Our Story
Cindy Costa, Founder
When founder Cindy Costa checked in to Sutter Children’s Hospital with her then six-year-old daughter, Brittany, she had no idea her life would be forever changed. Born premature with underdeveloped lungs, Brittany suffered from medical issues early on and later required an emergency appendectomy at age six, ending in a traumatic GI bleed.
It was during this extended hospital stay that Cindy noticed the heartache, disappointment, and stress faced by hospitalized children and their families—and she knew she needed to do something to help. She vowed that if her daughter recovered, she would do everything in her power to bring hope to children and families in similar situations. The next day—to her complete surprise—her daughter was discharged and her health restored.
Together with a growing group of volunteers, Cindy spent the next decade serving children and families in the NICU and pediatric departments, providing home cooked meals and comfort items. Then in 2016, an arts and crafts event at the Ronald McDonald spurred a new vision, as Cindy saw firsthand how art brought hope, healing, and restoration to children facing serious illness, and to their families. Soon after, All About Hope was born. In 2018, Cindy was named "Volunteer of the Year" by Sutter Children's Hospital for her outstanding volunteer service.
OUR MISSION
When children are encouraged to be creative—to explore the unique capabilities of their imagination—there’s no limit to what they can achieve. But for children with cancer and other serious illnesses, dreaming of a world with endless possibilities is not always easy—it takes courage.
for children with cancer and other serious illnesses, dreaming of a world with endless possibilities is not always easy—it takes courage.
All About Hope gives hospitalized children and their families the tools they need to dream beyond the confines of their hospital room. By providing Hope Boxes filled with art supplies and project ideas, children are transported from their current situation and into the incredible world of their imagination—lifting their spirits, improving their quality of life, and promoting hope for recovery. For parents and guardians, Hope Boxes are designed to support them in their critical role as caregivers, offering inspiration and a much-needed creative outlet.
Beyond the box, All About Hope sponsors interactive family events and provides continued support to the families we serve. With a caring and unique approach, we seek to promote a culture of courageous creativity for pediatric patients, their families, and the larger community.
