Donation of Alyssa Starter Art Kits to Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 30 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University (CCC) in Chicago.

Riley Farkos, Social Worker at CCC received the SAKs. Riley works with the Inpatient Oncology patients at CCC. Riley indicated that the art kits are very important for the young patients because it gives them something fun and enjoyable to do while they are undergoing their treatments. The SAKs were comprised of drawing/pencil kits, colored pencil kits, and watercolor 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.

Donate today by clicking here DONATE.

Art Kits Donated to Hospitals & Ronald McDonald House

On January 12, 2023, deliveries of 85 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were made to 3 separate institutions: 30 to Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, IL, 30 to Shriners Hospital in Oak Park, IL, and 25 to Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Loyola University Hospital in Hines, IL. The SAKs were comprised of drawing/pencil kits, colored pencil kits, and watercolor paint kits.

The SAKs were received by Molly Briody-Child Life Specialist at Loyola University Hospital, Darlene Kelly-Director at Shriners Hospital, and Ray Campbell-House Manager at RMH near Loyola University Hospital.

The staff at these institutions are always glad to receive the SAKs and tell us how much their young patients enjoy them. They look forward to receiving more Alyssa SAKs in the future!

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope was created in recognition that young patients facing life-threatening illnesses are in need of age-appropriate art materials to provide them with creative outlets while undergoing treatment for their illnesses.

We are thrilled to continue carrying on Alyssa’s legacy and providing hope and joy to these young patients.

Donate today by clicking here DONATE.

Young Patients Receive Gifts at Hospital Civil

On January 17, 2023, Dra. Martha Juarez, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) and George Alvin, AAFH VP, delivered art and musical gifts to 3 young patients undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara (Viejo) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

One young recipient received an acoustic guitar and the other two received professional art kits. Isaac received the acoustic guitar and said he was glad he could now begin learning to play the guitar. Cesar and Maria stated they loved to draw and were grateful for the opportunity to have their own art supplies for drawing as a creative outlet.

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 DONATE.

Left to Right:

Cesar 21 y/o Art Kit

Isaac 17 y/o Guitar

Maria 20 y/o Art Kit

Hospital Civil (Viejo)

Alyssa SAKs Delivered to the RMH near Comer Children’s Hospital

30 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House near Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago on December 30, 2022. The assorted art materials included nature coloring, drawing and colored pencils art kits. Mardelle Gundlach, RMH House Director, received the Alyssa SAKs.

Mardelle is another long-time partner to our Foundation in serving young people who are facing life-threatening illnesses. We appreciate the relationships we have built with so many front-line providers like Mardelle. We are gratified to know that the SAKs continue to be enjoyed by young patients after seven years of beginning this program!

You can make a difference to help us keep the legacy of Alyssa’s love for the arts alive. Click here to DONATE to help us further our mission to provide opportunities for young patients in exploring their interests in music and the visual arts.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Donated to Edward Children’s Hospital

40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Edward Children’s Hospital in Naperville, Illinois on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

Yoli contacted Nina Sittler, Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and she shared that Alyssa’s Starter Art Kits are a big hit in the pediatric/oncology unit. Nina has been with Edward Hospital for 13 years and she informed us that the Alyssa Alvin Foundation is the only one to provide professional art materials. Westyn Garber, received our donation of Alyssa SAKs on behalf of the hospital.

These art materials will be given to young patients to express their creativity while carrying on our mission in Alyssa’s memory. These young patients and their family members are grateful and appreciate the art materials provided by our foundation.

Please click here to DONATE, if you want to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical treatment.

We wish you and your family a Happy New Year!

David de Jesús Receives His Guitar

On November 14, 2022, Dra. Martha, Board Member of The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) and Dra. Alma, delivered an acoustic guitar to David de Jesús, 11 years old, who is being treated for Leukemia at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara (Nuevo) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

We hope David will find enjoyment and hope while playing his favorite music on his new guitar.

We are thankful to both Dra. Martha and Dra. Alma for the love and care they bring to 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 DONATE.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Rush Copley Cancer Center

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to Rush Copley Cancer Center in Aurora, IL on December 20, 2022. The delivery included an assortment of art materials including coloring, drawing, colored pencils and watercolor art kits. The Alyssa SAKs were accepted by Laura Rollins, Oncology Social Worker.

Laura is another front-line worker that we have had the pleasure of working with in the past. She understands how important it is to provide hope to young people facing major health challenges. That reality was brought to the forefront for Laura when she was facing her own cancer diagnosis. We were so happy to hear from her today that she is cancer free!

Our Foundation is truly a team effort with contributions made by donors, volunteers, medical staff, therapists, and others. We value the direct support we’re able to provide to these young patients at one of the most challenging periods of their life as well as their family unit. Alyssa continues to inspire us as we help others.

Please click here DONATE if you want to be part of our efforts to provide hope to a young person facing cancer or another life-threatening illness.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital

45 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago on Monday, December 19, 2022. Various art materials were delivered including coloring, drawing, colored pencils, Copic markers and watercolor art kits. The Alyssa SAKs were accepted by Willow Messier, Art Therapist.

Willow is one of our champion advocates who brings the services that AAFH provides directly to the young patients at Lurie’s. She reminds us how impactful the Alyssa SAKs are to the children and young adults that receive them.

As the holidays are upon us, we reflect both on the joys of the season as well as the struggles the young patients face. We are grateful that we can provide a happy and creative outlet of musical instruments and professional art materials for these patients. This is the mission of our Foundation and the legacy of our daughter, Alyssa.

Please click here DONATE if you want to help provide hope to a young person facing cancer or another life-threatening illness.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to RMH near CDH Hospital

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) near Central DuPage Hospital (CDH), Winfield, IL on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. We have many memories of gift recipients who stayed at this RMH while being treated either at the Chicago Proton Center or CDH.

During this holiday season, we look forward to serving more young patients and providing them with a variety of art mediums so they too can share Alyssa’s spirit and her love for art and music.

Please click here DONATE, if you want to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical journey.

AAFH Honors Gio’s Gift Request at Comer - Chicago

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) honored an art gift request on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Giovanni Ibarra is a talented 9-year-old receiving treatment at the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. With the help of his Art Therapist, Lori Mackey, he completed his gift request for an Apple Pencil, wireless keyboard, and a $50 Apple gift card that he can use to create digital art.

Gio was recently admitted to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago for a transplant. To receive his gift, we arranged to meet Gio’s Dad, Ricardo, at Comer to deliver Gio’s Apple Pencil and wireless keyboard for use with his iPad as quickly as possible.

Ricardo came down to meet us in front of Comer hospital due to guests not being allowed to enter the hospital. Once Ricardo got back to Gio’s hospital room, he took a photo and emailed it to us. You can see that Gio’s smile says it all.

We hope Gio enjoys creating art on his iPad with his new devices and wish him all the best in his treatment and recovery.

This holiday season, please click here DONATE to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical treatment.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) delivered 40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) to the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn on December 6, 2022. Assorted art materials delivered included coloring, drawing, pencil and watercolor art kits. The Alyssa SAKs were accepted by Lori Mackey, Art Therapist.

Lori remains one of our greatest ‘front line field generals’ in promoting AAFH and our art and music programs directly to young patients. In addition to distributing our art kits, Lori looks for young patients who show a deeper interest in art or music. Lori directs them and/or assists them with our website where individuals can request a personalized gift of art materials a musical instrument or a headphone set for listening to their favorite music.

When our daughter, Alyssa, was hospitalized during her cancer treatments, she discovered a previously untapped interest and talent for the visual arts. Alyssa had already been an established talent in music showing great promise on the violin and piano. As part of her own recovery, though, she was encouraged by a child life therapist who gradually opened Alyssa’s passion for art. The hope that her art and music generated during her cancer journey inspired us to create our Foundation in her memory.

We are forever grateful to the therapists who work alongside the medical staff in the healing process for the patients we serve. Please click here DONATE if you want to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical treatment.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

AAFH Participates in the Yuletide Festival at Geneva High School

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) set up a table at this event with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for our gift giving programs on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

While selling homemade jewelry, musical notes masks, and copies of artwork created by Alyssa, we shared with attendees the college scholarships available to GHS seniors majoring in art and music. Information was also shared regarding our art and music gift recipient programs available to children and young adults facing life-threatening illnesses.

Between performances that evening, Band Director, Neal Shipton and two student officers of the Tri-M Chapter presented AAFH with money raised from their chapter membership. The selflessness and generosity that this demonstrated was a powerful statement of the sense of community that Geneva High School and AAFH share. We want to thank Mr. Shipton for his invitation to the high school and the school’s support of our Foundation in Alyssa’s memory.

Even more impactful that evening was getting the chance to see a teacher and fellow parent while Alyssa attended Geneva High School, Mr. Brian Burns. Brian and Yoli got a chance to share some memories of their respective daughters who were classmates and dear friends growing up.

And the best surprise of all was to see Brian’s daughter, Renner, who is now also teaching at Geneva High School! Yoli and Renner laughed, cried, hugged, and reminisced over memories of Alyssa and caught up on each other’s present activities. It was wonderful to see one of Alyssa’s school friends blossom into such a beautiful and caring young woman.

The evening was a huge fundraising success and important on many other levels as well. As many of you know, last year was the first time that AAFH granted $1,000 scholarships to two GHS seniors pursuing college degrees in the fields of art and music.

This year we wanted to personally encourage GHS seniors to apply for the scholarship program and the Yuletide Festival provided the perfect opportunity to do so. It was a great pleasure to meet and get re-acquainted with GHS staff including the music directors Pat Frederick, Krista Halvorson, Jessica Heinrich, Neil Shipton and school principal Tom Rogers.

Thanks go out to all the wonderful attendees at the GHS holiday music festival who purchased items to support our mission and gift giving programs.

This holiday season, please click here DONATE to make a difference in a young person’s life going through their medical treatment.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) Delivered to Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, Jalisco

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) brought joy and hope to many young adult patients at Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde in Guadalajara on Thursday, October 20, 2022.

AAFH Board Members: Dra. Martha Juarez, from Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde & Carmen Ziegler from Glen Ellyn, IL, joined Yoli-AAFH President and Alyssa’s Mom to deliver 20 professional Alyssa Starter Art Kits and journal kits to patients being treated at Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde.

This was Carmen’s first time at Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde and she shared stories with the children of Alyssa’s medical journey and her courage, strength and love of music and art.

We are grateful to Dra. Martha who works in the Oncology unit to help us bring a smile to the young cancer patients. If you want to bring joy & hope to a young patient, please click HERE to donate. Thank you for your donations!

Gifts for Young Patients at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara

The months of August and September 2022 saw ten young patients from Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Menchaca” receive their gifts of music and art. The gifts were presented by Dra. Martha and Dra. Alma.

The ten young patients were identified by Dra. Alma. We owe much gratitude to both Dra. Martha and Dra. 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.

Left to Right:

Ximena 10 y/o, Art Kit - Uziel 11 y/o, Guitar - Aleida 10 y/o, Art Kit - Abner 10 y/o, Keyboard

Dayana 11 y/o, Art Kit - Nayeli 17 y/o, Art Kit - Hilary 13 y/o, Art Kit - Gael 12 y/o, Headphone

Maria 14 y/o, Art Kit - Miguel 16 y/o, Keyboard

A Successful Fiesta de Arte!

The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its 8th annual La Fiesta de Arte fundraiser at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL on Sunday, September 25,2022. The event was a success thanks to all the guests who attended and purchased tickets, our business sponsors and our volunteers! Our guests enjoyed the delicious appetizers and beverages provided by our sponsor, El Molcajete. In addition, attendees were able to bid on 35 silent auction art and gift baskets from local businesses & supporters of AAFH. We had live music for everyone’s entertainment provided by Laura Zavaleta from Cicero, IL. She sings for social events such as birthdays, weddings, events at restaurants and more.

This year our featured artist was Kathleen Johns from Geneva, IL. Kathleen painted for the audience and donated a beautiful watercolor artwork called Bundles of Roses. Alyssa was a skilled violinist and pianist who also developed an interest in the visual arts. These were the activities she loved and became even more important to her during her ongoing cancer treatments. We recognized that there was an important niche to fill in providing critically ill young patients with creative outlets in art and music. That is why we created this foundation in Alyssa’s memory.

Tri-Cities Exchange Club President, Brian Henry, and member, Dennis Carr, surprised Yoli Alvin with a $500 donation for the La Fiesta de Arte fundraising event!

We also want to thank the following businesses for their generous donations including: El Molcajete Restaurant, Gia Mia/Livia Restaurants, Chicago Firewater BBQ, Riganato’s Old World Grille, Base Hair Salon, Fox Jewelers, Instrument Exchange, The Little Traveler, Graham’s Chocolate, Green Street Grille, Colonial Café, Elements Spa, Preservation, Villa Verone, The Local Burger, Greenttons, Bloom + Bread, Coffee Drop Shop, and Suburban Tire Auto Repair Center.

Heartfelt thanks to all the bidders of the auction items and contributing artists Kathleen Johns, Laura Zavaleta, Fatima Figueiredo, Claudia & JP Goncalves, and all our volunteers!

We hope you all had a wonderful afternoon and hope to see you at next year’s La Fiesta de Arte 2023!

Next Sunday…September 25 @ 2pm - Join Us at La Fiesta de Arte!

La Fiesta de Arte fundraiser is Sunday, September 25th at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL. This fun event begins at 2pm and ends at 5pm. Buy your entrance tickets HERE now! If you cannot make the event, you can still bring a smile and a bit of joy to these young patients by donating online. Just click HERE if you want to help bring hope and joy to these children and young adults through Alyssa’s foundation.

We’ll be holding a silent auction with gourmet gift baskets donated by various local merchants-Gia Mia/Livia, Riganato’s, Villa Verone, Preservation, Green Street Grille, The Local Burger, Colonial Cafe, Grahams Ice Cream, The Little Traveler , Suburban Tire, Fox Jewelry, and more.

All funds raised will benefit the Art & Music Programs of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope in furtherance of our mission to provide art and music programs to young patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. The photos below show some of the gourmet baskets to be auctioned at La Fiesta de Arte fundraiser.

Our featured Artist this year is Kathy Johns and our musician is Laura Zavaleta. We can wait to see you there!

Join Us - La Fiesta de Arte-Sunday, Sep 25th 2pm!

Our La Fiesta de Arte fundraiser is coming up soon on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at El Molcajete Restaurant in Geneva, IL. The fun, food & entertainment begins at 2pm and ends at 5pm. Our featured Artist this year is Kathy Johns and our musician is Laura Zavaleta. Please buy your entrance tickets today by clicking HERE!

We’ll be holding a silent auction with gourmet gift baskets donated by various local merchants, such as restaurants, ice cream shops, retail shops, professional art and more. All funds raised will benefit the Art & Music Programs of Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope in furtherance of our mission to provide music and art opportunities for children and young adults facing life threatening illnesses.

If you cannot make the event, you can still bring a smile and a bit of joy to these young patients by donating online. Just click HERE if you want to help bring hope and joy to these children and young adults through our foundation.

The photos below show some of the gourmet baskets and art to be auctioned at La Fiesta de Arte fundraiser.

Alyssa SAKs Donated to Advocate Children’s Hospital

40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were delivered to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL on August 11, 2022. Five different kinds of art materials included coloring book kits, journal kits, drawing kits, colored pencil kits, and watercolor art kits. The Alyssa SAKs were received by Lori Mackey, Art Therapist.

Lori is a dedicated art therapist that we have had the pleasure to work with over the years and she truly understands the mission of AAFH. She pointed out how Alyssa starter art kits really appeal to young patients being treated for life threatening illnesses at the hospital.

On the same day, Lori was able to be present when Mahmoud received his gift and even took a picture with him.

This is exactly what we experienced with our daughter, Alyssa, when she was at Lurie Children’s Hospital going through her own medical treatments. Our target audience are young patients between 10 & 21 and it is gratifying to know we are achieving our objective.

As Lori stated, we are keeping Alyssa’s legacy alive through our donations of music and art gifts.

You can also help young children express their artistic creativity by going to our donation page HERE in support of our mission.

Mahmoud Receives Arab Instrument at Advocate Children’s Hospital

Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) honored a musical instrument gift request from Mahmoud Samra on August 11, 2022. He was accompanied by his mother, Safa, when the Egyptian Mijwiz instrument was presented to him. Mahmoud is an enthusiastic 12-year-old receiving treatment at the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

With the help of Julie Przeslicke, Music Therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, Mahmoud was able to submit his request of this Egyptian Mijwiz, a double-pipe, single-reed instrument (sometimes referred to as a "double-clarinet") popular in the Middle East. It is predominantely used to accompany the dabkah, or line dance, at weddings and other festive celebrations. The mijwiz is one of the oldest wind instruments, with counterparts in antiquity. a musical instrument that belongs to the reed family.

Mahmoud says that he has a real interest in creating music and he intends to teach himself to play this Arabic musical instrument.

We wish Mahmoud the best of luck with his new hobby as well as his medical treatments. We appreciate the smiles we see when patients are presented with their instruments, and it reminds us of Alyssa’s own passion for music and the arts.

You can also help bring smiles to young children by going to our donation page HERE in support of our mission.

Alyssa Starter Art Kits Delivered to Central DuPage Hospital

40 Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were received by Dora Castro-Ahillen, Child Life Manager in the PEDS/PICU department at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, The art kits will be given to young patients going through life-threatening illnesses. There were an assortment of 5 different Alyssa SAKs including Coloring book kits, Journals, Colored pencil kits, Drawing kits and Watercolor paint kits.

Dora shared that the beautiful art packages donated from Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope are the best they receive. The young patients enjoy them and have a great time using the art materials while in treatment.

The young patients are happy to have the creative outlet with these art kits 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 in remembrance of her passion for art, music, and life.

You can also help these young children by supporting our mission by donating no matter how small by clicking HERE to go to our website’s donation page.