First Hand Foundation

Every birthday comes with a wish.

Ours is Fifty for the Future.

We're looking for 50 people to commit to giving $50 each month, helping create reliable, year-round support for children and families facing medical challenges.

Because medical needs don't happen once a year.
Families don't face hardship once a year.
Children deserve access to care every single month.

If you've been looking for a way to make a lasting impact, now is the perfect time to start giving monthly.

Help us find our 50. $50 a month. Countless children impacted.

Become a monthly donor: www.firsthandfoundation.org/donate

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Every gift becomes part of a child's story.

Meet Lucas.

One year ago, Lucas became one of the very first children funded through First Hand Foundation's next chapter. At the time, he struggled to use his adaptive communication device consistently, sit independently, and fully engage with peers.

Today, thanks to intensive therapy made possible by our generous supporters, Lucas is making incredible strides. He can communicate his wants and needs (even telling his family when he's "bored" 😊), he is standing longer and helping with wheelchair transfers, and spending more meaningful time playing and interacting with age-like peers.

His mom recently shared this note:
"Thank you so much for this life-changing therapy opportunity and for being so selfless and caring about making my son's life better. We are forever grateful."

As we celebrate our first birthday, we're celebrating stories like Lucas'—because every donation becomes part of a child's journey.

Help us write the next child's story.
www.firsthandfoundation.org/donate

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Every mission has a beginning.

Ours started with one belief: every child deserves access to essential medical care—regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

In 1995, Jeanne Patterson, alongside her husband Neal Patterson and Cerner co-founder Cliff Illig, turned that belief into action by creating First Hand Foundation. Together, they envisioned a nonprofit that could remove financial barriers and help families facing some of life's most difficult moments.

For nearly 30 years, that simple idea has changed thousands of lives.

As we celebrate one year of First Hand Foundation's next chapter, we're proud to carry that legacy forward—continuing to break down barriers, build new partnerships, and ensure more children receive the care they need to thrive.

As Jeanne often said,

"It's all about knowing what's the right thing to do."

That belief inspired our beginning, and it continues to guide us today.

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One year by the numbers ✨

Behind every number is a child, a family, a moment of relief, and a path toward healing.

In our first year:
🩵 393 children accessed care
🩵 $1.8M awarded in support
🩵 481 volunteer hours served
🩵 5,000+ love bags and hygiene kits packed

These numbers tell a story — of compassion, action, and community showing up when it matters most.

And this is only year one.

Thank you for being part of it.

🎉 WE'RE ONE! 🎉

One year ago, First Hand Foundation began a brand-new chapter.

In just 12 months, this incredible community has helped hundreds of children access life-changing medical care, delivered thousands of Love Bags and hygiene kits, and given families hope during some of their hardest days.

But the best birthday gift we could receive isn't for us.
It's the chance to help even more kids.

That's why we're celebrating our first birthday with an ambitious goal:
Raise $100,000 in July to help more children access the care, equipment, therapies, and support they need to thrive.

Every gift—whether it's $10, $100, or $1,000—helps write the next chapter for a child who needs us.

Because one year is worth celebrating.

What comes next is worth investing in.
Help us celebrate by making your birthday gift today.
www.firsthandfoundation.org/donate

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A simple drawing. A heartfelt note. A powerful reminder of why this work matters.

When financial barriers interrupted Libby’s therapy, her family feared the progress she had made might be lost. Through First Hand, access to care was restored — and in just one month, they’re already seeing meaningful growth.

We are so grateful to the Lance family for sharing their story and allowing us to be part of Libby’s journey.

Because every child deserves health, joy, and future full of possibility.

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We need YOU.

A few hours of your time can make a big difference for local children and families.

Throughout the year, volunteers help us assemble supplies, prepare program materials, and create resources that support children across our community. Whether you're a longtime supporter or looking for a new way to get involved, we'd love to have you join us.

Every kit packed, every bag assembled, and every volunteer hour given helps us remove barriers to care and create opportunities for children to thrive.

Ready to lend a hand? Sign up today:
https://firsthandfoundation.org/get-involved/

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Five years old. More therapy recommended. More therapy needed. One future full of possibility.

Xander lives with autism and a phonological disorder, and receives speech and occupational therapy to strengthen communication, fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-regulation.

His care team recommended a higher frequency of therapy to support his development—but like many families, Xander's family discovered that having insurance doesn't always mean having access. Their plan covers only a limited number of therapy visits each year, leaving a gap between what was recommended and what was covered.

That's where First Hand stepped in.

Through donors like you, Xander can receive additional speech and occupational therapy sessions, helping him continue building skills, confidence, and independence during this important stage of development.

This is what First Hand exists to do: remove barriers to care and help children access the services they need to thrive.

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One month ago, our community came together at Off to the Races.

Together, we raised more than $365,000 to help children access medical care they otherwise may not receive.

The event may be over, but the impact is just beginning.

Every dollar raised will help remove financial barriers for families facing some of their most difficult moments.

Thank you for making it possible!

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