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Faith Hope Wishes

To bring hope to families facing pediatric cancer (Special Love), support brain tumor patients of all ages (NBTS), and create life-changing moments through Make-A-Wish.

Our Story...

To bring hope to families facing pediatric cancer (Special Love), support brain tumor patients of all ages (NBTS), and create life-changing moments through Make-A-Wish. Our story began in 2014, when Nitin Ramachandran was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at the age of 13. His journey through brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy tested his strength and resilience at every step. During this difficult time, Nitin received a life-altering wish—to be an NBA player for a day. That experience brought him joy, hope, and renewed courage, reminding his family of the profound impact compassion can have during a child’s darkest moments. Inspired by Nitin’s journey and the power of that wish, two years later his mother, Jyothi Raghavan, made the decision to retire from her career as a software professional. She devoted her life to supporting children and families facing critical illnesses, ensuring that no family walks this journey alone and that hope continues to shine, even in the hardest times. Both Nitin and Jyothi have been actively involved with three main organization. MAKE A WISH MID ATLANTIC SPECIAL LOVE NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY

Special Love

Special Love provides a strong, nurturing environment for children with cancer and their families through its free camps and getaway weekends, emergency financial assistance, virtual programs, and educational scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer and now want to move on with their lives.
NBTS

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes, and unites the brain tumor community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and caregivers.
Make-a-Wish Mid-Atlantic

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Maryland, D.C., and northern Virginia. Since 1983, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic has granted more than 12,000 wishes in the local community, contributing to 585,000 wishes worldwide. With 56 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states.

Nitin's wish to be...a Washington Wizard!

Thirteen-year-old Nitin from Herndon, VA has been a sports fan avid athlete his whole life. In the spring of 2014, Nitin's life changed from being filled with tennis practice, excelling at school and spending time with friends when he was diagnosed with a stage four brain tumor. Facing brain surgery and months of radiation and chemotherapy, Nitin and his family had to come to terms with their lives changing in almost every way. Through it all, this Washington sports fan loyally followed every game, especially those of his favorite team, the Washington Wizards. When Nitin learned he would receive a wish from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, he didn't hesitate with his choice. Nitin wished to be a Washington Wizard. This is his story. Many thanks to the Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports & Entertainment for assisting in the granting of Nitin's wish. Additional thanks to GreenBuzz Agency for their role in the creation of this video capturing Nitin's wish come true. http://www.greenbuzzagency.com/
Wizards Fan discusses his Make-A-Wish 10 years later | FOX 5 DC

Wizards fanatic Nitin Ramachandran discusses his Make-A-Wish granted by the Washington basketball team, and how it helped boost his spirits as he battled brain cancer.

Special Love provides a strong, nurturing environment for children with cancer and their families through its free camps and getaway weekends, emergency financial assistance, virtual programs, and educational scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer and now want to move on with their lives.

The Medulloblastoma Initiative

Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, leads the MATCHPOINT trial at the University of Florida, exploring adoptive cell therapy for treating children's brain tumors. Previous studies show promise, with one patient nearly cured of metastatic disease. The ultimate aim is to cure kids.
Alzner Foundation Empowering DMV Youth Through Sports

Learn more about the youth sports foundation founded, by Mandy & Karl Alzner, dedicated to youth sports and enrichment in the Washington DC and DMV community.