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.
