​We are honored to help those in need

Bella Brown

On March 18, 2025, our cherished Bella Dame Brown, known lovingly as Bella-icious, tragically left us. While the world feels a little quieter without her, her vibrant spirit continues to shine in the hearts of those who love her. Bella filled her too-short life with joy, laughter, and boundless kindness.
Her curiosity and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest days, leaving us with precious memories that words can hardly describe. Although she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every hug, smile, and act of kindness we share. Bella was deeply loved and will always be remembered.
We also want to express our gratitude to ABFA for their fantastic support during this difficult time. Your compassion and dedication bring hope and dignity to families in need, and we are deeply grateful for your work.
With the warmest appreciation, 
The Brown Family

hawk hayes

In 2020, our amazing son Hawk was born and although small (4lbs 8oz), Hawk didn’t require NICU care and was born extremely healthy. In the first 6 months, we noticed some developmental delays, but attributed these setbacks to his size. However, by 9 months old, we noticed his progress was stalling, and since then, it’s been an emotional journey of unanswered questions, medical testing, and persistent therapy. Despite clear MRIs, genetic tests, and other evaluations, Hawk still has no official diagnosis at 4 years old. He continues to face motor and speech delays, yet his resilience and ongoing progress inspire hope and determination in us every day.
About a year ago, feeling frustrated with limited progress, we revamped Hawk’s care team and explored functional neurology and alternative therapies. The results have been remarkable - Hawk is now making developmental leaps in weeks instead of months. He recently began a six-week therapy intensive involving a collaborative team of specialists, and within two weeks, he went from needing braces to walk to walking the same distances without any brace at all! Craniosacral therapy also revealed possible causes of his speech challenges and has given us new direction and hope. 
​We are extremely grateful for the recent gift from A Breath From Alessandra and it came at the perfect time. The amount helped pay for The Summit Program - an intensive therapy that helps integrate the vision, vestibular, and auditory systems correctly. Hawk just finished the first stage of this therapy and we can already tell his hearing and vision has improved immensely! This gift has truly been life changing for Hawk and we continue to see progress in him everyday!

josephine ferris

From the moment she stepped into a gym at just two years old, gymnastics became an essential part of her identity. But at 15, everything changed. She woke up one morning in excruciating back pain and soon learned she had herniated two discs, an injury that would force her to stop doing the sport she loved most.

While the loss was deeply challenging, she discovered something powerful in the process: “Making the best of what you have is imperative to a happy life,” she shares.
Now, as she prepares to begin a new chapter at Virginia Tech, she carries that mindset forward with gratitude, and with the support of the A Breath for Alessandra award. “It truly wouldn’t be possible without this scholarship,” she says. “Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen - it means so much to me.”

lauren Digiovanni

At just 17 years old, Lauren DiGiovanni is already charting a path defined by determination, resilience, and a deep love for music. This fall, she’ll begin her dream program in Music Business at NYU - a milestone made even more meaningful by the challenges she’s quietly faced along the way.
Though her health journey hasn’t always been visible to others, Lauren has never let it stop her from moving forward. Instead, she’s met each obstacle with courage and a positive outlook that inspires those around her.
“Since receiving the scholarship from ABFA, I’ve been able to pay for school supplies and textbooks,” Lauren shares. “But more than that, I’ve learned about Alessandra’s story and what this foundation stands for - raising awareness and supporting those living with chronic health conditions.”
Her words and her spirit reflect the very heart of A Breath for Alessandra: empowering young people to pursue their dreams, even when the road is difficult. With your support, Lauren is stepping into the future she’s worked so hard for - ready to turn her passion into purpose.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. AAFA is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research.  More people than ever before have asthma — about 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma. It is one of the most common and costly diseases.