Sofias Hope

Research Grant: Fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, especially as it relates to their long-term effects (including prevention, detection, and treatment). $80,000 in Grants given to University of New York, to help fund research in pediatric cardio-oncology.

Art Program: The focus of our art programs is to provide distraction therapy so that time moves a little faster for these amazing warriors. As such, we provide project kits which patients can do wherever they are as all materials and instructions are included. We have partnered with Nailed It DIY who provides these kits on a monthly basis so we can distribute to Child Life Specialists at Nicklaus, Holtz, Joe DiMaggio, Palm Beach, The Salah Foundation Children's Hospitals as well as to the Miami Cancer Institute (MCI) at Baptist Health and UM/alex's place. Program also includes in-person visits by our partners ClayWorld Studio and Nailed It DIY on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. We also provide virtual and in-person art therapy sessions by a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Certified Child Life Specialist. We believe the time these children spend with each artist and/or project eases their suffering if even for a little while. For one to two hours, they can almost forget where they are and why they are there.

Healing Arts Program: A licensed Art Therapist conducts group and individual sessions at Baptist/MCI, UM/alex's place, Holtz and Nicklaus Children's Hospitals. Art therapy helps patients of all ages, their parents and siblings explore and express their feelings of sadness, isolation, loneliness, frustration, and anger. All normal sentiments, considering they are now living in the world of childhood cancer. However, when these are not expressed it can lead to further depression and negative outcomes. Through what are considered non-threatening activities like drawing, painting, pastels, print making, collage, sculpture and art journals that include writing, patients can share their state of mind in a relaxed setting and gain support and insight from the art therapist. Sofia's Hope has teamed up with Eliane Cristian, a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Certified Child Life Specialist with twenty-three years of experience at the Cohen Children's Medical Center in NYC to offer this program.

Scholarship Program: In recognition of Sofia and her sister, Gabriela's love of learning as well as their achievements in academic excellence in school, Sofia's Hope is proud to offer annual scholarship opportunities for both childhood cancer survivors and their siblings. Sofia did not have the chance to graduate high school or attend college so through these scholarships Sofia's Hope aspires to help make that dream a reality for other childhood cancer survivors and their siblings.

Family Kits: The organization provides newly diagnosed kits to patients. The kits includes items that will aid the patient and their family as they proceed on the journey of hospital visits and treatments. Items such as pill cutter, blankets and wipes are a great help to the patients and their families. The kits are distributed to all 3 hospitals the foundation works with.

Awareness Program: The childhood cancer awareness program includes community outreach opportunities and dissemination of stories and information to spotlight the plight of childhood cancer.

Field Trips to Zoo: Twice a year we do in-person visits to Zoo Miami with patients and their entire families. Visit includes admission to the zoo, special activities, lunch and free time. All children that attend also get an Adopt as a souvenir of the day. Four times a year we do virtual visits to the Zoo via Zoom with zoo educators presenting followed by coordinated art project lead by either Nailed It DIY or ClayWorld.

Horse Camp: Kids attended a horse camp and got to ride horses, brush them, make art work and have lunch. The families of the kids were also invited so the everyone could have a stress free fun day.

Adopt a Zoo Animal: The patients are given a family zoo pass for the year along with a plush animal toy. The patients and their families can enjoy the zoo together all year.

Field Trip to Tinez Farms: In 2024 we held our first field trip to Tinez Farms located in the Redlands. Patients and their families get to spend a fun-filled day of animal feeding, seed planting, and more. Admission and lunch are included. Looking to do twice a year.