High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire

High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire High Hopes Foundation provides Life-Enhancing Experiences to New Hampshire's chronically ill children. The High Hopes mission started in 1983.

Imagine the delight in granting a life-changing-experience to a child who lives with serious health problems. This is the mission of High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire, a non-profit organization headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. For 30 years, High Hopes Foundation has brought hope, joy, and light to hundreds of New Hampshire children with serious illnesses by providing them life-enrichin

g experiences. Two neighbors, Jacque Yinger and Dawn Cavanaugh, were inspired by the unselfish support and generosity of their community. Thanks to so many who cared, Jacque and Dawn took Jacque’s daughter Alison, a cancer patient, to Disney World to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Alison got to have fun like any other child. From that experience, these moms concluded that other children’s lives could be similarly enriched by the generosity of others. No other New Hampshire organizations were granting wishes like this at that time, and so from then on, Jacque and Dawn dedicated their lives to this calling. Since its inception, High Hopes Foundation has granted over 540 hopes. These life-changing-experiences are as unique as the children who receive them. Tanner received a new, handicap-accessible van so that he could ride together with his whole family and lessen the burden on his mother, his primary caretaker. Howie watched the classic rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers courtside and even got to play one-on-one with Ray Allen and have lunch with the team. Taylor received regular occupational and physical therapy in her own hot tub on the family’s backyard deck. Mariah enjoyed a day-long shopping spree, highlighted by a complimentary hotel stay. Zac spent a week at Give Kids the World with his family, where he and his little brothers met Mickey Mouse. Skyler also traveled to Disney with her family to meet Princess Ariel. Give Kids the World, located near Disney World and founded by Holocaust survivors, is a popular wish destination for many High Hopes recipients. High Hopes Foundation sponsors numerous community-based fundraising activities throughout the year, and benefits from the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Fundraising events involve bowling, golfing, motorcycles, classic cars, and family fairs. High Hopes Foundation draws its energy from volunteers from all walks of life who love children and want to contribute time and talent to a worthy cause. You do not need to possess special talents, just a desire to help. High Hopes Foundation of NH invites everyone to be the difference in a child’s life.

Lily is a bright, energetic, and fearless 7-year-old little girl with a smile as big as her personality! Despite a diag...
04/03/2026

Lily is a bright, energetic, and fearless 7-year-old little girl with a smile as big as her personality!

Despite a diagnosis of Spastic Diplegia, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Septo Optic Dysplasia Lily brings joy and imagination to everything she does. She has a natural curiosity about the world and a deep love for new experiences, whether it’s adaptive skiing down a snowy hill, riding her favorite horse at hippotherapy, or swimming with her friends. She’s incredibly social and outgoing, always eager to make new friends and try new things. Her wheelchair doesn’t define her; it’s simply one of the tools she uses to explore the world in her own way.

An adaptive bike would open up an entirely new kind of freedom for Lily. It would allow her to join neighborhood rides with friends, feel the wind in her hair, and experience movement and independence in a way that few other activities can offer. Beyond the joy and confidence it would bring, biking would also help strengthen her legs and core, supporting her therapy goals while giving her another outlet for her adventurous spirit.

For Lily, a Freedom Concepts DCP16 ADAPTIVE Bike isn’t just equipment; it’s a chance to share in the fun of being an active kid, side by side with her peers, doing what she loves most: being part of the adventure.

Meet Brandon 💙Brandon is a 6-year-old with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), a lifelong genetic condition that comes with a un...
04/01/2026

Meet Brandon 💙

Brandon is a 6-year-old with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), a lifelong genetic condition that comes with a unique set of challenges—and an incredible spirit. He has faced more than most children his age, including developmental delays, congenital heart disease requiring surgical repair, congenital hypothyroidism, severe sleep apnea, and low muscle tone. In just the past few months alone, he has undergone two major surgeries.

But what stands out most about Brandon isn’t his diagnoses—it’s who he is.

He is social, kind, and has a heart that naturally includes everyone around him. Brandon is genuine, pure, and gentle—especially with babies, who he absolutely adores. He has a special love for both real and stuffed animals, and his face lights up for his favorite character, Pluto.

Brandon’s family dreams of giving him a magical experience at Give Kids the World—a place where kids like Brandon can simply be kids, surrounded by joy, wonder, and unforgettable moments.

High Hopes Foundation is honored to support Brandon and his family in making this dream a reality. 💫

If you feel called to help bring a little extra magic into Brandon’s world, we welcome your support.

Thank you to for your support of the ! If your business or organization would like to learn more about how you can supp...
03/25/2026

Thank you to for your support of the ! If your business or organization would like to learn more about how you can support an amazing New Hampshire non-profit, please send us a message!

Help bring hope to families facing life-threatening illnesses. 💙High Hopes Foundation of NH is seeking a Board Director ...
02/26/2026

Help bring hope to families facing life-threatening illnesses. 💙

High Hopes Foundation of NH is seeking a Board Director focused on Donor Relations & Alumni Engagement. This is a meaningful leadership opportunity to strengthen community connections and support families across NH.

If you have experience or interest in donor relations, community outreach, or alumni engagement, and want to make a meaningful impact for families across New Hampshire, let’s connect!

Details here:
https://volunteernh.galaxydigital.com/need/index?agency_id=180822

Paxton is an energetic, adventurous 8-year-old with a big love for movement and the outdoors. Diagnosed with level 3 aut...
02/09/2026

Paxton is an energetic, adventurous 8-year-old with a big love for movement and the outdoors. Diagnosed with level 3 autism, Paxton works incredibly hard every day—both at school on academics and in therapy to build his speech and social skills. When it’s time to unwind, his favorite place to be is outside in his fenced backyard, swinging freely… even in the winter ❄️

As Paxton has grown, so has his strength. He’s tall for his age, full of energy, and has strong gross motor skills—but the swing set his family purchased when he was a toddler has simply been outgrown. What once supported his play and regulation can no longer keep up with his size, strength, or sensory needs.

High Hopes Foundation is proud to approve a sturdy, long-lasting swing set designed to grow with Paxton—one that supports safe movement, sensory regulation, and joyful outdoor play for years to come. This isn’t just a swing set; it’s a tool for independence, confidence, and everyday happiness.

Because every child deserves equipment that meets them where they are—and where they’re going. 💙

Jack is a sweet, easygoing, and curious three-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. He loves all things Mickey Mouse and h...
02/05/2026

Jack is a sweet, easygoing, and curious three-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. He loves all things Mickey Mouse and he also enjoys playing on his swing set. His mom describes Jack as having a wonderful disposition, and he has been making meaningful progress with communication since beginning an intensive ABA therapy program six days a week.

As Jack grows older, faster, and more curious, his safety has become an increasing concern. Although the family has a swing set in their yard, Jack currently requires constant one-on-one supervision while playing to ensure he does not wander from the property—something he has already done. Due to his diagnosis, wandering is an ongoing risk, which means family outings must remain brief and highly supervised.

Jack’s parents would love nothing more than to install a fence around their yard so Jack can play safely outdoors. A fenced yard would allow his parents to host playdates, give his grandparents peace of mind when caring for him outside, and help the entire family feel more relaxed and confident while enjoying time outdoors together.

We are so happy to announce that come this spring, Jack will be able to safely explore his backyard and his swing-set in his newly fenced in back yard!!

Ozyius is a sweet almost 2 year-old boy who finds joy in simple, meaningful moments—listening to music, visually explori...
02/02/2026

Ozyius is a sweet almost 2 year-old boy who finds joy in simple, meaningful moments—listening to music, visually exploring his lightbox, and having his big brother nearby.

Shortly after birth, Ozyius was diagnosed with severe encephalomalacia, a significant brain malformation, along with severe ventriculomegaly. As a result, he lives with complex medical needs that greatly impact his daily life. Ozyius has global developmental delays and visual impairment, experiences increased muscle tone, spasticity, and dystonia, and continues to have seizures that are difficult to control.

To support Ozyius’s comfort, positioning, and overall quality of life, his care team has recommended a Pea Pod positioning system—a specialized piece of equipment that provides safe, supportive alignment and helps reduce strain on his body. Unfortunately, this critical equipment is not covered by insurance, and the cost is more than his family can afford on their own.

Thanks to the generosity of High Hopes Foundation donors, Ozyius will receive the Pea Pod he needs—helping him rest more comfortably, engage more fully with his surroundings, and enjoy precious moments with his family.

Your support makes a real difference for children with complex medical needs—bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to everyday life. 💙

Laighton is an active, gritty, and competitive 15-year-old diagnosed with Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS). CRS is a rar...
12/31/2025

Laighton is an active, gritty, and competitive 15-year-old diagnosed with Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS). CRS is a rare congenital condition in which the lower spine and spinal cord do not fully form, leading to challenges in the lower body, including spinal and leg involvement.

In Laighton’s case, she has loss of innervation from the thighs down and is a recent below-the-knee amputee of her right leg.

Despite these challenges, Laighton is an incredibly driven athlete. She plays center/forward for the Northeast Passage Sled Hockey team, an adaptive sports program based out of the University of New Hampshire.

Laighton and her large, close-knit family also share a deep love of skiing. However, Laighton is currently only able to access the adaptive seated monoski she requires during instructor-led lessons that must be scheduled months in advance. While this allows her to ski, it prevents her from doing what she loves most—skiing alongside her family, on their own time.

The cost of purchasing the Hydralight Frame Monoski Laighton needs to ski independently is simply out of reach for her family.

At the High Hopes Foundation, these are exactly the kinds of life-enhancing opportunities we are proud to provide for New Hampshire’s children.

Get out there and shred some pow, Laighton! 🤍⛷️

Bryce is a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with UBA5, an extremely rare genetic disorder that results in epilepsy, global deve...
12/31/2025

Bryce is a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with UBA5, an extremely rare genetic disorder that results in epilepsy, global developmental delay, and dystonia. As a result, Bryce is non-verbal, unable to stand or walk independently, and receives nutrition through a G-tube.

Bryce currently weighs approximately 80 pounds, and as he continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly difficult for his parents to safely lift, transfer, change, and dress him without placing significant strain on their backs, shoulders, and wrists.

Bryce’s parents are requesting a Power Hi-Lo Open Base Padded Table, which would allow them to safely and effectively meet Bryce’s daily care needs while reducing the risk of caregiver injury. This equipment will eliminate heavy lifting and awkward transfers, provide increased comfort and dignity for Bryce as he grows, and significantly improve efficiency and safety during dressing and changing routines at home.

We are so happy to provide this piece of equipment to Bryce and his family!!!!

Grace is a smart, strong-willed and curious 2 year old little girl recently diagnosed with autism. Grace’s parents desc...
12/30/2025

Grace is a smart, strong-willed and curious 2 year old little girl recently diagnosed with autism. Grace’s parents describe her as an intuitive child with high energy, who is constantly moving, sensory seeking and generally emotionally disregulated.

She currently receives Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and intensive ABA therapy in which she is beginning to demonstrate nice progress with her expressive language skills.

Grace’s parents say she is a ‘flight risk’ everywhere they go, requiring constant supervision no matter the environment. Grace loves to be outside, but she is just too unpredictable outdoors even in the familiarity of their own property for her parents to feel comfortable playing outdoors with her. While the family home is located on a quiet street, they are very close to the busy Rt 28 and in addition, there are wetlands across the street.

Grace’s parents were desperately seeking a fenced in yard for their daughter to allow them to all play together as a family, instead of feeling like they are on constant high alert supervising her every move.

We are so happy to make this happen for Grace and her family!!! Here she is, enjoying the cold New England weather in the safety of her newly fenced in back yard!!!

Address

12 Murphy Drive, Ste 106
Nashua, NH
03062

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