Maria’s Love Foundation began with a loving memory and the dream to directly help families who are in need. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization aimed to helping families who require assistance managing financial burden due to serious illness within the family. Our goal is to reach out to churches, hospitals and organizations with the hopes of connecting with families who are suffering, not
only with illness, but of the financial hardships that undoubtedly accompany. Throughout the United States, people are spending millions for hospital bills. In 2012, 26.8% of families in the United States experienced financial burden from medical care. Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 4 families experience financial burden as a result of medical bills, and 1 in 10 people are in a family with medical bills that they are unable to pay at all? With your help, we can make our next event a huge success, and begin the journey to overcome some of the obstacles that these families in need are facing. The individuals behind this charity are not new to fundraising. Antri Papanikolaou, the charity’s founder has raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society with the help of New York Martial Arts Academy. Through her work with the American Cancer Society, Antri’s passion for fund raising inspired her to follow her dreams. Maria’s Love was created in honor and loving memory of a special woman, Maria Papanikolaou, Antri’s mother who courageously fought against melanoma with her family by her side. In just the first year of Maria’s Love Foundation’s inception, over $25,000 has been raised. We’ve been able to help four amazing families so far and we are so eager to help many more. All of the board members of Maria’s Love Foundation volunteer their time with the organization without any compensation. This allows all money raised to be given to families who are struggling financially due to medical expenses and help them through what may be the most difficult time in their lives.
