As we look back on 2025, we are reflecting on everything you have helped us achieve. We are so grateful for the opportunity to turn your generosity into real-world change.
Since our founding, Hope Strengthens Foundation has now supported 200+ patients and families and met over 1,250 individual needs, including medical bills, specialized equipment, and other out-of-pocket care expenses. We’ve also invested in the future of healthcare by awarding nearly 40 scholarships to students who share our mission of helping those in need. Thank you for making this work possible.
HELPING PATIENTS & FAMILIES
This year, we were honored to assist inspirational people like Jackie Whitman in her comeback from septic shock and heart failure, and Rima Manomaitis, as she battled Cystic Fibrosis and recovered from her second double lung transplant.
ADVANCING PARTNERSHIPS
We advanced existing partnerships with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Pediatric Resource Program and Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (in memory of Jack and Joanne Lynch).
These strategic alliances with hospital patient service programs allowed us to deliver targeted assistance to many more people than we could on our own.
Our partnership with Home Base reached new heights this year, fueled by the generosity of Jim and Tricia Clancy. Home Base does incredible work healing the invisible wounds of war for veterans and military families through cost-free clinical care and support.
HSF was honored to join a special Home Base service project on September 11th in Boston, MA, where we helped assemble care packages for deployed service members and veterans in need. To show our appreciation for those behind the scenes, we also hosted an ice cream truck visit at Home Base’s Charlestown, MA campus for the social work team. These dedicated experts are the engine of Home Base, providing the therapeutic care and compassion that guide service members, veterans, and surviving spouses through their most difficult chapters.
HEALTHCARE SCHOLARSHIPS
With the wonderful support of long-time donor Loukas Nakos and his family, we delivered a new round of scholarships to students at the University of New Hampshire College of Health and Human Services.
We also funded scholarships at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences School of Nursing for students who excelled at their studies.
In addition, we awarded another scholarship in memory of our very first beneficiary, Ally Smith. This year’s recipient was Sofia Baroletti, who graduated from Walpole High School (MA) and is attending Northeastern University. We were thrilled to recognize Sofia as she personifies the character and qualities we look for in honoring Ally Smith’s memory.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
HSF does not exist without Joseph Merry. Our organization is a direct result of his inspirational fight against cancer. Since beating cancer, Joe has selflessly volunteered with us for 15 years and has also served on our Board of Directors since 2013.
As a result of his inspiration and dedication, we were immensely proud to see Joe recognized as one of the 2025 Myra H. Kraft Community MVP Award recipients. This special award was presented by the New England Patriots Foundation in partnership with Gillette, recognizing volunteers like Joe who exemplify leadership, dedication, and a commitment to serving their community.
HSF was also humbled to be named the winner of the 2025 Play It Forward campaign. This prestigious award, presented by GolfStatus in partnership with Dormie Network and the Dormie Network Foundation, recognizes charitable golf outings that support vital causes.
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Earlier this year, Chris Menne passed away following a valiant battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Chris was a wonderful guy, and thanks to your donations, we were able to help cover insurance, transportation, parking, and food expenses as he underwent treatment.
There are many times throughout the year when we are flooded with memories of Chris and all the wonderful people we’ve been privileged to assist, particularly the children who were dealing with life-altering illnesses, disabilities, or injuries.
It’s difficult not to envision where their lives would have taken them. Birthday celebrations, holidays, so many other life milestones left unfulfilled. We think of their families and the break in their hearts that will never fully heal.
Yet, we know they are still with us in spirit, inspiring their loved ones and our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Today, and always, we remember and honor them.
YOUR GIFT CHANGES LIVES
With your continued generosity, HSF will be ready to help even more patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, and traumatic injuries—both through direct support and our partnerships with leading hospitals. We also remain committed to the next generation of healthcare professionals by expanding our scholarship funds.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate: Please consider a tax-deductible gift before the end of the year.
Giving Options: We accept credit cards, cryptocurrency, stock transfers, DAF grants, and IRA rollovers. Please reach out to discuss planned giving.
Match: Please check if your company has a matching gift program to help your donation go twice as far.
Share: Please forward this message to family, friends, and co-workers.
We are so grateful for your generous support, and wish you a Happy New Year!