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Our family can’t thank Inheritance of Hope enough for the incredible gifts that they’ve given our family in the way of our Legacy Video and Legacy Song. The Legacy Song experience was simple and straightforward, and it led to a beautiful song and video that will be cherished by our entire family.
In 2014 my family was served by IOH at a family retreat. My wife passed in April of 2014 and we had such an encredible time as a family before she passed. I have loved serving other families like mine at other IOH retreats. Love this organization.
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My story with IOH began in 2014 when my family had the chance to experience a legacy retreat in Orlando.
My wife and four children were so welcomed by the IOH staff and volunteers we were overwhelmed by love and support. Amy my wife was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and pasted away in April of 2014. That retreat was the last time that my oldest son was able to experice life with his mom and even though he was in college IOH still found a way to get him there even having to reschedule his flight because of bad weather. This time together as a family will never leave my mind and how wonderful it was to receive the support and council that we needed at that time.
Well here it is 2016 now and I have had the opportunity to give back to other hurting families through this nonprofit organization. I have volunteered at three more retreats and have completely enjoyed serving and helping love on these other families that are hurting so badly in this time of life. I understand what it means to care for your spouse until she dies in your arms. IOH gave me the tools to help navigate through that time in my life and I will continue to help them serve and love others that are going through that time in their lives. Thanks IOH for all that you do and have done for me and my kids.
Volunteering with Inheritance of Hope has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I was introduced to this incredible organization through my employer, Kendra Scott, which is a proud supporter of their mission. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving on two Legacy Retreats and participating in three Hope at Home weekends during the pandemic.
Each experience with Inheritance of Hope has been nothing short of extraordinary. The organization truly feels like a second family, and the connections I’ve made with families and fellow volunteers across the country are ones I will cherish forever. Being able to serve families facing terminal illness—helping to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories—is both humbling and deeply rewarding.
The compassion, care, and sense of community that Inheritance of Hope fosters is unmatched. Every retreat is filled with love, support, and joy, providing families with a space to connect, heal, and celebrate their time together. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so impactful and to witness the resilience and strength of the families we serve.
If you are looking for an organization that truly changes lives, both for the families it serves and the volunteers involved, Inheritance of Hope is it.
My family got served in 2022 and since then I have been able to serve on five retreats with Inheritance of Hope. One thing I love about IoH is that all the volunteers are like a big family. Every retreat I go on it feels like we are having a reunion, I’ve met so many amazing people through serving and being served with IoH.
Another thing I love is the connections we get to form with our families that we serve, I have met some amazing families in my time serving and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Inheritance of Hope is a crucially important place for families to find support, resources, connection, and hope…all while navigating a terminal illness and parenting young kids. I have volunteered for Inheritance of Hope for three years now and cannot say enough great things about this organization. Love, compassion, heart, and service are at the core of every staff member and Volunteer involved.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer with IoH this past year. I am so grateful for my opportunity to spend time with the teens, kids, and MBC group. The Hope@Home Groups have been such a blessing for me to join in on. The opportunity to meet and know everyone at IoH is truly a gift from God!
We attended our family retreat in March 2024, it was truly one of the most significant family experience for my husband, 8-year old son, and I. Just a couple of days ago, my son and I were reminiscing about our time there, he brought up a memory and it made us smile instantly! He then said 'I really wish we could go back' - that for me meant everything. To know that he carries this in his heart and memories. My husband and I are forever grateful for the incredibly loving team that puts these together. I've recommended it highly to other families also suffering through an ALS diagnosis. It's a non-profit absolutely worth supporting because it's magic and support are delivered in real time, when families need it most.
I volunteered at the Jacksonville Hope Hub and it changed my view on what it means to serve. The families showed what it means to have true faith and perseverance. I only hope to find that level of community, peace, and hope in my own walk with Christ. Exceptional organization, people, and mission!!
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing nonprofit that is such a blessing to our family! During a health scare I experienced, I made a Legacy Video through IOH so my family would have a video of me sharing my memories with them. When my brother-in-law passed away, IOH had a Zoom meeting so people could heal from their loss and share their stories with others that were hurting. It was such a healing time for us. My husband now volunteers for IOH and we are monthly donors so that others can experience this blessing as well! We are so thankful for the wonderful people at Inheritance of Hope!!!!
Over the past 15 years I have been able to see first hand how Inheritance of Hope cares for young families facing the loss of a parent. Inheritance of Hope does this with compassion and kindness, giving families encouragement and resources and opportunities to find connection and belonging.
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I began volunteering with Inheritance of Hope in 2010 and it has been one of the most meaningful things I have done in my life. The support frameworks and resources and community gatherings and memory making opportunities that IOH offers young families facing the loss of a parent are remarkable!
Before joining IOH I was battling stage 4 terminal cancer alone for two years. I joined the "Living with an Illness" zoom group about 3 months ago. Kim and Lynn facilitate the discussion and every week is different. We laugh, we cry, we are vulnerable and authentic. This group has helped me in so many practical and encouraging ways. Its the highlight of my week and I make it a priority to attend regularly. Being in community with others and learning of their experience has given me hope to continue living intentionally every day. I'm so thankful for IOH!
The journey for families facing a loss of a parent is devastating. Kristen Grady Milligan and Deric Milligan fought for nine years to leave a legacy from Kristen to her loved ones when she was diagnosed with stage four cancer. At the time when some would give up, they relied on God and accepted his plan thus providing help to others; Inheritance of Hope was created by Kristen and Deric giving families support, acceptance and guidance. Christian based, families are brought together to cope, unite and build a community of members who get the day to day struggles. IoH started with bringing families together for a weekend. A time to make family memories while connecting to others experiencing the same devastating experiences. To date the foundation offers many no cost supports: Weekend retreats, Hope at HomeWeekends, Hope Hubs and zoom support meetings.
This nonprofit is a huge blessing and a breath of fresh air. As a family recipient, we were blown away by the love, kindness, and spiritual nourishment they have provided. The ongoing online support and local hub has been a lifeline. We are grateful for the peace, joy and opportunities to make loving memories with our family. The journey with other cancer families (current and past) have been incredible!!
Hope at home weekend was a blessing. It was nice meeting a community of people going through the same type of situations. Although it is a faith based organization it was never forced and designed to make everyone feel included and welcomed. We felt connected and cared for. Thank you
I love Inheritance of Hope and everything they stand for. They love on families in need with gracious hearts and hands to help at all times!
This non profit is really more of a family that is here to create lasting legacies for others.
IoH has been so helpful for myself and my family. After being diagnosed an extremely rare brain cancer, I was at a loss on my family’s future. How will they move on during these difficult times, how will they be when I pass?
IoH has been there to help me deal with my grim future. My daughter has been able to meet kids her age that are dealing with losing their parent to cancer too. I love that I can have someone to vent to, cry with and build bonds. My children and husband have found comfort on how to prepare to move forward after I have passed. I have been given great ideas on how to build a legacy so that my family will not forget me. There are so many great things I can say about the staff and all of the volunteers. I do not know how I could have mentally survived these past 3 years without all of the love and support.
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I absolutely love this non profit. I was just diagnosed with a terminal cancer one year ago, so needless to say my emotions have been on a roller coaster. The entire staff and volunteers were so comforting and made me feel okay to be scared of what the future holds. My children felt loved and I thought it was wonderful that they were able to hang out with other kids their age that have parents dealing with similar issues. You will leave this retreat feeling so much love.
My family was served by IoH weeks before my husband went to heaven, and it was what we needed so much as we found community with other families walking a similar path. I love the weekly online community groups for continued encouragement and processing of my family needs, and I also love volunteering now to serve other families in their times of need. My family is so thankful for the ministry of IoH!
IoH has been a huge source of encouragement and support for my family and me since my brain cancer diagnosis. We loved our legacy retreat, I’m thankful for the Legacy Video they helped me create, and I enjoy participating in two hope@home groups each week. This is a wonderful organization!
I was a family that was served by IOH back in 2018 and then came back to serve as a volunteer in 2023. This organization is phenomenal and exists to love all that they touch, whether volunteers or families. Our online resources are incredibly organized and the in person legacy retreats are magical! I encourage being apart of this organization with all of my heart!! Live a lifestyle of legacy!
There are many ways to volunteer or serve but seldom do you get to be a part of someone’s life throughout a hardship where loving and supporting them on a consistent basis can make such an impact. My teenage son and I spend one day a month along side these families and it is so rewarding. Just being ourselves, sharing our laughter and our sorrows, we show the love of Christ.
A charitable organization of "people who get it", Inheritance of Hope has a large percentage of volunteers who have previously been served by this organization, and it shows. Most volunteers have gone through a similar situation as the people they are serving, or have been very close to such a family. The organization, as well as the volunteers are mindful of the families they serve, without ever being pushy, judgmental, or giving advice. They genuinely listen and provide a sounding board, even after the sick parent passes.
The fellowship our family has received at the meetings, both in person at Hope Hub DC, as well as on Zoom, and of course at the retreat in San Diego has been invaluable and have created many lasting memories for our son, and for me as the surviving parent. The Inheritance of Hope retreat provided an all included (except transportation from and to home) long weekend, focused on making lasting memories for families with young children who are at risk of losing a parent. Included was a professional photo shoot of the family, as well as casual photos taken by staff and volunteers over the weekend.
I hope our son and I will have an opportunity to volunteer ourselves for Inheritance of Hope in the (near) future.
I went on an IOH Retreat in 2014 but have been involved and kept close to my IOH family since. IOH never missed a beat throughout Covid but, rather, grew by creating newer programs and finding ways to serve more families than ever. 2023 was extremely helpful to me personally as I found strength and support and friendship in 2 of these programs that have become dear to my heart. IOH has provided me with a lasting wealth of love and nurturing guidance, helping me to navigate my cancer journey with hope.
This retreat was absolutely amazing!!! The volunteers were beyond incredible; they also gave me hope that my children would be okay. You have no idea how much that means to a sick mother. Everything was great: from the food, to the company of the other survivors, to the activities. Someone genuinely poured their heart and soul into this nonprofit. I thank God for it!
Another amazing weekend with Inheritance of Hope I was honored to serve on my 5th retreat in North Carolina and had such a blast! There are no words to describe how lucky I am to be apart of an amazing organization! If you don’t know about IOH it is a non profit organization that serves families with a parent that has a terminal illness. It is so amazing to see all these families connect with families that understand eachother! If you know of someone that can benefit from this please have them check it out, it is truly amazing! I can’t wait to serve again!
We had such a wonderful weekend with the Inheritance of Hope Hope@Home weekend. The program is geared towards young families facing terminal illness. We had family group sessions, parent sessions, and kid only sessions meant to provide a fun and lighthearted experience while inspiring hope and offering a community of families going through similar challenges. We end the weekend with a new fulfillment of hope and new friends.
It was short of a miracle it gave me a sense of I'm not alone and actually helped me bond with one of my daughters who I felt was pushing me away. This was a God send for me and I definitely will continue to participate in anything related to inheritance of hope
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization that provides support to families dealing with cancer. There are numerous virtual offerings that are led by compassionate and caring individuals. They also offer a legacy retreat where families can connect, have fun, and support each other. The event that I attended was well organized and every activity was creative and thoughtful. I was overwhelmed by the love and generosity that was showered upon my family!
Inheritance of hope showed wonderful support, love, and care for our family. Our entire family felt the love and support from our kids who loved all the fun activities to the adults who loved the community that was created.
We were served by IOH for their hope at home weekend. The precious memories they helped my kids and I experience that weekend are treasured. They put such care into the little details of the weekend, and were beyond generous. Their staff and volunteers are second to none-they truly care, and make sure to continue to reach out to this day to offer support. Inheritance of Hope is an incredible blessing.
My family was recently served in Orlanda in March 2023. It was a month ago and my kids are still talking about it. The attention to detail that IOH puts into caring for families like mine is unmatched. We were provided two volunteers the entire time we were there. From 1am when we arrived on Friday, to 4am on Monday when we left, they were making sure we were comfortable and happy. The volunteers seemed to know us before they even met us. The emotional support is and always has been amazing with IOH. My wife passed away almost 1.5 years prior to this event, and she wanted so badly to attend an IOH event in person, and i'm so thankful we were able to do that in her honor (and for us). We felt so blessed and cared for.
What an incredible weekend for our family! Such amazing and caring people that lead sessions for families, parents , teens and kiddos. So much fun, great information and fantastic memories made!
I'm a single mom of 5 living with MBC. Me and my girls were able to truly connect and express things we hadnt given much thought to while validating each other's emotions and qualities thanks to the resource material IOH supplied us. We had a lot of fun, and were reminded we weren't alone in our experience. Even the emotionally taxing conversations were made easier because fellow clients attending the retreat and the volunteers were holding our hands through it all. We are grateful for the memories we made and love that the support doesnt end just because the retreat did.
IOH is a tremendous organization! We have been served by them in online support groups, at-home retreats, and at a Legacy Retreat. On our Legacy Retreat we had amazing volunteers who served our family for the entire weekend. They played with our kids, helped carry bags, and they were always there to lighten our load in any possible. I highly recommend if your family is facing the loss of a parent that you attend a Legacy Retreat.
IoH is an amazing organization that supports EVERY member of the family at all stages of the terminal illness journey. We connected with IoH after my husband was diagnosed with cancer and my children and I were gifted a family retreat after the loss of my husband. We felt so loved and remembered in the hard days that followed his death. When everyone else's life looked like it returned to normal....our life was anything but normal. Amazingly, IoH staff and volunteers continued to be there for us, offering their love, care, support and resources! You never want to walk the road of terminal illness for your spouse or parent, but to have an organization like IoH to be there to walk with you is a gift my children and I are forever grateful for.
Inheritance of hope deserves much more than 5 stars! I was diagnosed with ALS in 2018, in 2021 Jill Thompson was at church and saw my baptism video, she contacted me immediately and shared about inheritance of hope. What an absolute blessing and perfect timing. My 5 year old daughter and I joined a hope at home event and then went on a legacy retreat in Disney world! It was the best experience in my life, I truly have never felt so cared for and loved. My daughter and I met so many amazing people and created lifetime bonds and memories. It was a beautiful thing to be open and vulnerable with people who understand the struggles that come with illness and for my daughter to share her emotions through games with other kids. They were able to get me a hospital bed and always had plenty people to transfer me and make me feel comfortable. My heart was so full and I know Harbor will never forget this special time thanks to inheritance of hope. I also joined a couple online groups where I am able to meet with beautiful souls from different states via zoom from the comfort of my bed. I look forward to talking about Jesus and the ups and downs of life each week. I could go on for hours, I thank God for inheritance of hope and every single staff member and volunteer, you are making the most beautiful impact on so many live!
Love Harbor and Tesla
I had the privilege of volunteering/interning with IoH recently and was able to get an insider's perspective on the organization. I can say that this organization operates with integrity and care. The entire staff and volunteer team are so passionate about serving families going through a difficult season. They offer incredible opportunities to not only make memories as a family, but also to receive support and tools for navigating life. I couldn't recommend IoH enough!
Inheritance of Hope is very dedicated to excellence and service, and it shows! They consistently go above and beyond to help people create memories and legacies. I am so thankful to be a part of it!
The community Inheritance of Hope provides families facing the loss of a parent is truly life-changing. As donors, my husband and I take pride in supporting such a special organization with a unique mission that passionately serves an often overlooked population.
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Inheritance of Hope is making a life-changing impact in the lives of families facing terminal illness! 1 in 20 children will suffer the loss of a parent before age 16. Inheritance of Hope serves these children and their family in a profound way. Incredible volunteers, incredible staff/coordinators, and incredible board!
My family was served on a retreat in 2014 when my mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma. I am forever grateful for the impact Inheritance of Hope made on my family. As a teenager, it meant everything to me for my parents to connect with families in similar situations. Not only did they welcome us with open arms but we instantly became a part of the Inheritance of Hope family. 9 years later, Inheritance of Hope is a constant in my life. While my mom has since passed, I am grateful for the memories I made with my parents and the Legacy Video my mom created on our retreat. This priceless gift is a way for me to remember my mom’s legacy and feel her love through the words she shares. I recommend Inheritance of Hope to any family facing the loss of a parent. Through the support of their volunteers and many helpful resources, they showed us that we are not alone in our struggles and there is always hope to be found.
Inheritance of Hope is more like a family than an organization. My family and I were served in March 0f 2022 in Orlando Florida. My dad was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in February 2015. The type of support and love that every volunteer and staff member showed my family and me throughout the retreat was unlike anything I experienced before. Inheritance of Hope has allowed for my family and me to realize that we are not alone in our journey through terminal illness. It was so special being able to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of terminal illness with peers my own age, as well as talk about the hardships of being a young adult with a parent with a terminal illness. I am now a volunteer and Legacy Video Coach with Inheritance of Hope because I want to share the same love and support that I was shown on my retreat. If you or a young family you know is going through a terminal illness, I highly recommend checking out Inheritance of Hope. I promise you that this organization is unlike any other!
Inheritance of Hope is such a great an amazing non-profit! My family was served by IoH in May of 2017 in Orlando, Florida at a Legacy Retreat! My Father was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2015, and this retreat was almost like a break for me and my family. It was such a meaningful experience and we had the greatest time! 2 volunteers we assigned with our family and they were ready to help with any need we had. I was so glad to be able to connect with other kids, my own age, that are going through a similar situation as mine! My Dad has since passed since we were served, but IoH still continues to impact me and my family in many ways. I now serve as a volunteer for Inheritance of Hope alongside my Mother and 2 other brothers. We love doing it together. This organization is so great and helps so many families, just like my own.
Inheritance of Hope has been such a big influence on my life and has changed my life! My family was served in 2016 by IoH during their Orlando retreat and had the most wonderful time. My mom was sick with colon cancer and we decided to attend a retreat all very hesitantly. At the time, I didn't know what to expect and how the retreat would go. I was really nervous and doubtful going into that weekend. During the retreat I was able to meet many other kids going through similar things and experiences with their parents sickness. It was the first time I was able to not feel as alone during my mothers sickness. Since that retreat, my mother passed away from cancer but Inheritance of Hope has continued to play such an influential role in my life. Through many different resources, IoH provides ways for families to help each other through their grief and just provide space to process all the hard things. They also provide such fun ways to bond with your family and other families, creating ways to be in the moment without thinking of all the hard things going around. My dad, my sister, and I all volunteer together, which is one of my favorite things to do together! I also am a legacy video coach, which is an amazing resource that Inheritance of Hope provides for families. My life has been forever been changed by Inheritance of Hope and the love they have gave to my family and continue to give!
My family was served by Inheritance of Hope in Nov. 2016. My mom had metastatic breast cancer, and IOH took my family to NYC for our last family vacation together. There, we were able interact with other families, we received amazing support from our volunteers, and we were able to make special memories together as a family. My mom also recorded a Legacy Video for my dad, younger siblings, and I, which is a special gift we will always cherish. I now dedicate some of my free time to fundraising, volunteering, and being a Legacy Video Coach with IOH. I believe wholeheartedly in IOH’s mission, and I have experienced the love IOH has to give from both volunteer and family-served perspectives. They are great people with an even better mission.
I cannot say enough great things about Inheritance of Hope. Our world was turned upside down by my husband's diagnosis this year and we have two girls who are two and four. They have come alongside us and helped us navigate this. They have cared for me and my family so well. The volunteers instantly became like family. My girls are the youngest at our Hope hub in Virginia and they take their time working with them and making them feel cared for. My 4-year-old who has been having a difficult time loves the volunteers and opens up to them. As a mom, having other people in your kids' lives caring for them during an especially difficult time like this means so much. This is an organization that you never we want to have to use but I'm so thankful that they are there.
I was introduced to IoH when my mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma. This organization and the Young Adult Hope@Home group has given me the opportunity to talk about difficult things in a safe space. IoH has become a second family to me and I look forward to the Young Adult Hope@Home group each week.
I had the opportunity to serve as a child life practicum student this semester with Inheritance of Hope. The mission and heart of Inheritance of Hope are SO beautiful. The staff and volunteers are spreading the love of Jesus in how they intentionally reach families.
I am SO excited to continue serving at Inheritance of Hope and to be in persistent prayer over the families served at IoH. Thank you, thank you, thank you IoH for forming a community among the Kids Group, Teen Group, caregivers, and the many other populations you serve.
Inheritance of Hope gave my family the support and friendships we needed to know we are not alone. My husband started to change his mindset on life after our Legacy Retreat. My young children want to volunteer for IoH when they're older & we are continuing to tell everyone we know about our once-in-a-lifetime family adventure. (And now I'm crying).
Inheritance of Hope is absolutely the best non profit organization I have encountered. The Legacy Retreat my family attended in Orlando was well organized, fun, and inspirational. The dedicated individuals who serve/volunteer made us feel loved and accepted and we also felt safe enough to be vulnerable and transparent as our family faces the loss of a parent. I highly recommend the IOH organization to any family needing a place to feel love, acceptance, and inspiration.
I came across this non-profit through Colontown. I am a Stage IV Colon cancer survivor. My family was able to participate in a weekend of Hope@Home. I signed up for it initially to learn more about legacy videos. I told the teenager she needed to be around and participate that weekend. She complained all the way up to the weekend, but I stuck to my guns and told her it was mandatory. Not only do I think she benefitted from the activities over the course of the weekend, but she was more engaged with us as a family unit than she had been in months. I could not have imagined it would have had that much impact on her and I am truly grateful for that!
Inheritance of Hope has been life-giving to our family in the midst of our hardest times. The staff goes above and beyond to communicate, be inclusive, and provide programming to meet our needs. I am a mother of 4 kids and in the midst of me fighting a terminal illness, IoH has encouraged and helped me be intentional with my time left with my children and my husband and has given us a gift that will last way beyond my time here on earth.
We love this organization. They have helped our children express their feelings and better articulate their fears or concerns of their father being diagnosed with terminal cancer. This diagnosis came within a few short years of our child being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at age 14. The organization has been a blessing on so many levels. They also connect you to other families that are going through similar difficulties. Support groups are available for care givers, patients, children and teens. We are so grateful for everyone at Inheritance of Hope who have guided us through this difficult path and encouraged us to live with purpose.
Our family was served by IOH back in January at a hope@homeweekend and we were so touched by the whole process. I had Haleigh to guide me through making a video and then recently was able to connect with her again to make a 2nd legacy video. She is so amazing to work with. She makes me feel so comfortable.
What a wonderful weekend we had at the Nashville retreat and meeting so many kind hearted volunteers who wanted to serve us! The memories we made with our Family will always be cherished and never forgotten!
Oh my goodness! What an experience! Everyone involved gave us a weekend to remember! Our family enjoyed doing things together! We all felt so uplifted! Thank you, IoH!
I’m so happy to have found Inheritance of Hope. Y’all have been so great to me and my family. We love our Hope @Home weekend we had in June. We have met some really awesome people. We look forward to having many more interaction with y’all. Thank you for Everything that you do.
Inheritance of Hope is such a loving, faith-promoting, thoughtful and fun organization that I just can't say enough about! Our family was served by the kindest volunteers and friendliest staff. Our retreat included a fun-filled weekend of connecting with our children as well as other families at a beautiful resort in Orlando, FL. Thank you IOH, we are honored to be part of your family!
Thank you for Inheritance of Hope for allowing us to make such great memories. It was great to see what this weekend did for our family, my children smiled from ear to ear the entire weekend. I am forever grateful for the love I felt this weekend and will cherish the memories made. Thank you for all that you do Inheritance of Hope.
Experience of a lifetime with my family in the wake of some of life's most difficult challenges. Thank you for your love and care.
I was connected with IoH by the palliative care team at the hospital the day my husband passed away from cancer. I participate in the Life After Loss group and have found the group of people that truly understand what I am going through. The support and comfort from this group has helped so much and I am so grateful for the connection with IoH.
I have had the opportunity to serve families at a number of retreats. The desire to serve these families is amazing and the professionalism in the planning and execution of the plan is unsurpassed. It is a privilege to participate in this organization.
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I have volunteered at 3 of the Legacy retreats and have helped in other ways. Every decision and every step that IOH takes is done with great thought and planning and done in a way to use its finances with the utmost care. The needs of the families are always paramount in the way decisions are made and the way IOH goes about its business.
It is a privilege to volunteer in such an organization and to serve these families.
Our family has been a part of IOH for about a year, and in that year we have experienced love and support while we endure a very difficult cancer journey. We attended a Hope at Home event in February of 2021. This weekend was a blessing to our family as we got to make memories and share special moments together in the midst of a life-threatening illness. I also have enjoyed the ongoing support of the Hope at Home groups offered, and seeing relevant information and perspectives shared on the IOH website has been helpful, as well. I feel that all the staff and volunteers at IOH are very compassionate and kind, and strive to maximize each donation to reach people who need love and support during a challenging season of their lives.
This is truly a special place to volunteer. From the moment I learned about this organization and expressed interest, I was pursued and invited in with such warmth and intentionality. I was sent a copy of the co-founder's book so I could read her story. This only fueled my passion for the mission and vision of this incredible organization. I was also sent a welcome box which immediately made me feel like part of the team.
Virtual connections have never felt so personal. I feel so connected to people all across the country. I am so thankful for Inheritance of Hope and the way they run towards those who are hurting with open arms...ready to love on them, support them, and connect them to each other. I truly can't say enough good things about this GREAT non-profit.
Inheritance of Hope (IoH) means the world to me. Our family was served in 2018 with my late husband, who was braving a battle with ALS at the time. Fast forward through our eventual loss and the pandemic, and IoH has become an immense source of emotional support through the "Life After Loss" grief support group.
The thing that has always stuck out at me with IoH is the incredible staff and volunteer base they have -- it's robust and full of people with passion for the cause, compassion for the people they serve and an abundance of resources to help families dealing with the imminent loss of a parent.
I am blessed to have been served and now blessed to be a part of the volunteer crew as a support group facilitator and coach for legacy videos (special video messages recorded by the diagnosed parent to share with children and spouses). Any experience with IoH is life changing and meaningful!
Our family just experienced the February 2022 Hope@Home weekend. It was an amazing experience to spend the weekend getting to know other young families facing a terminal diagnosis.
This weekend has given us new connections and tools for this difficult journey. Thank you for helping us be intentional to leave a legacy for our boys!
Inheritance of Hope has been just what my family needed during our ALS journey. On top of the incredible retreat, the constant support is irreplaceable. I am able to join others on the same journey as myself, each week via Zoom. My children are also able to join other kids walking their same road on a weekly basis online as well. Every now and then, they hold reunion events where we can connect with people from our retreat and also new friends on our same journey. The encouragement and support in making a Legacy video was so positive! Every family, facing an illness or not, should have one! Family game night and worship hour are my favorite parts of IoH weekends!
I was diagnosed with GBM back in July of 2017. GBM is considered a terminal diagnosis, in that it cannot be cured. As a mother with an almost 2 year old girl and a wife who had been married 5 years, this was incredibly devastating news. Add in the master's degree I had been paying off, the career I had been working hard to establish, and the possibility of potentially being disabled or unemployed in the near future - it was almost too much to bear.
I had been surviving, thankfully with no 'deficits' (meaning no hearing or sight issues, balance issues, and no seizures, etc.) and working full-time for many years before finding Inheritance of Hope. I heard about IOH through a mother of one of my children's friends through daycare. She had been (and is still) battling metastatic breast cancer. I found that I could talk to my coworkers, family and friends about my GBM diagnosis and journey, but couldn't find true understanding and comraderie. It was difficult to figure out what to do with 'normal' life, family stuff and planning long-term. Do I figure out all of my funeral planning and expenses now? What do I do with my 401k, how do I want to be remembered? The list went on, with no answers. All heavy stuff with no real guidance for a young 'healthy' woman with a terminal diagnosis.
I am so thankful that IOH is there to support young families in this situation. As a young mother, early career professional and the primary earner in our family it's a truly powerful feeling to connect with others who understand what I'm going through. The love I have felt from IOH and those that also have GBM has been truly life changing. I cannot imagine the loneliness if I had to continue struggling through these often conflicting and emotional feelings and decisions on my own.
I love that IOH sponsors and coordinates retreats. We were able to join a virtual one during the pandemic, and have one coming up in March. They let us focus on making memories and building legacy. I love their Hope at Home groups where I'm able to meet with other GBM surviors 3 out of 4 weeks in the month. I love how much their staff truly cares about me and my family.
Inheritance of Hope has found AMAZING ways for people all across the country to stay connected through this global pandemic! I am so blessed to regularly participate in the Young Adult Hope@Home group where I get to meet with people who really understand what I'm going through, as they are walking down a very similar path. I've never felt so connected to a group of people and get so excited to join the zoom call each week! The facilitators of this group bring amazing topics and questions that help us grow in our faith, think about our grief, help us as we learn to 'adult' and so much more. I love having a group of people that I know care for me, pray for me, ask me to pray for them, and can come together even with the thing we have in common be having lost or actively losing our parent. I have nothing but kind words for this organization and the meaningful ministry they provide through Hope@Home groups. All the love!
Our family was gifted with a retreat back in March 2018 to Orlando. What an amazing time we had as a family getting to know others who were dealing with a terminal illness, whether it be as the one with the disease or the caregiver. The volunteers were amazing, taking care of our every need and they were such an encouragement. In July of 2019 my wife Joni passed away. Life got hectic as an only parent and things got tougher after the COVID shut down happened and my life got dark. But unbeknownst to me IoH was shifting some of their focus to providing caring groups. Boy did this come at the time I needed it most. The group I'm in is the Life After Loss group. This is made up of primarily widows and widowers who have teenage kids or younger and there's some with older kids and some with no kids. We are a group of individuals who get the struggle from moving from caregiver to being alone and/or being an only parent. IoH has been a blessing to me and my family during our toughest times.
Inheritance of Hope helped my family connect, adjust and learn how to share our journey with cancer. The retreat and Hope at Home groups are wonderfully curated and speak to each of us, both as a family and as individuals. I don't know what kind of shape my family would be without them.
Thank you, Inheritance of Hope for the humbling opportunity to support all your efforts! You are some really amazing people!
The experience that Inheritance of Hope put together for my family was beyond all expectations. The volunteers and staff made us feel like family right from the beginning. Their love radiated through the computer screen. They are truly talented and are wonderful at helping facilitate discussions on extremely difficult topics. Their caring and support was soothing for me and my family. We all benefited from the activities they planned for us and we feel blessed to have made the connection to this charity.
ALS has been a journey those of us that have it and have young children like many other people with terminal illnesses the support for children and parents is not easily found. We were connected to IOH and Hope@Home through the Pandemic. It has been a huge gift. The absolute kindness, support and community of Inheritance of Hope is breathtaking. We participated in Hope@ Home talking with other parents in similar situations, my young daughter participated in children’s activities with children her own age going through the same thing and had a lot of fun. My husband and I we moved by connecting to others in the same situation, the staff our volunteers were wonderful. So many conversations were started and blessed by God to have happened. I was able to make a legacy video. The connection beyond our Hope@Home experience of being served is precious. This Organization is extremely valuable to families during terminal illness of young parents to the families after. Please support IOH and spread Kristen and Deric’s gift ot touches the hearts of so many when other look away
The tough conversations that our family needed to have were so beautifully and gracefully handled by some of the kindest people we could have hoped for. Exceeded what we hoped for the weekend in every way. We wish we could have been in person, and not virtual, but that is beyond what our world is right now. For a virtual program, you reached right into our hearts with all of the love, guidance, support, and HOPE that we needed. Thank you to the Mulligan family for honoring your wife and mother with your continued journey to serve others. We will carry her story, and yours, with us forever. She lives on. And so will we. Much love!!
Inheritance of Hope is truly a special organization. We have been long time supporters and now I have had the privilege of volunteering and coordinating for several retreats, virtual and in-person. I have seen how the work of IoH has impacted the families they serve, both in the short term and long term. The care, expertise and excellence this organization employs to serve families facing a life-threatening illness makes me so grateful to be able to continue to volunteer and support Inheritance of Hope.
We love Inheritance of Hope! They served our family so well when my dad had cancer 10 years ago. Our retreat is something my family and I will never forget! My sister and I have come back to serve because Inheritance of Hope made such a big impact in our lives!
If I could describe Inheritance of Hope in one word, it would be COMMUNITY! I joined the Inheritance of Hope volunteer team during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were the first nonprofit I work with to pivot their platforms to a remote medium for accessibility during lockdown. They engineered a new modem to deliver the same inspiring message for families whose needs couldn't be delayed due to a global pandemic. Beyond simply how they served families right after lockdown began, they also created new resources for families that were so successful that their lifespan will far outlive COVID-19. One of these was their incredible Hope@Home support groups. These groups meet weekly and serve all different demographics for those facing the loss of their lives or the loss of a family member due to a terminal illness. I became a facilitator for their teen group and their youth (ages 7-12) group. It has been by far the most meaningful thing I have been able to due with my time as a volunteer for a nonprofit organization. My co-facilitators and I have had deep conversations about a range of topics facing these kids. The most rewarding part has been seeing the kids we work with find a niche group of peers that can relate to the extraordinary circumstances they are up against. Beyond simply the work I've been able to do with Inheritance of Hope, I've been met by a loving community of volunteers and staff members that have become friends for life. As a volunteer, I participate in weekly get-togethers with the Volunteer Coordinator and other volunteers. During this weekly group time, we participate in activities involving fellowship, but we also simply check in with one another. Throughout all of my personal struggles, the Inheritance of Hope volunteer community has been praying for me and guiding me every step of the way. I highly recommend Inheritance of Hope if you are looking for a fun and supportive community to be part of, while also providing hope to others at the same time!
Inheritance of Hope is the best non-profit organization I've personally seen. They serve families with kids that have one of the parents having a terminal illness. They genuinely care for everyone and the love and dedication they have for the families is evident in everything they do. The staff and volunteers are simply wonderful!
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What an amazing organization! I was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and found out about this organization through a book I was reading. When I read about the retreats, it sounded too good to be true. I applied and get accepted to the May 2013 retreat. We were nervous about how our kids, which can be more shy, would be around the volunteers and counselors before we went. A call from the counselor before the trip put us more at ease. When we got there, we were so warmly treated and the kids loved their volunteer helpers and counselors! We were treated so well, every need was taken care of by the staff, even our son's allergy needs were carefully taken care of. We had such a wonderful time at the theme parks enjoying our time as a family and meeting the other families going through the same things. The coordinators were amazing, every ran like clockwork, but they don't appear to be stressed at all! We can not more highly recommend this organization.
I was diagnosed with Stage IV adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer in 2019. (Think Alex Trebek from Jeopardy Cancer) Our family has been through a lot and I was looking for resources to help my kids ages 15, 14, 11, 9 as well as my husband and I. I came across Inheritance of Hope (IoH) as an organization that helps families.
WOW!! We were so incredibly blessed to meet wonderful and caring staff that helped us. Although during Covid, we were able to meet virtually with families across America and participate in family zoom activities as well as individual zoom meeting times for our kids by ages as well as my husband and I. Sometimes you feel alone and it's nice to be connected to individuals who are sharing the same horrible experience, a parent suffering from cancer or other life threatening illness. No longer are we battling "alone" but we are part of the Inheritance of Hope Family as they say.
Inheritance of Hope is all about providing hope and leaving a lasting legacy for my husband and kids. It can do the same for you. You will be given the opportunity to think of meaningful ways to enjoy time with your family, as well as come up with ways of leaving an inheritance and a legacy of hope for your family.
My family and I are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Inheritance of Hope family.
I never knew how much I needed Inheritance of Hope! With my diagnosis of Stage 4 Breast Cancer, to include mets to my brain, I felt like I needed to prepare pictures, videos, and more for my 6-year-old son. I was so lost and someone mentioned Inheritance of Hope on a Facebook page. They have been so amazing, so loving, and so giving. Even more, their workshops and retreats have helped me make legacy videos for my son, organize my pictures, write things for my son for the future as well as start doing estate planning, health care directives, POA, and more. I can't say enough good things about IOH, they are here to support people through the hardest times of our lives....I hope others do not need to use this resource, but I am forever thankful for all they do. I need this so much!
I have stage iv breast cancer. It means that I am terminal. Covid has caused a lot of problems for my family, and I figured that IoH wouldn't be doing anything until covid was gone. But, to my surprise they did an e-retreat instead of a physical retreat. While I was unfortunately sick for the whole weekend and missed out on a lot of the activities; I did get to do family game night with my family and got to make a legacy video. I hope that I will get another chance to be apart of IoH. Here's a picture of my family minus me (I took the picture) during family game night.
This was such an important and amazing weekend for our family. Going through cancer is hard, going through cancer while raising a young family makes it even harder. We were able to connect with others in similar circumstances and it was nice to know we aren’t alone.
For myself and my family, Inheritance of Hope was and is a necessary and vital component to ensuring that my wife and children experience the true depths of my love for them. My experience was one of profound emotions that I had never realized were inside of me until the IoH retreat. As a true introvert, this was one of the most difficult journeys I have ever embarked upon in my life. To make new connections and form new relationships has never been my strong suit, and while I was completely out of my comfort zone, the realization that I don't need to do this alone was so cathartic for me. I am so grateful that we were welcomed with open arms and we all felt deeply cared for throughout our experience. I believe that the Inheritance of Hope organization is one of the true gems out there that truly cares for people regardless of personal faith or beliefs. We now feel as if we are a part of an extended family that supports and encourages each other.
My family had an amazing time with IoH in our eRetreat! We really appreciated the work that all the volunteers did & really loved the activities -it brought up thoughts & feelings that my family doesn't like to talk about, but are really necessary-and doing the Legacy Video was very hard but at the same time I'm so thankful that I did it!! It gave me lots of comfort knowing that I left this precious memory & now want to make many more on my own. Our family felt very loved and were glad to meet other families in the same boat as ours.
The Tibbets Family
Inheritance of Hope is the most amazing organization! I feel like their offerings are unique and provide something that families likes our have a hard time providing for ourselves. Their mission statement is exactly what families in our situation need, and for many of us, something we may not have even known that we needed. Thank you so much Inheritance of Hope!
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing non-profit organization. I loved all the time and attention given by the volunteers and staff. The e-retreat was such a great idea, I really enjoyed meeting the other families and seeing all the pictures and activities. I just want to thank them from my heart. It's the best and most helpful organization I have come across.
My family was granted a legacy trip and we did the first virtual retreat due to covid-19. Even though it was over zoom my family had so much fun connecting with other families. We had a bunch of fun doing activities and even got to make a legacy video. I am so thankful for all the new friends we met. I would recommend this to any family who has a terminally ill parent with children. You won't regret it!
Amazing experience, well thought out and very creative to offer the best experience possible. We were supposed to go on a retreat to Orlando, however due to the pandemic the team created the most wonderful E Retreat. We were able to connect with many other families undergoing similar life circumstances as well as gain tools on how to navigate.
We are so very grateful for IOH.
Inheritance of Hope is such an amazing organization, we have never seen such an out pouring of serving and selflessness. The volunteers made it extra special for a time like this in our lives. I would recommend anybody that has a chance to go, to absolutely do it! They not only catered to our physical needs, but also spiritual and mental well-being! I wish we were able to attend once a month. My adult daughter who was visiting us while we were there, has decided she also wants to be a volunteer with inheritance of hope because of their tremendous outpouring of selfless service and true compassion!
This was the experience my family needed that we did not know we needed. We came back stronger, better, and closer. I will always be thankful to IOH.
When my wife told me about the Inheritance of Hope program, it sounded too good to be true. "An all expenses paid vacation for our family? What's the catch?" The fact is ... this was true, and it was SO much more than a vacation. It was a transformative experience for our family. We returned from a three-day retreat in Orlando feeling enriched, inspired, and connected to an amazing network of people. Most importantly, we had a beyond amazing shared family experience that we'll never forget. The organizers and volunteers are attentive, responsible, and genuinely loving people. For three days, they took on our burdens so that we didn't have to think about them. It's a shame I can only give this group 5 stars because they deserve at least twice that many!!
The Inheritance of Hope Legacy trip to NYC meant the world to me and my family. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer almost 4 years ago. It has been 4 years of doctors visits, treatments, surgeries, and hospital stays. With all the stress and uncertainty, my family had lost a lot of the connection we used to enjoy. Through the purposeful sessions and activities, this trip changed all that. I watched my kids reconnect with each other and our entire family would sit in our hotel room and just talk over everything. This continues even to this day.
Also, our volunteers were incredible. I didn't have to worry about any detail no matter how small. They brought us breakfast every morning, carried our stuff, wheeled my husband all over Manhattan, and made sure our kids were enjoying themselves. We are forever grateful and will always hold a special place for Inheritance of Hope in our in our hearts.
I have worked for and with many non-profits. This organization is by far on the top of my list. The staff, board of directors and volunteers are truly top notch. There are very little programs and services offered to families facing the loss of a parent due to a life threatening illness. It doesn’t matter the socio economic background of a family - illness of a parent takes a huge emotional toll on families - and especially kids. Every family deserves to feel supported and loved and that is exactly what Inheritance of Hope does. I highly recommend this organization and hope I can give back both monetarily and with service.
Is a fantastic group of folks. Very well organized and very considerate and caring of me and my family’s needs during our time there in New York City. I’m telling everyone I can about them. It was a terrific experience, very encouraging for my spouse snd I as well as my our children.
We had a wonderful retreat and vacation in NYC. They didn't miss a thing! It was unbelievably organized. The generosity and kindness was overwhelming. We are so thankful!
This organization provided our family with the most needed retreat. It is very difficult to find support for children who need help and relationships which understand that needed hope in facing the loss of a parent and their ongoing illness. They are completely organized and think of everything. I've never seen such thoughtfulness. For me, as the parent, it was amazing to watch the support and growth my children experienced. They arranged everything from wheelchair to counseling. I can't say enough good things about our experience.
We attended the 2019 retreat to NYC and were so impressed with how organized Inheritance of Hope was, but also the incredible people who make up their team. It was a privilege to be gifted with a trip by an organization that really cares about people.
Over the top organization, such a well organized event, staffed with enthusiastic volunteers. We had an amazing visit, very touched by the content and people, I was a blubbering idiot by the end. I was touched by so many and met many incredible people. I highly recommend the Inheritance of Hope organization.
I believe that two of the most important gifts a family who lives under the persistent, horrific reality of the physical or emotional decline and ultimate death of a mother or father are an opportunity in the present to live, for a short while, without the constant worry and stress of the illness and the opportunity to create a tangible legacy to fortify those who will mourn the passing in the future. Inheritance of Hope (IoH), founded by Deric Milligan and his late wife Kristen, have been offering these gifts via the Legacy Retreat, an all expenses paid, four day holiday, to families like mine since 2007. My family was served in August 2019 at a the 38th IoH Legacy Retreat which took place in Orlando, FL.
I discovered IoH while scrolling through my Facebook feed, interested in finding a fall marathon that might fit my schedule. Team IoH provides charity runners the opportunity to participate in some truly bucket list races, including Big Sur, Chicago, NYC and the Marine Corps Marathon. While researching IoH as a nonprofit, I thought the Legacy Retreat could be perfect for my family and sold the idea to my wife, who has become even more of an introvert than me since her illness. The application was very straightforward and required only two additional items, a letter from her doctor confirming diagnosis and brief letters from her to our children and me. Honestly, she probably put the minimal effort required into the letters, but within a couple weeks after uploading the application, I received a call from an IoH family coordinator, Heidi, to congratulate us for being selected. We were offered a choice of which upcoming Legacy Retreat to attend. After choosing Orlando, Heidi and I communicated via email, phone and text to cement travel and lodging arrangements. Heidi’s primary concern was to ensure that my family’s needs and special medical requirements would be met. We chose to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, but once in Orlando exclusively used the ones IoH provided for each family. It was all very convenient.
IoH is run by a staff of some of the most amazing, positive, supportive people I have ever come across: Betsy, Jill, Mikki, Audra, Eric, Gina, Aaron and others I will not offend by misspelling their names. Deric, cofounder and CEO, has assembled a truly great team. If Deric is the brain and the staff the heart of IoH, the Volunteers, an especially organized and selfless group of individuals personally assigned to each family, sometimes in pairs or more depending on the size of the family, are the body without which the Legacy Retreat could not happen. These individuals pay out of pocket to spend four days babysitting snot nosed brats, pushing wheelchairs through amusement parks, playing personal assistant to sometimes crabby patients, listening to caregivers venting and many other generally considered unpleasant tasks. Like a lodestone, IoH attracts volunteers as special as their staff.
The retreat was scheduled from Friday through Monday, though we decided to add an extra day before and after. The extra day prior allowed us to arrive in Orlando and prepare for our first experience participating in a “cancer thing with a bunch of sick folk”. We were somewhat anxious and admittedly ignorant. Postponing your departure at least one day following the retreat is highly recommended if you can afford the time to take full advantage of Monday. More on that later...
So we arrived on Thursday, and though the start of the Retreat was the next day, Heidi came and met my family at dinner to say hello and verify there were no issues with travel or getting set up at the hotel. We stayed at the Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld during the entire trip. Choosing to stay two nights additional to the Retreat, did require us to assume the cost of those two nights, however, Heidi was able to get us their rate for those nights. IoH’s rate includes a pretty phenomenal buffet breakfast which usually costs around $34 per person. This is not your typical complimentary hotel breakfast. Definitely try the omelet made by retired Navy Chief Mess Specialist and make your own freshly squeezed carrot, celery, tomato or orange juice medley.
Friday is when most families arrive, and that was when our volunteers met us. Over these four days, Brian, father of three, and Marina, a child counselor, became family, but without the drama. My kids still miss them. My daughter submitted a photo of our family with them for her fourth grade classroom bulletin board. Brian and I text back and forth and there is still an outstanding challenge to run a race for IoH together next year.
Friday culminates in a dinner at the hotel for everyone serving or being served that includes plenty of fun. If you decide to retire early and your children still have energy to burn, your volunteers will gladly stay and deliver them to your room at a time of your choosing.
Saturday morning began with breakfast before attending your Legacy group. Adults are separated from children and children divided into age groups for roughly two hours. The counselors leading the children’s groups are very careful not to share anything parents may not wish them to regarding terminal illness, but rather focus on compartmentalizations and introducing methods to deal with stress and emotions. We were skeptical about the adult group at first, but it turns out most couples were, so before long we were all telling our stories as patients or caregivers, sharing as much or as little as we chose. There was never any pressure to speak. Thanks Jill.
At 11:00, we came together with our children and volunteers and made our way across the street to Seaworld. The time was ours until 4:00 when there was a photo planned for all participants outside Shamu stadium. Mikki, photographer extraordinaire, did a fantastic job getting us all together and getting a great shot.
After the photo, the volunteers stayed in the park with the children while the parents prepared for a dinner date night. We ate at the Bonefish Grill, where a special menu was provided. A long table was set up for the couples and we ended up sitting across from a wonderful couple from Colorado. Our prayers are with you Justin and Katie.
After dinner, time was set aside specifically to create each family’s Legacy Video. This event is the capstone of the retreat. There is no specific format or required content. It can be done by both parents or just the patient. One of the staff can act as a facilitator or you can have the room to yourself. The staff can provide ideas if you are unsure what types of things you may want to say. I would bet you could even exceed the 30 minute time limit if you needed. This is a very personal thing, and highly respected by the staff. In fact, IoH is is so all in on the value of this opportunity that they will keep a room set up for you if you are unable to make a video on Saturday. Thanks, Betsy.
Sunday morning was very similar to the day before, but this time the adult group sessions were split such that caregivers and patients were separate. This was one of the most profound parts of the retreat for me, to hear how other caregivers were or were not coping and share some of the things I’ve learned and learn from others.
After group sessions, we boarded a coach to Universal. Unfortunately, my wife was not feeling well and rested in the room for the day. She was not forgotten, however, and the IoH staff ensured that she had everything she needed, including lunch and a ride to join up with us at Universal if she started feeling better. Yes, I went with Brian, Marina and my children and tried to wash away the guilt with copious amounts of frozen butter beer and roller coasters. Two important things about Universal: your ticket is a two day ticket for both Universal and Islands of Adventure, so stay the extra day if you can, and IoH has made an arrangement with the park that will forever change your perspective in a great way.
What began a nightly routine on Friday in the vast hotel pool, rounds and rounds of Sharks & Minnows, with a small number of players, encompassed more than half the pool and close to 50 adults and children by Sunday night. I think we finally played our last round at around 10:30 that night. Jennie, Seaweed, you both did swimmingly.
After breakfast Monday, you will all go to the closing ceremony. After a short time, the children will leave the room. There will be tears. It was not a bad thing.
Once the closing ceremony is complete and you are reunited with your children, the Retreat is over and it is time to say goodbye. More tears. Again, not a bad thing. If you are leaving that day, your travel arrangements will have already been made. If you are staying, IoH provided a bus to Universal to spend another day enjoying the park. They also ensure the bus will be available for a return trip to the hotel at around 5:30. Stay the extra day, the arrangement with the park will still be in effect and it’s so worth it. My wife was able to make it to Universal on Monday.
Listen, I honestly thought that I was going to just carry on watching my wife die, getting my kids to counseling and sucking it all up everyday without ever taking advantage of any the “cancer perks” out there. It was too much effort while taking care of my family. Plus, I’m smart, I know what I need to do. I’m not really into talking with anyone. Remember when I mentioned I was ignorant?
If you are a parent who is a patient suffering with a terminal illness or a caregiver, go to https://inheritanceofhope.org/retreats.html and apply for a retreat.
The vision of Deric and Kristen, made reality by the phenomenal staff and volunteers at Inheritance of Hope, to allow my family a much needed timeout from cancer and the opportunity to create a Legacy Video, the true value of which is beyond words. Thank you Inheritance of Hope for everything.
This organization is amazing! It gave us hope that we never realized we needed. When a family is faced with a serious illness, that news can reek havoc on a family. Inheritance of Hope is filled with dedicated individuals who are gifted in helping your family see past the pain to view the light! Forever grateful, the Law family - Orlando Retreat 2019.
This orginaztion has allowed me to make everlasting memories with my loved ones while battling a terminal illness. They sent us on an all expense paid retreat while pampering us helping us not to focus on the disease but on family.
I have served at Inheritance of Hope's Legacy Retreats for years, and the North Carolina retreat was awesome! It's so fun to see the IoH Family growing and making memories at new places like the Biltmore mansion and a trampoline park!
I thought it would be weird to tell a stranger how I felt and what my fears and dreams were. I thought it would feel weird to tell them my deepest darkest fears. But the words just fell out of my mouth. I laid a lot of things out there. To my surprise, I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t alone in the fear of speaking them and I wasn’t alone in the fear of how they’d be received. In the end, these people I thought I’d never see again brought me a new feeling of hope. A new feeling of peace. A new feeling of companionship. I didn’t feel alone at all. I felt warm and loved. When you are forced to think about your death, you really gain a sense of compassion for others and respect for their wishes. What you don’t think about is being happy in these moments. I learned a lot from each of them and what that happiness might look like. I saw so many smiles and so many tears all in the same moments. I watched a young mom cry her first day because she had to leave her son for a bit. She was fearful. By the end, I saw that disappear. I saw a woman with teenagers who were thriving even though she thought they may not be. I saw children talk to adults about “getting better”. I saw comfort from complete strangers. I saw so much pure genuine kindness and love. It truly was a sight to see! I never knew that coming on this trip would bring me a whole new set of family. I never thought I’d see my family discuss anything with anyone because they’ve all been hoping for the best. And while that’s great, you have to get it out. It was great to see them do that. Having cancer is not all doom and gloom people. It’s just a phase of my life I have to go through. I don’t stop living. I don’t stop loving. I don’t stop doing. I don’t stop fighting. What I do is be intentional with my time and energy. As long as I remember that, I’ll be okay. What IOH gave me is comfort in knowing that even if my time gets cut short, there are still things I can do to be here. And in the meantime, LIVE baby, LIVE!
Our family was fortunate enough to attend the NC Asheville retreat and it was a memorable event for our whole family. The volunteers & staff were friendly, helpful & welcoming people. This trip beyond exceeded our expectations and helped us create lifelong memories together.
For me it all started with the layovers from the airport, I’m going through treatment and my energy levels are very low and my feet are in intense pain so the extra walking and changing planes was to me very stressful. I feel like a flight from Boston to South Carolina should not include a layover in New York. Nor a flight from South Carolina to Boston all the same. I know it sounds like I’m complaining but when I read the letters from other families that were served one of the things said quite often was the fact that this foundation Spared no expense and not one detail was missed. But I’m sorry for me it just continued to get a little worse. We are a family of five and when we finally arrived at the hotel we were surprised to walk into a room with just two full size beds. Now I understand that most hotels have Cots you can use for a small fee or just asking for one. So we asked our Volunteer to ask the front desk if we could use one and when he returned with an air mattress and fabrication that this particular hotel does not offer cots because it’s a fire hazard. I accepted his reasoning and we tried to sleep through what ended up being a very tough night. For the most part I’m a strong believer in first impressions and this was not a good one in my opinion. I later found out that other families asked the front desk and received cots with no issues. The next day started off very early considering the day before. The kids enjoyed playing and the arts and crafts that they did in fact my kids had lots of fun throughout the entire trip which is one of the reasons we gave the three stars.
Could not ask for a more amazing group of staff and volunteers. IoH is the real deal! An incredible group that provides once-in-a-lifetime trips to families who are dealing with the terminal illness of a parent. The friendships we formed, the tools we gained, and the memories we made will last a lifetime.
Our family was served by Inheritance Of Hope in April 2019. This is a top-notch organization. Their volunteers were incredible and I am missing them dearly. IOH provided our family with community, legacy tools, and precious memories. We are so appreciative for IOH. We plan to volunteer for them in the future and spread the hope.
Amazing trip for our family, amazing people who coordinated absolutely everything for us every step of the way! Memories were made that will last our lifetime and IOH went out of their way to make sure of that.
I wanted to thank all inheritance of hope family , for all kindness and all the good memories that they made me and my family! And as if they were emptying some burdens of my shoulders.
Thank you Deric again for all your support.
Best,
Marjan, David, Evan
Recently IOH took our family with them to Orlando for an all inclusive trip to universal studios and sea world. There were about 35 families who are dealing with terminal cancer. Each of these families have children who are under the age of 18. The weekend was about coming together and discussing how to prepare for the loss of your loved one. Adults were in small group sessions and the children were in a large group. Even though it is a hard topic to talk about, there were professional counselors and volunteers who knew how to moderate the discussions to be beneficial and less awkward. There were professional photographers who took many wonderful pictures. There was even a video session where we were able to film a message for our son, which was a great experience.
We were cared for and the foundation was always very compassionate.
We definitely are very grateful to have been served by this wonderful foundation.
Nina and Mark Lukenich
What an experience!!! Honestly, hands down, the BEST experience of my life (and I've had some pretty great times!). I don't even know if I can put into words how amazing it was, but I will try.
IOH is an organization that provides all expenses paid "vacations" to families with children facing the loss of a parent. Ours was in Orlando and we went to Universal, Islands of Adventure, and Sea World. Each child & family has a volunteer that is with them, I cannot explain how wonderful that is. Our volunteer Meredith was amazing. She connected with our family immediately! She happily took care of everything for us from being with our daughter to carrying our bags to arranging early busses when I was completely wiped out to capturing precious family memories for us so we could stay "in the moment". Basically all we had to do was just be and enjoy ourselves. God knows we needed that!
"Vacation" does not begin to describe our experience. Everyone at IOH is now family and I honestly feel that in my heart. We spent each morning in our couples group while Lex & Meredith were in their kid group. We shared "our story" with our group and we all connected immediately as we quickly realized we were not alone in our struggles & fears. I still can't believe this but my husband participated just as much as I did!!! We shared laughs and hugs and tears and fears that some of us haven't said aloud let alone to anyone. While I am still in the same situation as I was before in that I have a terminal illness, I feel so much more at peace than I was before. IOH gave us so incredibly much more than a "vacation". They gave us connections to others and we can help each other through this in a way that others just can't do. They gave us tools and ideas for things we can do now to keep us connected to our families long after we're gone. I had the opportunity to make a professional grade Legacy video for my kids that I know will help them heal should something happen to me. And that is just the beginning of what I'll be able to leave for them to help them whenever they need to feel their mommy's love. For that alone I am eternally grateful.
This was the best experience of my life! My family and I are so very grateful to the Inheritance of Hope organization for this amazing opportunity. We were able to connect with other families going through similar trials. The counselors and volunteers helped tremendously. This was definitely a life-changing experience that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We made memories and learned how to leave a legacy. I hope my family will be able to serve other families during future retreats and pay it forward.
This was one of the best week's of our family life! We will be forever grateful for the memories created here. We had extraordinary support from the moment our application was accepted until the moment we got home from the trip! They just loved on us and made our family a part of the IoH family! They filled our hearts with joy, inspiration, and love! My three children will forever have the keepsakes of this retreat and know that no matter what happens with their dad's health, they are loved by so many people and are a part of a legacy bigger than themselves! I would recommend this trip to any family going through the journey of having a parent with a terminal illness. Each member of the family is lovingly spoiled and cared for!
Inheritance of Hope at Orlando was the most amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to meet and share my story with other people that are going through the same situation. All the staff treated us with kindness, patience, and generosity. Their commitment is truly heart-warming. It’s great to know that people other than you care about the times you’re going through and share the same pain. We’re so grateful to be included in the big family of IoH!
My family and I had the privilege to attend an Inheritance of Hope retreat this past February. It was an absolutely Amazing experience!!!
We could hardly believe that this retreat was going to be everything they claimed it would be. We were excited and nervous waiting to go on the trip, unsure of how it would go. A little concerned I wouldn't be able to manage so much activity.
There was no reason for concern or reservations. It was So Much More than we could've dreamed it would be!
From the moment we met our volunteers we were so well taken care of. They were so sweet and really made us feel at ease.
I was worried my 3 year old would have separation anxiety and get upset about being with a stranger. But as soon as he met Tony, one of our volunteers, he was instantly attached and happy to go along with him. Even started calling him pawpaw (grandpa).
Tony and Kara went above and beyond any expectation we had.
I needed to use a wheelchair through most of the parks. They pushed me without complaint or even letting on how tired they Must have been.
They were fun, kind, and so patient with our family.
The retreat made dreams come true. We got experiences and memories as a family, that we never thought we'd get a chance to do. An incredible blessing! We'll forever be thankful.
When they say welcome to the IOH family, its not just a phrase that’s thrown out. They truly mean what they say.
We did gain family. The hardest part was saying goodbye to these people we just met, but fell completely in love with.
I want to give special thanks to Tony, Kara, Anette, Betsy, Sheena, and Tom. They all played a part of making this trip extra special. All took a piece of our hearts.
A huge Thank You to Kendra Scott for your support by partnering with IOH. You are so sweet and down to Earth. Love your hugs! And that extra touch of care from you and your team.
The biggest Thank You to Derrick Milligan and everyone at IOH for the amazing, inspiring work you do to support families like mine. Thank you doesn't even seem like enough. Through all of you, prayers were answered, dreams came true, and priceless memories were made. And we're just 1 family served.
I would urge any family who qualifies to apply, and take advantage of this opportunity. You won't regret it!
And anyone who is able to give, and looking for the right organization to support, This Is It!!
This organization is amazing. We felt so cared for during our retreat. It was more then we could have ever expected. The kindness and generosity that was shown to us by the organizers and the volunteers was beyond amazing. Our Legacy Retreat with IOH was life changing.
Everything in the universe came together perfectly for me to find Inheritance of Hope, be able to attend the retreat, meet some of the best people ever, and now continue those friendships. This amazing program allowed me and my children to make some awesome memories that we would have never been able to otherwise. It meant so much to me to be able to interact with others that knew exactly what I’m going through and my kiddos were able to learn some coping skills and have a lot of fun doing so. We were cared for and made to feel special and it was a breath of fresh air to have four marvelous days of not having to worry about anything!! Inheritance of Hope has inspired me to want to do more and help others be able to experience this same joy! Thank you a million times IoH!!!!
I couldn’t say enough amazing things about this wonderful organization! Inheritance of Hope has one mission: to help children with a parent undergoing terminal illness. This is done beautifully. They are remarkable in that their volunteers are the most kind, caring, patient, genuine, giving people I have ever met. The wonderfully planned, intentional activities helped all of us. The day to day love and support and were pure examples of unconditional love. My family had never experienced such selflessness and love while we were served on our retreat in Orlando. It allowed my family to rebuild itself, gain tools, and aid in the process of living with MBC all the while supporting me and building my legacy. I am more at peace now. My husband, our son and myself made life long friendships with other families. We laughed harder than we ever have before and our lives have changed drastically for the better, thanks to our retreat with IOH! Everlasting memories were made that my son (and family) can hold onto forever! Thank you so very much, IOH for giving us the experience of a lifetime! We love all of you!
One of the best experiences in my life was going to Orlando through the Legacy of Hope. They took car of Everything from the minute my family of 9 got of the airplane! It was so nice to be pampered and watch my children’s faces as they did all the amazing activities. It was priceless to meet other families in similar situations to us.
A wonderful experience with a truly amazing organization! My family and I can’t thank I.O.H enough for everything they did, bringing familes together and creating life long bonds and friendships! The Volunteers are the best in world! Doing everything they can so that the familes could really relax and cherish each and every moment! Their love for us showed in everything they did! We love you so much and are so blessed to be apart of this family!
This trip was amazing for my family and it was our very first trip as a family without anyone missing. The generosity was overwhelming. My children felt safe and secure with the volunteers that was provided to us. The hospitality that CEO Deric and his wife gave to us as my families personal volunteers was above and beyond anything i could've asked for. They both along with their staff of volunteers were exceptional! I'll never forget this day! Since I've been home I've told so many people about this experience even strangers i meet on the street. The way my children's faces stayed lit up with innocence and smiles was priceless i haven't seen them this happy in years! Thank you guys for such an amazing time.
This trip was absolutely amazing for our family , it was so bittersweet when it ended and when we had to say goodbye to the many new faces we met . Our volunteers are part of of family now as well as all of IOH ! We cannot thank you enough for everything you did for us , in allowing us to make lasting memories and a legacy !
I can't even begin to put a rate this experience our family had on the February Orlando retreat! There are no words to describe it! Other than Magical lifelong memories were made, and will never be forgotten! It still feels like it was all a dream! If you have the opportunity to take on or just volunteer, to get involved in one of these retreats DO IT!! Don't even think about it! Just go for it!
IoH is an amazing organization. We have always been a close family but I think it brought our family even closer. The activities that we did together and the love that was shown upon us was more than we could have asked for. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be served by IoH and all of the wonderful volunteers that gave up their time to make sure you had the best experience ever! Thank you so much Deric and IoH for all that you do!
Inheritance of Hope exceeded every expectation we had. With two teenagers in tow, we weren't sure how they would respond to the IoH but they loved it. From the moment we met our liaison at the airport, they were smitten. It was refreshing to see them interact and bond with others who have similar challenges. And, the opportunity to spend time together as a family, with minimal stress was such a respite from reality. Finally, it was great to be in an environment where others felt comfortable and confident discussing their faith. It was refreshing to be honest with my feelings and my faith. Thank you!
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization. They provided my family with a trip to NYC and helped us become part of them. They showed me the importance of family and having a legacy for my son. I would recommend them to any family that is dealing with a terminal disease.
Just returned for Hope for Inheritance retreat in New York City last week, and My family and I are already missing our new friends. Friends that received a retreat at no cost as we did and my friend Volunteers... that from my understanding paid much or there own way. They knew all of our names before we arrived they knew where we were all from! WOW Instant andmerationfor all.
Inheritance of Hope is a truly special organization. They helped to support and guide our family through coming to terms with my terminal cancer diagnosis. Their staff, supporters and volunteers are amazing and gave our family hope. Because Inheritance of Hope is a faith-based organization and the staff are skilled counselors and pastors, we were blessed to benefit from their expertise and guidance with coping with my health issues. Focus was paid to our three young children and how to help them deal with my situation.
Where do I begin? When my sweet friend and coworker Devonne Cooper initially told me about IOH and how she wanted me to apply, I could have never imagined the impact the retreat would have on my family and me. We are forever changed by the generosity, love, and care we all recieved on our trip to NYC and welcoming arms from our new IOH family. I am excited to bring this joy to others by fundraising, donations, volunteerism, spreading the word to others, and simply praying for all the families involved in every aspect of the experience! I could never express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity. I will thank God for you all for the rest of my days.
It is my pleasure to commend this ministry. Our experience was an answer to our prayers. We were in critical need of inspiration as a family, and not only did we receive inspiration, but we received recreation as well. Furthermore, the staff and volunteers were excellent as they served with genuine care and concern. May this ministry continue to expand to give hope to countless other families.
My experience as a volunteer was beyond expectations. Truly left feeling like I had gained a new family and the weekend was so refreshing. Inheritance of Hope creates a smooth event for family fun and memories! Can't wait to serve again.
Wow! What amazing, life changing work this nonprofit does for families suffering the potential loss of a parent. Having just attended our family's retreat, I am so inspired to give back, do more and be intentional with my time on earth. Truly, any donor, volunteer, or attending family makes a wise investment by choosing Inheritance of Hope. Check them out and consider supporting with your time, talent or treasure. What more could you do with your resources than help others who are hurting? www.inheritanceofhope.org. INSPIRE HOPE!
Inheritance of Hope was a gift to me and my family! I was not sure what to expect when we left on our retreat to Colorado last week. We have expanded our family because of the sense of community and compassion shown by all that work/volunteer with Inheritance of Hope. It was so meaningful for our boys as well. The love and tools they/we have been given to navigate the road ahead will serve us for a lifetime. We would love to volunteer for a future retreat some day to give back to an organization that has a very special place in our hearts!
My family and I really enjoyed the retreat that we went to with Inheritance of Hope. With stage 4 cancer and 5 kids vacations and trips are stressful and overwhelming. Not so with this retreat, there was always someone there to give a hand. I never worried while there, I just enjoyed my time in a safe place with families like ours. This safe place allowed fears and feelings to come out. It also allowed for strangers to become family. It was what we needed as my family and I continue on our journey together. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!
My family just returned from our Legacy Retreat in Colorado with Inheritance of Hope. It was an amazing experience! The staff and volunteers are phenomenal! The amount of thought, detail and love that went into everything was so impressive. We made many new friends and so many memories for our family. I would highly recommend a Legacy Retreat!!
IOH is an amazing organization. My family has really been struggling due to my wife's terminal cancer diagnosis and IOH gave us the most amazing weekend to get away and be together. Their volunteers are the most amazing and caring people and took care of us all weekend. Words really can't describe how special that weekend was to us and we never would have had that if it wasn't for IOH.
What an excellent organization. Inheritance of Hope hosted such a loving, caring, memorable experience for our family. The volunteers and staff were thoughtful and incredibly well organized. We couldn't have been more impressed.
We were treated like stars for four days. Our volunteers were amazing. We received such care and love. We cherish the time we had together. It was a life focusing weekend.
This was the best experience for me and my family. We absolutely loved all of the volunteers, families and staff. It was amazing to see how selfless, kind and genuine everyone was. I would recommend IOH to anyone who qualifies.
The IOH organization truly cares about families that have a parent suffering from a terminal illness. From the moment we arrived on our Southern California retreat we could feel the love from the coordinators and volunteers. They were genuinely happy to meet us and have us with them on the retreat. They really did go above and beyond to make sure we had fun and were cared for. There were countless opportunities to have pictures taken of our family having fun, laughing and not having a care in the world. Each family is assigned two volunteers that are there to serve your every need and make you as comfortable as possible. Our volunteers, Sam and Mark, became friends/family. The time that we spent with them is something out family will never forget. Even though we were able to go to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, our families favorite thing about our retreat was our relationship with Sam and Mark and the community of families going through similar things as us. We’ve learned that even though someday a parent may not be here on earth with their children they can leave a legacy that will stay with them the rest of thei lives. If you know a family that would benefit from a retreat I urge you to giv them this AMAZING gift!!
IOH really went above and beyond taking care of your family at the retreat this weekend. Every little detail was well-thought out. The volunteers were so selfless and willing to help with absolutely anything and everything. The daily sessions were cathartic and helpful for the adults, and the kids' sessions sounded like lots of fun! What a blessing to have been served by this organization!
Me and my family had an amazing time it was surreal. We laughed, we cried, we had the pleasure of spending it with amazing people, that were so humble, so kind and loving to the point we didn't even want to go home. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I thank each and everyone of you all for making that possible. Thank you and God bless.
IOH is truly a GIFT. It provides families with experiences, time, tools, and memories to help guide them through a very traumatic experience in their lives.
They blew my expectations by a lot. I cannot even write out all of the wonderful ways that they went above and beyond to not only help our family but serve it. Everyday was a new surprise. I cannot thank the organization and volunteers enough for their hard work, dedication and love. It was such an amazing experience
As a busy fellow, I had not put much thought into what to expect on the retreat. Into that void was poured much love, concern, and convenience. My family and I had a wonderful time, learned or reinforced new tricks for dealing with adversity, and made meaningful connections with others facing similarly accelerated life trajectories.
From the perspective of someone on the receiving end, my (and our) experiences with Inheritance of Hope were uniformly positive.
Have never met a better group of people. Everyone treated us as family and went above and beyond to meet every need we had. We were assigned a volunteer, Mark, and this man was relentless in his pursuit to make this the most memorable experience we could have. That’s how the whole organization worked. Each family had their own set of needs, and were catered to flawlessly. Words can’t express how grateful we are to IOH, a lifetime of memories gained in four days. I don’t know how they do it, but I hope many more families can experience the gift that this organization provides.
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization. We were given the chance to put aside our worries and have family time like we have not had the opportunity to do. It is hard to describe what this meant to us. The retreat gives you a bright spot to look back on and focus on when times get tough. I would wish for every family to have this chance. It was life-changing. The biggest difference we saw was in what this did for our kids. They got to meet other kids in the same situation and to learn that it is okay to feel the things that they feel in this life. I really miss all the wonderful families that we met who have now become close friends and and a part of our life. The volunteers were the most amazing part. Both of my kids want to volunteer to help other families once they are old enough. Thanks is just not enough for what we were given.
The most wonderful and amazing time shared with my children and the Inheritance of Hope Family. This foundation truly and lovingly shows that they care in a Godly and heartfelt way that will astound you and make you feel loved.
WOW! What an impactful time serving with Inheritance of Hope (IoH)! IoH is super organized and I felt very prepared and supported as a volunteer! I quickly fell in love with the family I was paired with and was so humbled as they shared their story, their family and their time with me. I look forward to serving again with Inheritance of Hope and would highly encourage you to look into this AMAZING organization!
I volunteered for the first time with Inheritance of Hope in May 2018 and I was impressed at how organized the retreat was, how well the staff prepared me as a volunteer prior to the retreat and supported me during the retreat, and how joyful and grateful the volunteers and families were to spend time together and make good memories.
Words cannot express how impactful the 2018 Orlando Inheritance of Hope retreat was for myself and my family. I didn't know what to expect, but the retreat far surpassed anything I would have ever imagined. I'm battling a terminal Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, and it was so uplifting to be showered with sincere kindness and genuine love over the 4 days with Inheritance of Hope. So much hope was given to myself and my family at a time when feeling so down and out. The volunteers were like angels on Earth. I can honestly say that the group interactions and time talking with counselors and others in same situation was so valuable. Yes the precious time we had making memories with our children in Orlando at the theme parks was great too, but the whole trip was so refreshing for my soul. I feel so much more encouraged and loved by not only God but from my new IOH family. From the bottom of my heart and depths of my soul, thank you so much to the volunteers and donors of Inheritance of Hope.
What an awesome group of people. It is such a wonderful organization. God blesses me every time I serve.
My daughter, her children and I were invited to attend an Inheritance of Hope legacy retreat last week (May 2018) We were not sure what to expect and were a little skeptical of a "free trip". Well the trip was certainly free, BUT it paid us in so many ways!! The love we felt from the entire IOH family was amazing! We started every day with a group activity - the kids went to their groups with our assigned volunteers. Our 9 year old had his own personal buddy (volunteer Spencer who is wonderful!) who went to groups with him and helped him as he has high functioning autism and get a little apprehensive and scared when he is not around his mom. He felt comfortable with Spencer from the beginning and they bonded immediately. Martha was the teenage girls buddy - she was equally as amazing!! They opened up to her and felt like she was family from the moment they picked us up at the airport. We were taken to Disney and Universal Studios with the help of our volunteers who made sure we never had to wait in a line! They took the kids to the pool when we were exhausted and came up and helped us get kids out of bed for breakfast!
The groups were great and we met some tough , loving, wonderful people who will forever be a part of our hearts. It felt a little weird to have these people taking care of us, if we needed a napkin - they were up and running to get it before we even finished the words! They also helped families make a legacy video for their families - this was a tough thing to even think about it. But it was great that they had ideas of things to talk about, and video recorded and edited it for you .
The best part of the trip was the look on my daughters face as she watched her children get to be children!! It was a vacation from her diagnoses of stage 4 cancer for all of us.
If you are looking for someone to donate to, please check into Inheritance of Hope!! It is a wonderful organization!!
Words could never truly express our appreciation and love for the Inheritance of Hope organization. Never before have I, or my family experienced such an outpouring of caring, service and christlike love as we did participating in a legacy retreat. The volunteers were truly angels to our family -- from helping my toddler at breakfast each morning to pushing a stroller so I didn't have to worry about it. They listened to my older children and allowed us to have time as a family making memories, laughing, playing and experiencing true joy. If there ever was a silver lining to having a terminal illness it is this trip we were able to take together as a family. Every detail was taken care of and I didn't have to worry about anything. I can't stop telling people about it -- and not because we went to Disneyworld, but because we were able to find our place in the Lord's family again -- one that includes all of the people we met at Inheritance of Hope. We were able to feel peace and comfort and joy to a degree that is difficult to describe. I would recommend and will recommend this organization to anyone that could use it. We hope to be able to donate and give back in our own ways as well.
I have been fighting cancer since 2012, I was 29 years old and a single mom. I have three separate primary cancers and then my cancer spread to my lungs. Making me stage 4 breast cancer. This trip was a perfect escape from life as a cancer patient. I loved being able to watch my kids be kids and my mom belly laugh like a kid. I am forever grateful for Inheritance of Hope.
We loved our IOH trip. These people were truly amazing and genuinely loving to our family. I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity to create a legacy with our children.
Such an amazing experience the volunteers and staff are amazing Thankyou so much for the memories.I'm gonna be wearing this smile for a long long time
We cannot emphasize enough how thankful we are to Inheritance of Hope for making our recent trip to Orlando (5/2018) a trip filled with unforgettable memories, joy, magic, and most of all HOPE. Deric Milligan, with the army of volunteers, and everyone involved with IOH, have thought of every detail to make the trip memorable, from the minute you arrive, to the time you say your tearful goodbyes to all the wonderful new people you have met. The retreat truly instills a sense of community with the families, all of whom are experiencing similar difficult journeys like us. Our main goal for the trip was for our daughter to meet other children she could relate to who also has an ailing parent. When we heard her say that she didn't feel alone anymore, it made this retreat all the more worthwhile, and invaluable in helping her navigate through these tough times. We want to especially thank Gabriella, our extraordinary coordinator and volunteer who made our lives so much easier throughout the retreat. Our daughter adores Gabriella and cannot wait to see her again when she comes to California. We look forward to volunteering with IOH on future retreats, and our daughter has already stated that she would also like to volunteer when she is older. THANK YOU IOH! --geri
IoH is amazing!!! They gave our family the most incredible trip. My 9yr old son said it was the best vacation we've ever had, and he's right. The volunteers are incredible and took care of everything. We are so grateful we had this experience.
This is a great organization that performs an incredible service to families facing the loss of a parent to a terminal illness. I would give them more than 5 stars if possible.
There are seriously no words to describe how thankful I am for IOH! Thank you so much for this amazing blessing! Unforgettable memories!
I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2012 at 25 years old. My son was 15 months and my husband and I had been together for 5 years. It was the most surreal moment/time of my life. Since then I have undergone chemo and surgeries and have encountered many complications. Most recently trapped lung due to the disease metastisizing. For years I have been trying to find a group of people that understand what my family and I are living with every day. when I came across the website for Inheritance of Hope I knew that it would become an amazing outlet and apart of our extended family and support network. My husband and I tend to keep to ourselves. Which is funny as to the fact that our son is the complete opposite. We were nervous prior to arriving at the retreat and didn't know what to expect. From the moment we pulled into the front of the Renaissance, we were greeted with open arms from our amazing volunteers and a few coordinators. Mason quickly opened up to Tony and Nick, and our adventure began immediately. It definitely took some time for my husband and I to let go and allow the volunteers to assist with everything. We have always just been use to depending on ourselves for what we needed, what I needed. After a 24 hour drive from Maine to Florida Chris was grateful for the break on pushing me in the wheel chair and allowing his hands to relax. At first group was a little unnerving as neither of us are comfortable speaking in front of "unknowns" but bythe end of it, we both (especially Chris) had opened up beyond any of my expectations. He was able to connect and express with other husbands unlike at home where we don't know anyone in our situation. And MAson was in his moment of glory. He embraced nick and Tony and still messages them!
This trip was needed in so many ways for our family and a time we truly will never forget. I truly believe that regardless of ones current medical situation, everyone should stop to take the time off for a few days and connect with their loved ones and support. To create special memories and lasting moments that help shape the legacy each of us will leave. Lastly, attending this retreat helped me to kickstart the letters and gifts that I wish to leave for my son and husband. this retreat will forever be with my husband son and I, and we will never forget the amazing memories.
All I can say is wow!!! To leave your family a legacy well that's priceless! In lieu of flowers I will request that donations be made to IOH I hope I can give a family the opportunity that my family had!! Amazing!
This is the most generous group of Amazing Individuals. In the face of a horrible outcome Stage 4 Cancer. This group gives you the knowledge and beginning tools to leave your legacy. They arent just people in 1 short weekend you become a family that lasts forever.
My family and I were given a gift that can never be repaid by Inheritance of Hope. I was so amazed at the thoughtfulness placed on even the smallest detail to make my family's experience more than we could ever imagine. The staff and volunteers are so gracious, kind, generous and loving. As a parent, I was so thankful for the staff and volunteers who took the time to welcome my daughter with a hug and big smile and place her at ease instantly. For my husband and myself, the opportunity to meet with other people; parents, caregivers and spouses dealing with like-minded health issues was enlightening and very therapeutic. I was not expecting the in-depth feelings experienced and frankly, I am so very thankful for the insight from the other side; the caregiver, spouse. I feel so graced to have been chosen by Inheritance of Hope. They have really made an impact on myself and my family. They truly are people who genuinely want to give back, to make this difficult time in a family's life a little easier and provide the priceless gift of hope for the future. My family's memories made during this experience will always be special, truly a once in a lifetime gift by an organization that builds legacies on hope, love and life lived. We made wonderful memories, but also are now privileged to call each and every person we met "family".
Our family benefitted from a retreat sponsored by Inheritance of Hope in March of 2018. This experience brought such peace and blessings to our family. We spent the time with other families facing a terminal disease and that is such a gift. We were loved on and cared for by volunteers who gifted us with their time and love. We had no cares as they thought of everything. We spent time having fun in amusement parks, but most importantly we spent time in group sessions. Our daughters spent time with therapists learning how to deal with the challenges of a very ill parent. As parents, we then learned at the end of the retreat how we can best support our children through this time of our family’s life. We as parents were also able to film a legacy video so our girls will always have my most lovely memories and encouragement from me when I am no longer here on earth. I would highly recommend this non profit.
We attended a retreat hosted by Inheritance of Hope in March 2018. I had heard great things about them, but there are no words to communicate the impact of our time with them. They do truly become family. Every detail for each age group is given consideration for the duration of the retreat. They facilitate time to laugh, cry, laugh more, cry more, to whatever extent you need! They love lavishly, not just through their planning & volunteer teams, but from their hearts. You will be changed through your time & interactions with Inheritance of Hope.
The heart and soul of this organization are the people. They are amazing at loving and caring for the people they honor during their Legacy of Hope retreats. My family was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the March 2018 retreat. From the moment we were notified of the honor of being accepted to attend, we were treated with the greatest amount of care and respect. Then when we arrived in Orlando all of the love and care ramped up 1,000%. Every activity, down to the last detail was organized perfectly with our utmost comfort in mind. Our only task while we were there was to relax and enjoy each other. The friendships that were discovered and nurtured, are irreplaceable. The memories that were made will remain as shining moments of our lives!
Our family was served at the March 2018 Orlando retreat. Inheritance of hope is the most amazing organization. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond in every way. The most well thought out and purposeful retreat, with the whole family in mind. I can not say enough good things about Inheritance of hope.
Just attended a Legacy Retreat in Orlando. It was FABULOUS! From the attention given to our children to the special care provided to all the cancer fighters! This organization has changed our life as a family. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!
Inheritance of Hope sent me and my family on the most memorable Legacy Retreat. We were taken care of by volunteers and organizers who were angels on earth! My 3 young children immediately felt loved and comfortable in the wonderful environment Inheritance of Hope had created. Since this Legacy Retreat I have felt a big burden lifted and a renewed sense of hope and peace as I navigate my way through coping with my terminal cancer. The memories we made on our Orlando retreat will be remembered forever. I can’t ever thank Inheritance of Hope enough for all the big and small details that just made this the perfect few days for me and my family!
Inheritance of Hope is such a great organization! They provided me and my family with such a wonderful experience making memories at a legacy retreat, which was an all expense paid trip to Orlando, FL with tickets to theme parks, a stay at a Disney resort, and the ability to connect with other families facing our same challenge of living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. And, all of it was made possible by the incredible volunteers that served us. My family is beyond blessed to have been touched by the inheritance of hope organization.
Our family just returned from an Inheritance of Hope retreat in Disney. I find it difficult to put into words our wonderful experience. It is a retreat that you never want to find yourself eligible to take, since it's for families that could possibly lose a parent to illness. My wife was unfortunately diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in November of 2016, which was followed by a very hectic and emotional year. We heard of I.O.H. , did some research and applied to attend a Disney retreat. The application process was easy the approval was fast. Our family's experience was way beyond any expectation we ever could of had!!! The volunteers were there to help with any need that we might have. ALL staff were thoughtful and caring throughout the whole experience. It was a perfect experience at a perfect time for our family. Seeing the joy it brought to my kids and my wife was priceless.
I can't recommend enough for families to attend one of these retreats, they won't be disappointed. These retreats wouldn't be possible without very generous donors as well. Kendra Scott was a major sponsor on our retreat which made our experience even better. Thanks Inheritance of Hope and the Kendra Scott team for making marvelous memories!!!!
Truly an amazing organization that goes above and beyond for those they are serving. Always an honor and incredibly uplifting experience when I volunteer with Inheritance of Hope. I secretly wish everyone I know could experience the love and compassion the staff/counselors/volunteers pour into their families. Cannot recommend Inheritance of Hope enough for both those receiving love and for those looking to give love.
My family just returned from the Legacy Retreat in Orlando. We will be forever grateful for the memories and the relationships we made along with tools that we learned. This retreat reconnected my family. We return prepared and hopeful. IoH volunteers are so sincere and think of every detail to make the retreat AMAZING.
I went in to this weekend with an open heart expecting to help out and provide the best time for the families of 10 women currently battling metastatic breast cancer and left today with SO SO much more. This weekend was full of many laughs, tears, a new family, and most importantly HOPE! Inheritance of Hope is one INCREDIBLE organization and I would highly encourage you to look in to the amazing things they are doing for young families facing the loss of a parent. To say this weekend made an impact on my life is an understatement. My heart is full and I can not wait to continue helping families create legacies for many years to come.
This year was my first year volunteering with Inheritance of Hope and I was blown away by this organization and the impact they made in these families lives that are battling metastatic breast cancer. They not only provided a weekend for these families to create memories and forget about their situations, they created safe spaces for these families to learn how to cope and plan for the future. I can't wait to volunteer again for the next retreat in a few months, but I would highly recommend this organization to friends and family battling terminal illnesses. It's a amazing to have a support system, to help these families find hope and faith that they can get through this! This organization is a blessing!
The legacy retreat was an overwhelming experience. The love shared with my family by strangers was unexpected and needed. For a few days we were surrounded by people who get it and understand exactly where we are at and what it feels like to not know what the next day will bring. The volunteers were amazing and worked from their heart.
Thank you!
IoH far exceeded my expectations. Very organized, very generous and very well run. The people involved are patient, compassionate and a lot of fun to be around. They provided many useful resources for us. A great experience for the entire family. Thank you IOH!
Our experience with IOH was so incredible and our family will be forever grateful for all that IOH did for us while we were on our legacy trip in NYC. I can’t say enough great things about the staff and volunteers at IOH! Truly a life changing experience!
Our experience with IOH was amazing! All I can say is we were treated with respect and love from the moment our application went in. It was the first time my husband (and other spouses/caregivers from what I saw) were talked to and listened to as well. I was completely comfortable leaving my small children with the counselors - they love the kids and the kids adore them. There are no pockets being lined here- monies are spent judiciously. Thank you so much IOH for such a great experience for my family, and all of the other families served.
Inheritance of Hope is an organization that is full of the most caring people I ever met. The empathy they share with the families is from experience and is so genuine. Everything about the retreat was above and beyond anything I ever expected. In 4 days they turned strangers into forever friends - After the retreat was over my family and I were left speechless thinking to ourselves WOW THAT JUST HAPPENED!
My daughter and granddaughters allowed me the privilege of joining them on their IOH retreat in New York City. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I was "wowed"! We all felt genuinely loved and pampered by the volunteers and coordinators. The hotel was perfectly situated, the planned events were entertaining for all of us, and the breakout sessions were meaningful. Words cannot adequately express how blessed we have been to be a recipient of this important service. Thank you, IOH!!
So thankful to the Inheritance of Hope organization and volunteers for making our NYC trip truly special! Our family enjoyed some much needed time away and we consider ourselves blessed to be chosen for this opportunity. The staff was "top notch" and served us above and beyond our expectations.
We will always consider this trip among some of our favorite family memories!
Thank you IOH!!!
Attended the IoH retreat with my family and many others families along the way. Very uplifting and informative. We learned a lot and had fun in the process. I would recommend this organization to everyone!!!
As a family member served and now a volunteer, the Inheritance of Hope has truly changed my life. I have loved serving with this incredible organization that does so much good for so many people.
As a volunteer, twin sister of a family served, and donor of this incredible organization, I cannot say enough about the massive impact this organization makes in the lives of the families it serves. Not only do they create the opportunity for a free vacation with no stress and limitless memories that will be remembered by these children for the rest of their lives, but they give support to the families (and kids as well) in many instances for the rest of their lives.
There are no words to explain how powerful it is for a family going through crisis to have the opportunity to talk with other families going through the same thing. Especially for the children, who up until meeting other kids at this retreat often feel very alone in their family situation.
Once a family leaves a retreat, they continue to be uplifted not only by the staff and volunteers, but by the other families they met while on the retreat. Watching the powerful influence this organization has on these families has been a miracle in my life, and one I will never forget.
Another amazing thing about the organization is how many volunteers are willing to put themselves out there and really care - even knowing the emotional stress it can have. The volunteers are incredible, and so numerous that you often have to get on a waiting list to volunteer!
Sadly, the only reason this organization isn't holding these retreats more often is money. Please consider donating (it costs the organization about $5,000 for each family they support), and helping make it possible to change the lives and perspectives of these families, volunteers, staff and many others.
One of the most loving groups of people I have ever encountered! God sure shines His light through these people as they impact families' legacies! I was so blessed to participate in a retreat earlier this year and hopefully will be able to be a part of many many more.
A serious illness in a parent is beyond devastating. IOH provides families with guidance, support, and wisdom. Connections and relationships made, during IOH retreats, are both irreplacable and indescribable. Thank you, to the faith-filled IOH team...
This nonprofit is top rated for so many reasons and I can speak from several different vantage points, My family attended a Legacy Retreat in 2011. Because our lives were changed and our family legacy was impacted in such a meaningful way I have been a volunteer and donor since then. I am committed to support this unique ministry where love and grace is seen in action with each family served.
Inheritance of Hope provides families like mine with help, support and most of all hope during the crisis of terminal illness in families with young children. IOH provides families with an all expense paid trip to a Legacy Retreat. This retreat provides families a much needed respite from
the struggles that are a daily reminder of terminal illness. Precious memories are made and intentional legacies are encouraged and supported through volunteers helping and loving on families. I almost forgot to mention!! The retreats are fun and the activities are endless and the volunteers are second to none!
I cant begin to even try and explain what Inheritance of Hope has done for me.
They have blessed me in so many ways and The IOH is My Family.
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In 2010 I was Family member of this amazing organization, my Husband passed away in 2012 from his Cancer diagnosis.
Inheritance of Hope Team was such a blessing to us.
I started volunteering with Inheritance of Hope in Jan 2013 in the memory of Enis.
Inheritance of Hope has added so much Joy to my life.
Our family (Melinda Caldwell, Maddi Caldwell, and my self Jeanette Cain(mother of Melinda))
Truly enjoyed our experience with IOH. I cannot express enough what a blessing it was to realize this was a faith based organization. I feel it brought us all closer to God and close with all the other families and volunteers there. The closing service was incredible. I wish I could get a copy of the video of the lady who started all this ( I'm terrible at remembering names) and her testimony. It touched my heart so much and I would like to show it at my church to get support for IOH. And share with other churches in our area.
Our Family just returned from an amazing IOH legacy retreat. It was an unbelievable family experience for our family. My husband and I along with our 5 children were were not only treated to an all expense paid Disney vacation but we were given tools to navigate my husband's terminal cancer. I felt like we totally left cancer behind and were met with unconditional love from the first moment we met our volunteers. The staff and volunteers have a selfless commitment to ensuring that not only every need of our family was met but that we also were able to make countless memories and have a great time. I now feel like I am not only in this cancer journey and that I've made friends from the IOH retreat that will support me on the road ahead. Some day I plan to pay it forward and become an IOH volunteer.
As a single mom of 2 young girls this foundation spoiled us on a trip we would have never been able to afford on our own. With a terminal diagnosis of lung cancer, I get very tired easily and have such a hard time keeping up with my kids and being organized. They really took all the work out of a vacation and it allowed us to have so much more fun and enjoy each other! It was great to interact with other adults with young families going through the same kind of struggles as well as my kids meeting other kids that can relate! We have met a wonderful support group and hopefully have made life long friends. I am truly grateful for this once in a lifetime experience and hope other families will be able to go on a retreat and make lasting memories as we have! Thank you IOH! Forever in our hearts! ❤
Me and my family had the most wonderful time and enjoyed all the staff and their assistance in everything especially Alan who was such an inspirational and uplifting addition to all of our experiences. Getting to hear some of the stories and experiences of others with similar troubles was nice and also sad but I would recommend this to anyone having similar problems and we have done just that. Thanks for everything and adding to some wonderful memories for my whole family.
My family attended when I was only 15, and it just amazed me. I was nervous at first, but I met so many children in the same situations I was in. At home I never had the chance to meet anyone my age who had a terminally I'll parent. The organization really gave me the hope that I needed to help me and my family through our trails. After my mom passed away, I came back as a volunteer with my father. I absolutely loved it. There is nothing I love more than helping a family just like Inheritance of Hope once helped me. They go above and beyond to make these families make lasting memories and use helpful tools.
My family is very grateful for Inheritance of Hope. We had the privilege of attending the May 2017 retreat. The group of volunteers are truly amazing! In 4 short days they have truly helped bring my family closer! We cried, laughed, laughed some more, and made life long memories. Thank you IOH
We love you all
The Roachos
Inheritance of Hope goes above and beyond to create memories for you and your family they are the best charity we have ever come in contact with we will always support any way possible Meeting other familys and creating an everlasting bond was priceless Never give up on Hope!
My family has been struggling with the news of my terminal cancer. A friend told me about Inheritance of Hope. It's a wonderful group that provides a beautiful setting for a retreat. They provide a safe environment for parents & children to learn ways to deal with a terminal diagnosis. They also pick up the tab for lots of entertainment & ways to make memories. Our trip was to Orlando, FL. We went to Disney, Universal, Sea World & we were sent on a special date night. It is a group that I highly recommend.
My family and I had the most amazing time of our lives in Orlando Flordia! Changing lanes filled out an application for my family and I to go to inheritance to hope to go on a family vacation because they know that I don't have a lot of money! And WOW is the least I can say about this nonprofit organization.
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization. We were a part of the May 2017 retreat. The groups were encouraging and life changing and having time with family was refreshing. The volunteers were so caring and they helped to create memories that my family will never forget.
Amazing organization. Me and my daughters were fortunate to attend The Legacy Retreat in Orlando, FL, serving families with a possible upcoming loss of a parent and the generous outpour of love, support and activities were mind blowing. I'm forever grateful for this organization .
I cannot express the absolutely joy the IoH retreat brought my family and I. Just when I was pinching myself that all this was happening to us it got better and better. The mix between the wonderful experiences and also sharing feelings with fellow cancer survivors was truly wonderful and humbling. This trip helped me more in terms of dealing with my diagnosis than any of the actual treatment or counseling I have had. I appreciate so much the love shown to us by all there and in particular our lovely volunteer who shepherded us through all the wonderful experiences. Normally I have to lead from the front but it was nice being led and not being the person in charge. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My family experienced an incredible gift from the ministry and efforts of the Inheritance of Hope staff and volunteers. The retreat talks, ministry, meals and coordination efforts, time at Disney, Universal and Seaworld with my family will be a Legacy and memories that last in my family for a lifetime. Our volunteers were well trained and served us with selflessness and love! Thank you for inviting us to the Inheritance of Hope family! WOW!
I have been fighting breast cancer for 2 years now and the type of cancer I have will end up eventually spreading and be terminal. I have always wanted to take my children to Disney and take them on an amazing vacation but due to medical bills and all the expenses that go with it I would never be able too. I was nominated by my doctor nd nurse navigator for this wonderful all expenses/worry free vacation put on by inheritance of hope. When the aay worry free they meen worry free. I didn't have to worry about navigating through the numerous parks, shuttles, all expenses associated with a 3 park trip,food, airline tickets, hotel, and numerous other things. I was able to have those moments with my family that they can remember long after I'm gone. This is an amazing non profit that not only have me his gift but I walked away with life long support and friends.
Amazing!!!! Inheritance of Hope is the most intentional, beautiful organization I've ever come across. It's been an honor to serve with them and a true joy. They have an excellent balance between making memories and intentionally equipping parents and children for the challenges they face.
There are no words to express the amazing feeling we have after experiencing this trip. I watched a volunteer carry a child off the bus late at night after the mom had to go back to the hotel to rest. This volunteer loved, cared for and allowed this child to continue to have fun way into the evening at Magic Kingdom. This is the most self-less group of people I have EVER met in my life. I honestly cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have made these long lasting friendships knowing there are people going through exactly the same thing we are facing. God bless each of you at Inheritance of Hope including donors, staff, volunteers and families! We love each of you so much!!
Our family was invited to attend the Legacy Retreat in Orlando Florida. We were pretty excited about this trip for months and counting down the days constantly, but little did we know the how incredibly amazing it really was going to be. It exceeded our expectations 100% plus some! We were overwhelmed with the amount of love and service we received from each and every volunteer and also the other families attending the retreat. We were able to create new relationships with families that are going through the same struggles as we were. We laughed, we cried, we played, we rested, we learned and we loved. This experience was incredibly positive and uplifting spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. I want all families facing the loss of a parent to know about it so they can benefit it. We will never forget the memories we made there and all the inspiration we received while in their care.
IOH and its team of volunteers helped my family and I navigate the emotional challenges of my late stage cancer diagnosis. While my daughter is only 4 and unaware of my cancer, I will apply the tips and guidance received over the next few months to begin sharing information with her in small doses. Additionally, my husband and caregiver, learned so much from networking with other caregivers and counselors. Finally, I learned that living my life with intention and proactive planning is not a sign of giving up hope.
IOH is an amazing organization with a strong mission and vision for helping young families who are facing the loss of a parent.
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization! Everything was so organized and thought out. No stress on us. The counseling sessions were the most helpful and really opened my eyes to how others are also struggling with an illness. My child , age 12, always had a smile on her face and made a special connection with another girl her age. The volunteers were amazing and so very helpful. The fast passes and VIP treatments made the parks more enjoyable because we didn't have to wait in the long lines. When I applied for this experience I wondered what the catch was. There was no " catch" and I can only say positive things about our retreat. So many wonderful, caring people made this possible and I can't thank them enough.
Having supported Inheritance of Hope's vision for years I was so excited to finally get to volunteer for one of their retreats. It exceeded my expectations in every way. The team at IOH had thought of every detail to make these 27 families comfortable. Every family left with a feeling of family, a support system and a legacy for their family. Every volunteer left with a full heart. Inheritance of Hope fills a very big need for families with an ill parent. Well done!!
IOH has blessed us in so many way. It was so wonderful to be able to share stories with other families in the same situation. It made us feel that we were not alone with the feelings we have. And the volunteers were so awsome on doing everything they can to make our trip easier.
Truly focused on supporting and helping families. The tools we received and overall investment of time and love, have greatly eased our burdens. They took wonderful care of us, and can think of no other organization to support in the future. Young family focused, an area that is sorely lacking in the cancer community.
This group worked well together during a very busy time in Orlando last month. A new venue, crowded streets, transportation blips were handled with grace and the families that attended the Legacy Retreat were unaware of the struggles due to the efficiency and flexibility of the staff. The leadership this group exhibits is outstanding as they care for each and every member of the families in attendance. It is exciting to be a part of such a large, cohesive, thoughtful group with such an important common focus---which is to Inspire Hope......
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I feel Inheritance of Hope is a valuable non profit because they dedicate all monies towards their retreats for families with young children who have a parent with a life-threatening illness. The counselors work with the parents and children to help them understand and discuss what they are feeling. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help the families create memories that will last a lifetime. I have just finished my third retreat and I am already looking forward to the next time. I feel my time is well spent since the organisers have every minute well planned. This is a very worthwhile organisation.
We were very blessed by Inheritance of Hope! They chose our family along with others to be flown out to Orlando, Florida for a stress free completely organized and paid for-planned weekend of endless fun. From our original contact coordinator to the volunteer who helped our family during the weekend to the multitude of loving people who loved on us the entire weekend we felt cared for and important. It was a chance to meet other families experiencing the same thing our family was going through. Because of this Legacy retreat, we have met lifelong friends and created a lasting legacy memory for our family!
Volunteering for Inheritance of Hope has been one of the most enriching experiences. In 4 days you have a new relationship with multiple families that can endure a lifetime. Being a volunteer for IOH has given me new perspective on how we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus for these families.
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As a parent diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer trying to establish as normal a life as possible for our two small children, Inheritance of Hope provided us a wonderful opportunity to create family memories in an unforgettable experience. We had the chance to attend a retreat and it was an experience we could not otherwise afford given our current medical expenses and it was a dream for our children. Volunteers and staff were remarkably compassionate and extremely kind, and my children often comment on how much they miss them since our retreat ended. It also gave both us and the children an opportunity to connect with families dealing with serious, life-threatening illnesses.
We had a great time and the staff and volunteers were amazing. This experience meant a lot to our family.
Inheritance of Hope contacted us after my wife had submitted our application because of her terminal brain cancer. They gave us a true gift by making us more aware of the opportunity to be more "intentional" with the remaining time that not only my wife has left but the realization that the time we all have is finite and that its never too early to share our thoughts and intentions with those we love. Being able to package our thoughts for future events our daughter will face and experience was emotional yet inspiring and even uplifting! Having the opportunity to share our experiences battling my wife's illness with the seven other couples was an extreme comfort, especially being able to commiserate with the other care giving spouses. Finally, having the tremendous support staff cater to our every need and whim (like having Angie ride the red rocket roller coaster with Jordan after I was dazed) was a great feeling and help.
As an initial member of the Board of Directors of Inheritance of Hope I have been privileged to witness the steady growth of our organization as we strive to inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. Supporters of IOH can be assured that their funds are being used with the utmost care, most evident in the fact that the organization is built upon a foundation of volunteers. I have personally volunteered at over ten Legacy Retreats, in both New York City and Orlando. Each time I come away knowing that my life has been touched in the days spent with families from across the country. Often different in backgrounds and religious faiths, these families are united in their efforts to make sense of the challenges they are facing, and to use the time during the Legacy Retreat to form memories that will last a lifetime. One of the most encouraging signs that Inheritance of Hope is having a positive impact on families is the number of people who first encounter our organization as a participant in a Legacy Retreat, and then return as a volunteer to serve other families.
Those of us who work with Inheritance of Hope are pleased that we have now served some 350 families through our Legacy Retreats. At the same time we recognize that there are so many other families who could benefit from our services. We are determined to work even harder to grow the organization, not only through Legacy Retreats but also our Legacy Scholarships, publications, webinars, social media -- in short, as we strive to build ongoing communities of support for families with a terminally ill parent.
Inheritance of Hope was a answer to prayers for our family. My husband has been battling brain cancer for the past three years. We have been told to "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst", but how do you do that when you have young kids? The Inheritance of Hope Legacy retreat has helped us by giving us hope while also helping us prepare to leave a legacy for our kids. A few days after we returned from our retreat we learned my husband had a new tumor. Our kids, 8 and 10, where able to use the tools they learned in their sessions to help deal with their worried and fear. We were able to make memories as a families that our kids will be able to cherish forever. Inheritance of Hope has been a blessing for families like ours.
Facing a life threatening illness is tough, even devastating. Having an organization to help me, my husband, and our kids as we face this illness means that we are not alone- we have a community that helps us connect with others in a similar situation, gives us specific and practical tools, and even gives us opportunities to laugh and make memories along the way.
The Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat was a welcome chance to meet and talk with other families going through similar situations as well as trained counselors. The chance to create memories with our boys in NYC was truly amazing and special. I wish there was more down time to interact with the other families but understand that it is hard to balance ding group activities within the timeframe of the 3.5 days.
Inheritance of Hope far, far, far exceeds what we expect from a nonprofit organization. They have provided me and my family a tremendous amount of support in our most difficult of days, and continue to comfort us even to this day. We genuinely love this organization and are blessed to be part of the IoH family.
I appreciated this trip so much! When I was diagnosed with breast cancer so much fear and unknown hits you and your family. My husband urged us to not worry and turn it over to Jesus. Our children, son,8 and niece,10 were very upset. We discussed what might happen and explained how we had faith and all would work out. This helped them handle what may happen.
The trip was first class and tremendous for us all. IOH was very prepared, very generous, and organized so well that we could not think of anything that could have been done better. My husband and I have told many folks about IOH and have asked if they wanted to donate to a great organization, IOH was that.
I am so thankful that we were invited to participate in the trip as it made our children, my husband, and I realize so many people care for us during this time in my life.
Sincerely,
Melanie Dixon
Our family was referred to Inheritance of Hope after my glioblastina diagnosis. At the time it was gut wrenching even to think about qualifying. Then I was contacted by Christy and she explained what the organization does. One year later we were invited to the NYC retreat and have just returned. It was the most wonderful experience. Our family made so many amazing memories. We met so many other wonderful families and the kids bonded so quickly with others in their group. My husband and I were able to create a beautiful, funny and lasting legacy video for our children and families no matter what the future holds.
We went on the 2016 New York Legacy Retreat with Inheritance of Hope. It was a life-changing experience, and we left feeling like a part of a big family. My husband has been battling testicular cancer for four years, and it was such a gift to have time together as a family to relax and make amazing memories instead of worrying about cancer.
Their entire team of volunteers made sure every need and wish of ours was fulfilled. The time spent with the other families going through similar struggles was priceless. It was such a healing balm for our souls to be there with the entire group!
Don't know how to express my thanks to these people. They were so kind & selfless to my family. I have a terminal illness (thankful to God-that I'm outliving my prognosis!). IOH helped me create beautiful memories with my wife & son, that none of us will ever forget! They provided counseling from professionals & helped me record a legacy for my family (that I intend to watch with them!). ...Something I had tried to do on my own, & failed. We are financially okay. ...better than we could have expected; but we never could have afforded any of this with medical bills & endless hospital trips. So thankful for the big hearts God has placed in these kind people! Can't endorse them highly enough.
This group thinks of EVERYTHING! Many volunteers are cancer survivors themselves and most have been on retreats with their families also. It was a magnificent experience for my family. Children have their own groups to share how they feel with a group of their peers. Discussions are held with all, just the cancer patient, and the caregivers also have a group to discuss in as well. This group does it right!!!!
I'm a 38 yr old widowed mother or four beautiful children. My husband passed into Heaven in February of 2014 after complications from a major surgery after his terminal esophageal cancer. Two years before his death I was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Four years later I am again an anomaly as I am alive and fairly healthy. Legacy Retreats means the world to me because not only do they do so much for parents around the country but because they gave us time to not be sick but to have fun with our kids! No doctors! We got to be VIP's on a trip we would never have had the chance to take. I will treasure that sweet time forever!
Inheritance if Hope's mission is uniquely designed for families with young children and a parent fighting life threatening illnesses. We continue to see God's healing work firsthand in all that they do. We are committed to volunteering with them as long as we are able.
Mark & Cheryl McCoy
In January of 2014, my husband John was diagnosed with ALS. Eight months later, my family attended a legacy retreat. Our boys were 10 and 4 at the time, and we were all excited about going to Disney World as a family. We had no idea the lasting impact the Inheritance of Hope team would have on us and how they would teach us about being intentional and enjoying our time together as we faced such a life-changing and difficult disease.
We were immediately blown away by their kindness and attention to detail. From park tickets and airport pick ups to personal volunteers and date night childcare, and everything in between, someone thought of it and was taking care of it for us, so that we could focus on making precious memories with our family. And as the mom and caregiver, I can't tell you enough what a gift it was to not have to plan, troubleshoot, and work so hard for once. Not only that, but we were able to connect with other families facing similar trials, to share our stories and our hearts, and to become family.
Our faith was also reinforced by Inheritance of Hope as they presented the gospel of Jesus to families as the source of their hope and explained the importance of leaving a legacy of faith for our children. But they don't discriminate. They don't judge or force. They simply serve every family with hearts full of compassion, gentleness and love.
I will always be grateful for the memories we made, the friendships we formed and the lessons we learned during our Legacy Retreat. (I am sorry it took me so long to post my review, but I understand it to be better late than never.)
I truly wish there was enough words on this planet to express what this has done for me and my family . I never expected what happened and Thank you Just does not cover how grateful me and my family are to have had our life touched by all the Wonderful p.p involved . I say they are Gods Angels here on earth doing his work . And I wish the p.p who donate can understand what we get out of this is truly priceless my family has been touch in a way that we needed and opened doors that we never saw closed so Thank you to All involved My God Bless You All - Chrissy
This amazing organization sent my children on I on a all expense paid trip to Orlando. It was absolutely incredible! I am recovering from a stem cell transplant due to a leukemia diagnosis, and this allowed my children to have fun, and forget their worries! The volunteers are amazing, and truely work so hard and go out of their way to make ur time special. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!
Nothing but a GREAT experience from beginning to the end!!!!!! ALL of the IOH went out of their way to make you and everyone feel welcomed and loved!!!!!! Very organized and caring staff...nothing but positive things to say about IOH. Keep up the GREAT work!!!!!!
Regards,
RBA
Inheritance of Hope is a wonderful organization. We couldn't have asked for anything better. They took care of every single detail. The best part was the actual counseling we got, the camaraderie and the friendships that were made will last a lifetime. Our volunteer Patrick was awesome. He helped us out so much. IoH will always be a part of our Family.
The trip to Orlando that Inheritance of Hope provided my family was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. I was expecting to enjoy some fellowship with other families that are experiencing the same reality that our family is, but the counselors, staff and volunteers made this trip one that our family will never forget and cherish forever. Everyone took tremendous care of our family and made sure all details were taken care of so we could enjoy the trip. My family will always be grateful for the for this gift!
This is a great charity that does wonderful things for the children and parents where the family has been touched by a terminal illness. They have directly ministered to our family in an amazing way. I will most certainly be donating if I possibly can in the future to help another family receive the blessings that we did. The volunteers were awesome and this organization is meticulous with the details. All of this goes into making an unparalleled special experience that helps families create memories and legacies that will last a life time!
Our fall retreat 2016 was a life changing experience for our family. It truly was an honor being a part of this organization and look forward to a lifelong relationship. The volunteers were the most giving, selfless and attentive people. We were overwhelmed with the kindness and understanding that each of us had with our situations. IOH is hands down the best organization in assistating families with the difficult events families are all faced with. We feel better prepared and supported after our experience and are forever grateful we had this opportunity.
Inheritance of Hope is a truly amazing organization that gives legacies to families with a parent with a terminal illness. The staff and volunteers go way above and beyond to give truly life changing memories to the families served. We LOVE our Inheritance of Hope family!!!
My name is Amanda. I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 2 years ago. Inheritance of Hope gave my the opportunity to build my legacy with my children. We had an amazing time is Disney World meeting new friends and family going through the same situation I am going through. I did not have a worry in the world the whole time we were down in Florida. Everything was perfectly organized. Even through a Hurricane!
What a life changing experience for my family, and soul. The team at IoH made us feel like royalty and we genuinely felt special. We didn't know exactly what to expect, we feared any type of counseling and being vulnerable. Within minutes of arriving at the retreat those fears and insecurities disappeared. Almost like a switch being flipped. I felt trust, love & most importantly, my family let their guard down and were able receive the gift given to us.
Our children bonded immediately with the other kids, which was good for my heart to witness. I find myself wishing we had more time to get to know the other parents. The thought and attention to detail for every person/family was top notch. We are blown away by this organization and what they "gave" back to my family, back to my heart, my dreams, and my intentions. Inheritance of Hope genuinely cares for the families they serve. We are forever thankful for being a part of the 2016 Orlando Retreat.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
www.inheritanceofhope.org
When my best friend died of terminal cancer at age 39 she left behind a husband and three young kids and an AMAZING LEGACY! When she was first diagnosed with terminal liver cancer on her 30th birthday, she and her husband, Deric, looked for an organization to help their family, especially their children, process this new reality. After learning that no such organization existed, they started Inheritance of Hope, a non-profit organization that serves families with a terminally-ill parent and young children under the age of 18. These families come together in Orlando or NYC for a Legacy Retreat where they make amazing family memories, take part in counseling, and gain tools to be intentional with their legacies. My family and I have been encouraged as hundreds of families have been served and changed because of this organization... now we give of our time and money to serve these families! I personally have chosen to work for this organization and donate all of my salary into serving more families. That is part of my legacy and that makes me so thankful! That is MyGivingStory!
Review from #MyGivingStory
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I have been blessed to be a part of Inheritance of Hope for the past 3 years. I have seen many families encouraged, loved and strengthened through this organization. These families all have young children and a parent with a life-threatening illness and often they are struggling. When they encounter Inheritance of Hope they encounter fun, joy, memories, community, counseling, and HOPE! I am so proud to be a part of such a worthwhile and tremendous organization!
My family attending the NYC Retreat in November 2015. The entire trip was flawlessly planned and overall an amazing and memorable experience for everyone. The volunteers were so kind and willing to lend a helping hand in any situation. It was nice to be able to connect with other families going through the same thing through the discussion groups. The activities were planned wonderfully and such that we did not have to worry about a thing. Everything was so family friendly and focused on providing us with the perfect NYC experience. Truly an amazing organization.
Our family had the opportunity to attend the legacy retreat in January 2016. Words are hard to describe the memories that were made and the friendships made and the HOPE that we know the LORD provides. All of the volunteers did an outstanding job. Our lives have changed and our JOY has been stronger due to Inheritance of Hope
Spent 3.5 days in Orlando with 23 other families being treated to a Legacy Retreat from Inheritance of Hope! We were treated like royalty -- every detail was attended to -- meals, transportation and our own personal "paparazzi". Staff and Volunteers were just wonderful, supportive, caring and encouraging! We logged more than 3 miles each day -- laughed, cried, and made new friends and memories! I was humbled to be considered for this retreat; and I'm more humbled by the generosity and support we received.
The Orlando Inheritance of Hope trip was an amazing experience. I am grateful for all the priceless memories we made. I am a single mom with stage 4 cancer and three teenage boys. I would not have been able to have such a great trip or memories with my boys without all of you at IOH!! Thanks so much to Deric, Jessica, Nate and everyone else who helped in putting on this awesome IOH trip. I was so blessed to be able to go on this retreat.
My family was blessed to go on a retreat with IOH and it was outstanding! This organization thought of everything to make us feel welcome and took care of all of the details to make each day and event something we will never forget! We left feeling revived spiritually, emotionally and physically. Being able to share stories with families in similar situations was such a relief. It was awesome to hear from children who had survived the loss of a parent and the legacy they had left behind. We will never forget the experience and people we met on our trip and will always be thankful for the opportunity to attend.
At first I thought this trip was too good to be true. I joked that I wouldn't believe it until I stepped foot on the plane. Well not only was it true, it was beyond my wildest expectations, and I can expect a lot! What really blew me away was the servant attitude of the volunteers. When people offer to carry your food trays for your children and they jump at your requests immediately and think of solutions before you know there was a problem, well, I think that is nothing short of grace beyond measure. I have to admit, that it was a little uncomfortable to receive so much help, at first, but it was humbling and so helpful, not only to me but to all the people there. It was such a shining example of hope and joy in the lives of people with extreme and desperate situations.
I hope that everyone with these types of circumstances can experience a Legacy Retreat. Words can barely describe how I feel about the whole thing. All I can say is if you have a chance to participate as a client, a donor, or volunteer then you should jump at the opportunity.
Blessings,
Michael
My family has been through many tough days since my wife's cancer diagnosis but our recent experience with the Inheritence of Hope foundation has provided us with a new sense of hope and gratitude. The love and thoughtfulness that the organizers and volunteers showed us was nothing short of remarkable. To go to this retreat and have everyone doting on you, spoiling you, and doing everything in their power to show you a great time was amazing. The entire time we were there every minute of the trip was carefully planned out and filled with thoughtful little details to make you feel like their special guest. Many of the staff became involved because cancer has taken a loved one and I found myself in awe of their strength as they shared their stories. It takes a special person to dedicate the time and energy it takes to put on a retreat like this for people who are strangers to them. I forever greatful to the staff and donors for what you have done for my family and am thankful for having met such a kind group of people-you are the salt or th earth. From the bottom of my heart I want to say, thank you. -Bill Lanchantin
Our family was the recipient of the Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat. As a mother of three young children and wife to a supportive husband, I was diagnosed with ALS a year and a half ago. I desperately needed something to help guide us down our inevitable path. I needed human connections from other parents that face similar situations as well as connections with families that have experienced the worst but come back on the other side and share their love with us. I needed tools to continue on as I leave behind my three children and spouse. Inheritance of Hope was the answer to my prayers. They serviced our family emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually and financially for the family Legacy Retreat. As a progressing mother with ALS my family is in need of different emotional supports but my family shares a desire to connect with others in a similar situation. Inheritance of Hope not only connected us, they gave us tools to move forward and what seems to be our darkest days. I am equally inspired by the circumstances and beginning of this amazing foundation, which in itself is a beautiful blessing.
After our family completed the Orlando January 2016 retreat, I returned home feeling inspired, hopeful and a little more at peace even though my fatal diagnosis has not changed. I am forever grateful to Inheritance of Hope for the gift that will continue on in our family long after I'm gone. Every family who receives a terminal fatal diagnosis deserves this experience. Thank you Inheritance of Hope for being a bright light that will continue to shine.
XO Carrey Dewey and family
Inheritance of Hope is one of the most incredible organization's I have ever had the privilege of becoming associated with. As a wife and mother with stage iv metastatic breast cancer, time is of the essence for us. My family was chosen for an incredible Orlando vacation all expenses paid in the middle of January. I can attest leaving Wisconsin in January is gift enough, but the warmth and love shown to my family is hands down the most incredible take away one will receive. This organization does exactly what they say "Every family deserves a legacy". Provides families with the opportunity to digest all the different pieces of the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Figuring out where and what one might like their legacy to be is a bit overwhelming. This organizations gives you the tools you may need to begin this herculean effort. They also give your family memories of a lifetime!
Not only are the theme parks offered to families but every day age-appropriate group counseling is given to your kids by kind-hearted, loving people. In addition, patients and their spouses are also given an opportunity for daily group therapy as well. Meeting other families with similar struggles while being able to share with each other is incredible. For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt like I truly "belonged" somewhere. My kids felt a part of something so BIG, so UNIQUE, the lasting effect is difficult to even articulate. Now the some of the most kind-hearted, gentle, loving volunteers and staff. This organization is unbelievable. From the logistics of coordinating flights for 23 families to and from Orlando to a night out for kids and parents. All of this seamlessly executed like a fine symphony - well, it takes people who love what they are doing (almost all volunteers). It is amazing. I have never seen anything quite like it. Our family is forever changed by the kindness and love shown. But- also by the connections we made with other families. Watching Deric Milligan close out this retreat was an unbelievable gift. Milligan and his children are some of the most gracious, forgiving, peaceful people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. This organization will change your life and the lives of your kids and spouse. - - Kate Hackett Baer
We completed an unbelievable weekend in Orlando this weekend with Inheritance of Hope Ministry. We will tell you it was a source of encouragement and community we will never forget. At first we were all hesitant about going, but at the end of the weekend we were in a community that was so intentional and serving to us all.
Inheritance of Hope is an organization that has been a source of encouragement through this part of our journey.
I have helped out as counselor on three Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreats so far and I am blown away each time by this organization. It is run so well, every detail is attended to, every family is served to the best of IOH's ability. There is so much love and compassion for the family members coming from staff and volunteers. It is truly amazing to witness. I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of it. What a gift Inheritance of Hope is to families who are suffering from terminal illness.
I cannot convey how truly magical this entire experience was for all of us. What an amazing group of people that we were so blessed to meet and become family with...thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us make beautiful memories!
We had such an amazing time on this trip. The volunteers were extremely helpful and every little detail was taken care of. Help was always just a volunteer away.
There was value for my children and for myself beyond a "vacation". My family left with a tool box full of tools to use to cope with the stresses specific to our situation.
In summary we had a magical time that helped us grow and created precious memories that will last. In short, a legacy.
What an amazing journey for our family January 2016 in Orlando. The memories we made and friends we met were incredible! IOH is a truly remarkable organization and our family was given a bright light during some hard times. Thank you!
It was such great blessings for my family to attend the retreat in Orlando FL 1/15/16. Words cannot express how much we appreciate every moment of it. My husband was able to connect with others facing the same kind of sickness. We were able to cry together, laugh together, have fun together , Comfort each other and wipe each others tears. This retread has given us hopes and a great amount of tools to work with during this difficult time... We thank u from the deepest depths of our hearts..We will cherished every min of this retreat, It would never be possible without your generosity.. THANK YOU!!
Our family was so blessed to have the opportunity to attend a legacy retreat with inheritance of hope. As a wife & mother battling cancer it was an amazing experience to have this trip tailored to the unique needs of families facing similar struggles. This organization is equipping families to face the future with a plan about what matters most, leaving a legacy to the next generation, when so many circumstances have left them full of uncertainties. What an incredible gift to my children to be in the same room with other kids who immediately understand one another because they have had a sick parent too. My husband had the chance to connect with other care givers and I was blessed to meet so many wonderful folks who could relate with my own experience. The staff and volunteers of IOH were incredibly prepared, helpful, and eager to serve. We were in awe of our time with inheritance of hope!
Our family was blessed with the opportunity to attend the NYC retreat in November of 2015. There is no adequate way to express what a wonderful family time this was for us - we laughed, cried, and had a multitude of memorable experiences which we will never forget. The volunteers and staff made this trip so uplifting and fun for us. We were loved and hugged, taken care of and photographed from beginning to end! We thank God for the blessing of such a sweet family time together. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!
Our family was a recipient of the most recent retreat. It was a wonderful experience for our family and we will not forget the generosity of those that made this possible. The value of this retreat to our family can never be measured. Thank you.
Wow! Words cannot express how touched and impressed and appreciative we are about the Inheritance of Hope retreat. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and a very welcome bright spot in the face of a life-threatening diagnosis that shook our whole family to the core!
EVERYONE we encountered (staff and volunteers alike) were unconditionally kind, helpful, and ready to meet our every need. Knowing there are other young families like ourselves facing the same struggles has helped us immeasurably. We are impressed and beyond grateful!
We were recently recipients of a fabulous retreat and trip with Inheritance of Hope. I knew the experience would be a wonderful one.....getting to meet other families that are facing similar issues as we are, the kids meeting new friends and knowing other kids feel the same as they do, and so on, but it all exceeded any thoughts that I had. The people, volunteers, board members and donators go above and beyond to help you make this experience one of a kind. They are there for EVERYTHING you need! We are so blessed to have been a part of this foundation and my daughter would really like to come back and volunteer after she turns 18 next year. It had a wonderful impact on the kids......and us too! Forever grateful, forever blessed!
We really enjoyed our experience with IOH. All of the staff and volunteers really cared and wanted to do everything they could to help. Everything was taken care of and it was great to meet other families in similar situations. It was especially meaningful for us that our little one got to meet and make friends with other children going through the same struggles.
Amazing organization that provides hope and encouragement for families dealing with terminal illness. The organization is well run, very organized and focused on all the right things: the parent, the family and God. I was blessed to encounter this experience and be able to be a part of an amazing family of support to those who feel really alone.
Our family attended the November 2015 retreat in New York City, and our experience was incredible. The detail and planning of our retreat was extremely impressive. But what impressed us most about the event was that Inheritance of Hope not only cares about the physical and emotional struggles of individual families--they also care about the spiritual struggles as well. Simply stated, this is a group of people that cares about souls. We are blessed to now be a part of the IOH family, and we will be forever grateful to them for allowing us to make some wonderful memories with our children.
The Jones family
Texas
Inheritance of Hope has a lasting impact on families facing the loss of a parent, and it is a blessing to me to be able to witness it first hand. I see families arrive sometimes unsure of what to expect; they leave encouraged and filled with great memories together. I am thankful for Inheritance of Hope!
This November I served on my 9th Inheritance of Hope (IOH) Legacy Retreat, and I have to say, volunteering never ceases to be a blessing in my life. IOH impacted me and my family almost 5 years ago when we attended a retreat while my dad was sick with cancer, and now I have been volunteering ever since. I love this organization with all of my heart and am very passionate about giving back to them. Each retreat fills me with so much joy and I love getting the chance to serve families who are hurting. Inheritance of Hope not only blesses those who attend their retreats, but also those who are volunteers and staff. This organization is so unique and incredible, and I am so thankful to have the privilege to be a part of the team. There is nothing like it!
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Inheritance of Hope is such a blessing! I have loved getting to serve on their last two retreats.
To be honest, I think I like coming back as a volunteer better than being a family member (though that was awesome too!). I have found so much joy in giving back. I was talking to a woman from my church about this last week and she was saying that I feel this way because I'm doing the thing God's created us to do... to serve. I couldn't agree more. :)
IOH is such an amazing organization! Every time I leave a Legacy Retreat, I feel like I've left a big part of myself behind. I can't wait for the next retreat!
We are overwhelmed with thankfulness for our recent NYC retreat--a trip we never would have been able to take without Inheritance of Hope and the generosity of its supporters. We were able to meet other families in a similar situation, talk through our fears with professional counselors, and just get away and have fun as a family. We appreciated the reminder, too, that we can have ultimate hope in God through Christ.
Our family was so blessed to be a part of the 2015 New York City retreat. From start to finish we were loved and cared for. I am especially grateful for the concern and attention towards my children. What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience it was to be under the care and concern of Inheritance of Hope for our week in NYC. Our two teenagers found support and empathy from caring volunteers and professionals. They found they weren't alone in their worries and concerns for the future. My wife was treated like a queen and well deserved for all she has been through as she fights her cancer. This made it possible for her to really enjoy our time together as a family creating great memories and making new friends.
We would likely never have been able to do this trip. Certainly not one where the unique needs of families like our's and the others, could find support and understanding. There were so many highlights but having a date night with my wife at an amazing Italian Restaurant was a real treat. I cannot say enough and will do all I can to pay it forward for other families like our's. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!
Theres not enough words to express my appreciation and pure shock at this amazing organization.... Wow! Breath taking and amazing!!!!!
Their goal is to inspire hope and that they do! Both in the families they help and in the volunteers as well. It is encouraging as a volunteer to see families who are suffering through far more than most of us have, all while maintaining such a strong spirit of hope and peace, despite the chaos of their everyday life. Beyond the encouragement though, IOH blesses these families with memories they will cherish and never forget. During the last retreat, families (and quite frankly volunteers too) enjoyed trips to Disney, Universal, and Sea World, with special access privileges, all within a 3-day stretch. Alongside the fun, IOH provides guidance and preparations to the families as they continue to face the realities and challenges of their life-threatening illnesses. Blessed I could (and can) be a part of this selfless organization that puts the legacy of other families so high on their list. Whether you believe or not, God's hand is most certainly at work here! And His love is on display.
I was blessed to be picked for an Inheritance of hope legacy retreat. Our experience was something that words can not explain. From the day that our family arrived, until the day that we left and beyond, they were caring, loving, hard working volunteers. We went to an Orlando retreat which included magic kingdom, universal studios, and sea world. My husband could not stay for the day at magic kingdom because of the heat, so the volunteers stayed with our three kids, who will never get the chance to go back. They got to experience something that we have always wanted them to experience thanks to IOH. The retreat starts with great surprises and ends with great surprises. sure there are some counseling sessions but you are NOT required to speak if you don't want to. The counseling is only for two hours out of your day and it really does help if you have a lot on your mind. We now have connections with people who are always going to be on our side. This is an amazing experience that I wish we could do over a hundred times.
IOH is one of the best rune non-profits that I've ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Their Legacy Retreats are amazing experiences for families facing the loss of a parent. They provide resources that are not available anywhere else. The staff and volunteers are all dedicated, kind and caring individuals. They far exceeded our expectations.
Thank you for making my daughters' birthdays (sweet 16 and precious 12) the most special birthdays ever! It makes me feel better to see those smiles returned to their beautiful faces!
My family and I were blessed to be an IOH's Legacy Retreat recipient, attending their May 2015 Orlando Retreat. We had an AMAZING time. The volunteers were wonderful -- seeing to our every need, oftentimes before we even knew we were needing it! Many close connections were made -- we all have many new friends, people who know exactly what we are experiencing because they are in a similar place themselves.
Absolutely awesome! If anyone has money to spare this is where to donate. The whole organization, all the volunteers and all the families they are helping is just amazing. Finding out I had cancer was scary, to say the least, this group really gives 200percent to helping families like mine deal with this life threatening illness. I cannot say enough about how caring and helpful this group has been for me and my family, it is like we have all become truly part of a bigger family.
Once again one of the most if not the most amazing experiences in my life. Such a wonderful community was built and lasting friendships were made. Even with the growth of this retreat it still had the same feel as with fewer families. Personal connections were made between everyone. Also all the little details were covered. IOH thought of everything that could have happened and were prepared for it.
We just got back from our Legacy Retreat experience. I don't want to be obnoxious, but I did rave-blog about it here: http://www.elisebarrett.com/2015/05/inheritance-of-hope-our-legacy-retreat/. It was simply amazing.
We attended the May 2015 Orlando retreat and It far exceeded anything we imagined !! Everything was planned for us , the volunteers and staff were amazing and helpful in every way possible.. Our 10 year son was especially struggling the last couple years with anger issues over his dads cancer and no one was able to get him to open up. After one morning of group activity/counseling sessions he opened up and started asking questions and talking to us about his dads cancer! What a blessing and an answer to our prayers.. We were also able to connect to people our own age in similar situations which had never happened before and we all came home with a wonderful feeling of not being along and being able to cope better!! Absolutely nothing but wonderful memories from the time we arrived!! Wonderful retreat and a answer to our prayers. We were treated like royalty the entire trip :)
How can you say anything bad about a free trip that allows you to make cherished memories with your loved ones? These people are special and our trip was so amazing we plan to volunteer in the future. All of the fun planned stuff is great, but for us getting to know the other families was the best part. Whatever your fears are about going with a bunch of strangers, put them aside. It's so worth it. It's the first time you won't feel like the only sick one in a room and your kids will have a blast! I'm so thankful for our trip with IOH.
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization with absolutely wonderful volunteers. Going into the legacy retreat, I had an slight idea of what to expect, but my expectations were far exceeded. The volunteers went completely above & beyond their duties for all the families. My family & I were able to make nationwide friends that I pray will last a lifetime. We were treated as VIP's from the very beginning to even now, after returning home. This organization has truly touched my heart in a special way!!! I am so thankful and blessed to have been a recipient of the NYC IoH legacy retreat.
It's hard to put into words how to tell about our experience with IOH. It was truly amazing. The people we meet have become friends. The volunteers and staff made us feel so special. We felt like we received VIP service and attention. It was an experience our family will never forget. Thank you all so much for your caring and loving attention you gave our family.
I have volunteered with Inheritance of Hope two times. I love this amazing organization. IoH truly seek to help families facing the potential loss of a parent. Not only does IoH give families a retreat to have a good time, but they also seek to equip the families with tools to get through such a difficult time. I love serving with IoH and cannot wait to serve again.
Inheritance of Hope is truly an amazing organization, Our family was part of the August 2014 retreat and the support and kindness of the team and volunteers is amazing. Living with cancer isn't always easy and for a few days, my family and I were able to make some wonderful memories and spend time together. The opportunity to think about my legacy and the legacy of our family has changed me forever. I have such hope for the future and my family and IOH played a huge role in how I can do this.
Inheritance of Hope came into our lives just as we needed them the most. The trip was much needed as a family. The days spent at the amusement parks has created a lifetime of memories for my children. The counseling sessions provided an often overlooked aspect to dealing with a serious illness in a family. There are not enough thank you's for the wonderful work done by all the volunteers and staff of Inheritance of Hope
Our family was privileged to be a part of the August 2014 Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat. We can honestly say that it was absolutely phenomenal. We had a feeling, ahead of time, that this was not just a regular vacation. And we were correct in that assumption. It was SO MUCH more! And it was exactly what we needed.
We were able to meet and bond with families going through similar situations as us. We obtained the skills to help us navigate through this extremely difficult season of our lives. The group sessions were priceless. We were relieved to find out that there are others out there who really DO understand what we are experiencing. We made lifetime friends. We are deeply grateful to IoH for all they do for the families during this retreat. It was truly amazing!
We were delightfully surprised at every turn during our time with IoH! The volunteers were incredible. They served very selflessly and are remarkable people. From the top of the leadership and downward…every single person involved in making this retreat happen treated us as if we were an extraordinary family. And they made every single family feel that way! We are quite humbled to have been able to participate. We look at life through a different lens now, and we are better human beings for it.
We received many blessings while on this retreat. The biggest one of all being - healing. Although we didn’t want it to end, and we made many new friends…we felt happy, healed, and much stronger as we went our separate ways. We thank God for this blessing.
Thank you Inheritance of Hope, for the incredible things you do for others!
The care and attention to detail that Inheritance of Hope has is phenomenal. Everything is done with such love, that little is overlooked and any hiccup is immediately remedied. I was a first time volunteer on the August Legacy Retreat and not only was this retreat life changing for the families who participated, but for the volunteers as well. These retreats are coordinated to offer fun and family time, but also a fellowship with the other families and the volunteers that will make a lasting impression. The word Hope is not just in the title, it resonates throughout the retreat in such a powerful way from the beginning to the end. This is an organization that as soon as you get involved as an attendee or a volunteer, you are truly in the family!
Thank you Inheritance of Hope for allowing my family to enjoy Disney World! The volunteers truly helped make the experience very enjoyable. The experience was very well organized and far exceeded anything I had imagined!
To Inheritance of Hope: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending my sister and her family to Disney so that she could get a break from doctors, train rides into the city for visits, the bills, etc...and just spend time with her family. As a physician, I am truly impressed with the outpouring of love and support that you offer to all those families faced with a difficult challenge. Having seen what you do, I cannot let another family NOT benefit form the love and support you offer, so, I will make every effort to contribute for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you did for my sister and her family and I pray for strength and courage for all the OTHER families that confront and meet the challenge that they face.
Absolutely amazing! From the moment we arrived throughout the entire retreat we felt like we were part of an extended family. The love and compassion from the volunteers and staff was beyond all expectations. The counseling and group sessions for the caregivers, affected persons, and children were invaluable. The term pay it forward is an understatement considering what Inheritance of Hope gave to my family on this retreat. We are truly blessed to have had this opportunity to participate in this ministry. Thank you IoH for all you do. God Bless!
Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude to ALL who brought my family this Inheritance Of Hope retreat. The surprise of all that befalls one on this retreat is beyond expression & comprehension. I still cannot believe the immediate responses & handling of details & requests; the organization in making all the arrangements; the precise daily schedules; all the care, love, laughter, smiles & kindnesses; the never-ending gifts & surprises; the volunteers who become one with your family; the counseling & then the amazing excursions that followed. I truly have gained new perspective on moving forward & ideas that I will incorporate into my life. To have concluded our summer like this, was not only something very special for my family, but something I truly needed for myself. The support, the friendships, the joys that unfolded throughout this trip was beyond uplifting. Each volunteer brought their own wealth of specialness. I am forever grateful for this Legacy Retreat.
Inheritance of Hope provides an amazing gift to the families that are selected for their Legacy Retreats. After being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, my wife and children were given such a gift. I must admit going in that I thoughts this was going to be just a great vacation with my family, but to my surprise the retreat changed my life for the better. Every part of the retreat was a blessing to our family, and I will never forget the experience. if I can kick this cancer, I plan on being a regular volunteer with Inheritance of Hope because I would love to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Truly life changing !
This retreat was probably the best vacation our family has ever had. The volunteers were so amazing. They did everything for us. I love that they took pictures for us because I'm not usually in them because I'm the one taking them. As soon as we stepped out of the car it felt like they were instantly our family. The memories that came from this retreat will last a lifetime. I have a 16 year old daughter who had so much fun hanging out with the other teens and I always new she was safe and having fun because there were always volunteers with them. I also had my 10yr old and my 8yr old who had so much fun as well.
My husband (who has been dealing with a life threatening illness) and I had a wonderful feeling going into this retreat because the coordinators (who where in contact with us before the retreat) where just phenomenal and we really felt taken care of right at the start. They are more than willing to cater to personal needs, special requests, complicate travel plans etc. But I can honestly say IOH surpassed our expectations. I can't say enough about how unique their mission is and how substantial and important the tools they provide the families they serve are! Providing a legacy for your family is so important, and it doesn't matter where you are in this life or what diagnosis you may or may not have. And I am here to tell you that an amazing vacation is just the tip of the iceberg to what they offer! I could write a whole novel about the love and generosity and gentle spirits of the volunteers. The made us feel like royalty. It was a dream come true for our family!
My wife and children and I had a meaningful, relationship-building and had a fun time with the people of Inheritance of Hope (IOH). Families that have a member that is terminally ill, including my family, had a chance to talk with other families in the same situation, as well as with professional counselors. My children who attended, ages 14-21, had a fantastic time!
We are very grateful for all the Inheritance of Hope personnel, they were professional, loving and kind, and very easy to talk with, and gave us some good things to think about doing in the next few months. I highly recommend IOH.
What an amazing time our family had at the May 2014 Legacy Retreat in Orlando, FL. Inheritance of Hope far surpassed our expectations! The counselors and volunteers were so thoughtful and helpful. I was afraid of how our boys would react to the retreat, but they loved it!! We met so many wonderful families from around the country who we think of and pray for regularly. So, thank you IOH for this amazing opportunity to share stories and encourage one another. You had every detail covered which made the trip so enjoyable and memorable!
My family and I just returned from this life changing retreat. There are no words to express our gratitude to Inheritance of Hope how selfless these people of God are. Just seeing the smiles on the faces of the children, and the the tremendous generosity helping the children get through the most difficult time in their lives!! Oh what a blessing they are!!! We will never forget this retreat and the wonderful people who give of their time by volunteering.
My God will meet all your needs according to His riches And glory. In Christ Jesus (Phillipians 4:19.
Hi I was recommended by a friend to inheritance of hope. I looked into it and wasn't sure if I was ready. Then I called and talked to Jill and she was extremely helpful and I knew I could do this. From day one with organizing the trip everyone was so helpful and encouraging. We got to Orlando and it was unbelievable. It was much more then I expected. It was an ama zing experience. Everyone was extremely friendly and had an opportunity to meet new people. This is something I would definitely recommend and also a memory I or my family will never forget! So many special surprises and ideas that are so thoughtful and things you can keep forever:)
My daughter and I just returned from this wonderful trip. We enjoyed our self, and loved every minute of it. It was nice to talk to others with the same situation and not have people judge you. my daughter also meet some wonderful friends that are dealing with the same thing she is. ALL the volunteer's were wonderful you couldn't ask for more wonderful people in the world. I love the way they all keep in contact with you after. This was our first time going on a trip and we loved it and would do it again if we could, just to meet more wonderful family's and volunteer's.
When a parent has a terminal illness, the entire family bears the emotional and physical burden, even the youngest children. That burden can be lightened when people who care step in to provide a time for recreation and togetherness. That's basically what Inheritance of Hope does. The people of IOH surround each family with peace, understanding, and Christian love, during retreats in Florida and New York City. The goodwill and love that each volunteer radiates is truly a joy to be around. Our family was given so many gifts through being selected to attend a retreat. We received an all-expenses paid vacation, which we could never have afforded otherwise. I was given counseling -- joyful, positive, group counseling -- with just as many laughs as tears, to help me plan for my remaining days. I was given books, pamphlets and other items to help me continue to thrive after the retreat. My children enjoyed meeting new friends, and dreaded leaving the volunteers, who were so much fun to be around. I will never, ever forget what IOH did for my family.
My family and I were blessed enough to spend a couple wonderful days in Orlando with Inheritance of Hope in May, 2014. When people ask how our vacation was my husband and I respond, "The parks were so secondary! The people we met, the stories that inspired us, the kids activities to help them, and the volunteers! Oh the volunteers! Everything was soooo beyond amazing! And then we went to the parks!" We are truly inspired by everyone we met and how they too use their struggles to help others! We will NEVER forget those couple days and we will forever share what we learned and use the tools we received. Our lives have been forever changed! Thank you for that IOH!!!
My family recently returned from an Inheritance of Hope retreat and it was a life-changing experience for all of us. We laughed, we cried, we made new friends and got a new outlook on life. The counseling sessions were amazing and my husband who doesn't share personal details of his life seemed to really benefit from talking to others in similar situations. The volunteers were the nicest people who continue to keep in contact.
Inheritance of Hope was the vision of both Kristen and Deric Milligan. As Kristen realized her cancer was likely fatal, she became concerned for her kids and their future. Deric was attending business school, having served with the Army. Unable to find organizations that could help his family with their struggle, Deric became convinced that he should build a business plan for a non-profit that would help answer the questions gnawing at Kristen's heart. Their collaboration became the vision for Inheritance of Hope, a way to help families deal with the life threatening illness of a parent and create a legacy of love and hope for the children.
My wife and I were very impressed by Kristen's deep faith and Deric's commitment to a vision for helping children with a terminally ill parent. I was privileged to assist in the development of the business plan and serve on their board. SInce then, we have lost Kristen but her legacy continues in her children, in the lives of hundreds of people she touched, and in the excellence of the programs she conceived and helped Deric develop. Her vision will continue to impact families for years to come.
The best credentials for any non-profit is the impact that it has on peoples lives. At Inheritance of Hope events, I see fearful and estranged families drawn together, memories created that will endure for the lifetime of the children, and families in seemingly desperate situations regain their faith and hope. I continue to be impressed and pleased with the lasting impact this organization has on families struggling with the likely loss of a parent.
My wife and I volunteered at the May 2014 Legacy Retreat in Orlando. After we returned home, we both looked at each other and said that we felt almost "lost" after being on such a life-changing event. The entire time we were engaged with our recipient families, and grew to love each one individually. I saw the move of God's Spirit in the lives of every family member and each volunteer. We both can hardly wait to serve with Inheritance of Hope again.
I volunteered at the May 2014 Legacy Retreat in Orlando, Florida. My experience during the retreat far exceeded my expectations. I could see the Love of Christ flowing in and through the families and volunteers throughout the retreat.
It was amazing to see a group of strangers become one big family in such a short period of time - just four days. Some arrived with excitement and anticipation, while others were somewhat anxious and a bit reluctant about what they were about to experience. By the end of the retreat, they were all full of love, appreciation and hope. It was more than just a visit to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World...it was experiencing the love of Christ and new found family and friends.
I recommend this organization to anyone that wants to give of themselves, and truly be the hands and feet of the Lord.
My family attended the May 2014 Legacy of Hope Retreat put on by the non-profit "Inheritance of Hope." What we thought was going to be a nice 4-day getaway in Orlando, turned out to be the life changing blessing that our family needed to face our most challenging time. The retreat has strengthen our spirits, given us courage and helped to moved us from a state of mental and emotional paralysis brought on by fear of my wife's diagnoses of ALS (Lou Grehrig’s Disease).
The Legacy of Hope Retreat provides the perfect balance of support, learning and sharing among families facing terminal diagnoses; along with uplifting insights and opportunities to create immediate family joy and hope for their futures.
The trajectory of my family’s future has been forever lifted and changed because of what we experienced and took away from the Legacy of Hope Retreat. We believe, even for generations.
My family of six attended the Orlando 2014 retreat and I have to say this was by far the best family vacation we have ever had! I can't thank IOH enough for all the wonderful things they did for us. Everything was outstanding, from the accommodations at Doubletree, the food and the activities. I have never seen a better organized and compassionate group of volunteers. We had such a great time making memories at the Parks and we met some incredible families coping with the same thing....life challenging illnesses. The hope, the faith, the inspiration....no words can express how much this meant to us...a priceless experience!
Battling metastatic breast cancer for the past three years has left me sad and tired. This trip helped me focus on what really matters- people I love. The time spent with the volunteers as well as other families has left an indelible impression. The fact that Derek himself was so personally involved, taking time to talk with us and share his heart was so impressive. These people really care! I will never forget the love and kindness. Thank you so much IOH...we love you all! May God bless your endeavors.
My family attended the February 2014 retreat in Orlando Florida. The experience was amazing for the entire family. We have kids of different ages, both preschool and teenagers. Both found the experience rewarding, along with my wife and I. It opened our eyes even more to being purposeful, especially during these troubling and difficult times. The memories we formed on the trip are such a gift. Our close family and friends were touched by the photos and the photo album that will be a family treasure. Unfortunately my wife passed at the end of February, so the trip to Florida occurred just in time for us.
The ideas and frame of mind in dealing with the terminal situation, seeing others dealing with the similar circumstances have provided some comfort as we work through our next chapter.
Our family attended the February 2014 IOH Legacy Retreat in Orlando, FL. I wasn’t sure what to expect and my whole family was impressed with the care that we received. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and it has now back with a punch. My kids are teenagers which is a hard time in their lives. Knowing that a parent is supposed to have a shorter life makes it even harder. This retreat was about the kids and making memories. It was special to each one of them and to us as well. The time that we had in Florida was magical. From Mickey visiting us on the first day to the closing service on the last day. They couldn’t have added anything else into the trip. It was amazing and we are so grateful that the founders, team members, counselors and volunteers. I can’t thank you all enough!
Our family attended the February 2014 IOH Legacy Retreat in Orlando, FL. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, the year was filled with surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. Oftentimes these treatments are more difficult for the caregivers and small children than for the patient themself. The retreat allowed my children to connect with other kids that had a sick parent, so they knew they were not alone. The trip was a much needed break from treatment where we were able to have fun as a family and make lasting memories together. The biggest takeaway was learning to be intentional with the time you have with your family.
How can I put into words my experience with Inheritance of Hope? My Mom, daughter and I went on the February 2014 Disney retreat. Thinking back on my experience I still get teary eyed. The volunteer's, the Founder Deric Milligan and the counselor's were truly amazing and I gained so much from from our IOH experience. The other families were amazing, my 13 year old daughter met some lifetime friends and so did my mom and I.
It has been several weeks since I got home and I cannot stop thinking and talking about how special this retreat really was. There are a few things that I can say are blessings from my cancer diagnosis and this retreat was one of them. Thank you IOH for all the thoughts and prayers and blessings. I will forever cherish my memories.
Inheritance of Hope is special. I have volunteered at two retreats now, and I only have the highest praise for the mission Inheritance of Hope continues to serve. From the moment all the volunteers get together you feel welcomed and appreciated tremendously. There is a huge amount of excitement and passion in every volunteer and staff member prior to the retreat because we know lives will be changed in a few short days.
Through constant encouragement, love, and support by everyone involved in an Inheritance of Hope retreat friendships are made, bonds are strengthened, and hope is secured for all. It’s refreshing for family members, but also staff and volunteers too. We walk away from these retreats feeling lucky to have experienced all the things God has accomplished through us.
Inheritance of Hope is special, because everyone wins through their mission. The message Inheritance succeeds at delivering applies to every family in the world. Nobody wishes to have to fight a life threatening disease, but once you’ve experienced an IOH retreat you will be wishing you could do it all over again.
I just left my first Legacy Retreat as a volunteer with Inheritance of Hope, and I have such a strong admiration and appreciation for all that this organization does to bring hope to families from around the country! This past weekend, I witnessed first-hand how incredible things can happen to bring positive change when people with unity of vision and great love in their hearts come together. Every single part of the retreat impressed me as I saw meticulous preparation and constant prayer result in lives changed and people encouraged greatly. I was personally inspired to consider the legacy I will leave one day, and I am so thankful to have had this experience!
This organization is the best. They do everything out of the goodness of their hearts and they are so sincere. Me and my family got the opportunity to meet and spend time with the founder and several volunteers and I they will always be in my heart and prayers.
I am so grateful for the gift Inheritance of hope gave our family. I have been treating what is now stage 4 breast cancer naturally for the last 3 yrs. Over the last 3 yrs as well as dealing with cancer issues, I have lost my business, my home, my father thorough death, suffered a car wreck making me unable to continue to work as I once did as a massage therapist and yoga teacher and worked through custody issues with my teenage children who are not able to live with me at this time due to my poor health at this time. During custody issues that lasted for 2 yrs my children were alienated from me and our relationship was challenged, this trip to New York helped us to find a love for each other that we had not seen in a long time. it was an amazing opportunity for my children to be with other children who are facing the possibility of losing a parent. I felt totally looked after in so many ways, the volunteers there are some of the most servant hearted people I have ever met.
Always in gratitude ....
This amazing organization gave us an unforgettable opportunity to create lasting memories for our family. Our memories are not just of our family but with all the staff, volunteers and other families.
From the time I received the call that we had been granted the trip to NYC we have been treated with the upmost respect and unconditional love from the staff and volunteers.
Allen was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in February 2012. We were very concern if he would be able to participate in the activities planned. However, Inheritance of Hope took care of everything for us from pushing Allen in his wheelchair to helping with Jacob who is 11.
I can not say enough about the staff and volunteers of Inheritance of Hope who gave unconditional of there time.
We have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be a recipient of this wonderful organization.
The Young's
Allen, Phyllis and Jacob
Since a diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer in July of 2013, life for my family has been a whirlwind of surgery, Dr. appointments, chemotherapy, radiation and research. In the midst of everything, I was fortunate to come across a link to Inheritance of Hope and realized that it was just what my family needed. This amazing organization provided an opportunity for my husband, seven year old daughter and I to travel to New York City for the four days prior to Thanksgiving. We were fortunate to get to see the sights of such an amazing city, spend time with other families facing life threatening illness, and make lasting memories as a family. Thanks to Inheritance of Hope and their staff of devoted volunteers, we now have inspirational friends from across the US, lots of terrific photographs and a video to share with my daughter at a future time.
I have a wonderful husband and 3 fantastic boys. Our life is filled with loud conversations at dinner, arguments over what radio station we'll listen to on the way to sports and quiet moments between my husband and I that keep us sane in the wacky, wild life we live.
I also have recurrent stage IV cervical cancer. What that means is I had it 5 years ago, it turned our family upside down for 8 months and then things settled down because I "beat" it. Unfortunately, I didn't beat it because it came back with a vengeance and I've now been battling it for 18 months. Chemo (yes, I lost my hair), radiation (yep, lost it "there" too), surgeries, biopsies, clinical trials, scanxiety etc. Our life is still wacky and wild, but it's harder now, less fun.
Inheritance of Hope (IOH) and their Legacy Retreats was sent to my husband on Facebook from a "friend" he knew in middle school who had just learned I was sick. A very tenuous initial connection which has now produced such deep, lasting bonds! Their mission, in my understanding at least, is to provide families dealing with a life threatening illness the opportunity to take a vacation, create amazing memories, strengthen the family legacy and most importantly … do all this without rushing to/from doctor appointments.
We applied for, and were granted a spot on, a Legacy Retreat to New York City the Sunday-Wednesday before Thanksgiving. IOH took care of all travel arrangements (planning AND paying for them!) and our Legacy Retreat Coordinator, Jessica Keck, spent months getting to know our family through our many conversations. Upon arriving in NY, all 5 of us felt we were given the red carpet treatment each day but EVERY SINGLE IOH team member we came into contact with. From Deric Milligan, the Executive Director, to a volunteer who was on their first Legacy Retreat, each IOH person went out of their way to ensure that each member of MY family felt loved, supported and that we were having fun!!! We feel indebted to IOH in a lasting, permanent way.
This amazing organization gave my family an unforgettable opportunity to create lasting memories with not just my family but with so many lives whom they serve and love. From the time we first knew we were accepted to be a part of this family everything was taken care of to the smallest detail. They have a remarkable appreciation for the needs of families with life threatening illnesses and have encouraged and given hope and joy to families in these difficult times that I have not experienced anywhere else. We came home excited and hopeful and blessed and anxious to share with family and friends about our time in NYC.
Inheritance of Hope is dedicated to its unique and important mission: to inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. It offers services, relationships, community, practical ideas, and lasting hope with attentiveness to the particular realities challenging these families. One year after the death of their visionary founder due to her own terminal illness, this organization is focused and committed to building life-changing family legacies.
What Inheritance of Hope does simply is not available anywhere else.
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization that has a lasting impact on the lives of the families served. From the youngest child to adult, these families are cared for and equipped to face these challenges. Families have the unique opportunity to become part of a community of people that will love, support and share in life. Through this, a family is finds hope. Hope is not something that is always easy to find. That is what makes IOH so incredible. As a volunteer, it is so easy to love and serve these families. The truth is that they are such a blessing to me!
IOH is radically making a difference in families who are batting life threatening illnesses. The IOH leadership team and volunteers DEEPLY care and serve each family with empathy and compassion. They are sharing the Hope of eternity and equipping families to gracefully manage their circumstances. I'm proud to support this fine organization!
The blessing this organization is to families and volunteers alike is unparalleled. IOH is made possible only through the love that the coordinators and volunteers have for the families which is shown time and time again from the tireless effort put into the smallest details. Apart from the main function a of the organization as a support group and provider of family vacations, IOH provides a glimpse of servant hood in its purest form. A true treat to be a part of.
IoH is a fantastic non-profit that has helped many families including my own. The volunteers are all great helpers and they are courteous even when they are not working with the organization. It is truly a blessing to serve with IoH!
IOH is a bleesing to all familys who has a loved one with a life threatening ilness.this was the first time we ever flew in a airplane and went on a retreat in Florida.the people and staff are like family and are very caring in every way.If i could do it again i definetly would in a heartbeat.This organization makes dreams come true.These volunteers and staff of IOH are the best thing going today.We recomend IOH for everyone with a life threatening ilness.Thankyou IOH and God Bless U ALL................
I am a happily married mother of three, ages 11, 13, 15. In 2007 I had stage IIIc breast cancer, and we went through the trauma of moving home from our life as missionaries in Eastern Europe to face treatments, surgeries, and complications along the way. I was considered cancer free for five years, until January 2013 when we found stage IV metastatic breast cancer in a new tumor, bones, and right lung.
We were nominated to participate in a legacy retreat with Inheritance of Hope in Orlando, FL at the end of May, and were absolutely blown away by the blessing of this group! From our first greeting at the airport to the last goodbye, I was impressed with the genuine love and attention to detail that was shown to us by every volunteer. Deric's personal testimony was both emotionally powerful and a comfort to me as the patient facing death sooner than I would have thought or hoped.
I did not realize how much my family needed to share this experience, until the opportunity was given to us. Words cannot describe what it meant to us.
Words cannot describe what a wonderful experience Inheitance of Hope gave us by granting us a Legacy Retreat. The volunteers, coordinators and staff were absolutely wonderful. We were treated with the utmost compassion, caring and kindness. It was very comforting to our teenage children to meet an become friends with other kids in the same situation. The same can be said for my husband and I. I thank God for the blessing of this amazing oranization. It has definitely helped my family and I in my 4 1/2 year battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and has brought us closer as family through this inspiring experience. We have made memories and friends that will last forever.
I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with mets to my liver and spine. I have a wonderful husband that i have been married to for 3 years. I have a 9 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. For the first time in my life, i felt truly settled until we received the diagnosis. We just moved into a house, we had paid down a lot of our debt. Chemo debilitated me to the point that i had to quit work. For the first time in my life, i couldn't pay all the bills! My emotions were up and down. This spring i decided to join a support group. Turned out my group leader also worked for inheritance of hope! She told me about the organization and we applied for a legacy retreat. We were accepted! I can only try to tell you what a blessing this retreat was for my family. It was the first time i have gotten to see my kids look of wonder when they saw Disney, etc. I will never forget their faces. The people who work for inheritance of hope and the many volunteers work so hard behind the scenes to make it a fun, relaxing, but also emotionally intense experience. We got to meet some wonderful families. I will never forget all of their faces. Some of my favorite times were with the group sessions. I love hearing other people's stories. I would highly recommend a legacy retreat to anyone. I know when you are sick it's hard to imagine going on such a big adventure, but I promise that everyone is there to take care of you and to make the retreat a long lasting memory for you and your loved ones.
When we went on our retreat we were nervous, and stressed from the holidays, and going on our 1st family vacation with 2 young childres, and flying for the 1st time. When we meet or corrdinator, and the other volunters of IOH, they just took over. They went way beyound to make sure the family was taken care of. The Kids warmed up to our volunteers quickly, and having a great time. The adults got to make new friends who could understand and relate to others stituations. And my wife stays in contact with her new support group of friends. IOH did so much in making memories for us and the kids. And to help us adults with meeting new friends, and support community. What IOH did for us, just broght a lot of Joy and happness back into the family. Thank you IOH.
My schedule finally allowed me to volunteer at an IOH retreat, and I can't wait until I can volunteer again! Yes I was busy during the retreat, but just seeing how kind and caring all the other volunteers were and how great of a time the families were having made it all worth it. Just being able to give these families a fun, stress free vacation to create memories is awesome! It is defentitely working through this incredible ministry!
I was very nervous about bringing my children on this retreat - they are young enough to not fully comprehend what we are dealing with, but old enough to know something major is going on and their whole life would be majorly affected by someone saying the wrong things. When my coordinator told me they would be ok with the wonderful volunteers, I was skeptical. We have taken them places with trained and paid professionals and they weren't ok. Well she was right! From the moment we got there, my kids were treated with respect and tender loving care. Within moments we were leaving them with people we had just met so that we could do some "adult" healing. We can not thank these incredible people enough.
Volunteering for Inheritance of Hope is one of the most meaningful and joyful experiences I have had in my life. I have also run for Team IOH, which is yet another great way to get involved with this incredible organization.
This is an amazing organization that does not do something unless it can do it 110%. They take a difficult situation and make it manageable. They provide families with a parent that has a life threatening illness will resources, time, memories, and a new support community. What a legacy!
IOH is a blessing from the Heavens above!! I was invited as a family memeber in Jan 2010, and I thought that was great, BUT let me tell you as a volunteer it was probably one of the most rewarding things I have done in my Life. I see all the love for these families, and the volunteers are there because we want to be!! I knew I was going to have a great time but it was above and beyond.
I met some very loving people and to see all the families smiling and having a great time was priceless!! I am looking forward to the Next retreat... and God is so Good......
Michelle Rae
Volunteer
Lynnwood WA
I had the opportunity to sit in on the closing service of the Orlando Legacy Retreat on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Awesome and powerful! Prayerfully seeking God's heart for His plan on further supporting and participating with IOH both personally and through my church. One of the take-aways from Tuesday was the simple, clear, need and opportunity for families to build lasting, God-honoring legacies. I believe we each have a role if we choose to accept it.
Blessed… One of many words that I could use to describe what IOH means to my family. The smile my daughter had the whole time there is priceless in my mind and I will visualize all the time. The staff and volunteers with IOH are truly amazing. I know in my heart that God is everything and does everything for a reason. This legacy retreat was a huge blessing. When you have so many fears and questions about our children when we are given a trail like fighting cancer it is over whelming. This retreat bought lots of smiles, laughter, tears and endless hugs. My family and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity of being a part of IOH. Thanks to God!! God bless
Wow! That was truly a "dream vacation"! The staff and volunteers were all angels, the service at the hotel was amazing, and the things we learned about "intentional living" were priceless! Cancer, leukemia, and any other life-threatening illness are scary things to deal with.... both for the parents and the kids, but, truth be told, we are ALL going to die someday. Accidents happen every day and we should be trying to live every single day as fully as we can...especially when it comes to our kids. They are our real legacy. You can tell that everybody at IOH truly believes this and cares about every single family that comes through their retreats. I can't say enough good things...I can only say that I plan to go back, next time as a volunteer, to continue the good works and share the love that God is doing through this phenomenal group of people. Thank you!
I'm in my 2nd year of working as a counselor with this wonderful organization. I can't say enough positive things about how careful Inheritance of Hope is to use its funds wisely. This group helps both traditional and nontraditional families. Parents and kids who are hurting feel loved and understood while having a BLAST making precious memories.
IOH is a non-profit which impacts the lives of adults and children who are going through difficult times. The energy and focus of IOH is on the families they serve. Not only do they go the extra mile they go the extra 25 miles to assist the families who theyy are targeted to serve.
I had a wonderful time in NY CITY. at FIRST I DID not think my family fit in because of divorce, but my exwife and I got together for our young son and it was a wise decision as we really enjoyed our trip.We had a cx flight home on Thanksgiving day which had,of course nothing to do with IH, which made for a long long day,however it was still worth every minuite of the trip. It was in everyway FIRST CLASS.My thanks to all the wonderful people who made this possible.
There are not enough positive words to describe this amazing organization. From the moment we were contacted about the opportunity to experience their incredible generosity to the moment we parted ways, our family was made to feel like honored guests. They provided our family with an experience we could have never provided for ourselves! I have never been a part of any effort that is so thoughtful and service focused. With new relationships formed with other families and volunteers, we feel as though our family circle has been enlarged farther than we could have ever imagined.
If there were ever examples of true Christians, the people who serve in this organization are it. All of the efforts from the volunteers in this organization were constantly giving and caring. IOH made it possible for my family to be able to have a vacation together for perhaps the last time. There were group meetings and counseling sessions as expected but much free time as well in addition to well thought out and planned activities including child care. We came from across the country but felt like we belonged right away. It was great to talk to others in similar health situations and also to make new friends. Five stars is not enough merit that IOH deserves. Thankfully, much greater rewards will be theirs in heaven.
When the opportunity came up to attend the IOH NYC retreat in November I was very hesitant. I had mixed feelings about attending because I felt that our family didn't fit into the "typical family" category. From the moment we got off the plane in NY we were surrounded by the most loving and compassionate group of people that I have ever known. Someone was always there to help if needed and they did everything possible to make the retreat a relaxing and enjoyable experience (and loads of fun) !! The organization and all who are a part of it are true examples of God's love.
I have volunteered at the IOH Legacy Retreats three times now and expect to continue doing so for as long as I am able and/or they need volunteers. I was a little apprehensive when attending the first retreat, just last year, but after meeting other dedicated volunteers and staff, I fell right into place. The preparation for these retreats leaves no detail unaddressed. Attending subsequent retreats is like a family reunion. It is also a testimony to IOH when families served at prior retreats have family members returning to volunteer. It is so rewarding to see the families served smiling, laughing, bonding, kids playing, and creating lasting memories. Truly a life changing experience for all who participate and one that cannot fully be described unless you are there.
Our family was fortunate to attend the IOH New York City retreat a few weeks ago. I was very nervous about the retreat because I was scared that we would be sad on vacation. I was also apprehensive about traveling with so many people. I wasted so much time worrying! It was wonderful from start to finish. The counseling was very cathartic and the other families were very sweet and positive. The experience was just what we needed after the year our family has had. What makes IOH so special is the volunteers. They spent all of their time making sure that we were having fun. They played with our children and gave up time with their own families to be there to help ours. They took pictures and treated us like we were very special. We left feeling happy and uplifted and like we were leaving family. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.
Serving with Inheritance of Hope has been a life changing opportunity. Every family that attends one of the retreats is blessed by heart felt service from volunteers who want nothing more than to cater to their every need be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Families, especially the children, bond immediately as they have finally found others who really understand the struggles they are experiencing. I love to see the transformations of families as they leave the retreats with life lasting memories and a renewed sense of hope.
I love being a part of IOH. It is truly a family that just continues to grow! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to meet so many beautiful families that I get to have a lasting relationship with. I love that the families that come on the retreat leave with a community that they can find continued support and love from.
I have run for Inheritance of Hope and have volunteered as well. I am incredibly amazed at the thought, care, love and compassion that goes into IOH runs and retreats. They take very seriously the idea of a stress-free, worry-free, fun-filled environment. Every detail is well thought out. It is truly amazing how many hours are put in behind the scenes to help the families have fun and make lasting memories. My absolute favorite part is seeing these families being transformed . Many walk in to the retreat anxious, weary, but leave with peace and HOPE! We will all leave a legacy, and with the help from IOH, it will be an intentional, purposeful one that leads to a joy beyond understanding!
Every Inheritance of Hope retreat is like having a second family. Such a wonderful meaningful experience to be a part of. It is so worth volunteering and participating in the retreats.
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I adore this organization... plain and simple. Volunteering for IoH is a joy and an incredible privilege. I'm blessed to have served at 10 legacy retreats and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon. :) Getting to see families strengthened by the support of those in similar situations is amazing. I love seeing people leave retreats uplifted and with a renewed sense of spirit. It is wonderful to see so many diverse families blessed by an organization. IoH literally thinks of everything to make a family's time on a retreat special. Leaving a retreat is always difficult because of the incredible bonds made in only four days. I constantly come home changed and inspired by the people I had the blessing to serve. People I have met on trips now feel like family to me. This organization is purely magical.
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Hello! My name is Jacey and I have served as a volunteer on 6 Inheritance of Hope retreats. This organization is amazing! It's so hard to describe these trips and the impact they not only have on the families who participate, but all the volunteers and staff. It's such a blessing to be a helping hand to these beautiful people. I enjoy praying for the participants before and after the trips and just trying to show them God's love. The amazing events and fun experiences have included whitewater rafting, staying in a hotel in Times Square, and riding Space Mountain in Disney. Most special to me though, are the memories I have gained by being in the group sessions with the kids and simply being a helper and listener. These sessions not only assist each individual in processing their feelings, but have created strong bonds between the kids. These trips are a great combination of fun and practical support. I have enjoyed meeting families in difficult circumstances and trying to lighten their burden in as many ways as I can. Inheritance of Hope provides lifelong memories in a welcoming, loving atmosphere. I look forward to serving on future retreats!
My daughters volunteered at a retreat for Inheritance of Hope, and their experience had a tremendous impact on their lives. The attention to detail for each family attending, the depth of care for each individual, and the professional approach to each particular aspect of the retreat are all exceptional. Families who face the challenge of a parent with a life-threatening illness are finding a much needed dose of hopefulness through the services of Inheritance of Hope. My daughters are already working hard to volunteer at another retreat.
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Inheritance of Hope is a wonderful example of beauty rising out of ashes. I have observed Kristen Milligan's battle against cancer, and her determination to live and see her children have memories of her life. With Deric (who is my brother) at her side, she has maintained a remarkbly optimistic outlook with each treatment, each hurdle, each scan, each setback.
Their desire to give other families a chance to spend time simply playing together, without the cares of costs or planning, and away from the stress of the medical mayhem, has been realized through Inheritance of Hope. The organization is well organized, and tightly run, and sets a high standard for non-profits. The seemingly carefree retreat provides an opportunity for parents to create and keep memories of a happy time together, and for children to be children.
What a great concept!
Inheritance of Hope is a solid option for those looking to financially support a family-based, simple and single-goaled organization which is definitely getting the job done. IOH is fulfilling its mission in allowing every family to leave a legacy.
My daughter and I attended a retreat in Lake George New York. We met so many families and wonderful volunteers. It was a life changing experience. My daughter also won the "Inheritance of Hope " Scholarship this year. We are so thankful for the experiences with the retreat and granting the scholarship to her. I have stage 4 cancer and we met other families going thru the same thing that we are.
My first time to be a part of Inheretance of Hope was a snapshot of families struggling to be "normal" under incredible stress...but the fun, the smiles, the new friends that share the same struggles, the tears with fellow sufferers that understood, the love and care of the volunteers with the children was hopeful. In our adult sessions the main theme was "what will happen to my children...will they be o.k...can my spouse handle this alone."...Then the fun and togetherness of days of Disney and hearing from "grown-up kids that have good lives despite the loss of a parent"...I saw HOPE. What a precious gift this ministry is to those who really need HOPE!
As a young person it was very difficult in dealing with some of the family issues that had risen in the past year. My vacation with the Inheritenece of Hope program was a life changing experience in many ways. Going into the vacation I was very skeptical about the whole program's motives and intentions, however from the moment I met all the lovely volunteers I realized these people were here to help in my struggle. Not only were they outgoing, friendly, and helpful they were also people that I could talk to about my situation and help me understand my feelings better. Going on vacation with my family was such a heart warming experience. I still think back on the trip and remember how good it made me feel to have such good family memories despite tough circumstance. One of the things I was most skeptical about was the group counseling. It was actually really fun and it made me feel carefree and allowed me to forget my troubles for a bit. In addition to this sometimes the volunteers would talk about having faith and I think some of those values rubbed off on me. I think the positivity of the volunteers was contagious. A lot of the anger and negativity I had seemed to wash away and I began to gain faith I never had and more positivity in my life. In conclusion, the inheritence of hope vacation was a life changing expereince for me because it allowed me to have renewed hope and faith in G-d as well as the destiny he has laid out before me.
Once a young caregiver myself at the age of 16, I can personally relate to the many struggles that a family endures with a loved one suffering from a life threatening illness. Witnessing Inheritance of Hope provide a legacy for these families at the May 2012 Florida retreat, I couldn't help but wonder how my family might be different today if we had been blessed by Inheritance of Hope. It was beautiful to see how the love, attention, and sincere compassion that was exerted by IOH volunteers and staff truly changed the families lives and better equipped them for the journey that lies ahead.
IOH is one of THE best organizations out there right now. We were blessed in being able to go on a retreat to Disney World, and it was a life-changing experience! A dream come true! The people we met and the memories we made will forever be held very close to our hearts!
Amazing organization serving families in ways that cannot be measured. Truly an honor to be a part of this team.
Being granted a Legacy Retreat by IOH was a blessing to our family. We enjoyed an Orlando vacation, all expenses paid! We met so many families in similar circumstances, and it was a bonding experience for all. My 4 children had a wonderful time with the tireless and loving volunteers, and we all made life-long memories. My husband and I got a date night too! I simply cannot say enough about this wonderful organization. They helped me to see that my illness will not and should not define my future nor my family's future. That, in itself, is priceless! My family hopes to raise funds in the future to help support IOH and its mission. I wish every family could experience what we did! --The Ricciardelli Family
Thank you to Inheritance of Hope for allowing my family and I to attend the May 2012 Legacy Retreat in Orlando. From the moment we were contacted by Angela letting us know we had been selected to attend the retreat, through the closing ceremony on our last day, the team at IOH exceeded any expectation we had. The staff was so accommodating to our travel needs and so welcoming when we arrived in Orlando it was evident this was a group of people wanting to serve my family. Every detail throughout the weekend was covered by IOH. Welcome baskets with goodies and gifts from home in the form of support letters from family members greeted us in our hotel room. There was even a surprise dinner guest the first night we got to Orlando! Breakfast every morning preceded group sessions where each family got the opportunity to share "their" story and learn from the other families that attended. The counselors that lead these groups were more than tremendous, never pressuring but always encouraging! Although the weekend was full of fun at Disney, Universal, and Sea World the real value of the trip was in the interaction with the IOH team. In my opinion that’s the lasting "legacy" my family will remember.
Inheritance of Hope is simply amazing. They have thought of every detail to love and care for families in need. The staff and volunteers were beyond incredible in the way they served and loved us. The chance to connect with other families on similar journeys was priceless. And getting to experience Disney with our daughter was beyond priceless. We are incredibly thankful for the experience and the people we got to meet on our retreat.
From the moment we were greeted by the Inheritance of Hope team to the moment we were dropped off at the airport we had an unbelievably fun and therapeutic time. I would recommend the organization to anybody in similar circumstances. Our children are still saying they miss the Inheritance of Hope. We couldn't believe some of the voulunteers were on their first retreat, we thought they were seasoned veterans. We wanted for nothing, everything was taken care of for us. The retreat team was always one step ahead of us. We can't say enough good things about our experience. -- The DiGangi Family
Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization! The staff does a wonderful job of planning the weekend and makes it easy for the volunteers to interact with the families and build relationships. Walking away from this weekend left everyone with a renewed since of hope.
Being a volunteer for Inheritance gave evidence of a staff which is cheerfully contagious. The organization is so completely organized! When family members arrive at the airport, there are volunteers waiting to grab luggage, a volunteer drives a van to the closest point to shuttle guests to the hotel, and at the hotel even more volunteers are ready to greet and grab kids and suitcases. The Inheritance of Hope team has thought of everything to give those who volunteer a seamless schedule. This was a very pleasant and rewarding experience. As a volunteer, a complete schedule was easy to follow and if there were any questions, morning meetings outlined the daily events.
My family was given an all expense paid vacation trip to Florida - Disney by Inheritance of Hope (IOH) "Legacy Retreat" in May 2012. We visited Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, and Sea World. What made this vacation magical for my family was the staff and volunteers. They did everything possible to make our vacation a true legacy. They packed our lunches, pushed the wheelchair my husband sits in and they made my children laugh again. I literally cried with joy for the first time in two years. They even took pictures of my family and later developed them and placed them in an album before we went home. We met other families in similar situations at this retreat. My family felt a tremendous amount of love and support from IOH. Their energy of care is unbelieveable. We are grateful to IOH staff and volunteers for giving us a legacy to remember forevermore. Special thanks to Deric, Kristen, Allen Milligan
Our trip was a beautiful experience. The Inheritance of Hope Organization provided for our every need and more. It was the most organized, carefree vacation that we have ever been on. I have never seen so many volunteers with such serving hearts in one place at one time, well maybe at Vacation Bible School, but these people were all there to serve our family and the 15 other families going through the same things we are. The volunteers all have to fund raise to raise money for their trip and provide their own transportation. I was amazed that people were actually willing to pay money to come take care of us! WOW, was all I could say. We were greeted at the airport, by volunteers, shuttled to the hotel by them, greeted by more volunteers at the hotel, handing us our room key and giving us our name tags. We were greeted in our room by a beautiful bag of goodies containing all of your notes, tee shirts, water bottles, books, note cards, snacks and sunscreen. The counseling and group sessions they provided for the adults and the kids were an invaluable experience that we all really needed. The connections that we made with other families and volunteers were life changing. It was all a humbling experience. The Parks were amazing, we made many fun memories there as a family. We were provided a volunteer to help us get around; she was an excellent wheel chair driver, took tons of pictures of our family and provided for our every need. Her name was Lisa, she even had rain ponchos and umbrellas for all of us in her back pack. At the closing ceremony all the families were presented with a beautiful scrap book filled with our photos from the weekend and scripture verses on every page. Our volunteers spent the night before staying up late and making the scrap books for us – WOW! The thing that was so amazing about the Inheritance of Hope Organization is that the Founders, Derik and Kristin Milligan, are going through the same thing as our family. Yet they are still serving others and providing families with this wonderful opportunity to create a Legacy for our family. Our lovely volunteer, Lisa, is a breast cancer survivor and she is serving others. Many of the volunteers and staff have either experienced a life threatening illness, have had or have family with a life threatening illness or have lost a parent to a life threatening illness. Yet they are all still serving others – AMAZING! The Bunner Family
While it was great to go to the parks in Orlando and this excited my kids about going on this retreat, the real rewards were so much more than we anticipated. We all received much-needed counseling to help all of our family which helped give us all a plan and hope. The kids instantly connected to the other retreat participants and the incredible IOH volunteers. We learned a lot from the sessions with other participants and counselors. The most important lesson I learned was to live each day intentionally. I will not allow the dark cloud to follow me or dictate my life because this is not what God intends for my life. This short weekend was life changing for us and we know we made some forever friends. While we were never rushed or felt regimented to a schedule, this retreat was incredibly organized.
This was my first time volunteering with IOH and it was AMAZING!! They provided the families with a way to make memories without even knowing it. They allowed the families to have a stress free time together, as well as have some counselling time and fun time.
Inheritance of Hope lives up to its name. It is all about hope! This is a wonderful organization that pools the gifts of its staff and volunteers to offer fun family getaways with purpose to young families that are battling a terminal illness. I have been so grateful to serve alongside caring, loving, generous people that travel far and wide to give the families a trip of a lifetime. Getting to know the families and their stories is a treasure for me. I am always impressed by their strength. Seeing them soak each other up while enjoying an exciting vacation is a beautiful blessing!
The retreat unfolded before me in ways that far exceeded my expectations. Warm welcomes were offered to everyone.
I was in the adult sessions. I love the group format. These couples know much more about each others’ concerns than I do. It’s powerful for them to be able to share their burdens with others who are in similar, immensely difficult, situations. Gene did a great job of facilitating our sessions.
I feel so lucky that I was able to volunteer at the February 2012 Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat. Inheritance of Hope is an incredible organization that showers its families and volunteers with tremendous love. And, that love seems to truly multiply! Seeing families and children come together and have fun in spite of enormous challenges is an experience that is life-changing. The families we served were so grateful and all seemed to get a lot out of the retreat. But, as much as they all said they were blessed by the experience, the volunteers were also blessed! I saw joy and peace like I have never seen before. I will volunteer at another retreat as soon as I possibly can!
I had the opportunity to be a "shadow" counselor on the most recent Legacy Retreat with IOH and observe the entire experience. I was blown away by the excellent manner in which every detail was covered and the love, enthusiasm and hope showered on all the families by all the staff and volunteers. The families on the retreat were given a safe space to bond with other families with similar struggles, discuss their fears and anxieties, and and experience some inner healing. Families were also given practical tools on how to live an intentional life that I am going to implement in my own life as well! I am changed for the better after having been a part of this organization.
Inheritance of Hope is a great organization! The mission of serving families with a parent that has a life-threatening illness is absolutely, without-a-doubt exactly what they are all about. In my role as a volunteer, I have seen the lives of many many children become enriched with joy and understanding of their situation. Parents and children get the opportunity to relax and focus on what is important, family. I've been quoted as saying, "This is the greatest thing I have ever done!" This still proves to be true and I look forward supporting this organization far into the future.
Inheritance of Hope is a truly amazing organization! Words can't really describe the experience of an IOH Retreat. There is so much joy and love and happiness despite what these families are going through. If I had to describe IOH in two words, it would be "life-changing". I am in awe during every retreat as I witness the children opening up and bonding with others who are experiencing the same things at home. It's so uplifting to witness the change in the families as the children and parents gain a better understanding of how to express their emotions. My experiences as a volunteer have been unbelievable and I look forward to continuing my service to this great organization!
This organization is something that I have a huge passion for. I have been a part of many organizations and mission trips; however, this one exceeds my expectations for many reasons. It is extremely organzied and smooth and there is never a time where I as a volunteer do not know what I need to do next. Inheritance of Hope is also a tremendoudly powerful organization. Many of the families have anxieties before they come on the trip about what it will be like, and I have never met so many families who come away from an experience like this feeling refreshed, loved, and hopeful no matter what their medical circumstance. Inheritance of Hope has everything from the amazing accommodations, food, and fun, but more importantly they have meaning behind what they do. The counselors they hire to help these families learn how to cope with their situations are amazing. The ability to provide these families with memories that will last a lifetime from the pictures, the legacy videos, and the ability to be around other families who are struggling with the same devastaing situation is priceless. As long as I am able I will be apart of this organization. I have made so many new friends and families through this organization that I will cherish forever. I am so proud of the Milligan family who have given of their time, effort, and talents to help other families when they themselves have the struggle of a life threatning illness. They know what it's like to go through this situation and they are a blessing and are so self less to want to help other families to learn how to cope with their situation.
Inheritance of Hope offers something that is very rare... a loving community of staff, volunteers, & participants who enter into the lives of each other on a deep level from the very beginning. The goal is for those parents with a terminal illness to be cared for & provided a community where others are in their shoes. The children & teens are also taken care of & provided support & fun! Everything from behind the scenes to the most visible interactions are done with excellence. I highly recommend Inheritance of Hope to anyone who is looking for a place to give either financially or through service. I also am in the process of referring local families I know to attend upcoming retreats! I cannot say enough about this nonprofit & the impact it is having on families suffering from a terminal illness diagnosis. Five stars is not enough!
I was a counselor for the children on the retreAt. This program is wonderful and is incredibly impactful for everyone... The staff, volunteers and the family.
Our experience with Inheritance of Hope was truly amazing. The staff and volunteers treated us like family. Every part of the trip was well planned down to the last detail. The counseling for the adults and kids was very helpful. We built relationships that will last a lifetime. We will be forever grateful for our time with IOH. We had two volunteers that helped us throughout the weekend - Angie and Mike. We couldn't have done Disney without them. The message and the video shared during closing ceremony was incredibly touching. The last day was hard for us to say good bye. Our 8-year-old daughter with tears streaming down her face has already declared she is going back to be a volunteer with IOH someday.
My family recently returned home from the 2/12 Inheritance of Hope Legacy Retreat and I highly recommend IOH to any family with a parent facing a terminal illness. We went on the retreat with the expectation that a change of scenery would help our 7 and 11 year old daughters build lasting memories of their mother. I am an adult and I spend lots of time committing things about my wife (Michelle) to memory: I remember very clearly her squeezing my hand, as we exchanged our wedding vows and again as she delivered our precious daughters, because they were Red Letter days, but the day to day memories are in a fog.
Because I know the day is coming that I will have to say goodbye, every day for me is a Red Letter Day and I study her like the setting sun on the last day of a tropical vacation. I let every aspect of her every day existence burn into my memory... I get lost in her eyes and the warmth of her hand. But how can a child understand the pressing need to remember? They know that their momma is very sick and the Dr's say that she will die but they are too young to appreciate the finality of death and they don't understand how everyday memories fade away.
IOH gave us five Red Letter Days! The volunteers exceeded our every expectation and created an environment for rich lasting memories and the councilors gave us many helpful insights that will serve our family well during a very difficult time and for the rest of our lives.
My family was selected to go on the Disney 2012 retreat. Words cannot begin to describe what an amazing trip this was. Inheritance of Hope just amazed us by thinking of everything. From the minute we landed we were just embraced by loving volunteers who treated us like royalty. Our daughters cried leaving the volunteers. We were so inspired by the other families. It was comforting to be surrounded by people going through a similar life-changing event and who share the same worries. It was very emotional and very therapeutic. I wish we could go on another retreat with IOH! And I pray that our daughters become volunteers some day. Thank you IOH - we are forever grateful.
My family and I found out about IOH from a family member last year and thought that we would look into it and see if anything came of it. We were definitely skeptical going into it and were completely blown away. We could not have asked for a more special time with our family. The times of sharing with other families were difficult emotionally but encouraging to see the faith and strength of others in the same situation that we are in. Our times at the Disney parks were a blast. We had a wonderful volunteer with us the whole time to make our experience easier to manage 3 small children. Our girls loved all of the volunteers and are still talking about them. This trip forced us to ponder on issues of death and illness, which are hard to confront, but very positive in the long run. My husband and I feel so blessed and strengthened to have discussed these issues together.
Greetings!!! My family was selected by Inheritance of Hope to participate in the 2012 Disney Retreat. The organization (IOH) chose 16 families that have a life threatning disease to go. The love, support, and counseling they provided all the families is unmeasurable. I had the opportunity to meet other people facing the same feelings and struggles that I have been going thru the last 13 months by myself. I was so touched by the love that I think about the organization everyday and get excited to tell others about them!!!
In reading all the reviews, I cannot disagree. We were one of the families selected to attend the NYC 2011 retreat. During the retreat I ran out of words to say about how grateful we were. The staff, volunteers and all those who made this trip possible were AWESOME. We had a wonderful time and what made it even better...was meeting so many wondetful people and families. Especially families you could relate to 100%.
My family was invited to New York City in November of 2011 to experience a life changing experience. While we were there we stayed in Times Square, saw the Rockettes, and did the Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan island with all expenses paid. Inheritance of Hope is an amazing organization and are in the business of changing lives broken by illness to lives filled with HOPE. My family was surrounded by so much love in NYC. As a cancer survivor myself I have found much strength in being surrounded by others going through the same trials as myself. IOH has a wonderful model of supporting thoes diagnosed with terminal illneses. I enjoyed our group sessions where we openly shared our emotions regarding our trials. IOH is doing the work of the Kingdom here on earth in Christs name and there is no other organization like them. If you want to change lives this organization deserves your full support.
As an individual, I lost my father when I was just 30 years old. My sister was then diagnosed with terminal cancer that same year. It was devastating... and that was with the support of a loving husband and family, and a strong childhood to give me the strength to deal with such tragedy. I cannot even imaging the pain of potentially losing a parent as a child. And as a mother, I cannot imagine the fear and pain of being told you will die before you are able to raise your children.
As a volunteer, I can only say that this was the most life-altering experience of my life. These families are going through unimaginable grief... so when you see the children smile and laugh with other kids who understand what they are going through, or when you see the relief and happiness in a parent's face after making a video to leave to their children (so their children will always be able to see and hear how much that parent loves them), or when you see a sick woman dress up for a "date-night" with her husband who hasn't been able to even think about anything but hospitals bills... you can't help but take stock in your own life and put things in prospective. And the joy you feel from helping these families just a little, is something you carry for a long time.
Please donate what you can to this organization, because for these families... it is often the last "family memory" they make. And there are SO many families that need help... and for these families there is no "waiting" list. Give what you can so no child or sick parent misses their chance for involvement with this God-sent organization.
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Volunteering with Inheritance of Hope is nothing short of a life-changing event. As volunteers we attend to provide these families with memories to last the children a lifetime, but in turn they gift us with even more important lessons about life. Watching all of these terminally ill parents love their children so passionately is a true gift. They do not waste one minute because they know their time is limited. They give their kids the quality of time every parent wishes they gave every day. I am reminded every day through the work of Inheritance of Hope that I can never take for granted the time I have with my children, or the strength I can find through God to help my children through anything that comes our way. These parents face challenges most parents won't even let themselves consider... and by allowing us to serve them on these retreats, they inspire us volunteers in ways that forever change my heart and strengthen my faith. God bless Kristen and Deric Milligan, and everything they do to make this organization successful.
Words cannot describe the gratitude we have for this organization. The volunteers, programming, and staff were wonderful. Everyone involved could not do more for our family. It was a true blessing and honor to be involved and our family's lives have forever been changed. To have the opportunity to make memories with our family without having to worry about the bills and exprience a support network that was created for families just like ours is amazing. This is a top notch organization serving a population that is often overlooked, overstressed, and over their heads in medical bills. The orgnaization provided an irreplacable experience that has truly helped our family's suffering.
I was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 cancer just one week after giving birth to my second child. I was 33 years old at the time. I have had several surgeries and many different chemotherapies in an effortto halt my tumor growth, I am now participating in a clinical trial with an experimental drug to try to save my life. My little girls are now ages 8 and 10 & although I have been blessed with many more years than it seemed was going to be, I am not ready to leave my girls motherless. Inheritance of Hope gave my family 4 fantastic, stress free days in Disney. From the moment we met volunteer Jerimiah at the airport to we were greeted by JIll at the hotel we were put at ease. All of the people involved in this organization exceeded our expectations. They offered workshops for our children who are living with a parent with a life threatening illness as well as for myself and my husband as a caretaker. Meeting other young families in similar situations was amazing. They provided volunteers to come around the parks with us and even provided a kids night out so that the parents could spend some quality time alone. IOH is amazing!!!
I was diagnosed with end stage colon cancer September of 2010 and still have a long way to go. This Disney Retreat encourage me to have more faith and hope than I did before. They were all wonderful people and it was very insightful listening to others challenges in the counseling sessions. It is a week my family and I will never forget. My wish is that many more families going through the same challenges will have the same opportunity to experience a retreat like this.
What an amazing event. The IOH team was amazing. They loved on us from the start to the finish. The counseling sessions were very informative and thought provoking and while we initially thought we'd miss being at the park during them we actually came to look forward to the sessions. The legacy video itself was wonderful and the final worship service was powerful. Thanks to you all for putting so much time, effort, resources and of course love into an event we will never forget.
God bless,
Jeff and Carolyn
I cannot begin to tell what the Legacy Retreat meant to me and my family. I have been battling cancer for ten years now. However, my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2010 was much more sobering than the diagnosis of breast cancer in 2001. I have been struggling with the thought, "But what about my family?"
This retreat gave me so many ideas about how to leave a legacy for my children. It gave my husband and I an opportunity to be with other parents who are having the same thoughts and struggles. It gave our children a chance to be with other children whose family has been turned upside down with illness. The counselors were wonderful and so helpful.
Inheritance of Hope gave us a weekend with no doctors, no money worries, no childcare worries. Not only that, but they had such wonderful, joyful volunteers to accompany us to the parks at Disney World. These volunteers took pictures along the way and we were pleasantly surprised when they gave us a scrapbook at the closing ceremony. I know some of the people must have stayed up all night making these.
Every detail was seen to. We were sent menus prior to coming to Orlando. The food was wonderful and the box lunches saved us so much time and money each day.
There is no way we could have been able to afford this exciting trip to Disney World without Inheritance of Hope. My children had never been to an amusement park and had been begging to go to Disney like their friends. Our budget, with my medical bills and me not being able to work, just wouldn't allow it in the past.
On the last night we were given money to go out to eat. We were given the opportunity to film a video to our family. We were also given time to meet with the counselor who had been working with the children, During this time our kids were in capable hands eating supper and playing video games. It was a great evening.
For a little while each day we forgot about cancer. We forgot about money worries. We just had fun being together and with our new friends. Some of these new friends, volunteers and fellow families, will be lifelong friends.
Thank you, Inheritance of Hope!
I had applied for this retreat for my coworker Ginny and her husband and 4 year old son. Ginny's husband could not get the time off work and they asked me if I would take Ginny and TJ. This was an incredible honor and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of such a great organization. I can not begin to thank all that made this such an unbelievable experience for all of us. I know what I got out of this, but Ginny and TJ were so loved and taken care of by everyone. It was so gratifying to have shared this special time with them. We got to meet some amazing families and share some very powerful connections. It was helpful to know that we are all so much alike, in that we all fear a lot of the same concerns.The honesty and courage that these families and volunteers shared, was so inspiring. It was also so helpful to learn different ways to approach these different scenarios.We had so much fun at all the different parks and great fun getting to know so many of the families and volunteers. Once again I can't begin to thank all that helped make this such an awesome experience.
My husband was diagnosed with cancer in March 2011. We attended the June 2011 retreat to Disney. The volunteers were all outstanding! We were blessed with a 3 day pass to the Disney parks, all our meals, our hotel room, our airplane tickets, transport to the hotel, transport to and from the park, a date night/kids night out, AND counseling sessions from certified counselors! This company has a true servants heart and if ANYONE deserves an award or grant funding...it is Inheritance Of Hope!
I am the spouse of someone with amyotropic lateral sclerosis, a terminal disease with no possible treatment and no known cause, we were blessed by this organization to be given a trip of a liftetime to Disney World with our 2 children. My husband wouldn't have gone due to physical difficulties except for this was a "once in a lifetime" experience that he would get to share with his kids. He is also in some photos that I will cherish forever since he won't normally let his picture be taken. The volunteers that went on this trip were amazing. We didn't have to worry about anything. If we/he needed to rest they were there to help with the kids and even just to change a diaper if needed (twice in my particular case), they were there to help at the park to make it enjoyable for all (relieving alot of stress for me), they all carry around cameras taking pictures that normally I wouldn't have gotten to be in too since someone has to take the picture so we now have famiy photos that are priceless when you have someone dying. They are all there because they want to be, they enjoy helping people, they all have huge, loving hearts and want to express it and give back to people that need help even if its just to get away from mundane doctor appts. When you have a 6 year old and 3 year old whose father could pass away anyday, this provides them with memories, that in our case, are the first time they have gone to Disney World and they got to experience it with their father while he is still here with them.
Hi I'm a wife of a cancer patient. We just went on the retreat to Disney. I can't explain how it feels being with others people who are going through the same thing. It's so nice to be able to talk to the ones who are the caretaker and to talk about the stress of dealing with everything in your life. like the kids the bills also the doctors appointments, all the medical that your love one has to take. Those night that you don't get any sleep because you are up take care of your love one. Inheritance of hope Inc. Has giving my family a new look at life and what it really means. It helps make memory's for a life time with your family's. the staff are so GREAT that you would want to take them home with you. Has the one who has to deal with everything in the house. I feel more at peace and more relaxes about the outcome of what we are going to deal with in the future. My family and I will remember this trip for the rest of our life's. My kids cry the day after because they missed all of there new friends and helper's. My children learn how to express there feeling about the sitution in a good position way and not a bad way. The friends that you will make is amazing. They also talk to you about your children and how to help them in different ways. Because we all know that everyone deal with sadly,pain and also anger in different ways. To be able to take your family to this magic place for free. Is the best give of all. The rooms were great the hotel was clean the staff was wonderful. You couldn't asked for a better trip. They also provided ride to and from the parks. If you need something at 2.00am the staff was right there to help or to take you to the hospital. And also they will stay with the kids so you don't have to bring them to the hospital with you. This is the best experience ever in my and my family's life. Please don't be afraid to do it. You will love it. Trust me I did it. God Bless to all of the INHERITANCE OF HOPE INC. God Bless to you all in the future that will have this great time and experience like my family and I did.
Words could not explain how amazing this organization is! The volunteers and staff go above and beyond to make sure everyone is having a great time. Spending time with all the families and having counseling sessions really helped my family view life in a whole new way. Love Inheritance of Hope! :)
This was a chance for me to take my children to the greastest place on earth. They have been wanting to go to Disney World for so long and I would not have been able to do it on my own. Plus the counseling and meeeting people in the same situation as me really helped put things in perspective.
I have experience with IOH at many levels. I have been privileged to know the Milligans as their pastor. They are gracious people who walk the talk. My daughter has served as a volunteer at six retreats and it has changed her life. I have met a number of the families helped by IOH, and they all express deep appreciation for this special ministry. Our family has connected with several of the families. I also participated in the New York City retreat in November of 2010 and saw firsthand the love and selfless service given to the families. There is no ministry that I could recommend more highly. IOH is superb. Rev Howard Lawler, Fishkill NY
I love IOH! I have watched it grow over the years and have been so inspired by their mission. I first became involved with IOH as a runner with Team IOH. They offer great support and encouragement in meeting your fundraising and training goals. I have also served as a volunteer at one of the Legacy Retreats. I was blown away by the love and dedication that goes into retreats and poured out to each and every family there.
While I don't have direct experience with IOH, I do with similar organizations that serve terminal and seriously ill children. A life-threatening illness is taxing on the entire family, and I'm so excited to see an organization dedicated to blessing an underserved population--families who are facing the loss of a parent. I pray that this organization will grow to help more and more families each year.
The friends we met through this amazing opportunity are now considered our family. Jill is amazing and has such a warm and loving heart and makes every family feel like the world revolves around us. My family received a dream vacation that my children will remember and the memories that were created with their dad are priceless. We can not be more grateful for such an amazing group of people and the volunteers that help make this such a success.
I have been following Inheritance of Hope since its inception and have been so overwhelmed by the way this organization has strengthened so many families through some very difficult times. Their mission statement that "Every family deserves a legacy" means so much and they are so passionate in passing this on to as many as they can. I was informed about this organization through my daughter who is a friend of the founders and it has been so exciting to watch it grow to the point of being able to meet the needs of more and more families. I have been able to donate from time to time and would like to be able to do more because,in my opinion, there will always be a need in the service they provide.
I found Inheritance of Hope through a google search for non-profit organizations registered in the NYC Half Marathon. After reading their mission statement, I decided to register with Inheritance of Hope to run my first half marathon. Shortly after my 12th birthday, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and doctors gave him 6 months to live. Four years later, shortly after my 16th birthday, my father passed away from lung cancer. I feel a special connection with Inheritance of Hope because I have experienced what the Inheritance of Hope families are currently living through. I believe it is truly remarkable what this organization has accomplished in its young existence. I was inspired to raise as much money as I could for Inheritance of Hope, and I succeeded in raising approximately $13,000 while running the NYC Half Marathon for Inheritance of Hope.
After the half marathon, I was invited to volunteer at a "Legacy Retreat". I could not take time from work to attend the entire Retreat, but I was able to volunteer for the final 2 days of the retreat. My first day as a volunteer was incredible. I spent time with the children, listening to the frustration, sadness, and sometimes anger caused by the seemingly hopeless situation. But I was encouraged to see that the kids were still laughing and playing together. Developing relationships with other children and parents struggling with the same issues is one of the biggest rewards for the families attending a Retreat. After spending time in the children's counseling session, I shared my story with the parents. Although my father's sickness was a painful experience, it is also an experience that has positively defined my life to this point. In my experience with IoH, I have come to realize that one of the biggest fears for the parents is how their sickness will affect their children. It has been a great experience for me personally to be able to share my story with the families.
As important as the counseling sessions are to the Legacy Retreats, they only last 2 and a half hours every day. The afternoon is always reserved for fun. On this day, the group spent the afternoon white water rafting. Some of the best pictures from the weekend came from this afternoon. Everyone was laughing and having an amazing time.
My first day as a volunteer is a perfect example of how remarkable this organization is. I had never met anyone at this Retreat in my life. But because we shared a common struggle, I was able to jump into the Retreat, half way through the weekend, and make very personal connections within a 24 hour period.
Since this Retreat, I have volunteered for the other 2 retreats held thus far (Disney World and NYC). I plan to volunteer for every Retreat in the future. I have also registered for the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC this fall. I had no expectations when I registered with Inheritance of Hope a little over a year ago to run the NYC Half Marathon. But I have come to love this organization. The experience has been rewarding beyond all expectations, and the organization has allowed me to share my family's experience to help others.
I have been aware of theis charity since its inception. It is making a significant in the lives of all of the families it reaches. In fact, in many cases it has a transformative impact on families that have almost given up hope.
I became involved with IOH in 2010 as I prepared to participate in the 2011 Disney Marathon Weekend. The support they offered me as a runner was amazing. I received one-on-one attention and encouragement. I was able to meet many of the families that IOH brought to Disney the night before my first race. It was a life-changing experience. The work IOH is doing to improve the lives of these families is incredible.
IOH has already touched so many lives in such a short period of time since it's inception just five years ago.
I have witnessed IOH grow leaps and bounds, and am so happy for what this organization provides to the families of a terminally ill parent. My dear friends, the Milligan's, and the countless volunteers of team IOH provide a wonderful outreach opportuntity for families to interact with other familes, and offer group support by hosting retreats and events paid for and provided by IOH.
What is most powerful to me is bringing these familes together and sharing each others stories, and the encouragement for each other demonstrates a tremendous opportunity for families to want to move forward, and understand the importance of leaving a legacy for their children.
The friendships immediately formed build individual character and added support which is sometimes difficult during such trying times.
~ IOH Board Member
In May 2009, my husband at the age of 38 was diagnosed with a genetic terminal brain illness called Huntington's Disease. While searching online for an organization that grants wishes for adults with terminal illness, I came upon the IoH site. This organization sounded amazing. Not only did they offer wonderful trips for parents with life-threatening diagnoses, they were FAITH based and it was not based on income....they offered the retreats to parents with life-threatening illnesses and their children....that was it!! It seemed like a gift from God the moment I found this organization. Once I was notified my family was gong to be able to attend the retreat, I started wondering....do we really belong there...it is hard to explain, but I felt as if there were other families who were far more deserving of this opportunity. I even emailed Jill to make sure we should attend and that we belonged. She reassured me that yes...we were defintely in the right place. I laugh at myself for hesitating on this opportunity. My family was blessed to be able to attend the January 2011 Inheritance of Hope Retreat in Walt Disney World. IoH took care of everything....flight arrangements, hotel accommodations, meals and we even had a special gift in our room when we arrived. IoH had taken the time to collect emails from our friends and family wishing us well during our trip. I can remember sitting on the bed looking at each email with my husband and girls. What a wonderful feeling. IoH left no stone unturned. They made us feel like family. The one thing I remember the most and am so thankful for is that Deric and the volunteers took the time each day to come to our family and talk to us....just talk....he and the other volunteers really took the time to get to know our family....believe me...my husband and girls are very quiet people, but they seemed to open up to the volunteers. My children were not ready to talk about their father's illness in the group sessions. They were never "made" or expected to attend the sessions, although I wish they would have and I believe they would have experienced a great sense of belonging and acceptance as my husband and I did in our group session. At the close of the retreat, each family was given an album of their family filled with pictures from the retreat. We have looked at that album for months....we have not put it away. What great memories we have of our trip. IoH founders, staff and donors are top-notch. Never was the retreat made to be about them.....it was all about the children and their parents!!! Thank you IoH!!
I am a 44 year old married mother of two children, ages 4 and 2. In September of 2010 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic cancer. Shortly after my sister told me she found this organization online that sponsors families where one of the parents has a life threatening illness. I knew little of IOH before embarking on the Disney World retreat in January 2011. This retreat changed my family's lives forever! The group sessions were oddly comforting. We were able to be face-to-face with other young parents in very similiar situations. No one understands like someone who is going through the same thing at the same time. The volunteers made us feel very special and loved. It was like having a body guard, personal assistant and chauffer at the same time! We did not feel judged or pitied for a moment. We knew within our first hour there that we could trust them with our children, our dignity, our privacy and that they would respect us for who we are. IOH is an amazing and blessed organization with incredible volunteers. Their mission to help families like mine needs to be spread so every family may have a legacy.
My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer in April of 2009. We knew that it was very important that our family make memories that lasted a lifetime. I wanted to plan an unforgettable vacation for our family, but didn't have the time, patience, expertise, or finances to plan this special trip. Then, I found out about IOH. Jill handled everything from start to finish. The only thing I had to do for this trip to New York City was pack our suitcases.
It was amazing to interact and socialize with other families that were experiencing our same life situation and were in our same age group. The families at the retreat could relate to our fears and struggles like no other family in our lives could ever do. The retreat included the perfect amount of counsel time and fun time. We cried together and shared our fears as a group in the morning while the children enjoyed group time with the volunteers. But, then, those tears and fears were soon forgotten as we joined back together as families in the afternoon for a fun day of making memories in the Big Apple.
The volunteers were absolutely amazing. They were there for us for whatever we needed. After our first few hours in New York City, I realized that we would not have been able to do this trip without them. Because my husband has a physical disability and has trouble with balance and walking, I needed to be near him just in case he needed help. That left me unable to keep up with my 5 year old and 9 year old on the busy streets of New York City. We would not have been able to do this trip without the help of all the volunteers.
This trip was a true blessing from God and answer to prayer. I didn't have the time, nor the patience, to plan a trip of this magnitude to New York City. And, with a brain cancer diagnosis, we certainly didn't have the finances for this trip. We appreciate so much the memories and the legacy Inheritance of Hope helped us leave for our children. It will never be forgotten.
When my wife and I began searching for an organization to sponsor we took it very seriously. We meticulously poured over hundreds of reviews and websites in order to find something that really spoke to us. Almost every nonprofit seemed deserving and we had no idea how to make the right decision. We knew we wanted to stay within the United States and we also knew we wanted children to be involved. Needless to say this is an enormous category and did not dilute the pool of choices by much. Then we found Inheritance of Hope and our search was over.
Inheritance of Hope (IOH) is a phenomenal organization that helps children and families that have a parent diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. After a short time of correspondence with the Executive Director, Deric Milligan, and the Team Coordinator, Lisa Duscio, we were immediately invited to witness the work IOH was doing in the lives of the families they serve. We attended a New York City Legacy Retreat involving families from all over the country that were blessed to share the experience this organization provides. It is hard to put words to the emotions we felt in being a part of this trip, but Hope is the one that continues to cross my mind. The volunteers and staff provide such a warm environment for the families to connect with one another at a time in their lives when I'm sure it is hard to believe anyone can relate to what they might be going through. They are given the ability and means to share a joyous time with their children and at the same time be provided with unlimited counseling and resources. In short, they are given an opportunity to find hope in a time that might seem hopeless.
We are so blessed to have been a part of such an amazing community of people. From the time we arrived at the retreat we were able to see how IOH is changing lives. Donors can be as involved as they would like to be, something that was also incredibly important to us. Not only was the Legacy Retreat run efficiently but the entire organization is efficient, with over 90% of all monies donated going directly to helping the families.
Inheritance of Hope is a powerhouse organization that does exactly what they say they will do.
My wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer May 2009. needless to say it's been tough, if not impossible, to have a nice family vacation with no worries. That's where Inheritance of Hope (IoH) came in. My sister-in-law did the majority of the paperwork and we were approved. I wasn't sure what to expect as I've never been on a retreat with other families going through similar situations. I was blown away.
IoH was phenomenal in taking care the needs/wants of the families that attended. The food was always great, the daily meetings with other families were not uncomfortable nor did i/we feel pressured into attending. the meetings were so helpful that we wanted to go. the events planned were a blast and great memory-makers. The schedule was also laid out in a way to where naps could be taken or other things done before an event.
The thing that floored me and really meant a lot was the volunteers. These folks were so selfless and helpful that they truly made the retreat worry free. Our girls still remember Shelly who was with us the whole duration. Of course, we met other volunteers and they all touched us deeply.
All in all, I'd say the retreat is one of the greatest things that has happened to me and to my family. we met wonderful friends that we still keep in touch with. It's effects are still with me and i'm sure will remain. Deric and Kristen have done a tremendous job with IoH. Their kindness and hard work cannot be measured.
I learned of Inheritance Of Hope from my sister who was doing research on how to get a dream trip to Disney for my family and me. In May of 2009 I was diagnosed with stage 4 appendix cancer, prognosis= 2 years. I have 2 very young children (4-1/2 and 2) and we hadn't had a chance to be on a family vacation since diagnosis.
My sister took care of most of the paperwork for the Disney Retreat 2011. The paperwork I needed to fill out was simple and Jill was wonderful about helping me jump through the hoops I needed to.
When the retreat came around everything was choreographed perfectly.
We had a dream vacation- it was so nice to be able to experience my family without a worry. IOH took care of the hotel, food, park passes and even gave us water to take along with us to the parks. (we all know who pricey water is at the parks)
There are so many things to than IOH for- the Legacy Video (where I was taped answering questions I think my children would like to know about me), the group discussions with other families facing the same delimmas and struggles as me, the volunteers who were so wonderful with my girls- doing great activites with them and taking them to the park while my husband and I had one night to ourselves. We even had a wonderful volunteer, Shelly, come with us to the parks to help wrangle our girls and hold our place in line.
Kristen and Derek Milligan have hit the mark with Inheritance of Hope. It's a great organization- I would not have been able to afford a vacation like that with my family. I now have great, worry-free memories with my girls. And my girls have pictures that will last forever.
Wow, where to start? I have volunteered with Inheritance of Hope on 6 Legacy retreats (and counting). On my first one I was 16, and am now 18. Inheritance of Hope is most remarkable, in my eyes, for how personal it is -- personal to the families attending, personal to the volunteers, personal to the staff, personal to the founders. Although I do not have a sick parent, I have Kristen, with whom I have become very close to over these years so I can relate on that level with the people attending. One thing I will always remember is after a day in New York City with the families, one of the mothers, who was very sick, kept saying "I can't stop smiling, my face hurts from smiling so much!" Giving these families a chance, not to hide from their problems, but live and still have fun despite them, is what makes Inheritance of Hope an absolutely incredible organization!
I was diagnosed with a grade 4 "terminal" brain cancer and was told I had less than a year to live. My two boys were only 1 and 3 years old. My biggest fear was not dying, but leaving my boys without a mom. My big question, would they remember how much I loved them? Then I found out about Inheritance of Hope. Our family was blessed to be chosen to attend the Disney World event in Jan. 2010. My biggest expectations, were not about Disney World, but my hope to learn anything I could to help my children go through the trials of mom with cancer (and the possibility of my death).
The time at Disney Land was wonderful, but minimal compared to my experience with the amazing people at Inheritance of Hope. It was helpful and touching to connect and talk with other couples going through life threatening diseases. My two boys had a wonderful time doing creative projects and playing games with other kids and leaders (while the adults were talking / learning). The Inheritance of Hope gave me HOPE about my families future. An amazing support group that is there for you even after the event is over.
The thing that was personally special for me, is that they gave me peace about my biggest worry. Again, I was worried my children would not remember how much I loved them. I never would have done what they suggested, on my own. But they set it up so perfectly, that I did it, and it worked well.
They set up a video camera up for me in a hotel room. Showed me how to push the button "on" to video. Then in my privacy, I was able to talk to my two boys and tell them how much I love them. It was so hard to say, but I am so glad I did it. One of the hardest things I have ever done. I am so grateful I did. I never would have done it without Inheritance of Hope. It gave me peace to know the boys could watch the video and hear me telling them how much I loved them. They sent me DVDs of the video, one for each son. I have it saved for them in a safe place.
I believe that Inheritance of Hope is a blessing to families that are suffering through life threatening illnesses. Connecting with them has made my struggling circumstance more at peace. I feel my appreciation is indescribable, saying "thank you" seems to simple. But thank you!
Plain and simple - terminal illness is a thief. It steals time, emotion, energy, finances and the list goes on and on. The generous donors who make it possible for Inheritance of Hope to provide families like ours an opportunity to attend a retreat "away from it all", at no cost, is a blessing that keeps on giving. The experience they provide is a powerful blend of family time together, spiritual encouragement, creating new bonds and friendships with other families in similar circumstances, support and FUN! For many families this will be the last family "get-away" they will ever have which makes this time of being together even more meaningful. The organization and volunteers are top notch and they work diligently to make sure each family has the opportunity to experience the soul purpose of their charity...helping families to create a lasting memory/legacy. What a treasured gift this is.
My family was chosen to attend the Disney retreat in January. It was an honor to be picked to attend such a positive weekend. I can not say enough good things about the people that make up the organization. I saw first hand selfless and tireless commitment to each family member who attended. I experienced love, service, courage and laughter! Little details were not overlooked from a goody bag, letters from loved ones, money for a date night, babysitting for the kids and a wonderful scrapbook of memories.
I would not hesitate in recommending Inheritance of Hope to others in our situation. Thank you Inheritance of Hope!!!
I have a very unique story with the Inheritance of Hope (IOH) organization. It has truly been an honor to be apart of such an amazing group of people that have a desire to serve and minister to others! I adore this organization and consider them all family.
My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer at the young age of 46 in November of 2009. As scray as this was, we stayed positive and kept faith in the lord that he will provide a miracle. In the early spring of the following year, my family was elected to go to an IOH retreat in Lake George, NY in June 2010. My dad was almost in disbelief. He told me, "All expenses paid, really"? "What's the catch"? It was hard to convince him that it was real! So on an early morning of June 2010, my family boarded their first airplane ever and landed in New York a short time later, not knowing a single sole. They spent 5 days with people they had never meet before and left with a lifetime of friendships.
They came back to tell me about all these great things, about how much fun they had, and all these amazing people they had met on their trip. It seemed almost life-changing. It was almost as if they were reenergized to continue the fight with my mom. They also informed me of volunteer opportunities through the organization. I brushed it off at first, didnt put alot of thought into it, really didnt think I would have time for it. However, they kept telling me over and over about how great IOH really is. They spoke so highly fo the organization, I decided to volunteer that fall. So in January of 2011 I was on the list to be a volunteer in Orlando, FL at Walt Disney World for IOH. Not knowing what to expect I went into this retreat with open arms. My family tried to prepare me the best they could. I knew I would be serving other families in their fight with other volunteers.
Less than 2 weeks prior to the time I was supposed to leave to volunteer, we suffered the loss of my mother. Anne Tripp passed away December 23, 2010 in Gothenburg, NE. Some of you can only imagine the pain and suffering we went through, and some of you know what it is like to go through something as tramatic as this was. However, not for a minute was I going to let this prevent me from volunteering in Florida.
I boarded a plane in Omaha, NE at 5:30am (I'm not a morning person FYI) on a cold winter day in January. It seemed like just minutes later (I slept the whole time) that I landed in sunny Florida to be greeted by Jill Thompson of IOH. And the rest is history. Talking and laughing with Jill put me at ease. I instantly was overwhelmed with HOW GREAT this organization truly is. Jill had met my family in June of the previous year and had a powerful understanding of my situation. I met other volunteers throughout the day and we were prepared, the best we could, of what to expect at a retreat. I was a little nervous, but very excited as well.
At the Walt Disney retreat in January 2011 I met 15 extraordinary families that were in need of Hope. They came from all different walks of life, from all over the country. I was changed that weekend. I have a new understanding of what serving others means. Meeting these people, getting to know and pray for these families was an honor. We went to the theme parks, ate breakfast and dinner, and all the other activites we had that weekend were second to none. Helping a family in this way and having a pretty good understanding of what they are going through gave me a "leg up". It is hard to describe in words what happened that weekend in Florida. I enjoyed every minute of my time with these families those 5 days. I will never forget my first retreat for IOH. It is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart.
To volunteer at a retreat was the most impactful thing I have EVER done. I fully intend to continue to support, pray for, volunteer, raise funds and build this organization.
Through him,
Jeremiah J. Tripp
My namd is Michael Elliott and I am a bone marrow transplant survivor with an auto-imune disorder called GVHD. It is so hard to find the money or the time to have a vacation, much less a stress free day or two. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Disney World Legacy Retreat in January of 2011. My wife, my son 10 yrs old and myself were able to enjoy a stress free vacation at Disney World and more importantly we got to see that we were not the only ones with severe problems the other families all had things in common with us. That is so comforting. The trip was a dream, and the vollunteers made us feel like royalty. I don't really have money to donate to this organization, however I will tell you that if I did, this is where my money would be going. We are so grateful to Inheritance of Hope. They are for real, and deserve your support.
The love of the people involved in making the retreats happen is past comparison. Inheritance of Hope has blessed us not only by providing a wonderful retreat but also by connecting us with many beautiful people who share a similar story.
No words could ever express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Inheritance of Hope organization. I was diagnosed at age 39 with stage 4 cancer. Five months later, my family and I were blessed to go on the New York retreat. IOH thought of everything from a map to the hospital to a date night with my husband. They were extremely organized and our days were well balanced between group discussions and fun activities. I was amazed by the character that the volunteers exhibited. The retreat provided my family an opportunity to discuss our feelings with other families who could understand what we were going through. My children were begging to go back to their group sessions with the counselors! All of the volunteers were phenominal! IOH has helped our entire family through our journey. I will be forever grateful for this organization and for the friendships that were cultivated during our retreat. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone. They changed my outlook and journey. For that, I will be forever grateful.
FANTASTIC organization. My family and I were received a very special gift of a Legacy Retreat to NYC. IOH thought of everything including making a trip to the pharmacy. I have stage IV cancer and this trip allowed for my children (girl age 10, boy age 7) to visit and get to know other kids who are struggling with illness. The love and concern shown to them was overwhelming. Our Legacy trip changed the lives of our family and we only grew closer.
Inheritance of Hope gave my family such an incredible experience and gift. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer but fortunately, I was picked to attend the NYC retreat. My family and I (boys ages 7 and 8) got to bond with other families where a parent has cancer and learn different coping techniques. My husband and I also were able to talk about things that we were 'scared to bring' up in a safe and nourishing environment. The sites we visited were bar none! This is an outstanding organization with the best staff and volunteers. They have truly become a part of my family!
Inheritance of Hope is one of the most amazing organizations I have ever encountered. The legacy retreats offered to families with a sick parent are very well thought through, every details is taken care of and families are able to create memories and meet other families in similar circumstances. I have worked as a volunteer during a retreat and have also participated in Team Inheritance of Hope to help raise funds to support the costs of holding retreats. Runners are supported very well, with Team IOH, through the process of fund raising and with training and race details. The Inheritance of Hope website is a great resource for information about running and also to connect with some of the stories of families who have participated in retreat weekends.