2026 HOLIDAY WISHES
Select families assisted by Steps Together in 2026 were invited to provide an Amazon Wish List, a specific wish, and a description of their family for those who wish to shop for them.
Lopez Family, Hillsborough
Two years ago, my life and my family’s life changed forever when I was diagnosed with triple-negative ductal carcinoma, HER2-positive breast cancer. Since then, I have endured 18 surgeries, with one more now added to the list, countless chemotherapy treatments, and numerous complications that have made every step of this journey incredibly difficult.
This battle has taken a tremendous toll on me physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Working has become nearly impossible because of the complications and side effects I experience with every chemotherapy treatment. I have been denied Social Security disability benefits three times, despite everything I have been through and the challenges I continue to face.
My husband has been by my side, doing everything he can to take care of me in the best way he knows how. Our family has had to make sacrifices that we never imagined. We have not had a truly happy, normal Christmas in two years, and we have not been able to take a family vacation in that same amount of time.
We have three beautiful children, ages 19, 11, and 9, who have also been affected by this journey. We used to be an extremely active, outgoing family. We loved the outdoors, adventures, water parks, indoor water parks, amusement parks, road trips to different states, and making memories together. Those simple joys that once made our family so happy have been put on hold.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it affects the entire family. We miss our old lives, the laughter, the adventures, the holidays, and the freedom to make memories without worrying about the next surgery, treatment, or complication.
All we want is a chance to enjoy life together again, give our children some normalcy, and make the happy memories that cancer has taken away from us over these past two years.
Family of two navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, Hillsborough
Thank you so much for everything this organization has done for me over the last couple of months. Your support has truly made this difficult time less stressful and has helped me focus on my recovery rather than worrying about bills.
These past few months have been incredibly rough for my daughter and me, but we have each other, and we are getting through it one day at a time. Being able to focus on her and spend time with her without the constant financial stress has meant more than words can express.
I was diagnosed at the end of July, and unfortunately, I had to cancel her birthday party in August because I was uncertain about my finances and what I would be able to afford.
I would really love the opportunity to make that special memory with her by taking her to Topgolf. It would mean so much to be able to celebrate her and give her something fun to look forward to after everything we've been through.
We are a family of two navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. I will be undergoing reconstruction surgery sometime in the new year, so any gift cards would be incredibly helpful and could be put toward expenses related to my upcoming surgery and recovery. My daughter is 13 years old and loves bedazzling, playing golf, field hockey, and spending time with her friends. She also loves cozy, comfortable pajamas!
Family of 4, Pediatric Cancer, Hillsborough
Our family has been fighting a cancer diagnosis of our two year old daughter. She was diagnosed a mere two weeks after we welcomed her baby brother into our family. The type of condition she was diagnosed with affects 1% of pediatric patients, however, she has been resilient during her several rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries and we know she will overcome this! She is so strong and brave, and our family is very appreciative of the support of Steps Together and the community during this difficult time.