Laura Fernandez, right, with friend Kathy Conigliaro and Jeremy Shatan of Hope & Heroes

My name is Laura Fernandez and I am a proud supporter of Hope & Heroes. I’d like to tell you why. In March of 2014 my son, Lorenzo, passed away from pediatric cancer. I hope you never have to watch first-hand what a child goes through in the battle against cancer. But if the very worst happens, you should know that Hope & Heroes is there funding the outstanding care that makes Columbia University Medical Center the #1 pediatric cancer program in New York.

I support Hope & Heroes because I want to ensure that every sick child has the same quality of care Lorenzo had, no matter a family’s financial resources. Thanks to Hope & Heroes, Columbia is here for all of us, providing world-class services right here in our backyard. My work with Hope & Heroes has helped turn personal tragedy into action for other children like Lorenzo. Let me share some of my beloved HEROES joining in this battle.

Laura’s Heroes

Dr. Darrell Yamashiro was Lorenzo’s pediatric oncologist. He was and is my HERO. In addition to being a top clinician in his field, Dr. Yamashiro also leads a world-renowned laboratory focused on solid tumor research. He was with us every step of the way through Lorenzo’s treatment. He will forever be a part of our lives. He continues to go the extra mile for my family, attending our Hope & Heroes fundraisers and staying in touch with us.

The people who make up our local community are also my HEROES. When Lorenzo passed away they committed to joining us in supporting Hope & Heroes to keep Lorenzo’s spirit alive. These friends have attended, supported and hosted everything from soccer tournaments to Pampered Chef parties to potluck dinners. They have also joined us in trips back to the clinic to drop off toys and other donations for patients and their families. What’s more they ALL join us for the Hope & Heroes Annual Walk as a part of Team 20 – Friends of Renz! Each of these efforts may seem small, but they have a BIG impact. In less than two years we have raised and donated over $63,000 to Hope & Heroes, including Dr. Yamashiro’s work.

Now I invite YOU to join us in supporting Hope & Heroes. Your donation ensures that every child being treated for childhood cancer and blood disorders here in New York has the benefit of world-class treatment and pioneering medical research. Please GIVE TODAY.

Thank you and Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Laura Fernandez