Dear Friends and Supporters,

This year, on September 15th, Gemma’s Warriors will be holding our 5th Annual Toy Drive at The Mill Steakhouse in Milton. (But for the whole month of Sep we will continue to collect and raise money.) We are reaching out with full hearts, asking for your help in raising funds that will go directly to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital through their Helping Hands program.

Our journey with childhood cancer began when our daughter, Gemma, was just 1½ years old. Gemma was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer, and faced six grueling months of chemotherapy and a life-threatening surgery. The days were long, the nights even longer, and the fear was overwhelming. When a family faces a battle like this, life as you know it changes. One or both parents often have to stop working to care for their sick child, and the financial strain becomes an added weight on top of the emotional toll.

I’ll never forget the day we were told Gemma needed a specific medication, one that our insurance wouldn’t cover. I stood in the entryway of Mary Bridge, tears streaming down my face, terrified because I didn’t know how I was going to afford the medicine my daughter so desperately needed. In that moment of despair, a social worker from Mary Bridge saw me. She came up to me and told me that Helping Hands would cover the cost, ensuring Gemma would get the medicine she needed.

That moment changed my life. Not being able to afford your child’s medication in the darkest time of your life is heart-wrenching beyond words. But the compassion and support we received from Helping Hands lifted a burden off our shoulders and gave us the strength to keep fighting alongside Gemma.

From that day forward, I knew I had to give back. That’s why we raise money for Helping Hands—because no family should ever have to face this battle alone. Every dollar, every penny you donate to this fundraiser goes directly to families right here in our community who are affected by childhood cancer. Whether it’s for gas to get to the hospital, a hotel stay, groceries, or anything else they need, Helping Hands is there to ensure that no family is ever left behind.

Your generosity has the power to make a real difference in the lives of these families. By supporting this cause, you are not only bringing joy and comfort to children battling cancer, but you are also lifting up entire families during their most challenging times.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,

Gemma’s Warriors