Building pathways to make the impossible Possible
A Heartfelt
Thank You To Our Supporters
We are profoundly grateful to the 250+ supporters who made our inaugural Premier Fundraiser Dinner a sold-out success. Your presence—families, athletes, community leaders, and partners alike—created an unforgettable evening of heart, hope, and shared purpose. Because of your generosity, we are expanding opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to play, belong, and thrive through inclusive athletics, mentorship, and community. This is just the beginning. Together, we are building something meaningful.
See Full Image Gallery
Take Heart Premier Fundraiser
April 24th 2026.
For access password
email: contact@thf1633.org
Photos by Paulina Kubis
© Paulina Kubis Photography
A Night of Heart
& Hope
Watch a special video tribute by New York Yankees Manager, Aaron Boone recognizing Christina’s courage and applauding the Take Heart Foundation’s mission, and marks a powerful beginning to the organization’s efforts to expand access to inclusive athletics for children with developmental disabilities across New York State.
New York Yankees Manager, Aaron Boone
Our Mission
We are committed to empowering children of all abilities through inclusive athletics, mentorship, and community-based programs—creating pathways to confidence, independence, and belonging. Because no child should ever be left on the sidelines.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Nearly 1 in 6 children in the United States lives with a developmental disability. Yet in New York State, tens of thousands are still missing the educational support, therapies, and inclusive athletic opportunities they are legally entitled to.
Take Heart Foundation is changing that.
We’re building programs that create access, confidence, and connection:
Inclusive Athletics — Team-based sports where children of all abilities play together
Mentorship — Role models who inspire confidence, resilience, and growth
Community — Events that bring families together through shared experiences
Our pilot programs launch in the coming year—designed from day one to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.
Every child deserves a place to play, belong, and thrive.
Take Heart Partners With Hot Shots Basketball
The Take Heart Foundation is proud to launch a new clinic in partnership with Hot Shots Basketball, expanding access to elite training, mentorship, and opportunity for young athletes.
Through this initiative, Take Heart will sponsor enrollment for a select group of children, breaking down financial barriers and creating pathways to making the impossible, possible.
“Because early intervention changes life pathways, expanding access not only builds independence for each child but strengthens our entire community’s future potential.”
— PMC (National Library of Medicine)
Powered by supporters who Take Heart
Our mission comes to life through a growing community of corporate sponsors and generous supporters committed to helping us build a more inclusive future. Their support is expanding access to programs for the children and families who need them most.
We proudly recognize these partners as champions of inclusion—helping create stronger futures, making the impossible, possible.
Join us in ensuring no child remains on the sidelines.
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness
One Extra Chromosome,
One Extraordinary Life
Follow our journey and celebrate with us as we illuminate the possible
We are just getting started.
With your support, we can reach more children, strengthen more communities, and build a future where every child has the opportunity to step onto the field—and know they belong.
Donate - Partner - Take Heart
