Real Stories from Families We Help in Northern Nevada
Discover real stories from families and volunteers supported by Give Hope Foundation, a Northern Nevada nonprofit providing financial and medical assistance during life’s most challenging times.
Stories of Hope
Behind every application, donation, and volunteer hour is a family navigating one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. These Stories of Hope share the real experiences of families and volunteers impacted by Give Hope Foundation’s mission to support children with serious medical conditions.
Each story reflects the compassion, resilience, and community support that make our work possible.
Testimonials from the Give Hope Community
Cody C.
We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude and would like to extend our deepest thanks to you and the entire Give Hope Foundation. In such a difficult and uncertain time for our family, your kindness and compassion have brought true comfort. Receiving this support for Cody is so amazing and we feel so incredibly blessed to
We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude and would like to extend our deepest thanks to you and the entire Give Hope Foundation. In such a difficult and uncertain time for our family, your kindness and compassion have brought true comfort. Receiving this support for Cody is so amazing and we feel so incredibly blessed to be selected. We are beyond thankful for the generous assistance and your willingness to help cover the overwhelming expenses. This will truly help lift some of the burden we’ve been carrying!
(Hoshimotos & Autoimmune Gastritis)
Marc S.
Our son Marc, whom we adopted at 9-months old and is now 14, has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Along with that comes ADHD, bipolar, depression and being on the Autism Spectrum. His issues started right after kindergarten. We have had to fight for him in the school system and to find community resources. He attended public
Our son Marc, whom we adopted at 9-months old and is now 14, has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Along with that comes ADHD, bipolar, depression and being on the Autism Spectrum. His issues started right after kindergarten.
We have had to fight for him in the school system and to find community resources. He attended public school until his freshman year this year when we finally found Newton Learning Center (a school for kids on the spectrum). Middle school was a struggle. Covid hit and then trying to integrate back in person last year was tough. Marc lacks social skills that kiddos his age have control over. Kids can be cruel and Marc experienced severe bullying. This pushed him over the edge mentally and caused him to want to cause harm to himself. He was hospitalized for a span of 3 months.
Our family incurred a tremendous medical bill due to the facility he had to go to because of his disabilities being out of network. We were overwhelmed. One due to our baby boy suffering such a life experience and two financially, with 3 other children in our home. Our social worker told us about Give Hope Foundation. I thought, “we won’t qualify for sure.” I then got an email about an approval for funds towards Marc’s bill. I burst into tears and called my husband to tell him the news! Any little bit helps.
Marc is now happy and healthy, has friends, and is thriving. His new school has made all the difference. And Give Hope has given hope to our family with the help they extended to us. We are forever grateful.
Thank you,
Amber S. and Family
We have had to fight for him in the school system and to find community resources. He attended public school until his freshman year this year when we finally found Newton Learning Center (a school for kids on the spectrum). Middle school was a struggle. Covid hit and then trying to integrate back in person last year was tough. Marc lacks social skills that kiddos his age have control over. Kids can be cruel and Marc experienced severe bullying. This pushed him over the edge mentally and caused him to want to cause harm to himself. He was hospitalized for a span of 3 months.
Our family incurred a tremendous medical bill due to the facility he had to go to because of his disabilities being out of network. We were overwhelmed. One due to our baby boy suffering such a life experience and two financially, with 3 other children in our home. Our social worker told us about Give Hope Foundation. I thought, “we won’t qualify for sure.” I then got an email about an approval for funds towards Marc’s bill. I burst into tears and called my husband to tell him the news! Any little bit helps.
Marc is now happy and healthy, has friends, and is thriving. His new school has made all the difference. And Give Hope has given hope to our family with the help they extended to us. We are forever grateful.
Thank you,
Amber S. and Family
(Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
Tony M.
To say we are grateful does not begin to shine light on our gratitude. This has been an extremely huge blessing for our family. Thank you!
(Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
Ecstacy P.
My daughter, Ecstacy, was diagnosed in June 2021 with Type 1 Diabetes, and at that moment, I knew I had to take a deep breath and just get through it. However, I didn’t realize that this wasn’t just a battle; it was war itself. Every day is a new learning experience for Ecstacy and me.
My daughter, Ecstacy, was diagnosed in June 2021 with Type 1 Diabetes, and at that moment, I knew I had to take a deep breath and just get through it. However, I didn’t realize that this wasn’t just a battle; it was war itself. Every day is a new learning experience for Ecstacy and me. It’s a rollercoaster full of surprises. Due to that, our family fell into financial hardship, but with the help of the Give Hope Foundation, we are getting past this. It has allowed me more time to continue caring for her and gives me extra time to find a good-paying job to get us back on our feet.
(Type 1 Diabetes)
Breanna B.
(Cushings Disease)
Reagan T.
The Give Hope Foundation has been an incredible resource for our family since we discovered our three-year-old, Reagan, required a kidney transplant. Their generosity and kindness helped our family relieve some of the financial burdens that our new child’s extensive medical complications placed on us. Reagan was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease while still in
The Give Hope Foundation has been an incredible resource for our family since we discovered our three-year-old, Reagan, required a kidney transplant. Their generosity and kindness helped our family relieve some of the financial burdens that our new child’s extensive medical complications placed on us.
Reagan was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease while still in the womb. Shortly after birth, Reagan was immediately placed on peritoneal dialysis for an average of fourteen hours per day, seven days a week. We remained at Stanford’s Children’s Hospital for nearly the entire first year of Reagan’s life.
As a middle school teacher, I had to leave my profession to tend to my daughter’s dialysis care, leaving us as a single income household. Shortly after returning home, I broke my leg, and soon after that, my husband’s appendix had to be removed. We were alternating taking over Reagan’s primary care as a team.
Our family experienced unexpected complications and expenses as Reagan had an emergency care flight (one of two flights) from Reno to Stanford Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California, for an abdominal hernia in October of 2017. Reagan was just two-years-old.
A couple of months later, she received an open hip reduction surgery that used bone from a donor to rebuild her hip socket. This additional medical issue resulted from her kidney failure. The lack of functioning kidneys left her with little to no amniotic fluid, causing her hip to develop out of place.
Finally, on January 5, 2020, Reagan received her gift of life from the donor list. In her early twenties, a young woman had passed away and saved Reagan’s life by her heroic actions by choosing to be an organ donor.
We again found ourselves in the country’s most expensive zip code, trying to find safe lodging as close to the hospital as possible. At the same time, we waited on the lengthy list of those in need of temporary housing provided by the hospital or the Ronald McDonald House. The Give Hope Foundation generously provided our family with the financial assistance needed to find safe and clean enough lodging for a three-year-old with a fresh transplant to recover comfortably.
The Give Hope Foundation has been such a blessing in every way. Everyone affiliated has been very genuine and kind. They assist so many families and have done so much for our community. They helped alleviate a tremendous amount of stress from a situation that no amount of planning could have adequately prepared us for. We are so grateful to them and can only hope to pay it forward someday.
Reagan was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease while still in the womb. Shortly after birth, Reagan was immediately placed on peritoneal dialysis for an average of fourteen hours per day, seven days a week. We remained at Stanford’s Children’s Hospital for nearly the entire first year of Reagan’s life.
As a middle school teacher, I had to leave my profession to tend to my daughter’s dialysis care, leaving us as a single income household. Shortly after returning home, I broke my leg, and soon after that, my husband’s appendix had to be removed. We were alternating taking over Reagan’s primary care as a team.
Our family experienced unexpected complications and expenses as Reagan had an emergency care flight (one of two flights) from Reno to Stanford Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California, for an abdominal hernia in October of 2017. Reagan was just two-years-old.
A couple of months later, she received an open hip reduction surgery that used bone from a donor to rebuild her hip socket. This additional medical issue resulted from her kidney failure. The lack of functioning kidneys left her with little to no amniotic fluid, causing her hip to develop out of place.
Finally, on January 5, 2020, Reagan received her gift of life from the donor list. In her early twenties, a young woman had passed away and saved Reagan’s life by her heroic actions by choosing to be an organ donor.
We again found ourselves in the country’s most expensive zip code, trying to find safe lodging as close to the hospital as possible. At the same time, we waited on the lengthy list of those in need of temporary housing provided by the hospital or the Ronald McDonald House. The Give Hope Foundation generously provided our family with the financial assistance needed to find safe and clean enough lodging for a three-year-old with a fresh transplant to recover comfortably.
The Give Hope Foundation has been such a blessing in every way. Everyone affiliated has been very genuine and kind. They assist so many families and have done so much for our community. They helped alleviate a tremendous amount of stress from a situation that no amount of planning could have adequately prepared us for. We are so grateful to them and can only hope to pay it forward someday.
(Kidney Transplant)
Ariana & Jenson J.
2020 has been beyond difficult for everyone, and for us we continue to struggle daily. Two of our three children are going through intense medical issues that we would never have imagined. They have gone through countless tests and hospitalizations and still no answer. COVID has thrown a wrench into everything, but basically, we have
2020 has been beyond difficult for everyone, and for us we continue to struggle daily. Two of our three children are going through intense medical issues that we would never have imagined. They have gone through countless tests and hospitalizations and still no answer. COVID has thrown a wrench into everything, but basically, we have been traveling to Shriners Children’s Hospital as well as UC Davis Children’s Hospital since July, and in November and December, it has been weekly or even twice a week.
Living from a hotel room out of a suitcase has been hard, missing my husband and other two children while away with the third child has been immensely hard, and missing the little things such as our 1 year old meet her milestones while mommy is away. My baby girl said Santa for the first time while yes I was in a hotel room.
It may seem like nothing to others or it may seem so small, but as their momma, I miss every second that I am away from my family. Life has been beyond stressful with their medical appointments and tests, and then to add on finances. We have hit a crazy amount in hotel bills alone and have drained our savings. We have medical bills flowing in that don’t stop, and we can’t afford them.We haven’t been accepted for any assistance before due to us making too much money and/or the kids not having a diagnosis yet.
Just when all hope seems lost, you feel like throwing in the towel, and you don’t know where else to turn or what else to do an angel comes along.
Give Hope has shown us that there are still good people in this world, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and even though things aren’t good right now, they will get better. They have to get better
Give Hope has given me and my husband hope and that means more than any words can say. Giving parents hope to keep on going and being strong for our babies is exactly what we needed today. God is good. HE is here with us and is getting us through with amazing people’s help such as GIVE HOPE! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We can never repay the financial assistance you are giving us. But even more, we can’t repay the hope that you are bringing to our family. Thank you from our family to yours.
-Momma J.
Living from a hotel room out of a suitcase has been hard, missing my husband and other two children while away with the third child has been immensely hard, and missing the little things such as our 1 year old meet her milestones while mommy is away. My baby girl said Santa for the first time while yes I was in a hotel room.
It may seem like nothing to others or it may seem so small, but as their momma, I miss every second that I am away from my family. Life has been beyond stressful with their medical appointments and tests, and then to add on finances. We have hit a crazy amount in hotel bills alone and have drained our savings. We have medical bills flowing in that don’t stop, and we can’t afford them.We haven’t been accepted for any assistance before due to us making too much money and/or the kids not having a diagnosis yet.
Just when all hope seems lost, you feel like throwing in the towel, and you don’t know where else to turn or what else to do an angel comes along.
Give Hope has shown us that there are still good people in this world, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and even though things aren’t good right now, they will get better. They have to get better
Give Hope has given me and my husband hope and that means more than any words can say. Giving parents hope to keep on going and being strong for our babies is exactly what we needed today. God is good. HE is here with us and is getting us through with amazing people’s help such as GIVE HOPE! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We can never repay the financial assistance you are giving us. But even more, we can’t repay the hope that you are bringing to our family. Thank you from our family to yours.
-Momma J.
Bailey B.
The volunteers at Give Hope and the assistance provided by their amazing donors have provided were very crucial to our family’s lives. I’m a single mom to 3 little ones: ages 9, 2, and 6 months. Bailey is 9-years old, and 2 months before her 8th birthday, we found out she was diagnosed with a
The volunteers at Give Hope and the assistance provided by their amazing donors have provided were very crucial to our family’s lives. I’m a single mom to 3 little ones: ages 9, 2, and 6 months. Bailey is 9-years old, and 2 months before her 8th birthday, we found out she was diagnosed with a brain tumor called a Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma and Hydrocephalus.
She had been very sick for about a year before her diagnosis and steadily became worse.
She had a shunt placed to correct the hydrocephalus, started two different types of chemo, and had an NG tube placed for feedings to help her gain weight within this last year. Reno does not have the kind of doctors Bailey needs to see, and this means traveling to San Francisco for treatments and doctor appointments bi-weekly. Some of these trips end up lasting for days with many appointments and scans, or sudden hospital stays.
As a single mom of 3, I wouldn’t be able to afford these trips without the assistance Give Hope and their generous donors have given us. These trips would mean not paying household bills to ensure my daughter is getting the care she needs.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for the support. Bailey and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
God bless.
Love,
The Baker Family
She had been very sick for about a year before her diagnosis and steadily became worse.
She had a shunt placed to correct the hydrocephalus, started two different types of chemo, and had an NG tube placed for feedings to help her gain weight within this last year. Reno does not have the kind of doctors Bailey needs to see, and this means traveling to San Francisco for treatments and doctor appointments bi-weekly. Some of these trips end up lasting for days with many appointments and scans, or sudden hospital stays.
As a single mom of 3, I wouldn’t be able to afford these trips without the assistance Give Hope and their generous donors have given us. These trips would mean not paying household bills to ensure my daughter is getting the care she needs.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for the support. Bailey and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
God bless.
Love,
The Baker Family
(Piloctyic Astrocytoma Optic Glioma)
Honor C.
The Give Hope Foundation has been a blessing during this rough time. Something we never thought could happen to our babies, did. Honor has been battling this cancer for over a year, and we are able to focus on the most important things, our son and his treatment. We are wholeheartedly grateful for the assistance
The Give Hope Foundation has been a blessing during this rough time. Something we never thought could happen to our babies, did. Honor has been battling this cancer for over a year, and we are able to focus on the most important things, our son and his treatment.
We are wholeheartedly grateful for the assistance we have received from the Give Hope Foundation because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t know where we would be or how we would dig ourselves out. Reaching out to the Give hope foundation and asking for assistance is not something that was in our comfort zone but Give Hope has helped us keep a roof over our head.
Just when we burned through our savings and had nothing and lost half our income, Give Hope did just that, Give my family Hope that we will be ok and we will come out of this ok.
Many thanks to Shanlee for helping us. We are indebted.
We are wholeheartedly grateful for the assistance we have received from the Give Hope Foundation because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t know where we would be or how we would dig ourselves out. Reaching out to the Give hope foundation and asking for assistance is not something that was in our comfort zone but Give Hope has helped us keep a roof over our head.
Just when we burned through our savings and had nothing and lost half our income, Give Hope did just that, Give my family Hope that we will be ok and we will come out of this ok.
Many thanks to Shanlee for helping us. We are indebted.
(Adv Burkitts Lymphoma)
Natalie C.
Thank you so very much! We are so very grateful!! This will greatly help our family and we are forever grateful and humbled by this generosity!
(Brain Cancer)
Reagan T.
(Piloctyic Astrocytoma Optic Glioma)
Jase B.
I can’t thank Give Hope enough for their generosity in helping our family. Give Hope took the time to understand my son’s rare condition (ARFID) and consider our request for help when others dismissed us. Jase has had a lifelong struggle with eating, sensory issues, malnutrition, and failure to thrive among other co-existing health issues.
I can’t thank Give Hope enough for their generosity in helping our family. Give Hope took the time to understand my son’s rare condition (ARFID) and consider our request for help when others dismissed us. Jase has had a lifelong struggle with eating, sensory issues, malnutrition, and failure to thrive among other co-existing health issues. When Jase spent 12 days at Stanford Children’s Hospital, I was forced to stop working to care for him full-time and we took a huge financial hit. As a result, we have been struggling to pay for Jase’s extreme diet and ongoing medical expenses.
Thankfully, we were referred to Shanlee at Give Hope who was quick to say, “Yes, we want to help!” Give Hope has played a huge role in subsidizing my son’s rigid food regimen as well as helping us with medical deductibles we would otherwise not be able to pay. This surely would have resulted in him missing out on critical medical care and likely losing ground on his progress.
Give Hope works directly with the health care providers on deductibles and co-pays which takes a huge weight off our shoulders. It is comforting to know my child and I have a team of angels to help us so we can concentrate on getting better rather than on how we are going to pay that next bill.
I am eternally grateful to all the volunteers at Give Hope who selflessly give their time and energy to help children live a healthier and happier life.
We are truly blessed and humbled by this experience with Give Hope.
Thankfully, we were referred to Shanlee at Give Hope who was quick to say, “Yes, we want to help!” Give Hope has played a huge role in subsidizing my son’s rigid food regimen as well as helping us with medical deductibles we would otherwise not be able to pay. This surely would have resulted in him missing out on critical medical care and likely losing ground on his progress.
Give Hope works directly with the health care providers on deductibles and co-pays which takes a huge weight off our shoulders. It is comforting to know my child and I have a team of angels to help us so we can concentrate on getting better rather than on how we are going to pay that next bill.
I am eternally grateful to all the volunteers at Give Hope who selflessly give their time and energy to help children live a healthier and happier life.
We are truly blessed and humbled by this experience with Give Hope.
(AFRID)
Beatrize M.
I cannot forget the times when this Foundation has assisted my family, they gave us a bundle of hope in the midst of the suffering and struggles of my sick child, Beatrize. Truly, the Give Hope Foundation is God’s blessings to our family. We are so grateful for everything they have extended to us in
I cannot forget the times when this Foundation has assisted my family, they gave us a bundle of hope in the midst of the suffering and struggles of my sick child, Beatrize.
Truly, the Give Hope Foundation is God’s blessings to our family. We are so grateful for everything they have extended to us in so many ways especially to my daughter.
Thank God we were able to surpass those times of crisis through their help.
More power to Give Hope Foundation!
Truly, the Give Hope Foundation is God’s blessings to our family. We are so grateful for everything they have extended to us in so many ways especially to my daughter.
Thank God we were able to surpass those times of crisis through their help.
More power to Give Hope Foundation!
(Kidney Failure)
Ozias D.
(Fetal Distress)
Lillian B.
(Stage 4 Glioma)
Blake P.
“The assistance that Give Hope has provided to us helped relieve our financial burdens and has allowed us to spend our time and energy on our son’s recovery. Thank you, Give Hope!”
Dean G.
Our family is very appreciative of the Give Hope Foundation assisting us with various medical bills related to our son’s heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in June 2018. During this time of stress and worry, Give Hope afforded our family the ease of passing on some of our medical bills to take
Our family is very appreciative of the Give Hope Foundation assisting us with various medical bills related to our son’s heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in June 2018. During this time of stress and worry, Give Hope afforded our family the ease of passing on some of our medical bills to take care of with no questions asked. It was a weight lifted off our shoulders so we could focus on healing as a family. We thank Give Hope for their assistance. Our son, Dean Gibb, is now 4 years old and is enjoying life learning and playing with his peers in daycare.
(Heart Disorder)
Lucy V.
Give Hope’s assistance helps Lucy’s family make her their #1 priority.
Dean G.
Dean is 2 years old. Give Hope’s assistance helps the family make Dean their #1 priority.
(Congenital Heart Defect)
Armando M.
We are happy to have helped Armando Mayoral and his family, thanks to our many supporters and donors.
Scarlett T.
“Thank you guys so much for this amazing help! I’m sure that that I don’t have to tell you how much it means to have somebody care about us so much…and how helpful it is to have help when it feels like your whole world is crumbling. A sick child is nothing any parent every
“Thank you guys so much for this amazing help! I’m sure that that I don’t have to tell you how much it means to have somebody care about us so much…and how helpful it is to have help when it feels like your whole world is crumbling. A sick child is nothing any parent every expects, and certainly isn’t prepared for…and the bills get overwhelming when it’s difficult to work and take care of my daughter in the way she needs. So just know, that you guys are literally saving us.”
(Leukemia)
Johnny O.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and him.”
(Heart Defect)
Devan S.
“I can’t thank you enough for helping us…it lifts such a huge burden of my shoulders and will allow me to focus on my daughter and not worrying about paying bills.”
(Stage 4 Wilms Tumor)
Blake P.
The assistance that Give Hope has provided to us helped relieve our financial burdens and has allowed us to spend our time and energy on our son’s recovery. Thank you, Give Hope!
(Brain Tumor/Seizure Disorder)
Ayden R.
This is Ayden. He had open heart surgery in October 2014. Give Hope Foundation assisted Ayden’s family by paying rent, insurance and utilities during his surgery and recovery.
Gaven H.
“The give hope foundation is exactly what the name implies. It gave us the financial assistance we needed so we were able to focus on what is truly important, Gaven and our family. Shanlee is so caring and compassionate. Her concern showed us that we are not facing these medical issues alone. Thank you give
“The give hope foundation is exactly what the name implies. It gave us the financial assistance we needed so we were able to focus on what is truly important, Gaven and our family. Shanlee is so caring and compassionate. Her concern showed us that we are not facing these medical issues alone. Thank you give hope for all you do for the community and all you have done for us, we don’t even want to think about where we would be right now without your assistance.”
Kailey G.
“Your help has relieved my family and I of so much stress. Now I can focus on my baby girls surgery and recovery knowing that my bills are paid.”
(Prolonged QT Syndrome)
Noah L. (Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
“We are so grateful for the help that is being provided by your foundation – you are working miracles!”
Kristopher A.
“The Give Hope Foundation has done exactly what their name states, they have given me hope to help me stay strong through this journey. They have helped me in ways I cannot express. Getting the news your newborn baby has cancer is never easy, but Give Hope and the people working with the foundation helped
“The Give Hope Foundation has done exactly what their name states, they have given me hope to help me stay strong through this journey. They have helped me in ways I cannot express. Getting the news your newborn baby has cancer is never easy, but Give Hope and the people working with the foundation helped me to stay focused on my son and his journey rather than the financial burden it brought. They have helped me and my family more than once and with their help I was able to have a little stress lifted off of me while I cared for my son. I cannot thank them enough for what they have given me and the joy they brought to a very tough situation!”
(Myledysplastic Syndrome)
Alyssa G.
“I want to express total gratitude in giving my daughter an opportunity that she otherwise could not have.”
“I want to express total gratitude in giving my daughter an opportunity that she otherwise could not have.”
I cannot say thank you enough. This gift is so greatly appreciated and I will never forget this or your organization. Give Hope Foundation and has given my daughter the best gift and that is giving her the opportunity to build muscle and regain muscle memory over a length of time. I would have never been able to provide this for her so this really means the world to me. She is such a happy girl and so determined, she deserves this chance. God bless you all for everything you do for our community’s children. Thank you so much.
(Spina Bifida)
Gabby G.
“Thank you so much for your support. There are not words to express our sincerest gratitude.”
(NPH w/ Severe Aplastic Anemia)
Lena N.
“We can not thank Give Hope enough for all they have done for Lena. She is a new child: she is happy, eating and feeling well for about the first time ever! We are so grateful that you gave her childhood back.”
(Severe GERD)
Madilynn M.
“You don’t know how much your assistance means to us, it’s the little stuff that really makes a difference and you have really made a difference. You have given us hope and faith when our hope and faith was gone.”
(Otahai Syndrome)
Scarlett B.
We are so grateful for Give Hope. They have helped keep a roof over our heads more than once. We can’t thank them enough. Thank you! Thank You! Scarlett Irene Bertolino was born healthy, but at six months old she began to have seizures. In June 2010, doctors at the University of California, San Francisco
We are so grateful for Give Hope. They have helped keep a roof over our heads more than once. We can’t thank them enough. Thank you! Thank You!
Scarlett Irene Bertolino was born healthy, but at six months old she began to have seizures. In June 2010, doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) removed three lobes of her brain that were damaged and causing her constant seizures. Scarlett has had three additional brain surgeries in 2011, including the placement of a shunt in her brain to prevent the build up of fluid, or hydrocephalus. She has made remarkable strides and her parents are grateful for every day. Her father, a pipe fitter, has been laid off most of 2010 and 2011 since there is little work in his field because of changes in the economy. Gabriella had to quit her job to care for Scarlett full-time. She takes her to several therapy appointments each week and travels to UCSF on a regular basis to meet with her neurosurgeon and neurologist. The Give Hope Foundation provided financial assistance to the family to help reimburse travel and medical expenses and paid their mortgage.
Scarlett Irene Bertolino was born healthy, but at six months old she began to have seizures. In June 2010, doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) removed three lobes of her brain that were damaged and causing her constant seizures. Scarlett has had three additional brain surgeries in 2011, including the placement of a shunt in her brain to prevent the build up of fluid, or hydrocephalus. She has made remarkable strides and her parents are grateful for every day. Her father, a pipe fitter, has been laid off most of 2010 and 2011 since there is little work in his field because of changes in the economy. Gabriella had to quit her job to care for Scarlett full-time. She takes her to several therapy appointments each week and travels to UCSF on a regular basis to meet with her neurosurgeon and neurologist. The Give Hope Foundation provided financial assistance to the family to help reimburse travel and medical expenses and paid their mortgage.
(Seizure Disorder)
Clayton R.
“Give Hope is very true to their name, this foundation has given our family lots of hope during some of our hardest times.”
Give Hope is very true to their name, this foundation has given our family lots of hope during some of our hardest times.
When Clayton was 21 months old he was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk, Neuroblastoma. We were devastated…our one year old had cancer. We were sent out of state for all of his care for the past two years. He has had over 25 rounds of chemotherapy, 40 days of radiation with anesthesia each time, a 14 hour surgery, and many other surgeries. He also had a bone marrow transplant in which we had to live out of state for four months. I was forced to quit my job so I could care for and be with Clayton while he was in the hospital. Clayton’s daddy had to stay at home and work, which was really hard on Clayton and I. The Give Hope Foundation really did give us hope by allowing Clayton’s father to take time off of work to be with us in the hospital. Without the Give Hope Foundation’s help it would have been much harder. We thank each and everyone that donates to Give Hope. Hope is sometimes all we had.
(Stage 4 Neuroblastoma)
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