Music Event & Delivery of Alyssa SAKs to RMH East - St. Petersburg, FL

It was a sunny day when Alyssa’s parents & founders of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope along with dear friend and volunteer-Marina Herrera, arrived at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) East near All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg, FL on Thursday, December 5, 2019 to hold a percussion music event.

We brought a variety of percussion instruments such as triangle, music sticks, two-tone wooden block, tambourine, maracas and our newest xylophone. As we were setting up the musical instruments in the Bubble Room, children staying at the RMH started coming over and quickly started playing some of the percussion instruments they liked. The children made different sounds with the instruments and the smiles on their faces put a smile on all of us too!

We presented Karen Matthews, Manager of the RMH staff, with 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits. The delivery included a variety of art kits such as ocean coloring books, drawing kits, watercolor kits, acrylic kits and journals. Each child and family member selected an Alyssa SAK of their choice.

We are thankful that we can share Alyssa’s love for the arts with others. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!

Eddy Finn Ukulele Given to Lexi

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) fulfilled a gift request of a tenor Eddy Finn Ukulele to 12-year-old, Lexi, at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Friday, November 22, 2019. Lexi is being treated there for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder in which the body makes too many white blood cells. Lexi was with her parents-Maria and Vito.

Lexi lives in Arlington Heights, IL with her family. She is in middle school and likes music and playing the ukulele. Lexi was introduced to the ukulele while at Lurie’s for treatment and she loved the string instrument. She also plays the trombone at school. Lexi loves to play sports and hang out with her friends.

On this same day at Lurie’s, we delivered a violin to Elizabeth Klinger – Music Therapist who will be showing in-patient children how to play the violin throughout the hospital. Elizabeth indicated that recently, many children have been asking for a violin they can borrow while at the hospital.

Thanks to Willow-Art Therapist, Lexi heard about Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and submitted her gift request on our website. It is our pleasure to honor gift requests of art supplies or musical instruments in keeping with Alyssa’s passions and our Foundation’s mission. Thank you to Instrument Exchange for their continued support and for ordering the musical instruments requested by our gift recipients!

ComEd Claims Department Collects Donations to Prepare Alyssa SAKs

Vincent Powell and Joanna Cassell – ComEd Claims Case Managers sponsored a Volunteer event to benefit Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope on Thursday, November 21, 2019.

An enthusiastic group of 35 volunteers participated in the preparation of 250 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) at the LC3 ComEd office in Oakbrook, IL. The volunteers prepared 5 different art packages which included acrylic paint kits, watercolor paint kits, drawing kits, stress relieving adult coloring books and journal kits.

The ComEd Claim volunteers raised a total of $3,320 with Exelon’s Match Gift Program. This program allows employees to give their donations to charities of their choice and Exelon (ComEd’s parent company) then matches the giving contribution up to $5,000 for employees or $10,000 for Executives.

Upon completion of the volunteer event, Jacqueline Bett and Lillian Rodriquez- ComEd Claims Liability Reps delivered Alyssa SAKs together with Yoli - President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL.

We appreciate the generous donations from the ComEd Claim volunteers and their personal commitment to directly enlighten a child’s life during this holiday season. Everyone’s efforts made this volunteer event a great success.

We hope all the ComEd Claim volunteers had fun and wish them a joyful and peaceful holiday!

Exelon Employee Volunteers Prepare Alyssa SAKs

A group of Exelon employees held a Volunteer Event to assemble Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) in support of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. A total of 25 volunteers participated in putting together 200 Alyssa Starter Art Kits. This volunteer effort was sponsored by Exelon Nuclear IT Director – Jane Wagner at the Cantera Office in Winfield, IL.

The completed art kits were delivered to Edwards Hospital in Naperville and will be given to young patients being treated there for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Yoli is a Senior Project Manager in Nuclear IT and an Exelon Volunteer Impact Leader for the Cantera Office. In addition, she is President of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope organization. Exelon employees have previously supported AAFH volunteer events and have made generous donations through the matching programs and continue to work together with Yoli in supporting AAFH.

A special “Thank You” goes out to Amy for all the planning and great long-sleeve t-shirts she designed for this volunteer event.

We appreciate all the participants’ time in assembling the Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) which will bring hope and joy to young patients at local hospitals and medical facilities before the holidays.

AAFH Hosts Art Night at RMH near the UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital

On Monday, October 28, 2019, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held an Art Night and delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) at the RMH near the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. For the second time this season, the Art Night had a Halloween/Day of the Dead theme with pumpkins and skulls to paint and color.

AAFH also made a donation of 25 Alyssa Starter Art Kits of various types including journal, drawing and painting kits. The House Managers at RMH, Alexis and Don, accepted the kits. They also told us a little bit about the restoration that had taken place at the House after serious water damage occurred in the building last year.

Perhaps it was because they had recently re-opened, there were very few young people around that evening. We did meet a few parents who were able to take an Alyssa SAK on behalf of their child or a skull and some markers to decorate with them later.

We also had the opportunity to simply talk with and share stories with some of the parents who were around the kitchen…it was a worthwhile experience.

Most importantly, we know that the art kits will soon end up in the hands of a child who is being treated for a life-threatening illness and that they will find some joy and relief in the use of their own creative skills. On these quieter event nights, we reflect even more on Alyssa’s legacy of love and sharing.

Art Kits Delivery to RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital

The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital officially reopened on October 1, 2019, after 8 months of recovering from a water pipe burst that flooded the House. RMH is looking forward to beginning a new chapter and welcoming families back to fill the House with love.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope delivered 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to RMH with Dave, the Resident Manager, taking delivery of the 50 SAKs.

Mardell – RMH House Director said, “the Alyssa SAKs are a big hit with the young adult patients, and we are excited to give them out”. The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope Volunteer Team will be hosting a Halloween themed Art Night at this RMH on October 28, 2019. We love sharing Alyssa’s love of the arts with the children and families staying at the RMHs.

Fiesta de Arte 2019

On Sunday, October 13th, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) hosted the 5th annual Fiesta de Arte at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL. The fundraising event was a silent auction featuring a local artist’s work along with other gift baskets donated by friends, supporters and local businesses. Guests mingled while being fed with delicious appetizers and refreshments while listening to a brief talk about the Foundation’s work.

This year’s featured artist, Mary Lu O’Halloran, lives in Geneva and comes from a long line of artists in her family. Her work has been displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago among other places and we were deeply moved to have her create and donate several beautiful pieces specifically for our event. Mary Lu and her husband, John, met Alyssa socially and became lovely friends before Alyssa’s parents had the opportunity to meet them. Mary Lu and John were early supporters of AAFH and actually made the first musical instrument donation that our organization gave to a teenage girl in April 2015.

Mary Lu wowed us with her art and said a few words about her memories of Alyssa and the spiritual inspiration that guided the works she created. Alyssa’s Mom and President of AAFH, Yoli, then spoke to thank Mary Lu, the donors and guests before introducing our latest gift recipient Rosalia’s mom, Teresa Majera. Teresa talked about Rosalia and the challenges she has been going through since being diagnosed with leukemia last September. Rosalia heard about AAFH at Lurie Children’s Hospital through Willow Messier-Art Therapist, and submitted her gift request for professional art supplies. Unfortunately, Rosalia could not attend the event but will be presented with her professional art supplies gift at a later time soon.

Teresa shared with all of us in attendance the emotional struggle that impacts the entire family when a family member is stricken with a life-threatening disease. We remember it well and pray for the health of their family. We are happy that we can provide a positive outlet for patients and their families when we share Alyssa’s love of art and music through the work of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.

As always, we are grateful to the support shown by our extended family of AAFH supporters. A list of our many donors including our host, El Molcajete Restaurant, can be found by going to our Sponsor tab on our website.

Thank you all for a wonderful afternoon and a successful Fiesta de Arte!

Art Night at RMH near Loyola University Medical Center

On Wednesday, October 2, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held an Art Night and delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) at the RMH near Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL. This Art Night had a Halloween/Day of the Dead theme as we brought in pumpkins and skulls to paint.

AAFH also donated 25 Alyssa SAKs of various types including journal, drawing, adult ocean coloring and painting kits. Kailah Bediako-House Manager at RMH accepted the kits from us. Many of the participants also received an Alyssa SAK after creating their art works during the event.

This was another busy and successful Art Night with lots of enthusiastic children and family members. We got re-acquainted with our Gambian friend, Ismalla Jarju, a 10-year-old boy who showed great skill and attention to detail in his artwork. We also had fun working with Finn, an 8-year-old boy and his mom, Brooke, as well as with Mason, a 3-year-old boy and both of his parents.

We were also very pleased to have additional members of our own family able to participate and assist with the event. Alyssa’s cousin, Rick and his wife, Adrienne, along with their young girls, Olivia and Kathryn Alyssa, had a wonderful time painting.

We got to meet a 17-year-old patient, Ruby, from Toronto, who traveled all the way from Canada with her Mom for care in the Chicago area. Ruby is a highly ranked swimmer despite having little use of her legs in the water. We were so impressed with her and she reminded us of the tenacity that so many of these youth with serious illnesses demonstrate.

We are grateful to bring a little joy into their lives by sponsoring our Art Nights and we feel Alyssa’s loving presence with each event.

La Fiesta de Arte 2019….Reminder to Join Us This Sunday, October 13!

The big day is almost here! Come and join us at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL this Sunday afternoon, October 13th, for the 5th Annual La Fiesta de Arte from 3-6pm.

Mary Lucile O’Halloran (Mary Lu) is our featured artist and her inspirational paintings will be on exhibit and available through the silent auction which will benefit our music and art programs for young adults going through their cancer journey .

The silent auction will also offer gift baskets from local Geneva shops and restaurants such as The Little Traveler, Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Villa Verone, Riganato Old World Grille, Gia Mia, Preservation, State Street Jewelry, and more.

Our sponsor, El Molcajete, will provide beverages and appetizers during the event. Auction winners will be announced at 5PM. It will be a fun and enjoyable afternoon! Get your tickets now by going to our website by clicking here - AlyssaGivesHope!

Below is a sampling of what this event is like from past La Fiesta de Arte events.

Delivery of Alyssa SAKs to Arnold Palmer Medical Center Child Life Services

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Child Life Services in Orlando, FL by Yoli-President, George-Vice President, and AAFH friends and volunteers, Debbie and Denny Kinn. We coordinated the delivery with Lori Heilman, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and were met at the medical center by music therapists, Cindy and Molly.

A total of 50 Alyssa SAKs were delivered and included acrylic art kits, watercolor art kits, ocean coloring books, drawing and journal kits. These art kits will be given to children and young adults being treated for cancer and life threatening diseases at the Arnold Palmer Medical Center. The Child Life Program is dedicated to helping each child have the best healthcare experience possible through education, play and personalized support. These art kits will contribute to each child’s experience within the Child Life Program and bring a bit of joy and respite during their stay at the medical center.

Just a Week Away…La Fiesta de Arte 2019…Come Join Us Next Sunday, Oct. 13!

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope will host the 5th annual La Fiesta de Arte at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL from 3-6pm.

Our featured Artist is Mary Lou O’Halloran who was inspired by Alyssa when she met her and spent the summer creating exclusive one of a kind art for the silent auction which benefits the AAFH music and art programs for kids and young adults with cancer and/or life threatening diseases.

You will be able to bid on Mary Lu’s art pieces, as well as gift baskets from local Geneva businesses such as The Little Traveler, Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Villa Verone, Riganato Old World Grille, Gia Mia, Preservation, State Street Jewelry, and more.

Our sponsor, El Molcajete, will provide beverages and appetizers during the event. Auction winners will be announced at 5PM. It will be a fun and enjoyable afternoon! Get your tickets now by going to our website by clicking here - AlyssaGivesHope!

1st Delivery of Alyssa SAKs to Shriner’s Hospital - Chicago

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) made a delivery to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Chicago, IL. Yoli- AAFH President delivered 30 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to four staff members: Darlene Kelly-Director, Recreation Therapy as well as with Jamie Scholl-Child Life Specialist, Amanda Hogle-Recreation Therapist and Mary McCauley-Donation Coordinator.

Darlene stated the Shriner’s Hospital has many patients who love art and music and thanked us for visiting and donating the Alyssa SAKs which will be given to young patients being treated there.

The kits come in different formats to appeal to different ages and interests of the patients – everything from adult coloring books to drawing and journal kits.

We are grateful to know that Alyssa’s spirit continues to positively impact others through her love of the arts.

Music Night at RMH near Lurie Children’s Hospital

A Music Night was hosted by Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope at the RMH near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. We also gave Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the participants at the Music Night.

We enjoyed the enthusiastic musical creativity by young teens, Vanessa and Ariana, who were staying at the RMH supporting their teenage brother who was being treated for a brain injury. We also had the pleasure of meeting nine-year-old Libby and four-year-old Liam who really took an interest in trying every single one of the various percussion instruments and the ukulele we brought along.

It is always a joy to see young patients enjoy themselves while we share stories with their family members. The families appreciate the creative outlet their children can enjoy as well as discussing the health journey that their loved one is traveling. These discussions can be as therapeutic as the art or music activity itself. We always come away deeply impressed and touched with the dedication and perseverance of the families we meet.

There were so many people that were so generous to us with their support during Alyssa’s illness and they continue to be involved to this day. The inspiration that Alyssa provided us and the work that our Foundation does allows us to spread her spirit to so many others.

La Fiesta de Arte 2019….Come Join Us on Sunday, October 13!

On Sunday afternoon, October 13th, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope will host the 5th Annual La Fiesta de Arte at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL from 3-6pm.

Our featured Artist is Mary Lucile O’Halloran (Mary Lu) who was inspired by Alyssa when she met her and has spent this past summer creating exclusive one of a kind art for the silent auction which will benefit AAFH music and art programs.

Mary Lu, a 41 year resident of Geneva, Illinois, received both her M.A. degree in painting in 1976 and M.F.A. in painting in 1978 from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. She has exhibited widely in solo and group shows in Chicago and other places: Neville Sargent Gallery, Beacon Street Gallery, Joyce Wood Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery of Chicago, The Center Gallery-Northern Illinois University, Clarke College -Dubuque, Iowa, Saint Charles Public Library, Norris Gallery-Saint Charles, Clay and Caboodle Gallery in Geneva, Saint john Neumann Catholic Church-St. Charles, Illinois, Geneva Forum for the Arts, Western Ave. School-Geneva and numerous private collections.

Mary Lu is married to John O’Halloran for 46 years and has 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren.

She is a former art teacher - kindergarten through eighth grade, middle school and high school-freshman through senior year. Mary Lu is also a certified life coach for high school and college-age students.

Mary Lu has partaken in many endeavors involving her art talents and skills throughout the Geneva School District 304. She has been involved in every facet of the healthy development of children and youth so they can become the best version of themselves and follow their hopes and dreams. She has also been involved in ministries which help promote the healing process for victims of abuse of any kind.

We have included a few of Mary Lu’s collection of work:

Bedazzled ... wrapped in Her mantle ... Peace, Love, Joy 12”x12”

The Beauty of Life ... Behold the Crab 9”x12”

In the Spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi ... Keep It Simple 11”x8”

Never Knew That Walking With a Line Could be so Much Fun 7 ½”x11”

Just Playing 8”x11”

You Got This 11’x14”

You will be able to bid on Mary Lu’s art pieces, as well as gift baskets from local Geneva businesses such as The Little Traveler, Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, Villa Verone, Riganato Old World Grille, Gia Mia, Preservation, State Street Jewelry, and more.

Our sponsor, El Molcajete, will provide beverages and appetizers during the event. Auction winners will be announced at 5PM. It will be a fun and enjoyable afternoon! Get your tickets now by going to our website by clicking here - AlyssaGivesHope!

Kohl’s – Lemont Store - Assemble Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs)

In September, The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) traveled to the Kohl’s store in Lemont, IL and Batavia, IL to pick up a total of 200 art kits that Kohl’s Associates in Action (Kohl’s AiA) employees prepared during their volunteer events.

While the AAFH purchases and provides the various art materials for the Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs), Kohl’s has been a great partner by taking these art materials and assembling them into the Alyssa SAKs. We pick up the finished Alyssa SAKs after their team of associates have assembled them. We then deliver the Alyssa SAKs to various children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses. The goal is to put a Alyssa Starter Art Kit in the hands young adult patients fighting a life-threatening illness. Additionally, Kohl’s donates $500 to AAFH so that we can continue purchasing more art materials to turn into Alyssa SAKs. This process ensures more opportunities for young patients to experience the joy of creating art with our kits.

At the Lemont store, we met Ann Combes - Manager who shared with us the challenges that her own 21-year-old daughter is experiencing with an as-yet undiagnosed illness. Ann and her family have come to quickly realize the fragility of our health and the importance of charitable work.

We will keep Ann and her family in our thoughts and prayers and express our gratitude to the Kohl’s associate volunteers as well as organizations that are committed to assisting others in their time of need.

We thank Nicole Frederickson - Manager of the Batavia Store and the Associates in Action for volunteering their time to assemble the Alyssa Starter Art Kits once again!

Alyssa’s journey has provided a different perspective on how my family and I view our purpose in this life. Though we would not have wanted this perspective thrust upon us in the way it was, we nevertheless draw inspiration from the way Alyssa lived her brief but beautiful life.

Thank you again to all the supporters of AAFH in helping us bring joy through art and music!

Music Night at RMH near Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held a Music Night at the RMH near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) in Winfield, IL on Tuesday, August 27, 2019. We brought various drums and percussion instruments for the patients and their family members to play.

While setting up, a previous gift recipient of AAFH and current patient at the Chicago Proton Center, Tristan, began playing the piano at the RMH beautifully. Since we delivered Tristan his violin three weeks ago, he has been hospitalized at CDH for severe pain he has experienced from his radiation treatments at the Proton Center. Due to this he has not had the chance to begin learning how to play his new violin. He is feeling better now and looking forward to playing the violin.

AAFH also made a donation of 10 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) that include journals, drawing kits, acrylic and adult coloring books. Jason Chantley, the Live-in-House Manager at RMH, received the Alyssa SAKs and shared with us his involvement with RMH. He told the story of his best friend who, as a young teenager, stayed at an RMH during his cancer treatments. When his friend passed, Jason remembered how the House was a welcome and caring place for his friend.

Jason’s story is an inspiration to all of us. Despite the loss of his best friend, he found a way to help others through his work at the RMH. We are grateful to the caregivers we meet while fulfilling the mission of Alyssa’s Foundation. Together, we are making a difference by bringing joy and hope to young patients and their families during difficult times.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Northwestern Facilities

On Monday, August 26, 2019, Mary Jane Johnson-Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) Board Member made our first delivery of Alyssa Starter Art Kits to Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. Marianjoy is a part of Northwestern Medicine and has a pediatric area which treats patients who have suffered brain tumors or traumatic injuries who are in need of intense treatment. Mary Jane delivered 25 Alyssa SAKs to Brittney Woodruff who is the Childlife Specialist at this facility. Brittney told Mary Jane that it was so nice meet her and thanked her for coming out to Marianjoy. Brittney said, “I’m so excited to utilize those amazing Art kits!!”

On August 5, 2019, Yoli-Alyssa’s mom and President of AAFH made a delivery to the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University (Northwestern) in Chicago, IL. The delivery of 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) was made to Brynn Fowler-Adolescent Youth Adult Coordinator at Northwestern.

Five different kinds of Alyssa SAKs were delivered such as acrylic and watercolor painting kits, drawing kits, journal kits, and adult coloring book kits. We are happy to partner and continue our annual Alyssa SAKs delivery to Northwestern.

Thank you donors for your generous contributions throughout the year to help us assemble more Alyssa Starter Art Kits for children going through their medical journeys and and allowing us to share Alyssa’s spirit, her love of the arts, and her desire to inspire and help others.

Delivering Gifts to Patients at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde

On August 15, 2019, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope brought joy and hope to two young adults by fulfilling their gift requests at the Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, MX.

Dra. Martha, Board member, delivered a set of headphones to Carmen (18 years old) and an acoustic guitar to Carlos (20 years old). The two young recipients expressed their gratitude for the gifts, but we are also grateful for bringing a smile to their faces.