Young Patients Receive Their Gifts in Hospital Civil Guadalajara

July 21, 2022 brought many joyous moments to nineteen young patients at both Hospital Civil Alcalde and Hospital Civil Menchaca. Gifts of music and art were presented to these young patients by Dra. Martha and Dra. Alma. The majority of the gifts were delivered at a special presentation held at Hospital Civil Alcalde in recognition of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope’s gift donations in the past and for these current young patient recipients.

We owe much gratitude to both Dras. Martha and Alma for their selfless efforts in identifying and bringing eligible young patients to our attention. AAFH wants to bring joy and a smile to the young faces of these patients in knowing they are not alone in fighting their life threatening illnesses.

Please help us continue our mission of providing hope and joy to young patients going through their own journey of trying to regain their health from life threatening illnesses. Donate today by clicking here.

Gift Recipients

Left to Right Top to Bottom

Christian 19 y/o Art Supplies - Cristofer 10 y/o Art Supplies - Areli 9 y/o Guitar - Andrea 15 y/o Keyboard

Fidel 15 y/o Guitar - Erick 21 y/o Keyboard - Jaime 16 y/o Guitar - Luis Eduardo 17 y/o Keyboard

Jaziel 17 y/o Guitar - Carlos 12 y/o Guitar - Luis Fernando17 y/o Headphones - Vanessa 18 y/o Art Supplies

Dorian 23 y/o Guitar - Fernanda 14 y/o Art Supplies - Roxana 14 y/o Guitar - Cielo 17 y/o Ukelele

Karol 17 y/o Art Supplies - Daila 8 y/o Art Supplies - Martin 19 y/o Guitar

Philanthropic Recognition of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope at Hospital Civil - Guadalajara, Jalisco

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) brought joy and hope to many young patients by fulfilling their gift requests at Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

July is a special month for us as Alyssa was born on July 23 and began her eternal life in July 2014. In celebration of Alyssa’s life, Dra. Martha Juarez, AAFH Board member surprised us by having conchas imprinted with Alyssa’s name and her kind heart logo. Conchas are a Mexican sweet bread that are eaten for breakfast or as a dessert after lunch or dinner meals.

The recognition event was held in the Dr. Horacio Padilla Munoz Auditorium of Hospital Civil. In attendance to present the philanthropic award to AAFH was Dr. Rafael Santana Ortiz, Director del Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde and Dr. Juan Manuel Rodriguez Lizola, Director Medico del Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”. These two hospitals are in the center of Guadalajara and about 15 minutes away from each other. Both serve Oncology and Hematology young patients.

Mtra. Teresita Villasenor Cabrera, Head of Neuropsicología at Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde” presented Dra. Martha Juarez with a recognition award for her continued psychological care of the young patients and her dedication to Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope.

Dra. Martha Juarez, from Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde & Dra. Alma Delgadillo from Hospital Civil Juan I. Menchaca delivered a variety of musical instruments such as guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, headphones and professional art kits to patients being treated at the old and new Hospitales Civiles.

Yoli shared stories of Alyssa’s medical journey and her courage, strength and love of music and art. Each gift recipient was called up to the front of the auditorium to receive their gifts of musical instruments, headphones and professional art kits. All the young patients expressed their gratitude for their gifts.

We are grateful to bring a smile to the faces of all these young patients. If you want to bring joy & hope to a young patient, please click here to donate. Thank you for your donations!

YOUNG PATIENTS RECEIVE THEIR GIFTS AT HOSPITAL CIVIL DE GUADALAJARA

In the months of May & June 2022, Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH), delivered gifts to five young patients at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. Prior to these deliveries, Dra. Martha delivered gifts to three young patients at Hospital Civil in January 2022.

We hope these young patients enjoy their gifts as they undergo treatments for the life threatening illnesses they each face.

We are thankful to Dra. Martha for the love and care she brings to all these young patients and the many other children being treated for life threatening illnesses at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

January Gift Recipients

Guadalupe 11 year-old - Keyboard Juan Pablo 22 year-old - Guitar Mariana 16 year-old - Art Supplies

May & June Gift Recipients

Daniela 21 year-old - Headphones Eduardo 15 year-old - Headphones Jose 17 year-old - Guitar

May & June Gift Recipients

Juan Daniel 17 year-old - Art Supplies Natalia 21 year-old - Headphones

Alyssa SAKs Donated to RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital Chicago

50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) delivered to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago on June 2, 2022. The assorted art materials included ocean coloring kits, journal kits, drawing kits, colored pencil kits and watercolor art kits. The Alyssa SAKs were accepted by Alex Keane, House Manager, at this RMH.

Most of the facilities we donate to have been receiving Alyssa SAKs for several years. Many of the facilities have also hosted AAFH for art and/or music events that we conducted before Covid restrictions were put into place. We are gratified to know that the kits we continue to donate are still appreciated and helps us in keeping the legacy of Alyssa’s love for the arts alive.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago

50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago on June 2, 2022. The assorted art materials included ocean coloring, kits, journal kits, drawing kits, colored pencil kits and watercolor art kits. Paulina Lopez, Child Life Therapist, accepted the Alyssa SAKs.

Paulina made a point of saying how much the young people love the art kits and how quickly the hospital goes through them. This kind of feedback reminds us of the importance of providing hope and a creative outlet to young patients facing life-threatening illnesses.

Your donation continues to foster love by these young patients for the arts and music that meant so much to Alyssa.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center

50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were donated to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Loyola University Medical Center in Hines, IL. on May 26, 2022. The Alyssa SAKs included nature coloring books, journal kits, drawing kits, colored pencil kits and watercolor paint kits.

The SAKs were received by Westyn Harber, on staff with this RMH. Over the years, we have had many opportunities to work with the staff here and have many fond memories of interacting with the young patients and their families.

We have witnessed the joy that comes over the young patients staying at the RMH as they immerse themselves in creating the artwork which often becomes a treasured piece for their family to cherish.

We are grateful to be able to serve these patients and their families in memory of our daughter, Alyssa.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Loyola University Medical Center

A donation of 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) was made to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The Alyssa SAKs included nature coloring books, journal kits, drawing kits, colored pencil kits and watercolor paint kits.

The art kits were accepted by Molly Briody, Child Life Specialist, and her colleagues, Kerri Arvidsen and Ashley Bednarek at Loyola. The team was very happy to receive the kits and told us how much their young patients enjoy them.

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope was created to provide art and music gifts to young patients between 10-21 years. These gifts foster a creative outlet for these young patients facing life-threatening illnesses.

We saw first-hand how our young daughter Alyssa was able to benefit by pursuing musical and artistic activities during her own cancer journey. We are thrilled to carry on Alyssa’s legacy today and provide hope to other young patients and their families.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Donated to Delnor Hospital in Geneva

On a beautiful afternoon on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Yoli Alvin -President of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) met with Jeanine Huelsman, Oncology Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) at the Cancer Center at Delnor Hospital - NW Medicine to deliver a donation of 30 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs).

Alyssa went to Delnor Hospital for a few medical treatments during her battle with cancer, and we are happy to give these SAKs to young patients being treated at Delnor.

The AAFH 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.

Alyssa’s inspiration continues to bring other young patients the opportunity to experience with different art mediums like watercolor and acrylic paint kits, coloring book kits, and journal packages.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

AAFH Holds 2022 Annual Fiesta de Musica Fundraiser

On Sunday, May 22nd, 2022, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its annual Fiesta de Musica fundraiser. The event was held at the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, IL.

The last few years we have held a Big Raffle at the Fiesta de Musica event and we successfully have sold all the raffle tickets prior to the event. The 1st prize Winner of $1000 was Sherry Kushibab from St. Charles, IL. The 2nd prize winner of $500 was Dan Carocci from Chicago, IL. The 3rd prize winner of the Apple Watch was Mary Hansen from Algonquin, IL.

Attending guests also participated in gift basket raffles held during the event. These gift baskets were donated by local businesses in the Geneva community. Guests at the fundraiser enjoyed free appetizers, soft drinks, and entertainment by a live musical duo.

This year’s musical entertainment was especially memorable because one of the performers, Katie O’Brien, was the first ever recipient of the Geneva High School scholarship Award of $1,000. Katie was joined by her older brother and guitarist, Danny, in singing popular songs written by the Beatles, Neil Young, and the Fleet Foxes among other artists. When they began their beautiful harmonies, a hush fell over the crowd.

At the event, we also gave special recognition to one of our AAFH Board members, Mary Jane Johnson, who spearheaded the new Scholarship Program for Geneva High School (GHS) Seniors who are pursuing degrees in music and art. Mary Jane was Alyssa’s counselor while she attended GHS and she remains an extraordinary friend and dedicated Board member.

Many thanks go out to all our donors, volunteers, family, and friends who bought raffle tickets in support of our mission to provide opportunities for teens and young adults who wish to explore their interests in music and visual arts while undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. These creative pursuits were Alyssa’s passions, and we honor her legacy with every act of the foundation done in her memory.

Special thanks to Mike Munro for hosting our fundraiser at his restaurant, Green Street Grille. Please check out and support all our generous donors listed on our website.

If you were not able to make it and want to donate to bring joy and hope to other patients, please click HERE

2022 Scholarship Program Launched at Geneva High School

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) launched the 2022 Geneva High School Scholarship Program spearheaded by Mary Jane Johnson, AAFH Board Member. Alyssa was in the 2013 graduating class of GHS. Mary Jane Johnson was Alyssa’s counselor during her 4 years at GHS.

Music was a huge part of Alyssa’s life, and her talent and passion was evident to anyone who heard her play. Alyssa played piano for over 10 years and the violin for 8 years. She was also part of the GHS Orchestra and the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. Alyssa would continue to play her instruments throughout the years of her difficult cancer treatments.

On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Carmen Ziegler-AAFH Board Member and Yoli Alvin-Alyssa’s mom & AAFH President presented Katharine (Katie) O’Brien with a Music Scholarship Award during the Jazz Choir Performance at GHS. Music was an integral part of Katie’s upbringing which is attributed to her mom. However, her mom passed away from cancer when Katie was 11 years old. Katie’s mom encouraged her to sing from an early age. Katie performed in the GHS Varsity and Jazz choirs while at GHS. The $1000 scholarship will be used for Katie’s music therapy studies at Western Michigan University.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Yoli attended the GHS Senior Awards 2022 at the GHS Auditorium and presented the Art Scholarship Award to Maddelena (Maddy) Baggio on behalf of AAFH. Maddy expressed her passion for art and how it has positively impacted her life. The $1000 scholarship will be used for Maddy’s graphic design and art education minor at North Central College in Naperville.

After Alyssa came out of a coma and while in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lurie Children’s Hospital, an artist worked with Alyssa and oversaw her creation of a geisha doll sketch. Alyssa completed a collage of the geisha doll from this sketch and was subsequently used as the cover art for the Annual Gallery Night invitation on Friday, June 24, 2011, to raise funds for Lurie Children’s Hospital. Alyssa’s Geisha Collage was replicated and became the center piece at this Annual Gallery Night event and was the highest bid art piece of the silent auction. Today, another replica size 18”x20” Geisha Collage is located on the 12th floor of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

We established the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope to bring the joyful gift of music and the visual arts into the lives of other young people battling cancer. We hope to reach as many young patients as possible with the support of everyone who cares to give a bit of hope and joy to these children and young adults going through their medical treatments.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Advocate Children’s Hospital - Park Ridge

Yoli Alvin, President of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope and Michael Munro, Donor & Sponsor of La Fiesta de Musica fundraising event delivered 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, IL on Friday April 29, 2022.

Michael and Yoli met with Summer Brunson, Art Therapist, who will give the Alyssa SAKs to the teens and young adult patients.

Summer interned at Advocate Children’s Hospital and became aware of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope while working alongside Katie. Summer said, “the Alyssa Starter Art Kits are very professional art kits that the teens like to receive and enjoy the high-end art materials.”

A variety of 7 different art kits were received such as coloring book kits, drawing kits, journal kits, acrylic and watercolor paint kits, marker, and colored pencil art kits. The art materials allow the young people to be creative and express themselves in a fun way while being treated for their illnesses.

We are always happy to provide these professional starter art kits in memory of our precious daughter, Alyssa, and her passion for art, music, and life.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Brayan & Paulina Receive Their Gifts in Guadalajara

On May 9, 2022, Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH), delivered a Skull Candy headphone set to Brayan, 18 years old, who is being treated for Ewing's Sarcoma at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico.

Subsequently, on May 10, 2022, Dra. Martha delivered an Art Materials Kit to Paulina, 18 years old, who is being treated for carcinoma in her knee at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

We hope these gifts allow both Ángel and Paulina to get through their treatments while listening to music and painting art, respectively.

We are thankful to Dra. Martha for the love and care she brings to these two young patients and the many other children being treated for life threatening illnesses at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

Left: Brayan

Right: Paulina

Delivery of Alyssa SAKs to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Chicago

Natalie Bilynsky and her colleague, Sarah, Recreation Therapist at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in downtown Chicago received our donation of 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) on April 22, 2022. Alyssa was treated there when it was named the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

The assorted art materials included 5 different Alyssa SAKs: coloring books, journals, drawing kits, colored pencil, and watercolor paint kits. Our hope is that these Alyssa SAKs bring fun and enjoyment to young patients undergoing treatment and therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

When Alyssa was going through her treatments for leukemia, she discovered a talent for art in addition to her existing passion for music and we are happy to provide the young patients with a creative outlet. Providing art materials allows the young patients to self-express themselves and carry on with our mission in Alyssa’s memory.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Lurie Children’s Hospital - Chicago

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 55 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Friday, April 22, 2022.

The delivery was received by Art Therapists of Children Services, Willow Messier and Giuseppina Impellizzeri. Some of you remember Willow’s name as she was one of Alyssa’s art therapists during her stay at Lurie.

Willow has been a real partner in our work since AAFH was founded. She helped us develop the appropriate materials for the art kits and continues to have suggestions for how we can improve the delivery of our services to the young patients who benefit from AAFH programs.

Even with this many years into our mission, Willow reminds us that the young patients we serve are thrilled to have the opportunity to express themselves creatively while facing life-threatening illnesses. Just as it did for our Alyssa, it provides them and their family members hope.

Alyssa’s spirit and her love for art and music continue to inspire our efforts.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Downtown Chicago

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, April 22, 2022.

This delivery was made by AAFH Board Member Daniel Guerrero, Alyssa’s cousin and Yoli-AAFH President and Alyssa’s Mom. Emmaleigh Dawson received an assortment of art kits such as drawing, acrylic paints, watercolor paints, journal and coloring book kits.

This RMH is the site where we have celebrated Alyssa’s birthday in July for the last several years. We remember the peace Alyssa felt sitting on their rooftop gazing out over Lake Michigan and we like to visit the memorial brick there that we had installed in her memory. It brings us some level of peace while also reminding us of the importance of the Foundation’s mission.

We know that Alyssa still inspires us in bringing hope to other young patients who enjoy art and music activities while they face their own life-threatening illnesses.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Come join us at La Fiesta de Musica Fundraiser -Sunday 22, 2022

Come join us on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Green Street Grille in Bensenville, IL for La Fiesta de Musica fundraising event. The event begins at 1:00PM and all funds raised will benefit the Art & Music Programs of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH). The AAFH Art & Music Programs are available to young patients between the ages of 10-21 whose lives are being impacted by life-threatening illnesses.

La Fiesta de Musica event will offer food appetizers, beverages, special music performance & raffle baskets from our supporting local merchants – Chicago Fire Water BBQ, Gia Mia/Livia Italian Eatery, Kernel’s Popcorn, Colonial Café, Elements Massage, Ekos beauty products, Bath & Body Works, Papyrus Stationary, Brighton and more!

The event is being sponsored by the Green Street Grille. We hope you take this opportunity to support our mission of bringing joy and hope to the young patients fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We look forward to seeing our supporters at the event and wish luck to all raffle participants.

Ángel Danilo Receives His Headphone Gift in Guadalajara

On April 29, 2022, Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH), delivered a Skull Candy headphone set to Ángel Danilo, 18 years old, who is being treated for Ewing's Sarcoma at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico.

We hope this gift allows Ángel to get through his treatments while listening to his favorite music.

We are thankful to Dra. Martha for the love and care she brings to Ángel and the many other children being treated for life threatening illnesses at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

Please help us continue our mission of providing hope and joy to young patients going through their own journey of trying to regain their health from life threatening illnesses. Donate today by clicking here.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits for Northwestern Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago on April 22, 2022.

Alex Kwait, a licensed Clinical Social Worker received the art kits. Alex works with the Inpatient Oncology patients at Northwestern Hospital. Alex indicated that the art kits are very important for the young patients because it gives them something to do while they are admitted there. The donated SAKs were comprised of assorted art materials included coloring book, journals, drawing kits, colored pencil kits, watercolor, and acrylic paint kits.

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 honored to carry on her legacy.

Your donations make it possible for us to bring these professional starter art kits to young patients going through their medical journey. Please donate today by clicking here.

Mary Jane Delivers 75 Alyssa SAKs to Edward Hospital & Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

Mary Jane Johnson, Board member of the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope, (AAFH) delivered 30 Alyssa SAKs to Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois on Monday, March 7, 2022. Mary Jane met Kristen Medica who is a child life specialist at Edward Hospital. Kristen is excited to give the Alyssa SAKs to children staying at this hospital.

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois received 45 of Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from Mary Jane. Monica Garcia on behalf of Mary Doerner from Childlife received a variety of art kits. The Alyssa SAKs will be given to young patients undergoing treatments for cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

Alyssa’s spirit and her love for art and music continue to inspire our efforts. Young patients and their family members are grateful and appreciative of the art materials provided by Alyssa’s foundation.

Please donate today to bring joy to a young patient’s life. Click Here to Donate! Another way you can help is to buy raffle tickets for our upcoming fundraising event in May that benefits our music & art programs. Click Here for Raffle Tickets!

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Donated to RMH near Loyola Hospital - Hines, IL

50 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Loyola Hospital in Hines, IL on January 26, 2022.  JP, a young patient & friend of Alyssa’s foundation helped Yoli to deliver the Alyssa SAKs.  JP stayed at this RMH prior to his surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago.  The Alyssa SAKs donated included coloring book kits, journal kits, drawing kits, acrylic and watercolor paint kits, pencil pads and color marker art kits.  The Alyssa SAKs were received by Ray Caphell at the RMH.

We have seen children, siblings, parents and even grandparents all enjoying the life-affirming activity of creating art together. These hopeful acts are the reason we founded AAFH to give some level of encouragement and joy during difficult times just as our daughter, Alyssa, experienced herself. We are happy to create these times of joy for other families as we honor Alyssa’s interests, talents, and spirit.

Please donate today or buy raffle tickets for our fundraising event. Funds collected will bring joy to a young patient through our music & art programs. Just click HERE to donate! Click HERE to buy raffle tickets.