Stories & Quotes
Family Spotlight: A Father’s Dedication, a Community’s Support
When William became a father to Van and stepfather to Manny, he faced the challenges of caring for two children while navigating medical appointments and therapies. Tragically, Patricia, Manny and Van’s mother, passed away just a month after Van was born, leaving William as the sole caregiver.
“Taking care of both kids hasn’t been easy, but we make it work,” William shares. “Partnership for Children has been a lifeline, especially their ride service. It allows me to get the kids to appointments safely and on time, without adding more stress to our day.”
The family has been connected with Partnership for Children for many years, supporting Manny since just after he was born. Over time, William has relied on the program’s drivers and services coordinators not just for transportation, but for a steady presence in the children’s lives. “The drivers know our kids, and they make every trip enjoyable,” William says. “They’ve become part of our extended family.”
With support from Partnership for Children, William has been able to focus on what matters most: keeping his family together and helping both Van and Manny thrive. “I would probably keep everything the same because y’all do an amazing job,” he says. “You help me do what I need to do for my kids.”
Through every milestone and challenge, the partnership between William’s family and our organization demonstrates the power of community, resilience, and unwavering support.
"Without the rides you provide, I would have no way to get my daughter to her doctor appointments."
"When my daughter was first diagnosed with cancer, Partnership for Children started out by providing us with gas cards to get my daughter to her appointments. We had to take my daughter up to the hospital for her chemotherapy so often that our car broke down. We had no way to get her to her appointments and I was so worried! Then you stepped in and started giving us rides. Two years later and you’re still helping us. She finally just went into remission, but I worry so much every day that she may relapse, and it helps with the stress when I know that we will get her to her next checkup because you will take us. It is one less thing to worry about overall while I worry about her."
"The money that we received for rent from Partnership for Children stopped us from being evicted. We were so worried that we would have no place to live and our son could not be homeless when he is so sick."
Family Spotlight: Amaia’s Journey of Strength
When Maria and Abraham met in Spain, they never imagined their life together would take them from Europe to New Hampshire, and eventually to the West Coast - guided by love, resilience, and the fierce determination of their daughter, Amaia.
In 2023, at just 18 months old, Amaia was diagnosed with advanced neuroblastoma. Her parents recall the shock vividly: “She was such a healthy little girl. There were no signs - just a small hard spot on her abdomen that we discovered by chance.” Tests confirmed the diagnosis, and within days their world shifted to focus entirely on saving their daughter’s life.
Treatment was grueling: five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, two stem cell transplants, proton radiation, five rounds of immunotherapy, and two years of oral chemotherapy at home. Yet through every stage, Amaya showed remarkable spirit. “After every major treatment, even after surgery, she insisted on walking to the car. Half the time she would run,” Abraham said. “She’s been our example of strength.”
Life in treatment meant learning to be more than parents. Maria and Abraham became caregivers and home nurses, managing feeding tubes, central lines, and complex medication routines. Through it all, Amaia’s siblings, Joaquin and Julia, were constant sources of joy. Joaquin visited the hospital daily, never showing jealousy, only pride in his sister’s accomplishments. Julia, born during one of Amaia’s hospital stays, became a calming presence, a “sunshine baby” who brought comfort in the hardest moments.
In 2025, Amaia completed her final oral chemotherapy. The family celebrated with Amaia’s choice - pizza, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and the joy of reclaiming a bit of normalcy. “There’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel now,” Maria said. “We’re ready for her to play with other kids, go to school, and just be a little girl.”
Partnership for Children became part of that journey thanks to a referral from Coastal Kids Home Care. “From diapers and holiday gifts to gas cards and rent assistance, everything has been a help,” Maria shared. “It’s hard to ask for help, but Partnership made it so easy - no stress, just support.” Abraham added, “Donors should know their gifts go directly to families like ours. We’ve felt the benefits firsthand.”
Today, Amaia’s scans are clear, her port is out, and her energy is boundless. Her family’s hope for the future is simple: to heal, to travel, and to make up for lost time together. “It takes a community to help someone through cancer,” Maria said. “Partnership for Children has been part of that community for us. We are so grateful.”
"Gas assistance for our daughter's medical visits has allowed us to focus on her well-being without worrying about travel costs. We’re very grateful for this help which has eased some of the burden during this difficult time. Rent payment assistance has allowed us to plan for the future, which has given us peace of mind and a sense of hope. Grocery deliveries have been especially beneficial during periods of our daughter's poor health, when time and energy are limited. It has allowed us to access a variety of fresh and healthy foods without having to leave home. We’re very grateful for these services that have improved our quality of life and made it easier to manage our daily responsibilities. It’s meant a lot to us as parents to see the bright smiles on our daughters' faces and to feel the generosity and support of our community."