In Loving Memory of Will Steele

Help send Hope Packages to kids when a parent has cancer

I’m fundraising for Little Hearts of Hope so children can receive free, mailed Hope Packages—monthly play- and art-therapy activities with a parent guide—plus ongoing prayer support.

Why I’m raising support

My husband, Will, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in February of 2010. At the time of his diagnosis, our three children were ages 2, 4, and 6. The children had hard questions, and they lacked the ability to communicate what they were feeling. My husband and I sought out private counseling for the kids because there were no resources around to support our children who were watching their father fight cancer and ultimately go home to be with the Lord. Behavior issues, sleep disturbances, (not so) random emotional outbursts, chronic stomach aches, and frequent headaches were just a few of the things the children struggled with. I needed help addressing the issues that came with the frequent traveling, medical appointments, hospitalizations and surgeries for my husband. After his death in 2012, I was praying for direction on what to do next. The Lord gave me a vision to help other families when there is a cancer diagnosis and children in the home. I hope that through Little Hearts of Hope, children will learn to put their hope in the Lord even during life’s most difficult trials and that families would grow closer and stronger.

My goal is to raise $5,000 by September 17 to help more families enroll— every dollar stays with the nonprofit and programs are free to families.

What your gift makes possible

• $40 funds activity supplies for one Hope Package (avg).
• $50 helps cover materials + shipping for a child’s monthly kit (avg).
• $100 supports a sibling pair for one month.
• $650 covers about one month of program shipping at current volume.

About Hope Packages

Families enroll for one year. Each month focuses on a common emotion (fear, anger, sadness, hope) and includes age-appropriate activities plus a parent letter to guide conversations. Packages are portable, do-anywhere, and always free to the family. Little Hearts of Hope also offers prayer support and helps connect families with local resources.

Can’t give today? You can still help: subscribe for updates, volunteer, or ask about employer matching.

Thank you for helping kids feel seen, brave, and not alone. — Kerri