she gets the opportunity to play for her family soon.

2nd Art Night at RMH in Sunny Florida - St. Pete's

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its second Art Night at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in St. Petersburg, Florida on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.  Fifteen art kits were given to RHM in St. Pete's.

Young patients of all ages and some parents participated in the Mona Lisa acrylic paint on canvas activity.  These young patients are being treated at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital a couple blocks away.

The acrylic paint project allowed the young patients to learn how to paint like the Master Leonardo Da Vinci.  A Mona Lisa traced on real canvas was given to each participant.  These paint kits included six acrylic paints, a paint brush, chip board easel, a hanging tab and instructions. 

These kits were put together by the Schultz family during a visit to the Alvin House during the holiday season.  Liz Schultz was Alyssa’s friend and visited Alyssa at Lurie Children’s Hospital to keep her company.  We are very appreciative of the Schultz family for volunteering to put the paint kits together for this Art Night.

The young patients enjoyed painting their own Mona Lisa with the easy-to-paint kit. When they got to see their finished product, the young patients were happy with their results and enjoyed this Art Night!

Tri-Cities Exchange Club Donates Check to AAFH

Brian Henry, President of Tri-Cities Exchange Club presented Yoli – President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) with a $500 check on behalf of the Exchange Club at the weekly Tuesday morning meeting, December 6th.  

Yoli has volunteered for several events of the Tri-Cities Exchange Club including a Memorial Day Parade, Spaghetti Dinner, Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps bell ringing, and a presentation at the 21st annual A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Awards this past May 2016. 

In the spring of 2013, Alyssa received the A.C.E. Award as recognition of her academic achievements while at Geneva High School despite her ongoing cancer treatments during that time.  Alyssa’s GHS Counselor, Mary Jane Johnson, nominated Alyssa because she chose the Senior who overcame physical, emotional and health obstacles and yet exceled in her classes and graduated with her classmates in May 2013.  The award represents one facet of the Exchange Club’s mission, which includes the recognition of student achievements. 

Brian mentioned that the Tri-Cities Exchange Club will always remember Alyssa as a strong young lady who lived a full live and that they are proud of Alyssa’s accomplishments and honored to support AAFH as one of the charitable organizations they make a monetary donation to.  Members of the Tri-Cities Exchange Club have also participated in AAFH fundraising events such as the miniature Golf Outing and La Fiesta de Arte-Art Exhibit.  It was a great surprise to receive this generous check donation in December 2016! 

Please go to the Tri-Cities Exchange Club Foundation to learn more about the Exchange Club’s programs and annual events.

Sammy's Surprise...a New Sony Headset!

Samantha (Sammy) is a 19-year old girl from Indianapolis, Indiana.  She arrived at RMH near Loyola Medical Center, Hines, IL with her mom, Carla and her brother, David.  Sammy has had Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy since November of 2011 and she is undergoing pain management at Loyola Medical Center. 

When volunteers from the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) were at the Ronald McDonald House on December 7th hosting a Sculpey Clay Art Night for the families staying there we met Sammy’s brother, David.  David heard about the AAFH gift recipient program and said, “I have to go get my sister, Sammy,  I think she would love to receive a music gift".

That night of December 7th, Carla and David were happy Sammy was excited to submit a gift request on the AAFH website.  Less than two weeks later on Monday, December 19th, we surprised Sammy by coming back to RMH near Loyola Medical Center.  It was an honor to fulfill her gift request of a pair of Sony headphones just in time before her return back home to Indianapolis and to celebrate Christmas at home.

We wish Sammy and her entire family a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year, and hope she will enjoy her new Sony headset for years to come!

Max Gets His Limited Edition Gold Beats!

Max is a 12-year-old who was in Chicago the week of December 5, 2016 for treatment.  Max was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).  Max used to live in Barrington, IL and had been receiving treatments at the old Lurie Children’s Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park just as Alyssa when she was there.  He had his first open heart surgery at 3 days old.  He later had surgeries at 9 months and at 2 1/2 years old he underwent a heart transplant. Max later developed non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) from the anti-rejection medication.  Max has been battling NHL since the age of four. 

Max and his family now live near Miami, FL.  We first met Max on July 23, 2016 at RMH in Chicago where we hosted a music afternoon to celebrate Alyssa’s 21st birthday!  Max and his dad, Jared, sat in the audience to enjoy the Court & Country Vocal Ensemble that afternoon.  Soon after this event, Max submitted his gift request to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH).

Max is a vibrant young man who has been helping others since he was 3.  He did his first public speaking to raise money for Ronald McDonald House and Lurie Children's and continues to help them as an Ambassador. 

Max's interests include music, science and video games.  Jared said Max loves anything that is pre-80's and continues to amaze them as he will be listening to classical one day and 40's blues the next. Jared also told us that his family is very blessed to have Max as one of their children and treasures each day they get to spend with him.

On Friday, December 9th, Yoli-AAFH President, met Max and his dad at the RMH in Chicago to deliver his limited-edition Gold Beats.  Max expressed his thanks and appreciation to the AAFH for his gift.  Max’s attitude is upbeat and is a happy pre-teen considering his circumstances.  We hope listening to his favorite tunes through his special Gold Beats will bring him lots of joy!

Alyssa SAKs Delivered to Sunrise Children’s Hospital

First delivery of Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) was made by Lisa Liceaga, AAFH Board member, to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Lisa met with Carmen Leung, a Certified Child Life Specialist and delivered 10 of Alyssa’s SAKs. 

We thank Carmen for giving us the opportunity to share Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and the programs offered by AAFH at Sunrise Children’s Hospital!

Volunteer Celebration at El Molcajete

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held a celebration for all its volunteers from 2016 at El Molcajete in Geneva, IL on Sunday, December 11, 2016.  The volunteers who attended enjoyed an appetizing mix of guacamole, salsa, chips and a variety of Mexican dishes.  Gifts were also raffled for the volunteers at the event.

During this Christmas season, we are grateful to our volunteers who made AAFH a success in 2016!  During this year, we reached out and touched the lives of many children and young adults with art kits and musical instruments and by doing so, we gave them hope and a bit of joy in their lives.  None of this would have been possible without the support and love from our volunteers in wanting to make a difference in the life a child facing a life-threatening disease.

Our volunteers helped in carrying out our Art Nights, Music Nights, Fundraising events, preparing and delivering Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs), Gift Recipient deliveries, and promoting the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope!

Your continued dedication and support helped us to achieve the following in 2016:

-Recruited 215 volunteers (Doubled from our first year in 2015)

-Delivered 250 Alyssa SAKs (Tripled the amount of Alyssa SAKs from our first year)

-Granted gift requests to 60 patients (6x more than last year)

-Received 40 donated musical instruments from various donors

-Held 16 Art & Music Nights at 6 different Ronald McDonald Houses(4x more than first year)

-Visited 13 medical institutions including Lurie Children's Hospital, NW Medicine Proton Center, Central DuPage Children's Hospital, Rush Children's Hospital, Advocate Children's Hospital, Comer Children's Hospital, All Children's Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg, FL., Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando, FL., Sunrise Children's Hospital, Las Vegas, NV., CanKids in New Delhi, Instituto Nacional de Pediatria in Mexico City, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Viejo & Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Nuevo.

-Organized 4 Fundraisers (Same as last year)

On behalf of our Executive Officers and the Advisory Board of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope, we thank all of you and appreciate your contributions in 2016. We look forward to bringing joy to more young adult patients in 2017 through our music and art programs and hope you will join us.  See you again soon!

Art Night at RMH near Loyola Medical Center

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its first Art Night at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Loyola University Medical Center in Hines, IL on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. 

There were about 20 young patients of varying ages with their family members who participated in the handprint Sculpey clay activity.  These young patients are being treated at the Loyola University Medical Center.

The Sculpey clay kits were donated by Ms. Denice Steinmann, Chairman and owner of Polyform company located in Elk Grove Village, IL.  We are very appreciative of Denice’s generous donation because AAFH has been able to hold Sculpey clay art night events at multiple RMHs in the past year. 

We also want to thank Alyssa’s Godmother, Nancy Nunez and her family members-Maria Luisa Rivera, Miguel Rivera, Elida Nunez & Linda Valle for volunteering in this final Art Night of 2016!

Many of the patients made their own handprint with the easy-to-use and soft clay which only took 30 minutes to bake and harden. When they got to see their finished product, the young patients were happy to keep their own creations.

The volunteers also had a wonderful time and were glad to have been able to bring a bit of joy to these patients on this Art Night!

Madrigals from Yorkville High School perform at RMH

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope hosts the final Music Night at RMH in Winfield on November 29 2016.  The Madrigals from Yorkville High School return after a year to perform for the families staying at the RMH in Winfield.  There were two Madrigal groups who participated in this event – Madrigal Strings and the Madrigal Vocal Ensemble from Yorkville High School.  The Madrigals strings in attendance were Huntar-Violin, Hattie- Viola, Lily Emma – Violin, Jake-Bass and Paris-Cello.  The Madrigal Strings was lead by Huntar Jones and the vocal ensemble by Yorkville HS Director-David Smith.  There were thirteen members of the Madrigal Vocal group in attendance and they sang a variety of music to get the audience into the spirit of Christmas.

Everyone enjoyed the beautiful music, and we thank the Madrigals groups from Yorkville HS and the Director David Smith for volunteering for the final Music Night of the year!

BCBSIL Volunteers Prepare 100 of Alyssa SAKs

December 1, 2016, the Blue Cross Blue Shield IL(BCBSIL) Enterprise Project Management Office (PMO) organized a volunteer team to create Alyssa’s Starter Art Kits (SAKs) in support of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope’s (AAFH) mission of providing art materials to children and young adults fighting cancer or other life threatening diseases.  The volunteers participated in putting together 100 of Alyssa SAKs.  This volunteer effort was led by Denise Perez-Cabrera, Executive Secretary of AAFH. 

Denise and Yoli previously worked together at BCBSIL in the PMO and established a strong relationship working on projects together.   Denise and Yoli continue to work together in key roles for AAFH. 

A special “Thank You” goes out to Denise because AAFH was approved by the Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) as a Blue Corps Community Partner in October 2016!  This allows AAFH to earn Matching Dollars for each volunteer hour logged into Blue Corps!  We appreciate Denise for her dedication to the AAFH.

The BCBSIL volunteer team completed 60 journal kits and 40 drawing kits for a total of 100 Alyssa SAKs.  This is the most a team has completed for AAFH.  These Alyssa SAKs will be delivered to as many hospitals and medical facilities as possible for the teens and young adult patients.

Another “Thank You” and much gratitude to our volunteers from BCBSIL EPMO:  Maristella Sacarelos, Midia Michael, Denise Perez-Cabrera, Marina Herrera, Jennifer Odishoo, Ruth Gumina, Frank Gattone, Eric Engdahl, Rebecca Benson, Laura Harty, Mark Albright, Liya Summers, Jenny Choe, Char Ishop, Nan Partridge, Richard Camacho, and Paula Laurent.

2nd Annual Visit to Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Mexico

November 17th, 2016, Yoli-President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope returned a second time in just over a year to the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Mexico.  A special program was coordinated by several doctors including Dra. Veronica and Psic. Martha who Yoli met a year ago during her first visit to Guadalajara. 

A welcome event was given by the leaders of the old and new hospitals: Dr. Benjamín Becerra Rodríguez, Director of Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde” and Dr. Francisco Martin Preciado Figueroa, Director of Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”. 

Yoli spoke to the audience about the AAFH mission and the music and art programs available for teens and young adult patients going through medical treatments.  During this current trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, AAFH delivered 25 musical Instruments and 40 of Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) for a total of 65 gifts! 

We thank Socorro, Raul, Lily and Efrain for their volunteering efforts in helping us purchase and deliver these gifts to the patients.

Finally, Dr. Héctor Raúl Pérez Gómez, Director General of the OPD Hospital Civil de Guadalajara presented Yoli with a plaque of Recognition to Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope for the outstanding work of bringing joy into the lives of the patients with Hematology/Oncology and Rheumatoid Arthritis illnesses at both of the hospitals civil de Guadalajara. 

The program ended with the association “Una Sonrisa al Dolor” headed by the music teacher, Mariana Haro de Orellana, playing music for the audience.   

Below are some pictures of this trip and the young adult patient gift recipients.

100 Women Who Care from Geneva donate to AAFH

On Tuesday, October 25th, 2016, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope received a generous donation in the amount of $10,050 from the Geneva 100 Women Who Care.  100 Women Who Care is a rather new organization founded in March of 2015 by Teresa Keenan, Terry Ayres, and Martha Brown.  The Mission of the organization is to help the community by finding at least 100 women who are willing to donate $100 to a local charity, four times per year.  The group meets once per quarter and within an hour’s time $10,000 is awarded to a local charity.  As they like to tout, where else can you raise $10,000 tax deductable dollars without buying a raffle ticket, dressing for the occasion, or spending hours on a committee?

At each meeting, three members are chosen randomly to present their choice of a local non-profit organization they wish to nominate for consideration.  The three members are given 5 minutes to promote their charity to the group.  The three members then field questions from the group.  After the presentations, the group votes by ballot and the ballots are tallied.  The organization with the most votes wins the proceeds from the evening.

On October 25th board member, Mary Jane Johnson, presented for the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. When the votes were tallied, she was thrilled to hear the AAFH organization announced as the winner of the evening! 

Mary Jane & Yoli met Teresa Keenan and Donna Bode on Thursday, November 10th to receive the members’ checks.  We expressed our deep appreciation to the Geneva 100 Women Who Care for choosing the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.  These funds will allow us to spread more of Alyssa’s love of music and art with more teens and young adults going through their medical treatment and bring them a bit of joy and hope during this holiday season!

You can share in our endeavor this holiday season by going on to smiles.amazon.com and selecting Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope as the charity of your choice.  A portion of each purchase you make on Amazon will go towards AAFH for us to bring more joy and hope to other teens and young adult patients.

Breanna Receives Her Professional Art Set

At the last music night held at RMH in Winfield, we met Breanna a 13-year-old patient who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma last December 2015.  Breanna was so excited to hear about our programs and submitted her request after the music night was over!

Yoli, AAFH President, informed Breanna that she could receive one of Alyssa’s SAKs by asking any of the RMH Managers or staff for one.  Breanna did ask and she received an Alyssa SAK which made her day!

A week ago, Yoli fulfilled Breanna’s gift request by delivering to her the professional art materials she had asked for.  The gift included a 36-piece set of Copic markers (refillable markers) and two sets of Prisma colored pencils.  Breanna was happy to receive her gift just in time before heading back home to Scottsburg, IN where she lives with her family. 

Breanna is looking forward to using her art supplies and sharing some of her art work with us in the future.  We can’t wait to see it!

Music Night with the Summer Monkeys

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held another Music Night at the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield on Thursday, October 27, 2016.  The young patients we met are being treated at the Northwestern Proton Center in Warrenville, IL and receiving radiation therapy.

The Summer Monkeys performed for the families and the young patients staying at the RMH. The Summer Monkeys was started by the Jones family in early 2015 and consists of 6 siblings.  They each play different musical instruments. 

George is 17 years old and plays piano and violin just like Alyssa did!

Isabel is 15 years old and the lead singer who also plays bass guitar;

Adam is 14 years old and plays the acoustic guitar;

Emily is 11 years old and plays the drums and is a back-up vocalist;

Eliana is 10 years old and plays tambourine, maracas and is also a back-up vocalist;

Jack is 9 years old and plays guitar

The Summer Monkeys performance was great fun and enjoyment for everyone present that night.  You can go to their website summermonkeys.com to check them out!

After their musical performance, Yoli shared the AAFH mission with the attendees and informed them of the Gift Request Program offered by the AAFH.  We also informed the group about the Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) we donate to young patients. 

We met Breanna and her Mom, Jennifer.  Breanna was so excited to hear about our programs and told us she was very interested in receiving professional art supplies.  On Thursday night, AAFH received Breanna’s completed Gift Request!  In the meantime, Yoli made sure that the next day, Breanna received one of Alyssa’s SAKs!

Thanks to Our Supporters at the 2nd Annual Art Exhibit - La Fiesta de Arte

We send THANKS out to everyone who supported and attended our 2nd Annual Art Exhibit – La Fiesta de Arte. 

We appreciate our sponsor, donors, volunteers and auction winners from our final fundraising event of the year!

Sponsors - El Molcajete for providing the delicious appetizers & beverages, our featured Fine Artist- Larry Johnson from LK Johnson Studios and the Mariachi Institute of Chicago & Blanca Murillo & Tony for the performance and our photographer – Jayne King

Donors of our auction items - Andra Sprang, Chelsey Willis, Michael S., Christian F. Scalise, Focas Hair Salon, Graham’s Chocolate, Instrument Exchange, Jayne King, Jay King, John & Mary Lu O’Halloran, Kernels Gourmet Popcorn, Moveable Feast, Nancy Avila, Old Towne Pub & Eatery, School of Art, State Street Jewelers, The Little Traveler, The Spice House, The Sugar Path, Villa Verone & Yvonne Jones

Volunteers - Christina Coconate, Christina De La Pena, Erika Gomez, Jayne King, Lupe Brueck, Louise Grissinger, Mary Jane Johnson, Larry Johnson, Vince Alvin, Tyler Willer, Jason Luchetti & Mike Tourte 

Winners - Special thanks to our auction winners for their generous contributions to Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.  Because of YOU, we can give Hope to other teens and young adult cancer patients through Music & Art.

Check out our photos from our 2nd Annual La Fiesta de Arte event!  We look forward to seeing you at our next La Fiesta de Arte Art Exhibit in 2017!

Alyssa SAKs Delivered to RMH near Loyola Medical Center

On Friday, October 7, 2016, Yoli -President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered professional art kits aka Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs), to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Loyola Medical Center located in the Hines Veterans Affairs government property.

Yoli met the Senior Operations Manager of the House -David Pittner and a staff member who took delivery of the first Alyssa SAKs from AAFH.  Alyssa SAKs are to be given to the teens and young adults staying at the RMH who are undergoing treatment for cancer and other life threatening illnesses at the Loyola Medical Center.  Yoli spoke about the programs offered by the AAFH such as the Gift Recipient program, the musical instruments donated to the RMH, and the art and music nights hosted by the AAFH for all the patients and their families staying at the RMH for their enjoyment.

David told Yoli there was a young adult staying at the house that would like one of Alyssa’s SAKs and he was looking forward to giving it to the patient.

Musical Instruments Delivered to Comer Children’s Hospital

On Thursday, September 29, 2016, we delivered various musical instruments for the first time to Comer Children’s Hospital.  Yoli Alvin, AAFH President and Mary Jane Johnson, Advisory Board member, had the pleasure of being the deliverers of these instruments.

We met Elizabeth, the Director of ChildLife at Comer Children’s Hospital, Jonathan, Music Therapist and Amy Carter, ChildLife Specialist.  They received the first set of musical instruments from Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH).  The musical instruments donated included an acoustic guitar, Mahalo Ukulele, Yamaha electronic keyboard, and washboard percussion instrument.  These musical instruments will be available to anyone staying at the hospital.  All the hospitals throughout the Chicagoland area that received musical instruments from AAFH have implemented a check-in/check-out process for the patients to borrow the instruments at their leisure.

Thanks go out to Comer Children’s Hospital of Chicago for giving us the opportunity to share Alyssa’s love of music with their patients and for promoting the art and music programs offered by Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope!

Ink and Watercolor Art Activity with School of Art

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held another Art Night at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Winfield on September 22, 2016. 

Jennifer (Jen) Siracusano, Owner and General Manager of the School of Art, and Amy, one of her staff members, sponsored the ink and watercolor art activity.  We thank the School of Art for their talent, time and art supplies donated for this art activity.

We had families from Westport, IN, Plain City, OH and Elgin, IL who participated in the ink and watercolor art activity with Amy and Jen.  It was great seeing the children’s smiles and the moms and dads get involved in drawing and using watercolors to create a Halloween pumpkin.  We all shared a fun and relaxed evening.

We continue to share Alyssa’s love of art with the families staying at RMH and we hope to continue bringing them more joy and hope in the future!

Delivering Music Instruments to RMH in Oak Lawn

On Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin & AAFH volunteer, delivered several musical instruments to the RMH in Oak Lawn, IL.  Anne Czarnecki, Senior House Director and Colleen Walsh, Operations Manager received on behalf of the RMH the first set of musical instruments from the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH). 

The musical instruments donated included an electric guitar, guitar bag, amplifier, Mahalo Ukulele, Casio electronic keyboard, and a music stand.  These musical instruments will be available to anyone staying at the House.  All the RMHs throughout the Chicagoland area that received musical instruments from AAFH have implemented a check-in/check-out process for the residents of the House to borrow the instruments.  Below is the description of what is in included in a RMH book placed in each room in the Chicago RMH.  The Oak Lawn RMH will be writing their own version.

Ask About our Music Collection!

We have a wide variety of instruments for children at our Ronald McDonald House to rent. Our collection includes guitars, keyboards, a violin, clarinets, a flute, a recorder, and a xylophone. Stop by the fifth floor and ask us to help you out! The instruments are free for all to use, but we do ask that you leave your ID in exchange for the instrument of your choosing.

Thanks to the generosity of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope, we are able to provide these instruments. This foundation is a new nonprofit charity dedicated to the memory of Alyssa Alvin, a teenager from Geneva, Illinois who lost her battle with leukemia in 2014. Alyssa started piano lessons at age four and violin lessons during middle school. She continued playing the piano and violin through her difficult years of cancer treatment. This wonderful foundation has allowed children with the opportunity to experience the joy of music in the face of adversity. Be creative, have fun and enjoy!