Celebrating 4 Years
From Haley’s Mom, Heather
Here we are, celebrating another year of The Haley Rasco Foundation. Sometimes it feels like we’ve only been doing this for a few months, and other times it feels like a decade. But with every year that passes, I am reminded of just how grateful we are to see God’s glory in Haley’s legacy. This past year has held so many special moments and milestones.
This year, we hosted more than 20 events at Texas Children’s Main Campus. From having Mustang Cat bring their machines for Haley’s Hard Day, to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo bringing their mascots and Blaze the Rodeo Clown to the Heart Center, to Ice Cream Day with KSBJ, we were able to bring so many fun and unique experiences into the hospital. These events give kids the opportunity to simply be kids and give them access to experiences they might otherwise never get to enjoy.
Our 2nd Annual Boots & Blessings Barn Dance was another incredible highlight. Together, we raised $135,000! More than 250 people gathered to enjoy amazing bar-b-que, danced to live music by Shea Doman, bid in our silent auction, and learn more about the work God has called us to do. One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was hearing Jen and Mike Clark share their daughter Abby’s cancer journey. Their willingness to share their story reminded us all of the real life families we are serving.
Thank you to everyone who came and helped make the night so special. And mark your calendars, next year’s Barn Dance will be April 2, 2027!
This year, we also moved into a new office on the campus of Houston Northwest Church, our home church. Haley attended church and Mother’s Day Out here. She was prayed for by thousands of people here during her treatment, we celebrated her life here, and there is even a magnolia tree planted on the campus in her memory.
Having the opportunity to come back onto this campus feels a little like coming home. It is incredibly special to now have a place where we can continue Haley’s legacy of bringing joy to children and families. We can’t wait to share more about this new chapter in the coming months.
Four Years by the Numbers
As we celebrate four years of The Haley Rasco Foundation, here are just a few of the numbers that tell the story of what God has allowed us to accomplish together:
We’ve received $809,878 in cash donations and $87,013 of in-kind donations.
We’ve delivered 11,667 toys, valued at more than $129,000.
We’ve celebrated 2,739 birthdays through Haley’s Happy Birthdays.
We’ve brought 26,309 Joy Bags and activity kits into the hospital.
We’ve hosted more than 80 events in the hospital.
Dixon’s Lemonade Stand celebrated its 5th year this summer and has raised a total of $32,645.
Through Haley’s Holiday Helper program, we’ve served 125 families with more than $46,500 in gifts.
But most of all, there is one number that means more to me than all the others:
We've provided more than 56,000 Moments of Joy!
In these moments a child got to celebrate their birthday.
A toy, activity, event, or surprise brought a little light into an otherwise difficult day.
A family was reminded that they are seen, loved, and not alone.
Every single one represents a little joy brought to a child and a family walking through something incredibly difficult. I will never take lightly the opportunity God has given me, my family, and our team to serve them.
Four years ago, we could never have imagined where this journey would take us. What began from unimaginable loss has become a legacy filled with purpose, connection, and most importantly joy.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, purchased toys, volunteered, attended an event, prayed for us, shared a social media post, or simply told someone about Haley. Every single piece matters. Every act of support makes you part of Haley’s legacy.
I could not do this without my family, my staff, our volunteers, our donors, and every single person who continues to believe in what we are doing.
Four years later, we are still bringing Haley’s legacy of joy to children and families—and we are just getting started.
