Honor

Zoe created a legacy, “at only age 6” yes at only age 6.  Zoefia Battled Pineoblastoma for 4 years, she defied the odds and did the impossible. She had a fighting spirit, a strong will to live and a zeal for life, therefore it is so important to give forward to cancer children and their families some of her favorite moments, as well the things that were most important to her. Throughout the website photos are shared to show various moments of her journey, PLEASE keep in mind this is all while undergoing Chemotherapy. We hope to bring Inspiration to others and show that while life is sometimes short lived it’s all about ‘MAKING MOMENTS COUNTS’. This is how we HONOR and carry forward Zoefia’s Legacy.

Zoefia was a Beautiful Blessed Angel, she had a way of touching those she encountered, she was full of Love and had the biggest brightest smile, she was so Self Motivated, Driven, Caring, Courageous and Amazing.

Family

Family is and was EVERYTHING to Zoefia! We tried to spend all our time together, while hospitalized she was never left alone, that is such an important factor with sick children. The days spent outside the hospital were filled with activities, fun, and laughter. Family is a big part of our mission as we will be offering “A Day of Adventure” Program and a Cancer Caregivers Program, to give forward to the heart of the home.

A Day of Adventure Program – ALL days spent outside the hospital is meaningful and important not just for the children but the parents. For Cancer children things can change in an instant, they end up in the emergency room and more than often admitted. Cancer kids live a life of uncertainty a life of fear with many unanswered questions, Zoefia loved being home and away from any medical environment, she loved activities and events. Zoefia was a very daring, fearless, curious, adventurous, and loved trying new things. She loved going to farms, picking apples, cherries, strawberries, she rode horses, tried fishing, and loved amusement parks. We wanted to do it all!  These moments, experiences that she had are what we want to give to families. “MAKING MOMENTS COUNT” These moments that families spend together are often crucial because you just never know.

Cancer Caregivers Program – Some may wonder why this is important? It’s not just Important it’s Absolutely necessary! Cancer Caregivers are on the front line when it’s comes to Pediatric Cancer, they are the STRENGTH, THE VOICE and BACKBONE for these kids! Outside of doctors and Nurses whose roles are limited, kids see their parents and in Zoefia’s case she was with Momma and Grandma daily! so we know the ins and outs, the roller coaster, the nightmare’s the laughter and the tears. Being a Cancer Caregiver is not just giving medication or sitting bedside, there’s a whole picture to look at and think about as well as plan for. All this can take a toll physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.  So, we wanted to give forward to the Caregivers because even something so small as a spa treatment, Dinner or even a Manicure is a big deal. Sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to do simple things and the little time you do get is for resting.  Most caregivers forget about themselves because they put their loved ones need before their own, we are here to not only remind you to take care of yourself but also show appreciation.

Education

Education Programs aren’t just needed they’re IMPORTANT! There’s not enough schooling for cancer kids. To clarify, due to their compromised immune system cancer children cannot attend regular school, so they are often home schooled, or they attend a school designed especially for cancer kids. Having these schools gives them a sense of normalcy and confidence, they get to learn, play, and socialize. All these attributes are key elements in not only life skills, but for the continued fight and recovery of the disease “Cancer”.

How we get involved, Zoefia attended The Morgan Center and although the program is free for cancer kids, there are still expenses creating such a unique and safe educational atmosphere.  These experiences contribute to “Making Moments Counts”.  Zoefia was always excited about attending school at The Morgan Center, she enjoyed the special days they went to shows, the field trips, having special guest, characters etc.  catering lunch, hosting Birthdays! These are experiences we want to give forward to the kids attending the program.

Housing

Financial Housing Assistance (Respite Housing) is extremely important and could possibly be the lifeline for both children and their parents. When your child is in the hospital you are not thinking about yourself, going home, where to sleep, taking baths or even what you will eat. The focus is being at your child’s bedside and making the right decisions. For Zoefia her respite housing was The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island that really helped us, we stayed there so that we could be near the hospital andor bed side depending on whether she was in patient or outpatient getting chemotherapy. Being at Zoefia’s bedside made a world of difference for my family because she was never left alone in the hospital at any time. It was grandma or Momma that was always beside during the days I worked so after work I was able to spend time with her throughout the duration of her treatment. The Ronald McDonald House has made a tremendous impact on my family and Zoefia loved being at the house. She enjoyed playing, baking, movie nights, holidays, special guest, and the list goes on!

Financial Housing Assistance (Respite Housing) is part of our Mission, and we will be helping other families who walk in not just those doors but other respite housing with a child critically ill and have no idea of the long journey ahead of them. The Ronald McDonald House was special for Zoefia as we had many memories there and it will always be our Home Away from Home, but each family will create their own memories and have their own special respite housing.

Research

The Zoefia Alexandria Foundation will be supporting Pediatric Brain Tumor Research. We will support rare and aggressive Brain Tumor Research, specifically Pineoblastoma.

More details coming soon.