Impact Stories
Every child we serve has a story worth sharing. With the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, the Hope Foundation has helped thousands of families across the Mahoning Valley navigate the unimaginable — one grant, one wish, and one act of generosity at a time. These are just some of their stories.
25 Teddy Bears Donated to Children at Akron Children’s Hospital
On Saturday, December 7, the children at Akron Children’s Hospital of Mahoning Valley were the recipients of 25 soft, cuddly teddy bear and kids’ books, donated by Author, Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer Nate Dinet (Poland, Ohio) from The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. This is a part of the DreamCatchers for Kids Fund that is ran by the Foundation. The bears were created from the children’s own special lists that they made for themselves. The children were able to choose the name for their bear, clothing and even the accessories to make their individual bear a
Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer to Local Children
Youngstown, OH) Friday, December 15, The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley delivered an early dose of holiday magic to 20 deserving kids through its Dream Catchers for Kids Program. The heartwarming event saw volunteers from the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) and Hope Foundation board members presenting Christmas presents to 10 children from Potential Development and 10 from Leonard Kritz School. The DreamCatchers for KidsTM program (Wish Fund) strives to make the dreams of children facing disabilities, chronically/terminally ill, and life-threatening medical conditions come true by providing them with extraordinary experiences. Special thank you
21 Teddy Bears for Children at Akron Children’s Hospital
On Saturday, December 9, the children at Akron Children’s Hospital of MahoningValley were the recipients of 21 soft, cuddly teddy bear from The Hope Foundation of the MahoningValley. The bears were created from the children’s own special lists that they made for themselves. Thechildren were able to choose the name for their bear, clothing and even the accessories to make theirindividual bear a one-of-a-kind teddy bear of their very own. “Bringing a bit of joy to children who are ill and have to be in the hospital is why I wanted to chair theBuild a Bear event
Hope Foundation makes Build-a-Bears for Hospitalized Kids
SOURCE WKBN BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — Volunteers from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley were hard at work in the Build-A-Bear Workshop Sunday morning. It’s the fourth year they’ve partnered with Akron Children’s Hospital to send bears to kids in the ICU. The children were able to design their own personal bear. The foundation does this around every Christmas to help brighten the kids holidays. They fund the event through donations and grants. George Gabriel is a board member with the Hope Foundation and said the kids always love getting their bear. “Whether it’s a boy
Groups come together to Purchase a Special Wheelchair during this Holiday Season
(Youngstown, OH) The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and Operation Search and Help funded through The Youngstown Foundation have partnered together to purchase a special wheelchair for 17-year-old Lianne Flores who was diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 8. This special wheelchair will enable Lianne to stand and by being able to stand it will help to keep her healthy and will also help her with her dream to attend college. It is wonderful when area organizations can come together and work together to better the lives of others. The custom-made wheelchair was
Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text] Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp Ryleigh had a camp experience unlike any summer camp a couple of years ago. And for a teen battling pulmonary illness, it was an opportunity to overcome fears and achieve hopes to help this child enjoy the experience. There’s nothing quite like summer camp. A place to experience freedom, learn valuable skills and form new friendships that last a lifetime. Flying Horse Farms offers the many amenities you’ve come to expect at camp:
Saddling up with Confidence and Trust
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]A young boy who spent his entire life in and out of multiple foster homes was one of 10 children to receive a scholarship for a six-week equestrian therapy program made possible by a grant from The Hope Foundation. He was withdrawn and seemed to have no interest in the program. Instructors strategically paired him with a horse that craved attention, and a volunteer who could spend more individual time with him. By his fourth lesson, the boy was opening up to instructors, had
The Gift of a Helping Hand
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]A smile says a lot about you. For Michael McDuff, his smile is an inspiration to all as he battles a very rare genetic disease. Meet Michael. He’s 19 months old and the son to Elizabeth and Mark McDuff. Michael smiles, a lot, and loves playing patty cake and peekaboo with mom and dad. Ever seen Bubble Guppies? It’s his favorite show. Michael is just like any other cute baby, except, he’s battling a very rare genetic disease. Michael has something known as 13q
Young Child’s Determination to Beat Cancer
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Landen Green is 7 years old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With the help of funding from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Landen was able to beat his 4 year battle with leukemia. He was able to get more treatment with the funding, which was provided to him and his family, so he can “BEAT” Cancer. Click here to see the story.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“We’re no longer on our time, but now we
The Power of Community: How a Young Girl Battling Leukemia Got to See Her Wish Come to Life
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]It’s a gift Nya Decker and her family had no idea they were getting. And shows amazing things can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision to provide support and help turn a dream into a reality. Nya is 4 years old and hails from Youngstown, Ohio. About two years ago, in September 2017, Nya’s life was turned upside down when doctors at Akron Children’s Hospital diagnosed her with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer in which the bone
Alleviating the Financial Burden that Comes with Cancer
**The Hope Foundation is saddened to learn of the passing of Aiden Elder (2012-2019). Aiden and his family were the recipients of a financial grant from the Foundation several years ago. We ask that you keep Aiden and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Heaven has truly gained an angel. (Click here for more info). Cancer changes our lives, but it won’t stop us from living life. This is something Aiden Elder and his family has embraced during trying times. This is Aiden. For a 5 year old, he has an abundant amount of energy and
A Hug & A Teddy Bear: Children Receive the Gift of Teddy Bears from The Hope Foundation’s DreamCatchers for Kids™ Program
Children Receive the Gift of Teddy Bears from The Hope Foundation’s DreamCatchers for Kids™ Program Non-profit organization takes advantage of technology to deliver stuffed animals to kids battling serious illnesses. In today’s digital age, you don’t have to look far to find an individual dialed in on a smartphone or tablet. Children especially have become mobile masters of texting, playing games or engaged in the plethora of activities that smart devices offer. And while technology can be a useful tool and entertainment source for kids, it can’t compete with the love, joy and happiness experienced with this
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Every Story Starts With a Gift Like Yours
Behind every story on this page is a donor who decided to show up for a child in the Mahoning Valley. Your gift — no matter the size — becomes part of a story like these.