November 2020 Edition Miami, FL |
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Dear Friend, Seems like just yesterday we were revising plans for Spring Break because of COVID-19 and now Thanksgiving is around the corner. Although COVID persists, there is still a lot for us to be grateful for. We've been able to adapt all our programs and continue supporting the kids and their families, our main priority. We've even added a program...Study Buddies! And we're forever GRATEFUL for our donors! In the Spring we asked for your help with our Treasured Moments gift card program and y'all answered the call and it hasn't stopped with Sweet Hearts, BE Hope, MCharms bracelets (almost 30 sold!), and more. Our Heroes of Hope have also continued their support and the giving circle has grown. And we can't forget the continued support of our corporate sponsor R2 Unified Technologies, and partners The Kirk Foundation, Miami Cancer Institute and this year's grantors: Awesome Foundation, Spotlight Miami and The Miami Foundation, the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Public Housing and Community Development. Together y'all have helped us survive and thrive in 2020!! Marcel Proust, renowned French novelist once said "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Thank you for being our gardeners and helping our souls continue to blossom! Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving, Marta Blanco Founder and President |
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This year's Virtual Week of Hope was was a pivot from past years but we are very happy with the results. Overall between the two events we raised almost $50K. While we were disappointed to not celebrate in person at our annual Wine & Cheese, we were so happy to see the response we received to our requests for donations for the Online Auction. We were able to offer our 100+ bidders almost 75 packages. Plus, we hosted a raffle for those who registered as bidders and the winner, Anabella Cano, donated the prize, a $250 Mastercard gift card, back toward the cause. Thanks to you, Anabella, and to all our Wine & Cheese sponsors (see below) and especially to all who purchased a HOPE sponsorship...hoping (no pun intended) y'all enjoyed your at-home experience: |
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This year we EXPANDED our Reason to Run to include both the 5K and a 13.1—why? We created the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) to commemorate the race's 13th year and Sofia’s life, as she was just 13 years and 1 month of age when she passed away. She is our Reason to Run, no matter what distance you cover. And we covered a lot of ground with over 200 participants walking or running over 800 miles. We are grateful to YOU, those who donated to cheer you on, and of course, our sponsors who go above and beyond every year: |
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Ready to Spend Time at the Barn Sessions for our Fall Equestrian Program will be available starting Dec 28th, 29th, 30th at 2pm and 3:30pm and Jan 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th at !pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. Children with cancer and their siblings are BOTH eligible for the sessions which include horsemanship, horse grooming and time in the saddle. Although helmets will be provided, each participant must wear long pants and tennis shoes or boots. In order to comply with social distancing rules, only patient/siblings and one parent/legal guardian will be permitted and both must wear a mask. All patients and siblings MUST get signed Physician forms to participate. To register and download forms,please click here. |
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Newly Diagnosed Family Kits Our Newly Diagnosed Family Kits are given to Child Life Specialists to distribute on our behalf. For privacy reasons, we are never present when patients and families are given their family kits, but we have always been told by the staff of their impact. The following comments on our social media post confirm it: "I'll never forget receiving that care package when our daughter was first diagnosed. It was an overwhelming time in our lives but it was definitely so much help... could feel the love that was put into it." "I'll never forget when we opened our box and finding ourselves lost in a whole new world. Of the countless emotions that I was overcome with, one of sincere gratitude filled me looking at every thoughtful item included in that box that would make the seemingly impossible easier." |
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Spreading Halloween Joy! This past month we delivered nearly 100 Halloween gift bags to children at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the Hem/Onc clinics at Baptist/Miami Cancer Institute and UM Sylvester/alex's place. These always bring joy to the kids but this year with Halloween activities further limited by COVID, they mean so much more. Thanks to Tessie Somoza and the Club at Westminster Christian School, the HOSA Club at Riviera Preparatory School and to Rebecca Gonzalez from OLLA for making these deliveries possible. |
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Promotional Offer! During the month of November, Sylvia Tomaselli, Rodan & Fields Consultant, is offering 10% off all sales when you mention Sofia's Hope. In addition, she will donate 10% of all sales. Rodan & Fields products are innovative, easy-to-use and backed by scientific research. From exfoliators to super hydrators to lash conditioners, they have products that nourish your body from head to toe and help maximize your results. They make great Holiday gifts! For questions and to place your order, email Ms. Tomaselli at syltom723@gmail.com. |
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Hope Stacks Still Available! Mcharms has extended the sale of the Hope Bracelet as a single piece or as a stack. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Sofia's Hope. These bracelets are custom made beaded pieces paired with gold plated ball and pearl detail. They make great gifts, too! Click here to order. |
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Holiday Wishes Fulfilled! Campaign One At A Time is a nonprofit on a mission to provide joy and support to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, and this year, they would like to sponsor 100 families with gifts this holiday season! Due to the fact that they area a smaller nonprofit, they will only be accepting the first 100 applications, so please do sign up as soon as possible. For more information, please either call Tanya at (916) 345-0550 or email her at tpanopio@campaignoaat.org. | | |
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Virtually Explore Wild Bird Sanctuary Families impacted by cancer are invited to VIRTUALLY explore the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary deep in the mangroves of the Florida Keys on Saturday, Nov. 14th at 10:30am. Feed the Pelicans with our staff and learn all about birds that live near the ocean.Talk to the hospital staff about how they rescue wild birds. Dissect owl pellets with Director Jordan to learn what owls eat. Register in advance for this event by clicking here: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. For more information call 954-763-6776. |
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Heroes of Hope is a group of special members who choose to fight childhood cancer with HOPE…every day. With as little as $10 per month, your gift stretches that much further to make a difference in the life of a child with cancer by helping fund all our programs like the one above. | | |
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