Imagine the weight of keeping your family together when illness and worry fill every day and the holidays bring more pressure than joy. Last December, the Bautista family of Hayward, a close-knit household of six spanning three generations, faced that reality. But with a little help through the Hope for the Holidays program, the season became a time of hope and healing.
“There were days I just felt completely overwhelmed,” shared their 27-year-old daughter, who was caring for her parents while also raising a two-and-a-half-year-old. “Trying to keep everything together and make sure everyone had what they needed sometimes felt impossible.”
Earlier that year, her mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery in April 2024. While receiving radioactive iodine therapy in November, the family learned about Hope for the Holidays from an oncology nurse navigator at Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC). Her father also faces multiple chronic medical conditions, adding to the daily challenges of caring for the family and maintaining a sense of normalcy.
Despite the challenges they faced, Hope for the Holidays provided a much-needed lifeline. “We are so grateful for the Hope for the Holidays donation,” shared the daughter. “We were able to buy gifts for each family member and enjoy the holidays together.”
For more than twenty years, Hope for the Holidays has grown and evolved, including earlier versions such as Adopt-A-Family, but its mission has always been the same; to support families facing hardship during the holiday season. About 30 to 40 families received assistance in 2018, and this year more than one hundred are on track to benefit from Hope for the Holidays thanks to the generosity and dedication of AHS staff.
“This program is a chance to show our patients that they are seen, valued and supported,” said Jeanette Hernandez, care management program coordinator and co-lead. “It is more than meeting immediate needs. It is about bringing a sense of hope and connection during the holidays.”
Marco Hernandez, health advocates program coordinator and co-lead of the program, added, “Hope for the Holidays is an opportunity to restore a sense of normalcy and hope for families who are going through a stressful period. When a parent breaks down in gratitude or a child lights up at the chance to have a holiday meal or a small gift, you understand how powerful compassion can be.” He added, “Hope is healing and when our Alameda Health System community comes together to lift families, we show that our mission isn’t just words. It is action.”
This holiday season you can help families, like the Bautistas, by participating in Hope for the Holidays. Learn more about the program and how to make your donation here.