Psychosocial Resilience Through Symbolic Acts

Distributes tote bags or backpacks filled with comforting items such as cozy blankets, journals, and games to children ages 2 to 13 diagnosed with cancer, supporting comfort and normalcy during hospital stays or treatment days.

Engages in public advocacy and community organizing to increase awareness, promote policy changes, and improve legislation related to children's access to optimal medical care, hospital conditions, and support for families.

Provides Emergency Comfort Kits, personalized gift packages, toys, tablets, gaming systems, books, protective supplies, mobility aids (e.g., scooters, wheelchairs), and essential living items (e.g., diapers, baby food) to support emotional well-being and physical recovery.

Builds and maintains play rooms in hospitals across Israel for children with cancer and supports patient coordinator programs in all Israeli hospitals to assist children and organize hospital-based activities.

Supports two kindergartens in central Israel and Beer-Sheva, built the first preschool for children with cancer in central Israel, and is finalizing plans for a third recovery and learning center in Jerusalem to provide medically safe, educational, and socially enriching environments.

Funds the establishment and ongoing operational costs of a cancer research lab at Sheba Medical Center in Israel for over a decade.

Provides funding for life-saving drugs, treatments, and medical procedures in Israel not included in standard health insurance, including experimental therapies, fertility preservation, dental procedures, and non-covered tests, and secures government approval for new drugs while funding them until public coverage begins.

Organizes annual tuition-free summer camps in Israel for over 300 children and teenagers affected by cancer, providing recreational activities and respite from medical treatments. Events include five-day camps in Nahsholim with 250 participants.

Provides free psychological support for children experiencing illness-related anxiety and for parents managing family challenges, along with daily meetings and emotional continuity for families of children with cancer.

Hosts fun days, dream trips to Orlando (35–40 children annually), and visits to Disney World and Disneyland for children with cancer, along with special events such as professional sports games to provide emotional relief and joy.

Maintains a database of U.S. pediatric oncologists to support second opinions and specialist consultations, and assists families in completing medical forms, accessing care, connecting with providers, and securing medical rights.

Supports financially challenged families in Israel with food, transportation to hospitals, medical equipment, surgeries, and other basic needs not covered by national health insurance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provides comprehensive support to Israeli families traveling to the U.S. for extended or short-term treatment, including transportation, accommodation, meals, clothing, translation services, emotional support, and car rentals.

Has awarded a $1,000 scholarship annually to a graduating senior at Baker High School since 2008.

Distributes personalized gift baskets tailored to the individual needs and interests of patients facing cancer or other life-altering illnesses, including items of comfort, inspiration, and the book 'There’s No Place Like Hope' by Vickie Gerard. Over 1,500 baskets have been provided to date.

Purchased and provided a mobile multi-sensory distraction station for pediatric patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital in 2012 and donated $15,000 from a memorial benefit to build a playground at the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York, dedicated as Maureen’s Place of Hope, Dreams and Imagination in 2004.

Donates 70 Spring Baskets annually to children spending Easter at Golisano Children’s Hospital, a tradition ongoing since 2007.

Operates the Maureen’s Hope Youth Club with approximately 80 active members who engage in service activities such as raking leaves, holiday decorating, baking cookies, and making hope bracelets for individuals affected by cancer or life-altering illnesses.