“When I heard that Maureens Hope was going to help with cleaning my home during the weeks I have chemo I have to tell you that it brought tears to my eyes.  These past few weeks have been so up and down that your generous offer just touched me greatly.  It’s all been so overwhelming and my stay in the hospital was like my “last straw” as far as trying to keep myself together.  Your offer was my “light at the end of the tunnel”.  It was such a relief knowing I had one less thing to worry about while recuperating from surgery and chemotherapy.   Here I was, a complete stranger and yet, the foundation reached out to me and showed me that there is hope with this disease. The support your provided has really helped me to deal with my cancer in a healthy, optimistic manner and I am extremely appreciative.”
Kim B

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“Thank you for the basket I received when I was in the hospital. Though I don’t remember too much from that time, one thing I do remember was waking up to find one of your baskets there waiting for me.  It brightened my day and my stay at the hospital.    I couldn’t believe that someone could do something so very thoughtful and nice for someone they didn’t even know.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for brightening up a terrible time in my life.” 
Cathy S
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“You cannot imagine my surprise when I received a beautiful basket full of the most thoughtful and useful items for me to use during my recovery.  Each item in the basket brought tears to my eyes as they were carefully added to ease not only pain and suffering, but mental anguish as well.  The adorable hat that would cover my head, the pink socks for feet that are always cold, the water bottle instead of a Styrofoam cup and straw, lip balm for dry, cracked lips and cough drops to help keep the throat moist.  A comfy pillow for comfort as well as coughing and sneezing, a satin pillowcase to make one feel like a queen and the tissue to use when crying over the love received during trying times – all things greatly thought about.  Prayers for when one doesn’t readily come to mind, a fabulous book that I’ve already underlined in places and a journal to record events and peoples visits, a CD with hope and inspiration sung by one who’s been there.  Special soap and lotion to keep skin smooth and small pretty.  The precious bracelet I hope I helped inspire with its own message of faith in colors.  Yes item I cried the most over was the willow tree figure called Courage.  When I look at her I cannot help but think of other names she inspires.  So, I say thank you to Maureens Hope for your caring to do this amazing thing for people like me.”   
Jan H

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“My 15 year old son was admitted to Upstate the Saturday evening before Easter, and needless to say it was a very upsetting day for all of us. I can’t begin to tell you how touched we were when we up on Easter Sunday to find that beautiful basket sitting on his food tray and I wanted you to know that you made a difference in a complete stranger’s life that morning. What you do for others is amazing and I can’t thank you enough.”
Christina F.
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“The kindness from Maureens Hope has touched me profoundly.  Being diagnosed with breast cancer has been, as it is for most women, one of the most difficult things my family and I have had to fare.  One of its gifts however, is being “held” by a community of those who experienced it and have molded it into something positive.”
Barbara D

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“How can I express how much your kindness and care have meant to me?  I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw the beautiful basket!  How full of hope and love it was!  Everything in there could have been hand picked for me right down to the decaf tea.    I will enjoy using all the items and will think of Maureens Hope.  I thank you for thinking of me.”
Liz D
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“When I first found out I had cancer I was a train wreck wondering what the present and the future held for me.  Not only did I have a life threatening disease but I had to have major surgey to even begin to start treatments.  Why me?  All the unanswered questions.. I was scared and felt so alone.  Well then here comes my sister with this big blue box into my hospital room.  I felt my entire disposition change.  Someone who knew, some who cared, someone who watched a loved one fight a courageous battle.  I felt so revived with a soft blanket and satin pillowcase.  The literature, bracelets, prayers, snacks … it does give HOPE to people suffering from this horrible disease.  You truly brightened not only my day, but my life and I thank you.”
Jan W

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“I thank you and Maureen’s Hope Foundation for the wonderful basket.  Lance Armstrong’s book is something I’ll be able to read during my transplant cycle.  Loved the cookies!”
Skip K
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“Thank you so much for the wonderful basket.  The Angel of Miracles was with me the whole time in the hospital and now with me in my bedroom.  The little pillow has been under my left arm (much better than a large pillow) and all the items surely gave me comfort and inspiration.  Your concern is wonderful for people like me.”
Netty

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“There are so many useful things in the basket that I have used already!  You guys really know what people need at a time like this and I thank you.  Maureens Hope is truly making a difference!”
Pam H
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“I want to thank you for the wonderful gift basket you arranged through Maureens Hope Foundation.  I was amazed by your thoughtfulness.  I have been so bless through this whole journey by the prayers and support I’ve been receiving from friends and family, the church and work.  You never really appreciate what people are made of until your time of need.  Thank you so much for being a part of my healing.”
Elizabeth T.

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“The basket was such a surprise and the goodies it held are just wonderful.  I read a few pages of There’s No Place Like Hope each night and find myself relating to what Vickie has experienced and written.  I thought I was the only one experiencing such feelings.  Thank you so much for your special act of kindness.”
Jeanne D.
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“I want you to know that the basket from Maureen’s Hope has brought me comfort, hope and courage.  I have used the blanket around the dock since coming home from the hospital.  It’s softness has helped ease the discomfort.  The Believe sign came with me to the hospital and six days post surgery the sign sits next to my chair.  The book I will read when I get stronger and can stay awake.  Thank you for everything.”
Christopher W.

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“Thank you for the delicious dinners you provided to me.  The food was so nice to have on hand for my family and for company.”
Diane K.
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 “At my Christmas homilies, I mention that this season is a season of giving.  The cards and presents that we give and receive should likewise be seen as acts of love and giving.  I want to thank you for your wonderful gift and the book “There’s No Place Like Hope”.  I am most grateful for your love and support.”
Father Joseph

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“Your basket made Rick’s day!  He was so very excited and loved every item.  He had some family members at the hospital with him and they all put on the HOPE bracelets immediately.   He was really overwhelmed at all the special items in the basket and how it made him feel.  Maureens Hope is making a difference! “
Maureen G
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“I want to thank you and everyone who supports Maureens Hope Foundation for the kindness you have extended to me during my treatments for breast cancer.  I never realized how much I would appreciate having the house cleaned for me during these past weeks of chemotherapy.  I finally felt the “cumulative” effects of the treatment and have become anemic.  I have gone through 36 hours of labor and run several marathons but I have never known fatigue like this!  Accepting your offer was difficult at first as I just plain believed that someone else surely was more entitled, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  Mentally and physically, having my house in order was the greatest gift of all and a real boost for me.  Thank you to Maureens Hope Foundation for reaching out to me!”
Deb B.

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“My grandson was hospitalized at Upstate University hospital on the night before Easter and was there on Easter day and received one of your wonderful Easter Baskets that you give to patients. I also was given one of your Hope bracelets. I wanted to tell you that they were absolutely wonderful baskets and so very appreciated.  My grandson was so excited that the Easter bunny came to the hospital and thrilled when he woke up and saw the basket.  I know Maureens Hope really made all the kids so happy and feel so special.  We thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness to those having to spend a holiday in the hospital. It was greatly appreciated.”
Donna M
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