Volunteers Prepare 620 Alyssa Starter Art Kits

Volunteers from Chicagoland areas assembled 620 Alyssa Starter Art Kits -2nd Quarter 2021

April

Mary & Mike Hansen from Chicago’s south side picked up art materials to assemble 200 adult coloring books and gathered two of their grandchildren, Emily, and Nathan Nelson, who had fun volunteering for this fun project!

Nancy Nunez, Alyssa’s Godmother, from Berwyn, IL along with her twin niece-Leylani Rivera and nephew-Sony Rivera assembled 100 drawing kits.

May

Nadia Tourjman from Chicago’s north side assembled 100 journal kits and has been a regular volunteer for the last 5 years.

Adrienne, Olivia & Katie, Alyssa’s cousins, from Lockport, IL assembled 50 paint kits: 25 acrylic and 25 watercolor kits and have participated in many of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope events over the last 7 years.

June

Hiba Yaso, with assistance from her Mom from Chicago’s north side, assembled 50 journal kits.

July

Five Herrera sisters from Calumet City, IL and St. John, IN assembled 120 journal kits. Photographed are Otilia, Audelia, Mago, Rosas and Marina.

All our volunteers believe in the healing power of art and are happy to prepare the Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) which are intended for children and young adults going through their own medical journey at local hospitals across the communities we serve.

AAFH thanks everyone for their time and commitment in keeping Alyssa’s legacy of helping other young patients with life-threatening illnesses.

100 Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to CDH Hospital & Proton Center

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 80 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the Central DuPage Children’s Hospital in Winfield, Illinois and 20 Alyssa SAKs to the Chicago Proton Center on Thursday, July 08, 2021.

The delivery of 100 Alyssa SAKs was received by Mia DeRoin - PEDS/PICU Child Life Specialist. Mia will deliver the 20 Alyssa SAKs to Saige at Proton Center in Warrenville, IL.

Mia, said, “the young patients and their families at CDH Children’s hospital have been really benefiting from utilizing the incredible Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) provided by your foundation. They love the acrylic, watercolor, and adult coloring kits the best. We are absolutely grateful and appreciate the support you provide to our young patients and families”.

We know that the entire Child Life Team will do great work with the teens and young adult oncology patients that they serve at CDH Children’s Hospital & Chicago Proton Center.

Alyssa’s spirit and her love for art and music continue to inspire our efforts. We look forward to serving more young patients in the second half of this year.

80 Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Advocate Children’s Hospital

Julie Przeslicke and Lori Mackey, Music & Art Therapy Team Members, received the Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) from Yoli – President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope on Monday, July 5, 2021.

80 Alyssa SAKs comprised of 7 different mediums were delivered to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The art mediums included ocean themed coloring book kits, acrylic paint kits, colored pencil kits, drawing kits, journal kits, marker kits and watercolor paint kits.

Julie and Lori are very appreciative of AAFH’s annual donation of these SAKs made available for young adult patients who are eager to work with a variety of art materials.

Alyssa’s love for the arts and music lives on to give other young adult patients the opportunity to express themselves as they go through their own cancer journey.

This puts smiles on the cancer patients’ faces and it gives them hope to continue living and we are glad we can be a part of their journey.

Delivery of Alyssa Starter Art Kits to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab - Chicago

Natalie Bilynsky, Recreation Therapist at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in downtown Chicago received our donation of 75 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) from Yoli Alvin – President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The Alyssa SAKs are available at no cost to young patients undergoing treatment and therapy for a life-threatening illness. The Ability Lab, formerly known as the Rehabilitation Center, is where Alyssa was treated before the new facility opened.

We delivered an assortment of 7 different Alyssa SAKs including ocean themed coloring book kits, colored pencil kits, journal kits, drawing kits, marker kits, watercolor paint kits and acrylic paint kits. We make every effort to provide various types of creative expression options that might appeal to teens and young adults patients with different interests, talents, and abilities.

It was over a year ago that we last made a delivery to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Natalie seemed to immediately grasp what Alyssa’s Foundation is all about. She expressed how the healing process is a team effort involving medical staff, family members and therapists to mention only a few.

We are very happy to provide these opportunities to the young adult patients we serve in Alyssa’s memory.

Deklyn Receives His Acoustic Guitar

Deklyn was diagnosed with ALL B-cell SR HR 18 months ago in November 2020 when he was 9 years old. He lives in Aurora, Illinois with his family. We heard about Deklyn from Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) in Winfield, Illinois where he is being treated for his medical condition.

Yoli drove to Deklyn’s home in Aurora to present him with the new Lucida classical acoustic guitar and guitar a bag on Sunday, June 27, 2021. The acoustic guitar was purchased at Instrument Exchange who is a Sponsor of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH).

Deklyn learned about AAFH when he was admitted at CDH. He loves to listen to music and doing crafts. He likes to be creative and try new things. Deklyn is ready to begin learning how to play the guitar when he is at either CDH getting his treatments or at his home.

Deklyn’s mom, Jennifer said, " Deklyn is very happy and excited with his new guitar”. Jennifer is grateful to the AAFH for the generous guitar donation.

Dra. Martha Delivers Gifts to Kimberly and Marlen

Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH), presented Kimberly, a 16-year-old, and Marlen, an 18-year-old, with gifts they had requested from the AAFH. Both young patients received headphones to listen to their favorite music in June 2021.

Kimberly and Marlen are being treated at Hospital Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico for leukemia. We are thankful to Dra. Martha for bringing hope and joy to Kimberly and Marlen as they go through their chemo treatments.

Kimberly - Headphones Marlen - Headphones

Dra. Alma Delivers Gifts to Nine Young Patients at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara

Dra. Alma presented gifts of art and music on behalf of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) to 9 young patients at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca” in 2nd Quarter of 2021.

Each of the young patients (ages 12-17) are being treated for a life-threatening illness and are grateful to be a recipient of either music/art gifts from AAFH.

Alyssa’s experiences helped shape the mission of Alyssa’s Foundation and we carry on the message of hope with other young patients going through their medical journey.

We thank Dra. Alma for her continued efforts and collaboration with AAFH to connect with young cancer patients through our gift program of music and art.

Left to Right

Esmeralda - Art Kit Jose Manuel - Keyboard Luis - Guitar Nancy - Keyboard

Left to Right

Salvador - Headphones Samantha - Keyboard Sofia - Art Kit Vanessa - Guitar

Violeta - Art Kit

La Fiesta de Musica 2021

The annual La Fiesta de Musica fundraising event to benefit the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) was held at the Green St. Grille in Bensenville, IL on Sunday, June 13, 2021.  Our guests enjoyed some delicious food and refreshing beverages provided by our sponsor/owner, Michael Munro.

A dozen vaccinated attendees came to support our cause and to watch live the 3 prize raffle drawings. It was a huge success with all tickets sold prior to the fundraiser. Several AAFH board members and officers attended the event: Dr. Martha Juarez (Board Member), Carmen Ziegler (Board Member), Daniel Guerrero (Board Member), George Alvin (AAFH VP) and Yoli Alvin (AAFH President).

There were 3 main raffle prize winners. The grand prize, an Apple iPad Air, was won by Lenny Trevino from Boca Raton, Florida. The second-place cash prize of $300 was won by Saul Acevedo from Chicago, Illinois. The third place cash prize of $200 was won by Roxie Polyakov from Lincolnshire, Illinois. 

Our attendees also participated in several smaller raffle items which included $25 gift certificates from the Green St. Grille.  Our thanks to Michael Munro who generously donated the gift certificates for the Green St. Grille.

 All our efforts are in fulfilling the AAFH mission to bring hope and joy for young patients facing life-threatening illnesses. AAFH offers the young patients art materials and musical equipment to express their creative side.  These are the activities that our Alyssa enjoyed so much while on her cancer journey, and we are grateful to carry on her spirit through the Foundation's mission.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Donated to RMH near Lurie Children’s Hospital

A delivery of 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) was made to the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Friday, June 11, 2021.

April Hudson, the RMH Manager received drawing, acrylic, watercolor, journal and coloring book kits from Alyssa’s parents George and Yoli (AAFH officers) and Dr. Martha Juarez (AAFH Board member) along with her two children, Nayeli and Hugo.

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.

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. Alyssa is fondly remembered through a memorial brick on the roof of the RMH.

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.