HOPE IS HERE

#201 Daymara's Determination
Daymara had big plans in 2020. Trips, work goals and family outings were a few items on Daymara's to-do list. But when she collapsed getting out of bed one morning, all those plans on the horizon where immediately put on hold. After being rushed to the hospital Daymara was faced with an unexpected diagnosis. She had acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer. As this type of Leukemia can be terribly aggressive, Daymara immediately began an intensive chemotherapy regime and a groundbreaking stem cell procedure that would eventually save her life. This stem cell procedure, however, would force her into isolation as her immune system was weakened. Regardless of what may have seemed like an insurmountable challenge, Daymara persevered and her determination to leave the hospital so she could be with her children again is what Daymara says gave her hope and the ability to get well again.

#202 Little Braveheart
Early on in Rachel Collin's pregnancy she was told there was concern for her unborn child as doctors discovered her baby's heart was undeveloped. Soon hopes were dashed and worry set in as Rachel was told the future was uncertain for her baby boy. Hope is Here chronicles the first two years of Mikey Collins’ life, who proved to be the brave little boy with an incredible will to live.


#203 The Monk Terry Story
Five decades ago, Lawrence Monk Terry was at the top of his game. In 1972 he had won a silver medal with the U.S. rowing team at the 1972 summer Olympics in Munich Germany. His position on the team was an important one. He served as the Stroke. That's the term for the one who sets the pace for the rest of the rowers. Since then, his life has been rowing along merrily. Just recently he was a fit and active retiree until an April day, after Monk was doing housework and decided it was time to come inside that his life would take a pause. What happened next would give a whole new meaning to his revered rowing position, The Stroke.

#204 Chicken Strong
A diagnosis of childhood cancer came as a shock to the Shoeneck family who found out about their daughter Kenedi's malignant tumor after an unexpected fall. This episode of Hope is Here proves the power of love and creativity as The Sing Me a Story Foundation pairs Kenedi and well known songwriter Kat Perkins to create a happy and memorable tune that delivers hope, strength and laughter to a family who needed a reason to smile.

#205 Finding the Light
Our youth and all the experiences that make up one's childhood, good and bad, can affect the person we ultimately become. Yet we often have a choice in that destiny. Ana Viamonte Ros is a woman who confirms that although insurmountable challenges and negative experiences from the past can shape our future, hard work and a determined, healthy mindset can pave the way towards a gratifying life. Today Dr. Viamonte dedicates her life to helping patients strengthen their mental health and conquer childhood traumas while serving as living proof that perseverance and hope make dreams attainable.

#206 Doug the Pug
The way to healing can take on different forms. Little 7 year old Leonor was suffering from a very rare cancer, and it was decided she needed an uplifting project to give her hope. What better medicine than an endearing song that was created from Lenore and her sister Dot's imagination and a ridiculously cute and famous dog named Doug the Pug. This episode of Hope is Here is about how a famous dog, creativity and a group of caring individuals came together to give a little girl a world of hope to carry on.

#207 Working Towards Independence
Parents raise their children to ultimately achieve their independence. Yet removing barriers to attain the goal of independence is filled with great challenges for parents of children with special needs. Hope is Here focuses on a family, a very special foundation and a Florida hospital system that is going to great lengths to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities with strength, confidence and a sense of self-worth.

#208 Oliver's Story
Imagine being a child fighting cancer. Treatments, medications and uncertainty fill your day. A boy named Oliver decided to face his disease and pain with fierce determination. Once strong again, he was filled with gratitude because of the love and support he received during his treatment. Yet it was a symbolic jacket that he wore during the days of his cancer treatments that inspired him to start his own organization designed to cheer up other children dealing with cancer around the United States. Hope is Here presents the selfless story of Oliver's Patch Project.

#209 VACC Camp
Children who are ventilator-dependent are limited in their ability to participate in sports and recreation. Enjoying childhood to its fullest is often not possible. Every year VACC Camp affords children on ventilators the chance to enjoy a stress-free week at the beach along with other water activities such as sailing or going to the pool as they are supported by camp volunteers and the Miami Beach Fire and Rescue. This episode of Hope is Here features a participating doctor at Nicklaus Children's Hospital as well as two families who enjoy this special opportunity to see their children enjoy the ocean for the first time.

#210 A Mother's Love
Finding inspiration to fight cancer calls upon courage and an immense determination to soldier on through the toughest of days. This arduous journey also requires support and love from friends and family. Michael Cramer was gifted with all these necessary ingredients to forge ahead, not only from a family who loves him but especially from a mother whose encouragement strengthened her son through his darkest moments. Here is Michael's remarkable story about a mother's love, his undying resilience and the important lessons he learned about giving back the gift of survival.