Tristan Receives His Electric Guitar

Tristan is an 18-year-old young man from LaGrange, Kentucky who has a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is being treated at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in downtown Chicago.  Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin, met Tristan and his parents, Nicole and Mike, on Tuesday, July 31st to deliver the electric guitar.

Tristan heard about the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) when he participated in Alyssa’s Celebration of Life held at RMH Chicago on Sunday, July 22, 2018.  Tristan shared with us that before his injury, he played 2 sports – wrestling and baseball.  He also spent time hunting on weekends and enjoyed music very much.  Tristan said that when he was young, he attended a rock band summer camp and learned to play the song, Smoke on the Water, on the piano.  Tristan also said he had an interest in music back in middle school and signed up for Band where he played the trumpet. 

Tristan was excited to submit a request through AAFH and asked for an electric guitar, one of his favorite instruments.  He is looking forward to learning how to play his guitar while singing and wants to be able to make up his own songs and perform them.

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope’s goal is to inspire teens and young adults to be creative and give them hope to continue living life to its fullest. 

Delicious Italian Food & Jazz Music to Celebrate Alyssa’s 23rd Birthday

On Sunday, July 22nd the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held a special Italian meal for the resident families and our guests at RMH in Chicago to celebrate Alyssa’s Life!  The lunch included a performance by the Matea Valley Jazz Combo.

Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin, hosted and gathered a group of his friends - Mario DiCarlo, Mario Castagna, Marissa Castagna, Jennifer Bertucci, Krysta Rojas and Kristina Juarez generously volunteered to purchase the ingredients and prepare the Italian meal which consisted of salad, pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers as well as cupcakes.  Alyssa’s Godmother, Nancy Avila, surprised us by bringing a delicious carrot cake donated by Susie Avila, her sister-in-law. 

Daniel, a lineman for the Chicago Transit Authority with IBEW Local 9, was joined by his good friend Jonathon Burkhard who is also a Local 9 Lineman and his father, IBEW Local 9 Business Manager, Mr. John Burkhard.  We are very appreciate of the generous donations from the IBEW LOCAL 9 Chicago Office and from Jonathan and his family. 

Seven members of the Matea Valley Jazz Combo volunteered to play for Alyssa’s celebration: Cara Neidenbach (trumpet), Ben Doyle (drums), Crystal Adaya (Saxophone), Claire Baranyk (Tenor Saxophone), Nick (Bass), Neel Surti (guitar) and Emily Hensley (piano).  Their performance included a variety of jazz standards with solos by many of the band members.

After lunch, the combo played and sang the Happy Birthday song for Alyssa and it brought a lot of joy and happiness of the beautiful memories we have of Alyssa.  We then went up to the rooftop where Denise Perez-Cabrera, AAFH Executive Secretary, gave a heartfelt blessing before Alyssa’s family and friends released 23 red balloons into the sky.   

Special, erasable lunch bags with crayons were given to the children as a gift and everyone enjoyed Alyssa’s birthday cake and delicious cupcakes.

We thank the volunteers who prepared the wonderful Italian meal and desserts, the musicians, the RMH staff and our guests for coming out to the RMH in Chicago and participating in this special celebration of Alyssa’s life.  The RMH near Lurie’s was and is a special place for the Alvin family. 

Our mission is to continue sharing Alyssa’s love of music and art with as many young patients undergoing treatment to combat life threatening illnesses.  We wish to bring them a bit of Joy and Hope.  This summer, with everyone’s help, we have certainly done just that!

Alyssa SAKs Delivered to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, IN

Bella-AAFH Gift Recipient and Tasha-her mom, joined Yoli-President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to deliver Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN on Thursday, July 19, 2018.   The three of them met with Ann Hannan, Director of Riley Cheer Guild and Music Therapy at the hospital.  It was a great occasion by having Bella volunteer her time to participate in the delivery of the SAKs.  Riley Hospital for Children is where Bella is currently being treated for her brain tumor.

Tasha checks in with us regularly and it was a pleasure to see them both smiling and happy despite the ongoing treatments Bella continues to endure.

Ann was very happy to receive a variety of Alyssa SAKs and is looking forward to distributing them to the various hospital music and art therapy staff as well as the social workers who work with the children in the hospital.   

Our mission is to share Alyssa’s love of art and bring Joy and Hope to young patients by giving them the opportunity to experience different art mediums like watercolors, acrylics, drawing, coloring and journaling.

Smiling Faces in Guadalajara, Mexico

This summer, 9 young adult oncology patients received musical gifts from Dra. Martha Juarez and Dra. Alma from Fray Antonio Alcalde Hospitals of Guadalajara, Mexico.

These young adult cancer patients live in the surrounding areas of Jalisco and travel for hours to receive medical treatment at Fray Antonio Alcalde Hospitals.  These recipients all expressed their thankfulness and love to the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and said, "muchisimas gracias de todo corazon".

Jose de Jesus Gillen Garcia (18) years of age with his new blue headset, Jose Beltran Salas (20) years of age with his new guitar, Ingrid Naomi (16) years of age with her new violin,  Erick Arath (18) years of age with his guitar, Victor Felipe (14) years of age with his xylophone, Cristopher Giovani (14) years of age with his acrylic art kit, Luis Angel Robledo Alvarado (20) years of age with his red ukulele, Hector Fernando Chavez Sanchez (17) years of age with his art kit and Brandon Jared Antimo Salazar (21) years of age received a new blue headset.

Thank you to Dra. Martha and Dra. Alma for promoting Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to the teens and young adult patients being treated for various cancers at Fray Antonio Alcalde Hospitals in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Art and Music Night at RMH near Loyola University Medical Center

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) sponsored an Art and Music Night at the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL on Monday, July 9th.  While there, we also delivered to House Manager -Kelly Evans an assortment of Alyssa Starter Art Kits for the enjoyment of all children and their families staying at the RMH.

The evening began with the art portion and we had 3 families participating in creating paintings, drawing with pastels and cutting colorful sheets of foam into different shapes and objects.  The vibrant colors and creativity generated a lot of smiles for patients and parents alike.

Andrew (known as “Drew”), 12 years old, and his Aunt, Anna are from Pontiac, MI and were staying at the RMH for Drew’s upcoming surgery.  Drew plays a couple of musical instruments – viola and piano - and is interested in fishing and auto mechanics. 

Clara, 7 years old, and her parents are from Reed, MI and were also awaiting her surgery.  Clara had a wonderful time creating her own art piece and working with her Mom and Dad on another project.

Noah, 3 years old, and his Mom, Ivona, from Toronto, Canada also participated in some finger painting.  We had met Noah and his family on a previous visit and were happy to get re-acquainted.

The evening concluded with everyone having a chance to try different percussion instruments including bongos, tambourine, maracas and more.  Each of the participants were also able to take home their own Alyssa Starter Art Kit.

Alyssa’s life and love of the arts continues to bring joy to young patients and their families.  We are so happy to carry on her legacy and so grateful to those who share our vision and support Alyssa’s Foundation!

Art Comes to RMH East in St. Petersburg, Florida

Children and families from Bolivia, Brazil, Grand Bahama, Republic of Georgia, Ohio and surrounding areas of Florida participated in an afternoon of art activities at the Ronald McDonald House near All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. 

Kellie Wilson-AAFH Volunteer and friend of the Alvin family accompanied George and Yoli Alvin – founders of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to host art activities where the children and their family members could have fun drawing with oil pastels, scrapbooking, and stenciling.

Kellie met Alex-a 5-year-old and his grandma from the Republic of Georgia.  While Alex’s parents were with his 2-week-old baby brother being treated at All Children’s Hospital, Kellie was able to make Alex feel better and enjoy a variety of art activities. 

Pablo - an 8-year-old and his mom-Elizabeth (Ely) from Bolivia, were excited for the opportunity to draw and color with us. 

A young 16-year-old girl- DaShanya and her brother-Darrol a 12-year-old from Grand Bahama were smiling and very happy doing their art.  DaShanya expressed that “this is the most fun I’ve had while being at the Ronald McDonald house”!

Joao Pedro a 5-year-old and his mom-Claudia from Sao Paulo, Brazil were happy be a part of this art event.  Claudia drew a “Tree of Hope” and gave her finished artwork as a gift to the AAFH.  Claudia said to Yoli, “it was a pleasure to meet you and for doing what you do for our children and us”.

It is always a beautiful experience to watch the happiness our activities bring to the young patients and their families.  Kellie and Yoli encouraged and praised the efforts of the artists while everyone enjoyed themselves and all the children received their own Alyssa Starter Art Kit.

Special thanks to the RMH East staff for allowing us to hold another Art event and accepting a donation of Alyssa Starter Art Kits for all to enjoy during their stay at RMH East.  We also delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits to Teresa - Child Life staff from All Children's Hospital Johns. Hopkins

Beauty Bash Charity @ Benefit San Francisco - Chicago

Amanda (Mandy) Luebbers – Boutique proprietor of Benefit San Francisco in Chicago, Illinois, sponsored a Beauty Bash party to benefit Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope on Thursday, June 21, 2018. 

Rita Alviar, an AAFH volunteer and long-time friend of Yoli’s, planned and organized the party to raise funds to honor the request of our next gift recipient.  The ladies enjoyed BBQ riblets, Cuban sandwiches, chicken parmesan sliders and white cheddar mac-n-cheese provided by Anthony Mata of the Silver Palm Restaurant along with the wine provided by Mandy.  The ladies received cosmetic services, makeovers and made product purchases as well.  We thank the staff at Benefit San Francisco for making us feel so beautiful and to Anthony for donating the yummy appetizers!

The proceeds from this event will directly provide a young patient with cancer or facing a life-threatening disease to take advantage of our music or art program .  Depending on the young patient’s interests, we offer either a musical instrument or art materials with a value of up to $250. 

Everyone had a great time and we can’t wait to do this again for this great cause!

Rush University Children’s Hospital Gets Alyssa SAKs

Megan and Kari – Child Life Specialists at Rush University Children’s Hospital (Rush) received Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) from Carmen Ziegler – AAFH Board Member and Yoli Alvin – President of AAFH.  We also met Molly Rose Elkins-Ryan who is a Sr. Residency Coordinator of the Medicine/Pediatrics unit at Rush University Medical Center.  Molly escorted us to the Child Life area and it was great to see Megan again and meet Kari and Molly.

Carmen has made previous deliveries of Alyssa Starter Art Kits to Rush and it feels good to share Alyssa’s love of art with the children at Rush.  Megan said, “perfect timing as we ran out of the Alyssa SAKs and needed more to pass out.”  The art kits will be given to teens and young adult patients with cancer and/or other life-threatening illnesses being treated at Rush.

We thank our donors for making it possible to continue preparing Alyssa Starter Art Kits and allow the young patients the opportunity to be creative during their medical journey. 

Alyssa’s legacy lives on! 

Art & Music Night at RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) sponsored an Art and Music Night at the Ronald McDonald House near Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Monday, June 11th.  We also donated Alyssa Starter Art Kits while there with delivery of an assortment of kits made to the House Director, Mardell Gundlach.

The Art and Music Nights held at the RMHs are for patients and their family members of any and all ages and, once again, we had a mother and daughter participate in painting picture frames.

Gabby (short for Gabriela), 7 years old, and her Mom, Natasha, are from South Bend, IN and staying at the RMH for Gabby’s treatments and tests.  Gabby’s health condition forced her to miss participation with her class for 1st grade but she hopes to re-join her class in the fall after being home-schooled the past year.  Gabby and Tasha had a wonderful time painting, talking and using their creative talents.

Alyssa’s memory carries on and touches people every day when we host one of our events.  As supporters of AAFH, you can see the joy that is brought to these families during troubling times in their lives.

Brody Receives Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

Brody 13-years old, was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) last december 2017 and is being treated at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL.   In May 2018 we met Brody during a Music Night at RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital.  We shared information about Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope’s music and art programs and Brody was excited about submitting his gift request.  His mom, Stefani, was also happy to learn about the Alyssa Foundation and enjoyed an hour of music with us.  Brody lives with his mom and dad-David in Decatur, IL.  

Brody completed 7th grade and is ready to hang out with his friends this summer.  He likes to play video games and loves sports.  He has 2 dogs named Milo and Scotch.  As a younger boy, Brody took piano lessons and also wanted to learn how to play the drums so his parents purchased a drum set for him.  Due to Brody's medical treatment, he has not been able to play the drums, however, he plans to take lessons once he feels better. 

On June 4th, Brody received his Beats Solo3 wireless headphones. We hope Brody enjoys listening to his music even after he is able to create his own music on the drums.

Our goal is to inspire teens and young adults to be creative and give them hope to continue living life to its fullest while facing their serious health challenges.

Lurie Children's Hospital gets Alyssa SAKs & Ukuleles and AAFH Receives Check Donation from BCBSIL

Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Friday, June 1, 2018.  A total of 50 Alyssa SAKs were received by Willow Messier, the Art Therapist at the hospital.  In addition, a few ukuleles donated by Tom Stading, owner of Instrument Exchange, were received by Elizabeth Klinger, the Music Therapist at the hospital.

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope was created to give hope and provide outlets for creative expression through art and music for young patients dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  We give young patients the opportunity to experience with different art mediums like watercolors or acrylics, drawing, coloring and journaling.  When young patients feel tired and sad due to their ongoing medical treatments at the hospital, the music from a ukulele generates positive changes in mind, body and spirit.  The change is remarkable!  The young patients with the help of music create a new path towards joy, healthiness and wholeness.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois gave a generous donation check to AAFH. and Yoli - President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope accepted the check on Friday, June 1, 2018.  The check was presented by BCBSIL employees: Denise Perez-Cabrera who is also the AAFH Executive Secretary and Mariana Herrera-Alfaro who is an AAFH volunteer.  Thank you BCBSIL employees for volunteering your time to events sponsored by Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. With our sincere gratitude.  You are making a difference in a young adult patients life forever.

Gift Recipients - Hospital Civil in Guadalajara, Mexico

Dra. Martha Juarez from Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde de Guadalajara presented several young adult patients with their requested gifts on Monday, May 14, 2018.  Also, wanted to share that Dra. Martha was involved in the first festival of Psicologia at the hospital.  Dra. Martha is very active promoting both the music and art programs of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope in Guadalajara's civil children hospitals. Jonathan, a 15-year-old received his new trumpet, Mariana a 19 year-old received her new violin, Sofia, a 14 year-old received her new electronic keyboard and Jorge, a 18 year-old received his new guitar.  

Many thanks to Dra. Martha for promoting Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to the teens and young adult patients being treated for various cancers at Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde de Guadalajara-Jalisco, Mexico. It's great to continue sharing Alyssa's love of music with young patients around the world!

AAFH Attends BLUE CORPS COMMUNITY PARTNER – Employee Volunteering Event

AAFH earns Matching Dollars for each volunteer hour logged into Blue Corps by its employees and has been a community partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois since 2016! 

In April, Yoli – AAFH President participated in an employee volunteering open house in the Naperville office where she met several BCBS employees-Diana Fortich, Joan Skrede and Margie Salas.  Yoli shared the volunteering opportunities of our organization such as preparing Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs), hosting an art night or music night at a local RMH, delivering Alyssa SAKs to local hospitals and medical institutions, and helping with our fundraising events in various roles. 

Employees found out that they do not need to be artists or musicians for these volunteering opportunities. We need people who want to make a positive difference in the life of a patient or their family and the time commitment is up to you….1 hour or as many as you can.

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope loves volunteers!  Please go to our website and check-out all the things we have done for the teens and young adults around the US, Mexico and other countries.

Art and Music Night at RMH in Oak Lawn, IL

An Art and Music Night was sponsored by AAFH at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.  We also donated Alyssa Starter Art Kits while there with delivery made to the House Manager, Jenna Embry.

The Art and Music Nights held at the RMHs are for patients and their family members of all ages so it is a treat to have multi-generations participate in our fun activities.  And this is exactly what occurred that evening.

Angel, 3 years old, was at the RMH with his family from Valparaiso, Indiana, while his baby sister (9 months old) Sofia, awaited heart surgery.  Angel enthusiastically started in on a painting project and was quickly joined by his grandmother, Natividad, and mother, Letty.  When Angel finished his art project early, he was thrilled to begin using the maracas as drumsticks on the congos we brought for the music portion of the night.  His Mom and Grandma were also happy to complete their painting projects and exhibit their creative talents.

Alyssa’s memory carries on and touches people every day that we host one of our events.  As supporters of AAFH, you can see the joy that is brought to these families during troubling times in their lives.  We pray for everything to go well with Sofia’s heart surgery.

Alyssa SAKs Delivery to Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania

Exelon employees from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, participated in an Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) volunteer event and prepared Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) on Thursday, May 3, 2018.  A dozen employees gathered to assemble a variety of SAKs including adult coloring books, journal kits and pencil drawing kits.  They completed the Alyssa SAKs in 16 minutes which set a new record surpassing the previous record of 26 minutes by the Exelon team at the Cantera office in Warrenville, IL!     

Once the Alyssa SAKs were completed, Exelon employees Joan Verra and John T. Hall accompanied Yoli, Alyssa’s mom and president of AAFH, to make the delivery to Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania.  We met with Lynn Keily – Development Office of Bryn Mawr Foundation who told us that the Alyssa SAKs will be given to young patients in the pediatric/oncology unit of the hospital.  She appreciated our donation.

Alyssa’s legacy lives on!

Drum Set & Professional Airbrush Compressor Presented to Gift Recipients

After our Kind Heart Music Recital on April 22, 2018 at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital, we had the pleasure of presenting Aldrick  & Quinn with the gifts they had previously requested.

Ashlee & Glen Schneider, AAFH Board members, presented a professional art package including an airbrush compressor kit to Aldrick.  Aldrick, a 21-year-old, is being treated at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL for sickle cell disease.  Aldrick heard about AAFH from Art Therapist-Lori Mackey at Advocate Children's Hospital.  Aldrick is aspiring to be a tattoo and graphic artist and hopes to pursue this as a career and work in this field.

Quinn, a 12-year-old, received a Ludwig 4 piece maroon drum set from the AAFH.  Quinn is being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital for acute lymphoblastic leukemia since July 2017.  Quinn found out about the AAFH from the child life staff at Lurie and expressed his desire to play drums.  He also likes to play video games, basketball and baseball.

These two gift recipients embody our goal to inspire teens and young adults to be creative and provide them hope to continue living their lives to the fullest.  This is made possible only through the caring and support of our donors to whom we are deeply grateful.

4th Kind Heart Music Recital

The 4th Annual Kind Heart Music Recital was held at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Sunday, April 22, 2018.  The benefit recital was hosted by Ashlee & Glen Schneider who are both board members of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.  Ashlee was Alyssa’s piano teacher for ten years beginning when Alyssa turned 4. 

This year’s music recital featured some of Ashlee’s private students, other music students from Matea Valley High School and the Schneider Singers – Corrine, Caleb, Calvin, Clara, Jack, Graham and Nora Schneider. 

The musicians played a variety of music from classical artists such as Mozart and Beethoven to more contemporary selections.  The Schneider Singers sang several songs: Early One Morning, Come with Me, Peanut Song, You’ll Always be a Friend of Me, and the Hello Song.  The Schneider Singers are directed by Judi Schneider who is the children’s grandmother and a pianist.  They were also accompanied on one song by their grandfather who is a professional percussionist.  We also listened to a flute duet by Amy, Ashlee’s sister-in-law, and Ashlee Schneider.

There were 2 gift recipients who received gifts – Aldrick, 21-year-old, received a professional art package and Quinn, 12-year-old, received a new drum set!  These gifts were made possible because of YOU, our donors and sponsors and we thank you.

Special Thanks to Ashlee and Glen Schneider for hosting the 4th Annual Kind Heart Music Recital, all the young musicians and the volunteers who helped with this event.  We thank The Fresh Market, Tom Stading from Instrument Exchange and Dra. Martha Juarez for their generous donations to help us raise funds to fulfill our mission.  Our goal is to inspire teens and young adults to be creative and give them hope to continue living life to its fullest while facing significant health challenges.

Alyssa's brother, Vince, makes delivery to Gift Recipient in Carmel, IN

On Thursday, April 12th, Vince Alvin, a board member of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) and Alyssa’s brother, delivered a set of Bose SoundLink II headphones to a young gift recipient by the name of Bella at her home in Carmel, IN.  We first met Bella, her parents and brother at the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield, IL when she was receiving treatment at the Chicago Proton Center.  Bella was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has gone through numerous medical procedures during the last couple of years.  With all that, Bella and her family have still been in regular contact with the various activities and events of AAFH.

Bella’s Mom, Tasha, checks in with us regularly and we heard that Bella would be interested in a set of Bose headphones.  We were delighted to get them for Bella just in time for her 18th birthday.  It is a pleasure to see her smile with a sparkle in her eyes as she listens to her music while wearing the headphones AAFH has given her. 

It is great to also know that Bella continues to be strong in her fight to live her life with hope and joy despite the medical circumstances.  Bella is surrounded by her loving parents and brother who provide her with all their emotional support to get through her ongoing treatments.  Bella is a very bright and strong young adult. 

It is our wish and prayer that Bella fully recovers from her illness and we send love and support from all of us here in the extended AAFH family!

Music Night at RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) sponsored a Music Night at the Ronald McDonald House on the south side of Chicago near Comer Children’s Hospital on Monday, April 9th.  Two members of the AAFH Executive Team, Denise Perez-Cabrera and Yoli Alvin, volunteered to host the Music Night. 

We arrived with several instruments to hold a hands-on music session with the residents at the house who enjoyed the bongos, music sticks, tambourine, maracas and ukulele.  Two young teens, Sulaiman (15 years old) and Brody (13 years old), and their family members were especially enthralled with the variety of instruments.  Sulaiman was accompanied by his parents and Brody was there with his mom.  We were able to give them additional information about making a gift request on our website and each of them also took an art kit to enjoy at their leisure.  The remaining art kits that we brought were left as donations to the RMH for other youth.

It was wonderful to see the happiness, excitement and curiosity of the young patients trying the different instruments and interacting with their families.

Alyssa’s legacy lives on!

Remembering Past Gift Recipients Whose Cancer Journey Has Sadly Ended

Last year the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) honored Fernando Ponce and Elijah Rivers.  They were courageous in battling their cancer while being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.IL. 

We are thankful that we were able to touch each of these lives if even for a brief moment to give them joy while they were with us.

Elijah Rivers submitted a request for a keyboard despite the cancer in his hands.  Elijah was a joyful 18-year-old who pursued many interests besides music.  We were able to meet his mom and sisters when we delivered the keyboard to him prior to one of his outpatient visits to Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Last January 2017, Fernando Ponce, requested yarn to weave his first ever blanket.  Fernando  was very happy to receive his yarn and other materials to weave his blanket while at Lurie Children’s Hospital.  We met Fernando's grandma who was with him at Lurie's when we delivered his yarn and she was excited for him.  She had weaved a yarn purse and gave it to Yoli as a token of her appreciation for what we did for Fernando.

Our hearts remember these special gift recipients and we pray for strength for these families.

Despite our sadness, our resolve is stronger than ever to reach as many young adults as possible through the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to give them hope and joy.