Thanks to a generous grant from the Catholic Community Foundation, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels brought smiles and strength to hundreds of children undergoing long-term medical treatment for life-threatening illnesses. By focusing not only on physical healing but also emotional and psychological well-being, the organization expanded its Comfort and Care Program with powerful results.

With the grant funds, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels was able to purchase cutting-edge gaming equipment that transformed hospital rooms and treatment centers into joyful spaces of relief. The interactive gaming consoles and software provided an immersive escape from the harsh realities of cancer treatment and other life-threatening illnesses, offering kids a chance to simply be kids. For many, it meant a reprieve from the stress and fear of their daily medical routines, replacing it with laughter, connection, and a sense of normalcy.

Additionally, funds were allocated to enhance the organization’s sand tray therapy offerings. New interactive figurines were acquired to make play therapy more inclusive and accessible for children of all physical abilities. These carefully chosen materials helped foster independence, creativity, and emotional expression, ensuring that no child was left out of the healing experience.

This project was not a standalone effort, but rather a meaningful expansion of Amanda Hope’s Comfort and Care Program, which includes therapeutic outings, arts and crafts, and other inclusive activities. Each element of the program is designed to foster community, create lasting memories, and empower children throughout their healthcare journey.

By supporting emotional wellness alongside physical treatment, this initiative has also helped reduce strain on traditional healthcare resources, offering children meaningful ways to cope, connect, and find joy. Through this grant, the Catholic Community Foundation didn’t just fund equipment—it helped restore hope, happiness, and dignity for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

People living paycheck to paycheck are aware that financial danger is looming. They move forward each day, tamping down the thoughts of “what if?” In 2022, 58-year-old Daniel* lost his job and found himself homeless, sleeping on different friends’ couches or in his car. Daniel’s “what if” became a reality.

Now, the combination of being homeless added to the complexity of Daniel’s long history of high blood pressure; he was no longer able to afford his blood pressure medication.

In September 2022, Daniel fell into the loving hands of Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), which assists people with difficulty accessing medical care. MOM says their product is love, and their vehicle is medicine.

Dr. Carie Barlow, a volunteer physician at a MOM clinic, said Daniel’s first blood pressure reading was 201/123, which is considered a medical crisis that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening health problems. Dr. Barlow said they immediately started Daniel on antihypertensive drugs that controlled his blood pressure. Through the Target Blood Pressure Program, a collaborative effort with the American Heart Association, he received a free blood pressure monitor to help him track his condition.

“As we strive to lift someone in need of spiritual, emotional, or physical healing, we know that approaching that person with genuine love and compassion provides as much healing as the physical services we provide,” says Paula Carvalho, Executive Director, Mission of Mercy AZ

And because Daniel felt safe with his MOM doctor, he mentioned that he had had hepatitis C for more than a decade and tearfully asked if MOM could do anything to help him.

After confirming his condition with blood work provided in-kind by Sonora Quest Labs, he applied for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) but was denied. But that rejection didn’t mean it was the end of the road.

MOM doctors helped Daniel apply for patient assistance through Gilead Sciences, Inc., which makes the $60,000 drug treatment for hepatitis. When Daniel was approved, the medicine was shipped directly to the Mission of Mercy and dispensed at no cost.

After the two-month course, Daniel was retested with no trace of the infection in his blood, meaning he was cured of hepatitis C.

“When he came to the clinic for his test results and was told the good news, he cried uncontrollably,” said Dr. Barlow.

Although Daniel remains homeless, this burden has been lifted from his heart, and he can now continue working on the steps necessary to improve his life.

*The name Daniel is fictitious and used for this client’s confidentiality.

Because of generous donations from people like you, the Catholic Community Foundation passes your gifts to organizations like Mission of Mercy Arizona. Your donations support organizations with established systems in place to make a positive impact in the world.