The families of Steps Together have been invited to create holiday wish lists. Most wish lists should include recipient mailing info for direct shipping to each of their homes. In the event that you need mailing information, please email courtney-newman@comcast.net. Lists for families who are being assisted anonymously by Steps Together will ship direct to Steps Together or a community member who has offered to be the recipient on behalf of their family.
Gift cards are always appreciated too for everything from food to fun. Over the years of assisting families, we’ve learned that sometimes families miss the act of shopping and giving most.
Remember to support the wreath sale by the youth group at Faith Lutheran Church in Hillsborough to support the families of Steps Together. Read more here. Additionally, we need a community of volunteers to support our fundraising efforts at the upcoming Kringle Market. Sign up here.
The Eick Family
Both dad Ed and daughter Adeline are battling brain cancer. Adeline was diagnosed first in June 2021 with grade III anaplastic astrocytoma. Ed was diagnosed in October 2023 with grade IV glioblastoma (terminal brain cancer). Adeline is still on chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments and her scans have been stable for nearly 3 years. Unfortunately Ed's cancer has spread to his spine and is now considered "end stage" with limited treatment options. Mom Christine had to leave her job last year to take care of Ed, Adeline, and baby (now toddler) Scarlett. We are so grateful for a little Christmas cheer to raise our spirits. Thank you so much to Steps Together for all the support.
Amazon List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/20U11ER92YQT7?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
DoorDash, Walmart, Amazon, Shell/BP/Exxon, Starbucks. No grocery gift cards because it's too hard for me to get to the store. I have everything delivered.
Description of Recipients
6 year old girl who loves Disney princesses (especially Ariel), Bluey, medical play, reading (early reader), playing Roblox games, and Legos
20 month old toddler girl who loves board books, Daniel Tiger, Bluey, Fisher Price Little People (or similar), and snacks
Wish
A stair lift for our front steps outside. I don't know if this can be done for under $1000 and I suspect we'll need permission from the HOA. Something like this https://www.solanoma.com/products/1000-perch-stair-lift-complete
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The Wertz Family
After battling breast cancer diagnosed in October 2023, Jenn was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October 2024. Ryan was diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia in September 2024. Both Jenn and Ryan are actively receiving treatment and are getting by with support from friends and family. Jenn is unable to work at this time and Ryan is working as he is able. They are looking forward to Jenn receiving a stem cell transplant in a few months. Jenn and Ryan live with their teenage sons, Lincoln (18) and Jackson (almost 17). They are keeping busy with school and sports while supporting at home as needed. We are so very appreciative of this opportunity from Steps Together.
Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/eXBrU4x?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
Wawa for gas, McDonald’s, Uber Eats, Door Dash
Description of Recipients
We have two sons that are almost 17 and 18 so gift cards for gas and food would help them immensely as they’re running between school and sports practices and I’m not always able to have meals ready.
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The Falcone Family
Our family received an unfortunate new development this year - Ben was diagnosed this year with a brain tumor which is due to the genetic disorder he has, Behcet's syndrome (which is very rare and doctor's do not know what will happen next but causes tumors, cysts , pain, sores on body and blindness). He has body pain often from the disorder and life has been very challenging this year - weekly blood work, doctor visits and daily injections of medicine leaving him with bruises and more pain. His disorder also causes extreme fatigue. Ben cannot do many things so he does love to game and we allow him as a reward after working probably 4Xs as hard to get through basic homework as reading and writing are huge challenges for him. Just from this additional diagnosis of the brain tumor our monthly bills have increased tremendously as well as time on all of us which has been wearing.
Amazon List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2S0UTZPWDD6OX?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_8m8oEXZB1KfI9
Gift Cards
Amazon and Whole foods we shop at a lot. a treat is always pizza, Blaze has a gluten and free option that ben eats so that's a great option for us , Play station or STEAM gift card
Description of Recipients
We have a 15 year old boy, Jack who loves to play steam and PS4 so gift cards to those would be great. Benjamin loves 100 piece puzzles and it keeps his hands busy with his Tourettes
Wish
We have on our amazon wish list a PS5 (Disc model) - that would be a dream or a STEAM playing deck, these are both dreams as they are very expensive.
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The Shomers Family
In July 2023 at 12 years old, Charlie was diagnosed with Ependymoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. It was discovered during an MRI to diagnose the cause of infrequent but severe headaches. He immediately underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor, followed by several weeks of proton radiation in the summer and fall. Since then Charlie continues to heal physically and emotionally. His doctors monitor him through regular MRIs. The time from then until now has been with worry and uncertainty about what come next, but a tremendous amount of gratitude and love for all the support and prayers that we have received.
Amazon List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/17M6CQ8WQN7LW?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
Our family shops at ShopRite, target and Amazon, we get gas from shell
Description of Recipients
Charlie a 14 year old boy. He loves playing games on his phone. He also loves Legos and nerf guns. He love Jurassic park, Star Wars, Minecraft and Pokémon.
Anna a 12 year old girl. She also loves playing on her phone and watching you tube videos about Five Nights at Freddy’s. She loves listening to music- especially Taylor Swift. She also loves to read. Reading is her favorite hobby after listening to music.
Wish
Our family wish would be a Disney Gift card to put towards the purchase of tickets, Charlie participated in marching band this year for the first time and it was the most amazing experience for him. The band will be traveling to Disney this spring to march in Magic Kingdom. It would be an absolute dream come true to be able to watch him march doing something he loves in a place he loves and getting to share that experience with him.
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The Rolon Family
Last May, Danielle and her family somehow found Steps Together through social media after hearing a friend of a friend (Michelle) received help from us. During that time, we watched her family go to the end of the earth to fight her cancer diagnosis. They read everything, tried everything, and traveled for treatments outside the US. And somehow, while doing all that and raising three small kids, they were committed to volunteering at our events to show their gratitude to the community that is Steps Together. It is now time to pray. Pray for Danielle's comfort and for all who love her dearly. Obituary.
Amazon List
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2ILS4PGU6VQUN
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The Ruffer Family
Gavin is currently enrolled in a study at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where, over the next two years, they are measuring the amount of protein (which MECP2 boys have too much of) on his brain. We are traveling back and forth to CHOP every two to three months. While at CHOP Gavin undergoes evaluations, bloodwork, lumbar punctures, and punch biopsies. In the meantime, Gavin continues to go to PT, OT, and speech therapy at the Midland School. As per the advice of the neurogeneticist, the more we push Gavin’s therapies now, the slower his regression will be later – regression tends to begin after puberty. Gavin has also suffered from some seizures over the past year, but we have not entered the “ongoing seizures that cannot be controlled by medications” that 50% of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome boys get. We just continue to take it one day at a time and concentrate on the Happy Little Boy we are blessed with!
Amazon List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/O3ZTLPJXTTQI?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
We shop for groceries at ShopRite; we get gas at Quick Check and we love shopping at Walmart and Target. Our favorite local restaurants are Tender Lovin’ Grill and Roman Gourmet Pizzeria.
Description of Recipient
8-year-old boy who loves toys and books with buttons that make music and sounds. He likes the Sesame Street Characters and Mario Brothers Characters. Because of his diagnosis, he plays with toys and is interested in things that a 3-year-old would play with and be interested in.
Wish
Gavin enjoys WWE on television, so we would love taking him to a live event! If we were fortunate enough to get three tickets (Gavin, Mom & Dad) in New Jersey, Ney York City or Philadelphia it would be a very special event. NOTE – Gavin requires wheelchair seating.
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The Rowland Family
Our daughter, Aubrie was diagnosed with a rare, neurodegenerative condition called Mitochondrial Disease at 2.5 years old (she is now 6). There are very few specialists and no approved treatment options for her condition. She frequently sees over 10 specialists (many specialists are out of state), with therapies (PT, OT or Vision therapy) every week. She is in a study at the NIH where we visit once a year. She takes over 20 medications/supplements twice a day and a daily injection with an experimental drug. Overall, Aubrie is a happy, smart loving kid who has to fight harder than most kids to meet certain milestones due to her condition. Her prognosis is unknown, however her condition is progressive and causes both cognitive and motor decline.
Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/2Lr7y39?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
Wegmans, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, DSW
Description of Recipients
6 year old girl who loves crafts, making slime, games, hair/nails/makeup and playing outside. 3 year old boy who loves Spider-Man, Mario, Bluey, Magnetiles and we need items for his room, he just got a new big kid bed (twin size).
Wish
A stay at the Rocking Horse Ranch resort (it’s in NY, so we can drive). Most of our travel and time off has been for doctor’s appointments and it’s hard to spend the extra money on going away. We already spend a lot on hotels to travel to specialists. My unaffected child doesn’t always get to come and we would love nothing more than to have a few days together that aren’t around medical.
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The Savage Family
It's been 8 years now since Conner first became sick with Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy (MAE) Also know as Doose Syndrome. His seizures are mainly drop seizures where he loses full body control and falls and tonic clonic seizures. Since the summer he's been going into status... that's where his body doesn't recover after having a seizure and he'll just have another one followed by more. It's a medical emergency since it can cause brain damage, coma or death. At this point there's not much more that we can try. We've tried all medications. He's on 5 now, but haven't had complete seizure freedom from them. Our best defense is his diet, it's just difficult since he can't have much sugar...maybe a gram or two and he can't have more than 10 carbs a day. Conner's in all the therapies and we're looking to get him into a special needs school. He still can't read or write but despite all that he goes through he's the happiest, toughest lil kid I've ever known and I'm so Blessed to be his Mom.
Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3U43UM1N5G9E3?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
Description of Recipient
We have an 11 year old boy who loves Huggy Wuggy or Five Nights at Freddie. He loves the action figures. He doesn't have any Five Nights ones and has some Huggy Wuggy ones. He also likes the Smiling Critters, especially cat nap!
Wish
A family wish would honestly just be a food card. Conner's diet is pretty expensive and I love to make him food that he can eat so he feels part of the family too! For everyone who donates I'd personally like to thank you all. If it wasn't for your generosity around the holidays, we wouldn't have much of a Christmas. Seeing my son sick is the worst feeling in the world. Anything that makes him smile and just forget all the hard days is a Blessing to us. The impact you all have on our lives is far more greater than anything I've ever experienced. I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday!
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The Williams Family
My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in April 2023. He is still in active chemotherapy. He had a Stem Cell Transplant in Sept of 2024. He currently is going through a lot right now with not being able to sleep and low energy. He has gained his weight back from the stem cell transplant, but that has come with a lot of issues as well. His diabetes is numbers are getting higher, which is causing other issues. During the summer he became very interested in photography, which he loves being able to view the world through the lens of his camera. He wants to take as many pictures as he can as memories for us all. We have a 8 year old adorable son that is amazing as well and has been through everything with us and lives his daddy so much. He is always asking “do you feel good daddy” every morning. My hubby stays strong and says yes. I am also trying to be the strong wife and mom as well. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2XF19QI5G3U47
Gift Cards
Walmart and Stop & Shop.
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The Cable Family
After just getting married, Lynne was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of 2024. She just finished 6 rounds of chemo and a 14 hour whipple surgery. This is a long recovery and Lynne will finish up with 8 more rounds of chemo and then radiation. She lives in Hillsborough and is also a teacher in town. She has two daughters who attend the school district.
Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/16FPE31K5T8EC?ref_=wl_share
Gift Cards
Our family shops at Weiss and we use Amazon and doordash a lot. My Daughter Cassidy is 16 . She loves to shop at American Eagle and Hollister . She also likes Sephora and Amazon/ My other daughter Brianna is 13. She likes to shop at Sephora, Ulta and Amazon.
Wish
Our family wish is to go away for a weekend in Lake George in the summer. I heard the Sagamore, The Lodges of Crestwood Haven and The Stonegate (more affordable) are very nice.
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The Vargas-López Family
After losing their mom to stomach cancer in April, this family of 4 could use a little help this holiday season as they work to keep up with bills while paying of the debt incurred while mom was ill.
Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/8OOWDNXP5L2S?ref_=wl_share
Description of Recipients
Brandon 19, Keila 16, Amir 12, Alexa 7.
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