Holiday Hearts Program

Please consider assisting this family. Mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dad works hard to support his family and has had to miss much time to accompany his wife to cancer treatment appointments. This family has no family support close by and depend on friends and neighbors to help with the children.

The financial assistance provided for this family will be life changing. Dad is paid cash and does not have any benefits therefore missed work means decreased income. The ability to possibly celebrate the holidays (maybe for the last time) with gifts and food will aid in making positive memories. The loss this family will inevitably suffer will be devastating so any ease leading up to this trauma will provide less stress and ultimately joy.

As with any terminal cancer diagnosis it is sad and devastating for the family. In this the C Family is no different. The parents try to remain positive and take everything day by day. They try to keep it as normal as possible for the children. This family does not have a family or financial support system yet they continue on doing the best they can despite these difficulties. Thank you for considering to assist this family.

Wish List

K.C. (Girl Age 12): K.C. is a typical 7th grader who likes make up, doing her nails and clothes (size small).

A.C. (Boy Age 6): A.C. is a boy who likes dinosaurs and soccer clothing (size 7/8).

L.C. (Girl Age 4): L.C. likes to play with Barbie’s and play kitchen/cooking clothing (size 6/8).

A.L.C. (Girl 12 Months): A.L.C. is a sweet 1 year old who is size 18 months in clothes.

Z.P. is a 7 year old girl who is treated for severe asthma. She lives with her mother, C.P., and ten-year-old brother, Z.P., in the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia. Mom is currently employed but recently took a significant cut in pay. In addition, the family had a leaking pipe that caused a mold overgrowth and mom spent money to take care of the mold removal because Z.P. was not allowed to be in that environment. Mom had to decide between paying utility bills or removing the mold. With the unexpected expense on top of the pay cut, mom has been struggling. This has also added to the household’s already stretched budget.

Your assistance would really help the family to get back on their feet and would make the holidays a little brighter! It would also relieve some of mom’s worries and financial burden for mom, who tries very hard to provide for her children.

Wish List

Z.P. (Girl Age 7): Dolls, Doll House, Clothes (size 5T or 6X), Slime, Bike, Karaoke Machine, Hover Board

Z.P. (Boy Age 10): Bike, Remote Control Airplane, Clothes (size small and size 10 pants), Ear Buds, Game for XBox One

The youngest child in the family is diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, Rett syndrome, epilepsy, and global developmental delay. Her father was killed last winter and mom is a single caregiver. The father of mom’s older children was also killed several years back. Mom lost her mother a few months back. Additionally in the last few months mom has been facing her own medical needs and had to stop working because she is now on dialysis. This family could really use the support during this time!

The gifts/financial support will provide comfort, fun, and happiness to a family that has dealt with multiple tragedies.

Thank you for considering this family for your holiday donations. It will truly make their holiday special.

Wish List

F.S. (Girl Age 5): Clothing and Winter Coat (size 5T), Shoes (size 8), Dolls, Teddy Bears, Cause and Effect Toys (light up, music)

J.B. (Boy Age 11): XBox 1 Game “Mortal Combat”, Race Car, Remote Control Airplanes, Clothing (Shirts Men’s Medium, Pants Men’s 34 or 36), Shoes (size 9 1/2)

J.B. (Boy Age 16): Gift Cards (5 Below, Target, Walmart)

Activities the family would be interested in: Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute, Bowling, Tickets to a Football Game

K.C. is a very complex 18 year old patient that is followed by the special needs clinic as well as many specialists. K.C. has complex medical needs and relies on technology (trachesotomy, ventilator, g-tube). K.C.’s guardian is her grandmother, who has taken in K.C. and her siblings and now an 11 month old baby she plans to adopt. S.P. (Mom) is unable to work due to K.C.’s intense and never ending medical needs. Additionally, there is an issue at their house with plumbing and electricity that needs to be remedied, however, it is very expensive.

The assistance of your donation will allow S.P. to utilize the funds she would have used for holiday gifts in ways more helpful to the household, including paying bills and buying necessary supplies. Additionally, she may be able to better afford getting her plumbing and electricity fixed. Any assistance/gifts that can be provided would be extremely helpful!

Wish List

K.C. (Girl Age 18): Walmart Gift Card (Mom is updating room and wants a new rug and bedding)

K.C. (Girl Age 14): Justice Gift Card for Clothing

L.C. (Boy Age 13): Nintendo Wii games (Just Dance 2018, Ram Racing and any other racing games for Wii), Clothing (size 12)

G.C. (Boy 11 Months): Standard High Chair (NOT one that attaches to a chair), Jogger-Type Stroller

Walmart Gift Card for Household Expenses

J.C. is an almost 3 year old patient at St. Christopher’s Hospital. She is followed in the special needs clinic as well as many specialties, including neurology. She has been diagnosed with a form of progressive epilepsy which has severely affected her. Her prognosis is guarded. Of note, she had a sibling with the same diagnosis who passed before she was born. Her parents are lovely and were working at the time of her birth but due to her increased medical needs they are currently unable to work. Her father’s company has continued to pay his salary at this time.

With this assistance, the family will not have to worry about what presents they can and can’t afford for their children. It would take a huge burden off of their shoulders and allow them to really enjoy this time together with their family. Any assistance/gifts that can be provided would be so helpful for this family!

Wish List

J.C. (Girl Age 3): Apple iPad, Pajamas (size 3T/4T), Socks (size 3T/4T), Mirror Toys, Hair Bows, Touch and Feel Books, Toddler Bed, Toddler Bed Sheets, Pink Gym Mat for Therapy (can get on Amazon), Clothes (size 3T/4T), Vamparina Toys

K.C. (Boy Age 9): WWE 2K19 for Playstation 4, Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch, Mario Cart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, Bean Bag Chair, Pajamas (size 12), Bed Sheets (size full), Sweat Pants (size 12), Hamper Hoop

Gift cards to Walmart, Target, Kohls, Burlington, or Marshalls

J.G. was born prematurely and had many medical issues as a result. He was ventilator dependent, has a g-tube, chronic lung disease, developmental delays. J.G. sees many specialists at CHOP which requires parents to take time off of work.

Both parents work in entry level jobs. Financial assistance will enable them to establish a savings account to assist the family in future times of need.

Wish List

J.G. (Boy Age 3): Cars and Legos

J.G. (Girl Age 5): “Girly Things” such as Lip Gloss, Nail Polish, etc.

F.R. was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 4. The family is originally from the Philippines but moved to Philadelphia so F.R. could get treatment at CHOP. Mother does not work in order to take care of F.R. Father works in a factory on night shift.

Financial assistance will allow the family to stabilize their finances which are very limited due to relying on one income.

Wish List

F.R. (Boy Age 7): Balls, Cars
S.R. (Boy Age 9): Anything Electronic
L.R. (Boy Age 3): Anything Age Appropriate

V.S. has many special needs, she requires a ventilator to breathe and a g-tube for feeding. V’s mother provides 24 hour care for her as the family has not been able to find reliable nursing. As a result the family has only one income provided by father-Arthur. The family moved to Philadelphia from Indiana so that Vivian could receive medical care at CHOP.

Financial assistance will allow the family to travel to Indiana to visit relatives, it will help to stabilize their finances in case of emergency.

Wish List

V.S. (Girl Age 3): She likes musical instruments-drums, piano/keyboard, xylophone (she cannot breathe from her mouth so no instruments that require breath please). She also likes light up toys, anything that makes noise. She would love a balance bike.

M.L. the oldest child, was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing’s Sarcoma in May, 2018. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a life threatening form of pediatric cancer. The treatment is roughly 10 months without anticipated delays. Treatment consists of 14 cycles of chemotherapy that alternate between 5 and 2 day hospital admissions. Scans (MRI and/or PET) are scheduled around cycle 6 for “local control” and at that time a decision is made regarding the need for radiation and or surgery. Between hospital admissions, M.L. is seen weekly for clinic appointments and/or laboratory visits. Mother has had to leave her job in order to care for M.L. and her other children. Everyone in the family is focused on M.L.’s health and well being. As she is immunocompromised, she must avoid large crowds. Chemotherapy often causes nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite so M.L. receives supplemental feeds via a gastrostomy tube. The emotional toll of caring for anyone with cancer is overwhelming and having a child with cancer is an extraordinary challenge.

Receiving assistance will assure that this family will be able to provide their children with some of the gifts they desire for the holiday season. As Mom has had to stop working, the family’s income is greatly reduced. They incur the additional cost of transportation to and from CHOP as well as having to use some of their limited resources for food, parking etc. while they are at CHOP.

Wish List

M.L. (Girl Age 10): Hatchimal, Cuddles the Kitten FurReal Life Pet, Dohvinci Creator Kit, Boxey Girls Big Box, Giant Stuffed Llama, JoJo Sciwa Back Pack, Zoomer Hungry Bunny, Star Lilly FurReal Friend

J.L. (Boy Age 7): Nerf Gatling Gun or Sniper Rifle, Halo Lego Sets, Zoomer Chompling Interactive Dianosaur, Scooter, Really Rad Robot, Giant Stuffed Puffy Puppy, Baseball and Bat and Glove, Insta Camera

C.L. (Girl Age 9): Kumi Creator Cool Kit Bracelet Maker, Zoomer Lights Pony, Scooter, Boxey Girls Big Box, Dohvinci Creator Kit, Slime Lab, Unicorn Fuzzy Wobble, Insta Camera

Mother of 4. Mom is currently unemployed. She is seeking employment but she has not had any luck. Mom’s husband recently had a heart attack and she is also taking care of him. J.V. is her main concern. He is a special needs patient with prune belly and asthma. Mom is always worried about him. Mom is doing her best to provide for the family as well as actively looking for a job. Mom’s goal is to be able to provide clothing and toys this Christmas. Mom’s wish is to be able to give her children the things they want and need.

Joining the Holiday Hearts Program has put some ease on Mom’s mind. She is struggling to make ends meet and relies on welfare and SSI for food and bills but it is not enough to buy her children things they need. She enjoys seeing them happy and wants to give them a good Christmas this year. Mom is excited and looking forward to having her children’s wish list come true.

Wish List

Y.V. (Girl Age 11): Anything Sailor Moon
D.V. (Boy Age 12): $50 Gift Card
Y.V. (Girl Age 8): Hello Kitty Make Up Kit
J.V. (Boy Age 7): PS4 Controller

L.C. is a 2 year old girl born prematurely and has a complex history including dysmorphic features, problems swallowing, reflux, a feeding tube, hypoxemia, patent foramen ovale, and hypertonia. She is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and is on BiPAP with sleep. She is followed by specialists in Pulmonary, GI, Genetics, Feeding Team, Allergy, Audiology and Neonatal Follow Up. Since birth, she has had two hospitalizations and numerous outpatient appointments.

L.C. lives with her mother and three siblings in Burlington, NJ. Mom and L.C. are both on disability and they have no other income source. They live in a home that requires a lot of repairs, including a roof that has been leaking for months which has cause a mold overgrowth, ceilings that are falling in, and holes in the walls and floors. Mom has gone to the landlord several times but has had to pay for some of the repairs herself out of an already stressed household budget. Other out of pocket expenses include transportation costs to and from her many appointments (gas, parking, tolls, meals, etc.) and higher utility expenses due to her BiPap and nebulizer machines. Because of L.C.’s pulmonary issues, she needs a home that is safe and mold-free, thus mom is currently looking for a new home for her family.

Your generosity will enable mom to provide her children with a wonderful holiday. It will also free up the household budget so that they can pull together a security deposit for a new home.

Wish List

L.C. (Girl Age 2): Shimmer and Shine Dolls, Toddler Bed for a Girl, Vtech Innotab or Nabi Tablet, Winter Coat (Eagles Coat, size 3T), Play Tent with Tunnel and Ball Pit, Clothes (size 2T) and Socks, Timberlands (size 9T)

S.N. (Boy Age 7): Walkie Talkie Set, Winter Coat (Eagles Coat, size 8 to 10), Kicks USA or Foot Locker Gift Card for a Pair Jordan’s (size kids 3), Clothes (size 8-10 boys) or a Burlington and Marshall’s Gift Card, Roller Coaster, Remote Control Car, Tablet, Stats Deluxe Archery Set

S.N. (Girl Age 8): Roller Skates (size 5), Winter Coat (Eagles Coat, girls size 14), Tablet, Kicks USA or Foot Locker Gift Card for a Pair of Jordan’s (size 5), Nails, Barbie Play Hair Head Doll, Barbie Play House, Piano, Clothes (size 14 girls) or Gift Card to Marshall’s and Burlington Stores

D.N. (Boy Age 10): Gift Card to Kicks USA or Foot Locker for a Pair of Jordan’s (size 6), Winter Coat (Eagles Coat, size boys 16 to 18), Tablet, Clothes (size 16 to 18 boys), The new Spider Man Game for PS4, PlayStation Gift Card, Remote Control Car, Nerf Gun, Lego set

T.S. (Boy Age 17): Full Size Eagles Bedding sheets and Blanket Set, Kicks USA Gift Card, Call of Duty Black Ops for PS4, Nike Sweat Suit (Men’s Medium Size), Tommy Hilfiger Boxers, McDonald’s Gift Card, Gift Card for GAP and Burlington Stores, Spending Money

Family Gifts: Gift Cards to Shop Rite, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s or money for a security deposit to move into and a new, safe, comfy home.

My brother, J.F. who was only 39 suddenly and unexpectedly passed away June 26, 2018. He was a single father of twin girls M and M. J.F. was a devoted and dedicated father and his love for his girls was unwavering. He worked so hard at his job (pile driver/dock builder Union 454) and still managed to play the role of both mom and dad and did it so well. The twins have a biological mother, but she has not been in the picture for over two years now. The girls came to live with us when their dad died. Their lives were altered in so many ways, their daddy was their world. We also have 3 other children who not only lost their uncle, but have all of this chaos and change affecting their lives. We are all trying to adjust to our new normal, but it has been a bumpy road. The outpouring of love and support from our community has been humbling. We are so grateful for The Barkann Foundation for their generosity and support during this very difficult time in our family.

Financial assistance will help. I was a substitute teacher and as of now, I am not able to resume working. Raising two more children has impacted us on many levels and financially is one. Any help we receive is appreciated and not taken for granted.

Wish List

M and M, and A.D. (3 Girls Age 8): Gift Cards for Dynamix Gymnastics, Twin Size Comforters

V.D. (Boy Age 14): Gift Cards to Dick’s, Play Station, Amazon

C.D. (Girl Age 16): Gift Cards to Target, Old Navy, Amazon

Family Gifts: Gift Cards to Chick-fil-a, Red Robin, Shop Rite

G.P. is an adult living with CP and an intellectual disability, who recently lost his mother. He has been a wheelchair user his entire life and lives at Inglis House to have 24 hour nursing care and support.

Individualized gifts will support George in feeling loved and cared for during this difficult holiday season.

Wish List

G.P. (Adult Male): Drum Set (electronic drum pads – to be able to play with his feet), Hess Truck, Men’s Philly Jersey (XL)

L.H. is an adult living with Multiple Sclerosis, who has lost the use of her arms and legs. She is now a wheelchair user and drives using her chin. This will help L.H. to get through an always tough holiday season, and to feel appreciated and loved.

Wish List

L.H. (Adult Female): Cat-related Memorabilia (i.e. pillows, blankets, socks (women’s large), shirts (women’s 2X), posters, calendars, etc.), Walmart Gift Card

K.L. is a young adult who has a rare movement disorder that has lead to her using a manual wheelchair and losing the ability to communicate verbally. K.L. has recently moved into a long term care facility in Philadelphia, far away from her family in Georgia. This will help her to feel loved and supported during the holidays away from her family.

Wish List

K.L. (Young Adult Female): Trendy Clothes (women’s small: bright colors, fashionable sweat suits), Earrings (studs), Target Gift Card

C.L. is an adult who suffered a stroke many years ago which has lead to her becoming a full time wheelchair user and she has lost the ability to communicate clearly. Help C.L. to feel appreciated and loved during the holiday season.

Wish List

C.L. (Adult Female): Costume Jewelry (pearls, bright colors, etc. bracelets and necklaces), Cans of Cherry Coke, Gift Cards to Walmart

A.C. is a young adult male with a rare movement disorder that has led to him using a wheelchair full time and loss of most of his sight who also recently moved into a long term care facility. Allow A.C. to feel appreciated and loved during this holiday season.

Wish List

A.C. (Young Adult Male): Ed Hardy or “Heir” by Paris Hilton for Men Cologne, Men’s Medium Winter Coat (with fur around the hood rim, black, white or grey), Autographed Ben Simmons Jersey, Flannel Comforter (Twin Bed)