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Stories

Owen was born on May 15, 2020, and since birth he has undergone seven open-heart surgeries. In 2024, Owen had his Fontan surgery. In April of 2025, a stomach virus triggered a severe heart rhythm issue that his body could not recover from. He was placed on life support and eventually required a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) to keep his heart functioning. Since then, he has been listed as Status 1A for a heart transplant and we have been living at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, since April 2025, waiting for the life-saving call that a heart is available. We almost lost him again in September of 2025 while in the hospital and Owen pulled through again and is better than ever now. This foundation has given me the opportunity to not stress daily about the financial burden all of this has caused. I am blown away by their generosity and quick efforts to help our family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Caitlin
Owen's Mom

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support you have provided to my family, especially my son Tamir, during such a challenging time. Your generosity and compassion have made a significant impact on his journey, and we will forever be thankful for everything you have done.

The financial assistance you offered for Tamir has been a lifeline for us. It allowed us to focus on him and not the overwhelming stress of managing costs. But beyond that, your emotional support and willingness to be there as a listening ear have been just as invaluable. I used to feel unnoticed when my husband passed away. Knowing that we are not alone in this fight and having someone to lean on has given us strength and hope when we needed it most. Your foundation has not only helped my son Tamir receive the care he needs but also has reminded my other two kids (Tatiana & Tyan) of the kindness and goodness that still exists in the world. You have touched our lives in ways words cannot fully describe, and we will always cherish your role in our journey.

Thank you for being such a shining light for families like mine. You are truly making a difference, and we are forever grateful for the love and support you continue to provide.

Angelica
Tamir’s Mom

Let me start by saying I appreciate everything that the foundation has provided for me and my kids. This is a big help for me. The experience with this foundation is AWESOME… Times are very hard, so I want to thank everybody that's involved for the help providing things we need and being so good to us. I can't express how thankful I am for everything.

Dominique
Camren’s Mom

My daughter Zoe underwent a major surgery when she was 2 months old. She had a colostomy until 4 months old, another surgery before she turned 5 months (colostomy reversal) and a surgery on her spine before she turned 8 months.

In those circumstances the Sammy Gelband foundation extended their support and I am forever grateful for that. The Foundation serves as a ray of sunshine and hope to those who need it, particularly myself. They helped me out not just financially but emotionally, as I am struggling with loneliness and anxiety dealing with all the stress. The people behind the Sammy Gelband foundation are truly a blessing for us and I pray that there will be more recipients to receive such incredible support from this wonderful foundation.

Today our baby Zoe is still below the normal weight and under the monitoring of the nutritionist, still on follow up with the surgeon and ongoing therapy. She is our valiant little warrior. With a happy heart she is what she is right now with the help of Sammy Gelband Foundation. Through the foundation Sammy touched every life leaving a print that will forever be cherished.

Laima
Zoe’s Mom

Nevaeh is an adorable little girl who is only 18 months old and has been battling cancer for 12 of those months. Her mother is a single mom who had to quit her job to be at her daughter's bedside for the past year. Her focus has been her daughter and that meant she didn't have an income, and bills became impossible to pay. Mom needed help and the Sammy Gelband Foundation offered that help. The help meant more than a bill being paid, it was the kindness of someone hearing her story and affirming the importance of her daughter. The Sammy Gelband Foundation was an unexpected miracle and I witnessed how Sammy's family turned their grief into hope for a mom who thought there was no one else to turn to.

Diane
Social Worker

I want to express my most grateful appreciation on behalf of my family and thank God for having put people like you on our path. This situation has not been easy at all, but with your help it is more manageable. We didn’t know how we could find the time to work to be able to cover the expenses month to month and be with our daughters at the same time. This is now much more demanding because of the care it requires to show up for our daughter and not neglect her sister. That is why we are grateful to you, because financial assistance is very helpful, and even more so to know that it is done by people who understand the situation perfectly.

Thanks to that, we have been able to spend more time with my daughter Maria Camila and make her as happy as possible, not with luxuries but with a lot of love and time. God bless you and multiply you so that many more families will be blessed with your help. And that they know that despite the bad, there are people who without knowing you are eager to help.

Camilo
Maria Camila’s Dad
As a pediatric oncology social worker in a lower income urban city, I am constantly connecting with foundations to provide financial support for families. The Sammy Gelband Foundation is one of my favorite organizations to connect families with. They provide personalized financial support and care for families caring for a child with a serious medical condition. From support for rent, phone bills, diapers and wipes, or a doll for Christmas, the foundation truly cares about families and allows them time to focus on their child's health. It is always a pleasure to work with the team at SGF.
Tara
Social Worker
In August of 2023, our daughter Eva was born with PHACE syndrome and spent 22 days in the NICU. Since then, she's seen almost a dozen specialists aside from routine checkups. She's now 18 months old, learning to talk and play with her older sister, as well as navigate the world with sight in only one eye. Eva will continue to need to see specialists to monitor and manage the issues associated with PHACE syndrome and from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the Sammy Gelband Foundation for being a part of Eva's story. None of her progress would be possible without their generosity and unwavering support. Thank you so much for everything, we are very grateful!
Victoria and Ricky
Eva's Mom and Dad
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the generous support you have provided. Your contribution has been essential for us to continue our mission and achieve a cure for little Benjamin. The Sammy Gelband Foundation has made a huge difference in my family’s life. It is an honor to have such dedicated partners. Thank you very much for being by our side.
Milena
Benjamin’s Mom
I want to thank the Sammy Gelband Foundation for the help you have provided to my family. Thanks to you, we have been able to find peace, tranquility and hope. My sincere thanks to the foundation for helping families when they are vulnerable. With all my heart I thank God for putting us in their path and continue to help more families.
Maria
Matias’s Mom
The Sammy Gelband Foundation helped our family to make it through an impossible time. Our world was turned upside down when our daughter was diagnosed with cancer before her 1st birthday. You all helped by paying our rent and took a huge burden from our shoulders. Thank you is not enough, and we hope you can see the hope and joy we have today.
Zahid
Zahida’s Dad
I want to thank you all so much for being a part of our happiness by providing us with a home and meeting the needs of my beautiful daughter. A thousand thanks; you are angels to her and us.
Sandy
Genesis’s Mom