Musical Gifts Maria & Jesús at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde

Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH), brought joy and hope to Maria and Jesús at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico by fulfilling their gift requests during their stay at the hospital.

In late May 2021 Dra. Martha delivered a xylophone to Maria and a set of headphones to Jesús. Maria is being treated for leukemia, a blood cancer, and Jesus is being treated for aplastic anaemia, a rare disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Maria loves to sing and dance. Jesús loves listening to music and playing soccer.

We are thankful to Dra. Martha for bringing hope and a bit of joy into Maria and Jesús’ lives as they go through their treatments.

Jesús Maria

Thanks to Hawkinson Family for Generous Financial & Volunteer Support

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) received a generous donation in the amount of $1,250 from Stephanie Hawkinson’s eXp Realty in Geneva, Illinois and the money is being matched by Exelon’s Powering Communities program. Stephanie’s husband, Carl Hawkinson, works for Exelon and submitted the matching request through the Exelon CyberGrants website.

In April, Stephanie contacted Yoli-President of AAFH and asked if her family could volunteer to assemble the Alyssa Starter Art Kits once all the needed art materials were purchased with the funds they donated.

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Board Member, Mary Jane Johnson, helped Yoli set-up before the Hawkinson family came to the Alvin Residence. It was a hot Saturday afternoon, when the Hawkinson family – Stephanie, Carl and their children: John, Emily & Ben arrived to assemble 200 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) which included 100 paint kits; 50 acrylics, 50 watercolors and 100 coloring book kits.

Stephanie supports not-for-profit organizations in our community by finding charities who provide various programs for children in need.

We are grateful to Stephanie and her family who believe in the healing power of art for the young patients going through life-threatening diseases. Small businesses, like Stephanie’s eXp Realty, are who help us continue bringing joy and hope to teens and young adult patients every day through our music and art programs.

We thank Stephanie and her family for preparing the 200 Alyssa SAKs and wish them a wonderful summer & successful business year!

Professional Art for Inaaya

A delivery of fine line black pens, watercolor paints, watercolor paper, canvas, scrapbook materials, paint brushes, art apron, and art rolling cart was made to Inaaya Shariq at her home in Naperville, Illinois on Monday, May 17, 2021.

Her mom-Nida and her dad received Inaaya’s gift from Yoli – Alyssa’s mom and President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH).

Inaaya is 12 years old and has been receiving treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital since October 2020 when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Inaaya likes to paint, make cards, watch Tik Tok videos and Marvel superhero movies. She also likes to read fantasy books. She is in 6th grade in the Naperville Middle School District.

When she was admitted to Lurie’s, Inaaya heard about AAFH from Willow Messier, Art Therapist, who also worked with Alyssa when she was there. Two weeks ago, Inaaya submitted her gift request through the AAFH website. Her mom and dad were very appreciative for the delivery of the professional art materials to help Inaaya get through this difficult period.

We are grateful to share Alyssa’s creative passion for art and music with other young patients who are undergoing their cancer treatment and provide them with hope and creative outlets.

100 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) Delivered to Shriners & RMH in Florida

On Wednesday, April 28, George Alvin, Vice-President of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and Carmen Alvin, Alyssa’s Grandmother, delivered 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, Florida. George met with Jamie Pirone who received the Alyssa SAKs donation on behalf of Tara Paustian from Child Life for the teens and young adult patients.

Another delivery of 50 Alyssa SAKs was made to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) East near All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg, Florida. George and Carmen met with Karen Mathews, RMH Manager. Karen received a variety of art kits: adult coloring book kits, drawing kits, gel pen art kits, journal kits, acrylic and watercolor art kits.

The art materials allow the young patients to be creative and express themselves in a fun way while being treated for their illnesses. We are always happy to provide these fun starter art kits in memory of our precious daughter, Alyssa, who exhibited a great passion for art, music and life.

We thank our donors for making this possible!

Alyssa Starter Art Kits to Lurie Children’s Hospital – Chicago, IL

A donation of 55 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Giuseppina Impellizzeri, Art Therapist, on Friday, March 12, 2021.  Guiseppina was very happy to receive this delivery of art kits that the Art Therapy staff will be giving to the young patients going through cancer journey or other life-threatening illnesses.  The Alyssa SAKs included an assortment of Coloring kits, Journals, Drawing kits, Copic Marker kits, Watercolor and Acrylic Paint kits. 

 Lurie’s is where Alyssa was treated and where our foundation began its first donations of art kits.  It is where Alyssa learned that in addition to her strong musical talent, she had other untapped artistic skills.  Working with Lurie’s Art Therapists, Willow Messier was an important part of Alyssa’s treatment and allowed her creative expression during a time of great health challenges.

 Alyssa’s experiences there helped shape the mission of our foundation and we are grateful to be able to carry on our message of hope with other young patients going through their medical journey.

Bass Guitar Delivered to Diane - Aurora, IL

An electric bass guitar and amplifier was delivered to Diane Ruiz at her home in Aurora, IL on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Diane is a 16-year-old high school student who heard about our foundation while being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

When we made our delivery to Diane, we got to meet her Mom, Dad, and younger brother. We were also able to share an Alyssa Starter Art Kit of copic markers and drawing paper with Diane and her family. She was very happy to receive our gifts and told us that she had been playing the ukulele for some time but was interested in learning a new musical instrument.

The deliveries we sometimes make to the children’s homes remind us that a cancer diagnosis powerfully impacts not only the individual but their entire family and circle of loved ones. It is impactful to see the excitement created when their gift requests are honored as we present the gifts.

Of course, Alyssa is always at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we fulfill the mission of the foundation and remember her passion for music, the arts and life itself.

Jack’s Electric Keyboard Is Delivered While at RMH in Chicago, IL

Jack, an 18-year-old, accompanied by his mom, Melissa received his electric keyboard on Sunday, March 7, 2021. Jack was happy to receive his keyboard as he requested it through our website only 2 weeks prior to the delivery.

Jack was diagnosed approximately two months ago with Ewing’s sarcoma and is being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Jack and his mom arrived at the Ronald McDonald House a day before his medical treatment and was surprised to receive his electric keyboard.

Jack not only received the keyboard, but also a stand and bench so that he can comfortably play after plugging in the keyboard. Jack is a self-taught guitarist with a love for classic rock. He entertains his 3 older sisters by playing their requests and his Mom and Dad enjoy listening to him perform songs from their era too.

Jack became aware of AAFH through Jessica King, a staff member at Lurie’s where Alyssa herself had been treated. It was during Alyssa’s treatments we learned young patients not have ready access to the art materials and musical instruments that Alyssa loved. These things were critically important to Alyssa in her everyday life, and she wanted to continue her creative pursuits during her treatments.

RMH in Chicago is a special place as there is a full-size brick with two images of Alyssa’s love for playing her grand piano at home and her violin on the rooftop of this Ronald McDonald house.

AAFH loves to bring joy to youth who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The smiles elicited from recipients like Jack let us know that we are fulfilling our mission.

50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, IL

Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were received by Mia DeRoin, Child Life Specialist in the PEDS/PICU department at CDH hospital on Friday, March 5, 2020. The art kits will be given to young people going through life-threatening illnesses. There were an assortment of Alyssa SAKs including coloring book kits, journal kits, copic marker kits, assorted color pencils kits, watercolor and acrylic paint kits.

Mia shared that a young cancer patient remembered the beautiful art package given to her from Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and had a great time using the art materials while in treatment.

We have learned that these kits are truly appreciated by the young patients who are happy to have the creative outlet while facing serious health challenges. It allows them to express themselves and let go of their concerns while making something beautiful that they and their families can cherish.

We are very happy to provide these small gifts in memory of our precious daughter, Alyssa, and her passion for art, music, and life.

Make a Donation or buy Art Aprons & Musical Face Masks to Support AAFH

Please order aprons and/or musical face mask and support Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope. Each purchase directly supports the AAFH’s mission. Click here to go directly to our website Store!

Aprons are not just for art but can be worn while cooking or grilling at home! Each apron is white and includes an embroidered Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope logo on the front. The aprons are available for purchase for $25 each. Musical face masks are available for purchase at $18 per mask. All prices include S&H.

Special thanks go to Dra. Martha Juarez and Roxanne Polyakov for their generosity in donating the AAFH logo aprons and musical face masks, respectively.

Our efforts go towards fulfilling the mission of AAFH by bringing hope and joy to young people facing life-threatening illnesses. We accomplish this by providing them with art materials to express their creative side, musical instruments or headphones to learn or simply listen to music they enjoy.

These are the activities that our Alyssa enjoyed so much, and we are grateful for the opportunity to carry on her spirit through the Foundation's work with your support.

Alyssa's Family drop-off Art Kits to Rush & Lurie Children’s Hospital

Alyssa’s cousins Rachel Guerrero and Daniel Guerrero-Board member of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) made a delivery of 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Meg Pairitz, Certified Child Life Specialist at Rush Children’s Hospital on Monday, November 23,2020. It was a special day because Rachel, who works at Rush, was able to take her lunch period to join Daniel in delivering the Alyssa SAKs.

On the same day, 50 SAKs were delivered to Willow Messier, Art Therapist at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago by Yoli – Alyssa’s mom and President of AAFH. Willow shared stories of Alyssa’s love for art and she remembers working on art projects with our precious, Alyssa, during her stay at Lurie’s. Willow continues to provide guidance on the specific art materials that should go into the Alyssa Starter Art Kits.

Our mission is to give hope and provide outlets for creative expression through art and music for young patients dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. As you can see, Alyssa’s inspiration continues to bring our family, friends, and others together in Alyssa’s memory.

RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital Received 80 Alyssa Starter Art Kits

Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House near Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Friday, November 20, 2020.

On this sunny day, Mardelle Gundlach, House Director at this RMH, received our delivery of art kits along with her assistant, Ian. The SAKs included nature-themed coloring books, watercolor and acrylic paint kits, drawing kits and journaling kits. It’s always great to see Mardelle and this was our first-time meeting Ian. They both understand how impactful the art kits are to the young adult patients who are facing life-threatening illnesses.

We remember how important it was for our daughter, Alyssa, to continue pursuing her lifelong love for art and music while she was undergoing her own cancer treatment. We are thankful to be able to share the spirit of hope with other young patients and their families.

Giving Tuesday - Buy AAFH Swag or Donate to Support Alyssa's Foundation

How can you help support our charity this holiday season? Buy face masks, art aprons, snowflake jewelry and other products such as water bottles (BPA-free & eco friendly), Alyssa’s framed Geisha collage, t-shirts & caps to help us continue the art and music programs. By doing so you will be supporting our gift recipient program which we offer to children and young adult patients going through their cancer or life-threatening illnesses. Click here to place your order. Or Donate. Thank you for your support!

We offer four different music-themed face masks available for $18 each. We are also offering art aprons that can be worn when creating your art projects or even when cooking. The apron is white and has the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope logo embroidered on the front. The aprons were made in Guadalajara, Mexico by the Tanyre Uniformes company and are available for $25 each.

These are just some examples of what we are offering on our website Store. All items are one of a kind and of limited supply. Please order your preferred item or items from our Store for yourself or as Christmas gifts and support Alyssa’s Foundation. The price for all items include Shipping & Handling.

Our efforts are focused on bringing hope and joy to children and young adult patients facing grave illnesses and with your help we can expand our reach to more who are in need.

Inpatient Oncology patients at Northwestern Hospital Received Alyssa Starter Art Kits

40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

The delivery was received by Alex Kwait, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works within the Inpatient Oncology at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, IL. Alex works with a wide variety of cancer patients there. She made a point of saying how important the art kits are at a time when visits are severely restricted due to the corona virus.

The Alyssa SAKs donated were a combination of Journal and Drawing Kits, Nature-Themed Coloring books as well as Watercolor and Acrylic Paint Kits. These kits are designed to allow young people of different skill levels to immediately begin expressing themselves by creating art. This type of therapeutic activity helped our daughter, Alyssa, discover another facet of her own creative spirit at a time when she was facing her health challenges.

Alyssa’s love for art and music continue to inspire our efforts and we are happy to share our gift of Hope.

Mary Jane Johnson - AAFH Board Member Delivered Art Kits to Rush Copley & Marionjoy

Rush Copley Cancer Center (RCCC) in Aurora, IL received Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from Mary Jane Johnson, Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) Board member. Mary Jane met Laura Rollins, Oncology Social Worker, who took delivery of 40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs). The delivery included 5 different types of Alyssa SAKs – acrylics, watercolors, nature-themed coloring books, drawing and journal kits.

Marionjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL received 40 of Alyssa SAKs on Friday, November 13, 2020 from Mary Jane Johnson, AAFH Board member. She met Mary Dorner who is a Pediatric Program Coordinator there. Mary Jane said they were very appreciative to receive the art kits.

These art kits will be given to children and young adults undergoing treatments for cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Both Laura and Mary told Mary Jane that they are excited to give the young patients one of Alyssa’s Starter Art Kits.

Copic Markers Make Jessica Happy

A delivery of 36 Copic markers and paper was made to Jessica (likes to be called Jess) at her home in LaGrange Park, Illinois on Sunday, November 15, 2020. Her mom-Cathy and dad-Dave also came outside to watch Jess receive her gift from Yoli – AAFH President.

Jess is 19 years old and has been receiving treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital since October 2020 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Jess is a huge musical theater fan. She was a member of a community theater group from 5th grade to high school. She was also a choir member at her high school for all 4 years. Now she is pursuing a college degree in Industrial Design.

When she was admitted to Lurie’s, Jess heard about AAFH from Anna Nannicelli and was excited to submit her gift request through our website. Due to Covid19 pandemic, live theater and concerts have shut down and Jess cannot continue her theater experience. Jess would love Copic markers to help her get through this difficult period. After the delivery, Jess’ mom, Cathy said, “You made her day and bless you for all you do”.

We are grateful to share Alyssa’s creative passion for art and music with other young adult patients who are undergoing their cancer treatments and providing them with hope and creative outlets.

Volunteers Prepared 350 Alyssa Starter Art Kits

Alyssa’s family and friends volunteered to create 350 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) in support of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH). Girls Scout Troop #75524 led by Troop Leader Kate Krumdick assembled nature-themed coloring book kits. The Girl Scout volunteers included: Caroline K., Declyn T., Emma H., Hanna B., Jordyn M., Marilyn D., and Alyssa's cousin Olivia G. During a zoom session, Yoli explained the mission of Alyssa’s foundation to the girl Scout’s before they began their volunteer event. The Girls Scouts assembled 50 SAKs at Olivia’s home in Lockport, IL on Sunday, October 18, 2020. Olivia’s parents, Adrienne, and Rick & sister-Katie, were also instrumental in helping the Girls Scout Troop complete this volunteer effort.

On November 18, 2020, Olivia, Katie and Adrienne Guerrero - Alyssa’s Cousins, delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits to the RMH near Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. It was a pretty cold afternoon yet they enjoyed volunteering their time to bring joy to young cancer patients through our art packages that will be available to them when they stay at this RMH.

Alexis Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin, assembled 50 acrylic kits at her apartment on the northside of Chicago on October 16, 2020.

Mary Hansen, Alexis’ grandmother, assembled 100 journal kits at her home in Chicago on October 5, 2020.

Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin and AAFH board member, assembled 50 watercolor kits at his home in Chicago’s Canaryville neighborhood on September 30, 2020.

Mary Jane Johnson, Alyssa’s high school counselor and AAFH board member assembled 50 drawing and 50 journal kits at her home in Geneva, IL on September 15, 2020.

We appreciate everyone who volunteered their personal time to assemble the Alyssa SAKs. They were completed in time to deliver them to local hospitals across the Chicagoland area before the holidays!

A big “THANK YOU” to our volunteers in this current effort and to all volunteers who helped us during 2020.

So far, a total of 1165 Starter Art Kits have been delivered during 2020 and it is only because of YOU, our volunteers! You have our sincere gratitude.

Bringing Art to Trevor

Yoli – Alyssa’s mom & President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) welcomed Trevor’s mom, Grace, at our home in Geneva, IL on November 9, 2020. Due to Trevor not feeling well, Grace received Trevor’s gift request of professional art materials including a portfolio to put all his art materials which is photographed with Alyssa’s geisha collage.

Trevor learned of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope through Kate at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital located in Park Ridge, IL.

While receiving treatment at Lutheran General, Trevor received one of Alyssa’s Starter Art Kits and was excited to draw art with the kit. Katie told Trevor of our Gift Recipient program and submitted his gift request for professional art materials from AAFH.

Grace shared with Yoli that Alyssa’s SAK really helped Trevor and that he has been using his art materials since he received it. Trevor lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with his family and cannot wait to receive his professional art package so he can continue creating more art.

We could not think of a better way to share Alyssa’s love of art with another young patient. The happiness of our recipients is a wonderful reminder that we are fulfilling the mission of Alyssa’s Foundation and giving Hope to the gift recipients.

100 Alyssa SAKs Delivered to Central DuPage & Edward Children’s Hospitals

Mary Jane Johnson, board member of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Edward Children’s Hospital in Naperville, Illinois on Monday, November 2, 2020. She met Nicolas Anderson, who is the new child life staff member of the Ronald McDonald Family Room located within Edward Hospital. He is excited to give the Alyssa SAKs to children staying at this hospital.

On Thursday, October 21, 2020, Mary Jane delivered another 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the Central DuPage Children’s Hospital (CDH) in Winfield, Illinois. The delivery was received by Mia Deroin, Child Life Specialist from the PEDS/PICU department.

Mia shared with Mary Jane that the children at the hospital have been benefiting creatively by having our incredible Alyssa SAKs made available to them when they visit the hospital for their cancer treatments. Mia said, “the young patients love the acrylic, watercolor and adult coloring kits the best and we are absolutely grateful and appreciate the support you provide to us so much!”.

Alyssa’s spirit and her love for art and music continue to inspire our efforts. During this Covd-19 period, young patients and their family members are grateful and appreciative of the art materials provided by our foundation.

We are ready to serve many more young patients in the coming year!

Univision Spotlights Exelon Award Winner - Listen to Alyssa sing & play her piano

The Univision television clips, links below, aired on Nov. 9, 2020. The two clips include a video of Alyssa playing her piano and singing. The clip airing earlier in the day is a short teaser while the clip airing later in the day is the longer full story.

WGBO (UNI) – 5:20 PM)

WGBO (UNI – 10:19 PM)
A Couple of months ago, Exelon’s 2020 Powering Communities selected our AAFH President, Yolanda (Yoli) Alvin, to receive the Exelon Employee Volunteer Award of $10,000 on behalf of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH). In connection with this award, on November 6, 2020, Univision Spanish Television interviewed Yoli about the Exelon award and her work with Alyssa’s Foundation. AAFH is a charitable non-profit young adult cancer organization established in memory of Alyssa, our precious daughter.

We are grateful to be able to continue Alyssa’s legacy of love of life through her passion for music and art, the two main programs of Alyssa’s Foundation.

Music & Art Gifts for Young Patients at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde - Mexico

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) brought joy and hope to eight young patients at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico by fulfilling their gift requests.

In late October and early November 2020, Dra. Martha, AAFH board member, delivered headphones, guitars and an art supplies set to these eight young patients. These young patients are being treated for various cancer illnesses.

The young recipients expressed their gratitude for these gifts. However, we are most grateful for the opportunity to bring smiles to their faces and more importantly, to bring hope and a bit of joy into their lives as they go through their cancer treatments.

Left to Right: Top Row

Elizabeth Guadalupe - Esmeralda Maribel - Jesús Miguel - Jonathan Ricardo

Bottom Row

Jose Ramón - Liliana Monserrat - Luis Everardo - Crispín Alejandro