Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

Sofia's Hope was started over five years ago with the idea of making a positive difference in the world of pediatric cancer while also honoring my daughter, Sofia. Back then I wasn't really sure of what I was going to do and where it would lead, but I just knew I had to do something to help. I am happy to report that Sofia's Hope has steadily grown offering patient/family programs and supporting an annual research grant. In fact, since 2015 our total donations grew by 50%, allowing for an 108% increase in spending on programs!! In total, we have provided over $150,000 in support of the cancer community, serving hundreds of patients and their families.

In an effort to continue fighting childhood cancer with hope, Sofia's Hope is proud to present a Week of Hope, scheduled for October 20 - 27, 2018. Our goal for the week is to educate, create awareness and raise funds, while having fun along the way! The week's activities begin with our Annual Wine & Cheese event on Saturday, October 20th at the UM Newman Alumni Center and end with the Reason to Run 5K on Saturday the 27th at Deering Estate.

While this is the inaugural year of the Sofia's Hope Reason to Run 5K it is actually their 11th year in existence. After a decade long relationship with CancerFree Kids in Cincinnati, race organizers, Jorge and Linda Martinez, decided they wanted the race to benefit local children and families. They chose Sofia’s Hope to inherit the event because:

• We are funding research;

• We are raising awareness;

• We are are supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer with newly diagnosed family kits, art and equestrian programs, and ZooMiami experiences, etc.; and

• "Sofia was and is one of our original inspirations!"

Other events include a FB Live Q&A with Steven Lipshultz, M.D., our research grant recipient (Monday, Oct 22nd), and Doc Talk: Childhood Cancer Today, a seminar to be held at Nicklaus Children's Hospital (Wednesday, Oct 24th).

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us at one or all of our events. Our goal is to raise $100K so we can continue to fund and expand our programs and host the first ever international Pediatric Cardio-Oncology Conference in May 2019.

Once you choose hope, anything is possible!!