We attended Abilities Expo Dallas Dec 1-3 and got to connect with some major VIPs from our community.
Client Ambassador Kevin Lopez and Barbara Brewer, mom of client Jacob Brewer, volunteered their time to tell others all about their experiences with medical fundraising through Help Hope Live.
We presented a Freedom Concepts Help Hope Live-themed bike to 15-year-old Hallie, who has been living with an amputation since she was 11 following an osteosarcoma diagnosis.
A special thanks to Kevin for documenting our Abilities Expo Dallas experiences and sharing the photos with us!
Sharing Firsthand Experience
We were so excited to connect with Kevin and Barbara to help spread our mission at Abilities Expo Dallas.
They brought both energy and expertise to our booth, engaging individuals and families to share their firsthand experiences with our trusted medical fundraising.
Kevin is a proud Ambassador we recently featured in our Latest as he reached his one-year heart transplant anniversary. He got to work spreading the word about our mission and impact.
Barbara shared powerful thoughts on Facebook about the full-circle experience of sharing Help Hope Live with other families like hers:
“A year later, I am at the very same table but on the other side, sharing our story.”
As our Executive Director Kelly L Green observed throughout our time at Abilities Expo Dallas:
“They are both exceptional people. I can’t believe their energy, kindness, and capabilities—and they nailed our messaging.”
Hallie Gets Her Adaptive Bike
It’s always a special occasion when we get to combine an Abilities Expo visit with an adaptive bike giveaway.
It was no surprise to us that Hallie and family were overjoyed to receive a customized adaptive bike perfect for Hallie’s mobility needs. As her mom put it:
“This bike is an extension of the freedom and independence that Hallie enjoyed before her cancer diagnosis.”
Hallie has dedicated her life to advocating for childhood cancer awareness and fundraising for treatments and research. She’s raised over $200,000 for her cause over the past five years.
Through her charity Hallie’s Heroes, over 8,000 people have joined the National Bone Marrow Registry, and 300 patients have found their life-changing bone marrow matches.
Her excitement and joy were evident—and she was immediately able to get moving! We love the humor and spin Hallie brings to the table. Just check out her creative shirt!
We loved meeting Hallie and her family, and we’re so grateful to the Esther and Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation for making this bike giveaway possible.
Our missions couldn’t be more compatible as they continue to provide support for organizations that prioritize education, research, and services that enhance the everyday lives of children and families impacted by illnesses and disabilities.
From Denise Davis of the Rosenblatt Foundation:
“So happy to be part of helping children like Hallie.”
Meeting Clients and More
We were excited to connect in-person with client Stephen Mackintosh, who has been fundraising with Help Hope Live since a spinal cord injury in 2012.
Stephen reached out after the Expo and shared these kind words with us:
“It was wonderful to share our story and give thanks. You have been so helpful.”
He let us know he’d be including this photo in his year-end posts to his support community:
“They will get to meet the folks who make it happen every day.”
As always, we used our time at Abilities Expo Dallas to tell as many individuals and families as possible how to tap into our trusted medical fundraising to help fund the amazing equipment they see at Expo events and so much more.
We can’t wait for the next opportunity to connect and share—with Ambassadors, old friends, new friends, and furry friends. Like our new friend Layla!
