Maureen's Hope Foundation

Within days of William's diagnosis, two very dear neighbors and friends, Debbie and Robin organized a raffle fund raiser on behalf of William.  Debbie called upon help from an organization that she is very active in, The Maureen's Hope Foundation: a local, non-profit organization based out of Baldwinsville, NY.  The mission of Maureen's Hope is to offer support and assistance to people facing the challenges of cancer and other life threatening illness.

I would like to take this opportunity to spot light this special Foundation.

Susan Bertrand founded Maureen's Hope in memory of her sister Maureen who courageously battled cancer for two years. Maureen's work here on earth was done in 2003, but Susan knew her work was just beginning.  Through her sister's illness, she realized the many needs that patients have when faced with a life altering disease that can not be met by the medical community.  Susan organized the Foundation to fulfill some of those needs. Maureen's Hope caters to the personal needs of individuals facing these challenges by providing gift baskets and services that offer comfort and strength as well as helping to improve their quality of life.

Maureen's Hope Foundation has been able to provide over 400 baskets to cancer patients over the past five years. We have also provided patients with a cleaning service for their home, meals for the family, a wig and/or hats, complementary therapy such as reiki or massage and assistance with fundraising events to help families with medical expenses.  The Foundation helps to empower and encourage people facing an illness by offering a variety of programs that offer hope, inspiration and education to patients. Guest speakers for these programs include motivational speakers, health care providers and community representatives.

When Maureen was receiving treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC, she met an inspiring 6 year old girl named Angie.  Angie had been also receiving treatment at MSKCC, while living at the Ronald McDonald House in NYC (the same one we stay at with William).  In 2004, the Foundation donated a beautiful playground to the Central New York Ronald McDonald House in Syracuse, titled "Maureen's Hope, Dreams and Imagination."  All this work by The Maureen's Hope Foundation is funded through grants, corporate donations, fundraising events...and the dedication of Susan.

In our family's case, The Maureen's Hope Foundation printed the raffle tickets and donated the prizes for William's fundraiser.  In the bigger picture, they did so much more for us while we were in a state of shock and despair.  The generosity extended by the foundation and the realization of executing such a successful fundraiser provided us a greater sense of hope.  A sense that people in our community were willing to extend a gift to a family they never met, perhaps also a prayer....and hope for brighter days ahead.

Earlier this week, I received a devastating email from my friend Debbie.  Susan, the founder of Maureen's Hope, had been in a terrible bicycle accident while participating in the The Lance Armstrong Race for Cure in Pennsylvania.  Nearly 2 weeks following the accident, she remains in critical condition in a PA hospital.

We all know it seems so unfair when bad things happen to good people, but this seems just unimaginable.  Susan has dedicated so much of herself to helping others in need and now needs our prayers and love sent her way as she strives to heal.  Please include her and the entire Bertrand Family in your thoughts and prayers.

To learn more about The Maureen's Hope Foundation, visit their web page:  Maureen's Hope.org