STEPS TOGETHER FAMILIES
Families on this page have been recipients of Steps Together’s one-time grant, have demonstrated a need for more ongoing support or asked to be a part of our efforts to bring awareness to the medical condition impacting their family. Many of our families wish to remain private so the content below is not representative of all the families Steps Together is assisting. Please read their stories, join their social pages and provide support however you wish. Steps Together encourages giving directly and/or through our organization. To email or mail gift cards, please email info@steps-together.org for contact info.
The Eick Family
Adeline was diagnosed first in June 2021 with grade III anaplastic astrocytoma. Ed, her dad, 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. Ed passed away in December of 2024. (updated 2/25)
Gift Cards
DoorDash, Walmart, Amazon, Shell/BP/Exxon, Starbucks. No grocery gift cards as it’s easiest for mom to have things delivered.
Social Follow
Facebook
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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. (updated 2/25)
Gift Cards
Wawa for gas, McDonald’s, Uber Eats, Door Dash
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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. (updated 2/25)
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
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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. (updated 2/25)
Gift Cards
Our family shops at ShopRite, Target and Amazon, we get gas from shell
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 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! (updated 2/25)
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.
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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. (updated 2/25)
Social Follow
Gift Cards
Wegmans, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, DSW
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 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. (updated 2/25)
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. (updated 2/25)
Gift Cards
Our family shops at Weiss and we use Amazon and doordash a lot.
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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