The Summer Hope Foundation started The Steven Alvarez Fund for Children with Cancer in memory of my brother in 2004. Steven lost his battle with leukemia just two days after his 16th birthday, three years after he was diagnosed. My brother’s life touched so many because throughout his battle he never lost his charm, sweet nature, and killer smile. Through this fund we keep my brother’s youthful spirit alive by supporting other children fighting cancer.

Since we have started The Steven Alvarez Fund we, along with the help of our Summer Hope family, have collected thousands of dollars in children’s books, movies and art supplies. We have donated these items to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital and American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge as well as other charitable organizations. And last year, thanks to a very generous donation from an anonymous donor we were able to donate a Wii Center to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital for both the patients receiving treatments as well as the siblings who spend so much time at the hospital supporting their family member. We hope that this Wii Center will bring them some joy during their difficult time.

It was my best friend who started Summer Hope and invited me to become a board member. A year after joining the board we decided to start this fund to honor Steven. I look forward to continuing our
work and keeping my brother’s memory alive.

Yours in Hope,
Carla L. Alvarez Woitovich
Board Member, The Summer Hope Foundation

For more information on our book or art supply drives or to make a donation
please contact Carla at: safund@gmail.com