✨ The Story ✨ Some stories stay with you forever, they shape who we are, why we do what we do, and how we see the world. Stephanie’s story is one of them. In April of 2023, Stephanie, a devoted mom of three beautiful girls, wife to her husband Matt, and a woman who lived life with energy and kindness, woke up with severe abdominal pain. Stephanie was tough, rarely complained, and had always been the strong one. But that morning changed everything. After multiple tests, she wa

Tarrajade is a loving mom doing everything she can to hold her little family together through heartbreak and hardship. She has two beautiful daughters, Genevieve 14, and Celeste 10. Like her mom, her daughter faces her own challenges with ADHD and bipolar disorder, but together they’ve found strength in love, laughter, and simply showing up for each other every day. Not long ago, their world was turned upside down when the girls’ father suffered a major stroke that left him p

Gabriel is a 6 year old little boy that has faced more challenges in his early years than most could even imagine. Coming from difficult circumstances, he is a survivor of abuse and continues to navigate the emotional effects of that trauma. His family has been working hard to rebuild a sense of safety, stability, and hope. Gabriel is a kindest and most gentle little boy. Gabriel’s mother walks to work each day to help support her family, while his grandmother continues to fa

Rachel is a devoted wife and mother of two, 9 year old Stefone Jr. and 17 year old Laylonie. Life took a difficult turn after she was involved in a serious car accident in December 2022, leaving her with ongoing back complications that have changed nearly every part of her daily life. Despite her determination, the pain has made it increasingly hard to walk and forced her to leave her caregiving job of three years, a role she loved because it allowed her to help others. Her n

Cheryl’s family has weathered a deeply emotional and challenging year. Last December, her husband spent 24 away from her and the kids receiving care for mental health struggles. This was his first time away from Cheryl and their three boys in 11 years. His absence meant missing their son Kamren’s 6th birthday and even Christmas morning. It was a heartbreaking season for the children and for Cheryl, who found herself trying to hold everything together while missing the person

This year has tested the Schwartz-Gonzalez family in ways no one could ever prepare for. In February, Michael was involved in a serious head on collision with a plow truck that left him in need of emergency neck surgery. After spending a month in the hospital, he finally made it home to begin the long road of recovery surrounded by his loving family. Just as life began to feel a little lighter, the family received joyful news, they were expecting a baby! But that joy turned t

Kimberly and Anthony’s life changed when their youngest daughter was born prematurely, beginning a lifelong journey of health challenges and doctor visits. Through every setback, Kimberly has been her rock, being strong even when she felt like she had nothing left to give. Recently, more challenges found their way to her door. Kim took on the caregiver role for her parents, as her mom battles a challenging cancer diagnosis. Each day, she pours her heart into caring for her tw

✨A Quiet Strength, A Lasting Legacy ✨ Some heroes prefer to stay out of the spotlight, and we deeply respect that. This Hardship Hero,...

Taylor is the heart and strength of a growing family of six, a mother to four energetic boys, each with their own spark and challenges....

Meet our first 2025 Hardship Hero: Jillian Over the past several years, Jillian and her family have endured an unimaginable series of...

🎄✨ 2024 Holiday Heroes was pure magic! ✨🎄 We were able to provide 10 Children an absolutely magical holiday experience! These well...

✨ The Experience ✨   Hardship Heroes is excited to share our Fall Hardship Heroes Experience! We have gifted James and his family some incredible opportunities to help them find some joy during this challenging time! James and his wife Lisa will be enjoying a 2-day stay at a cozy cottage located on Apple Ridge Farm, where they’ll have the opportunity to relax and reconnect after a year full of uncertainties. Waiting at the cottage will be some goodies (more on that soon!) to

Jackson's journey has been a challenging and inspiring one. Born and immediately placed in the NICU due to fluid in his lungs and...

Written by Missy "Six years ago, I had brain surgery for Chiari malformation, a condition where the brain herniates out of the skull,...

In 2018, Jimmy's life took a drastic turn when he was injured on the job. Since then, he's undergone three major back surgeries,...