A Season of Hope, Community, and Strength
Christmas is about more than gifts. It is about showing up for people during life’s hardest moments, creating joy where uncertainty exists, and reminding families that they are not alone. This year, Fightstrong Foundation was honored to bring that mission to life through our 4th Annual Christmas Donation, supporting 16 incredible families and donating over $16,500 in gifts and experiences—our largest Christmas initiative to date.
What made this year so special was not just the growth in numbers, but the community behind it. Families, volunteers, partners, and social workers all came together with intention and heart to make sure every fighter felt seen, celebrated, and supported.
A Day Built Around Care and Connection
Families were welcomed to our annual Christmas party, where Fightstrong also provided lunch for each fighter and their family, allowing everyone to spend time together without worrying about the details. This year, volunteers signed up to shop directly for families, ensuring each gift was thoughtful and personal. Eleven families stepped up to shop, with Fightstrong supporting the remaining families to ensure every wish list was fully fulfilled.
Behind the scenes, coordination was constant. A heartfelt thank you goes to Jenn, Shannon, and Megan from CINJ and Children’s Specialized Hospital, who worked closely with us to gather wish lists, answer questions, and ensure every family’s needs were met. Families are incredibly fortunate to have social workers who care deeply about their journey and wellbeing—this event would not be possible without them.
Partners Who Helped Make It Possible
We are deeply grateful to the organizations that stood alongside us. The MITER Foundation donated $5,000 toward shopping, allowing us to fulfill every wish list and go beyond expectations. MCS Healthcare shopped for two families, extending our reach even further. The Victory Foundation donated winter essentials and a $250 Walmart gift card for each family, along with a meaningful Jenga set filled with handwritten motivational messages from Victory Home Remodeling employees—each block serving as a reminder that no matter what falls apart, there is always strength and support to build it back up.
Celebrating the Fighters We Were Honored to Support
At the center of this day were the fighters themselves—each with a story defined by courage, resilience, and individuality.
Adan (9), diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in December 2024, received sneakers, UGG slides, gift cards, a helmet, and clothes. The oldest of four, Adan loves video games like Minecraft and Roblox and recently returned to school full-time.
Aurora, diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly after her second birthday, is now in maintenance. She received Bluey toys, learning kits, pretend-play sets, and kitchen play items. Aurora loves painting, biking, snowboarding, singing, and everything Bluey.
Chris (8), diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma and currently back in treatment, received toys, clothes, LEGO sets, and shoes. A gifted mathematician, Chris loves creating math quizzes and spending time learning with his dad.
Fabiana (17), diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, received an iPad and keyboard, makeup and accessories, UGG slippers, PacSun and American Eagle items, and gift cards. A high school senior, she dreams of becoming a nurse or doctor.
Gabriel (18), diagnosed with ALL, received an iPad, keyboard, Apple Pencil, books, bookshelf, clothes, shoes, and gift cards. He recently graduated high school and hopes to study journalism.
Gordon (19 months), recovering from surgery after losing mobility due to a tumor, received toys, a chair, Patagonia clothing, and additional clothes and items from Amazon. His laughter brightens every room.
Isaiah (16), diagnosed with osteosarcoma, received a Saquon Barkley jersey, Nike shoes, a PS5 controller, Battlefield 6, Nike sweatsuits, and Eagles tickets. A sports lover, he shares a close bond with his family.
Jancarlos (19), diagnosed with ALL, received a PS5, controller, charging station, Sony and Roblox gift cards, clothes, shoes, Crocs, and accessories. He recently began physical therapy with hopes of returning to the gym.
Kimberly (7), diagnosed in September 2025, received clothes, shoes, toys, and additional items to support her love of arts and crafts. A joyful first grader, she loves making others smile.
Lily (2), diagnosed with leukemia, received Tonies, clothes, a bike, toys, shoes, and more. She lights up around other children and loves playgrounds and playtime.
Marvin (19), diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, recently shared the incredible news that he is now in remission. He received Beats headphones, a Real Madrid jersey, gaming accessories, clothes, Ray-Ban glasses, and cologne. Marvin is a college student who enjoys gaming and spending time with family.
RJ, diagnosed with B-Cell ALL at 15 months old and currently in maintenance, received an iPad, keyboard, Apple TV, case, LEGOs, toys, clothes, bike, and helmet. His joyful personality fills every room.
Serina (6), diagnosed in September 2023 and now in remission, received an iPad and keyboard, clothes, jewelry, and toys. She loves arts and crafts and spending time with friends.
Wismide, diagnosed with a glioma and receiving care in the U.S., received Beats headphones, Adidas clothing, a winter coat, Victoria’s Secret clothing and perfume, a backpack, watch, and accessories. She loves reading and fashion and is learning English.
Savannah (15), diagnosed with ALL, received Beats headphones, books, beauty and makeup items, fragrance, accessories, a handbag, and novelty gifts. She is a cheerleader and excited to learn how to drive.
Caroline, who recently beat osteosarcoma, received beauty products, Studio Ghibli gifts, stickers, jeans, and outerwear. Caroline completed chemotherapy and multiple surgeries and finds joy in art, reading, movies, and family time.
Thank You to Our Christmas Shoppers
This event would not have been possible without the incredible individuals who shopped with care, love, and intention. Thank you to:
Brandon Baszak
Patrice Peschel Keesser
John & Linda Martone
Christie Garrecht
Ti & John Martone
Melinda Serrano
Allan & Janie Rosa
Angela Casale
Melissa & Danny Nigro
Gina & Charlie Greenstein
Sandy Holder
Anna Sostak
Your time, generosity, and heart were felt in every gift and every smile.
A Special Gift of Kindness
We were also honored to share a very special set of gifts for the second year in a row. Sandy Holder’s daughter and her friends created handmade gifts as part of their “25 Days of Good” Christmas initiative. Each item was made with love, care, and intention—and the joy on each child’s face when receiving them was unforgettable. We are so grateful for these young hearts who chose kindness and giving this season.
Why This Day Matters
This year marked meaningful growth—from 9 families last year to 16 this year—but more importantly, it reinforced why Fightstrong exists. It is about relationships, presence, and creating moments of joy during the hardest chapters of life.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every family, volunteer, partner, and supporter who made this day unforgettable.