In November 2019, Andy, now a member of our foundation, was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at the age of 7. This rare and serious autoimmune disorder attacks the kidneys, and, unfortunately, there is no known cure. Since his diagnosis, Andy has bravely faced the challenges of managing the disease, enduring the side effects of harsh medications, and navigating the uncertainty of treatment options. Despite these struggles, his resilience, courage, and determination to live life to the fullest have been an inspiration to many—particularly a group of friends he met during a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in June 2021. These five children and their families, united by a shared passion for arts and crafts, were motivated to use their skills to support young patients like Andy.

Recognizing the positive impact that art and creativity can have on healing and mental well-being, the families came together to found the Art for Hope Foundation. Our mission is to provide young artists a platform to bring joy and hope to children battling serious health conditions. Since its founding, the children have been busy crafting, creating tutorials, and fundraising to raise awareness of rare diseases. All proceeds from their efforts are donated to local children's hospitals and trusted nonprofits supporting pediatric rare disease research and treatment.

As our foundation continues to grow, we invite more volunteers and art enthusiasts to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of these young patients, helping to create a brighter future for them and their families.