Before her diagnosis, Christina was always the one helping others. A single mom, she poured her energy into her community as a Girl Scout leader and as a volunteer at the local firehouse. She loved gathering with friends for game nights and bonfires, cherishing time with the people she loves. When she moved to Pennsylvania, the pandemic forced her to put some of that on hold, but her heart for people never changed.

When Jennifer Schweighart’s family turned to Vickie’s Angel Foundation in 2016, they were in the midst of a difficult fight. Her mother, Debra Waligora, was traveling to Philadelphia for experimental treatment, and the financial strain weighed heavily on the family. Within 48 hours of applying, VAF provided the support her parents needed for travel expenses.

Before her diagnosis, life was filled with simple joys, spending time with family and friends, working at her longtime job, and praising God in church. A natural homebody, she loved curling up at home with a good book or her favorite shows, finding comfort in laughter and the warmth of loved ones.

An experienced delivery driver, 37 year old Patrick Herr knew how to navigate busy roads and daily routines. But in August 2023, Patrick and his family hit an unexpected roadblock.

Prior to her diagnosis, LaRae Mena lived a vibrant life. As a human resources professional at a large security company, she balanced a busy schedule of pickleball, choral singing, and regular visits with family. Her life was full, until everything changed over Thanksgiving weekend in 2022.

Florida sun burns down hot. Working outside 14-15 hours a day can be dangerous. Just ask Rodney Updegrave. Rodney burned his shoulder in 2019 while working construction and maintenance in Florida. The small burn from a cigarette ash never properly healed due to exposure to the sun. Instead, it got larger and nastier, until one day Rodney decided he had better see a doctor.

Through the foundation he created over two decades ago, Mickey Minnich has dedicated his life to supporting central Pennsylvania individuals and families battling cancer. Today, Mickey is sharing his own story—a journey that reinforces the very message he has championed for years: no one fights alone.

On Thanksgiving morning last year, 2,800 runners and walkers laced up their sneakers for the 20th annual SMT Turkey Trot in New Cumberland, making it the event’s most successful yet. With a mix of competitive racing and family fun, the Turkey Trot has become a beloved tradition, celebrating community spirit and charitable giving.

Gregory Mitchell, 68, is a devoted father of two and a loving grandfather to nine. For more than a year, he has been battling stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, while raising three of his grandchildren, ages 12, 16, and 17, whom he has cared for since birth. To them, he is everything.

In January 2023, Patrick Donnelly, 57, a husband and devoted father of three, received life-altering news. He was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer at Cancer Care Associates of York. This news devastated his family, but Patrick was determined to fight, supported by his family, faith, medical team, and Vickie’s Angel Foundation. His story is truly one of strength.