Supporting Families When It Matters Most
Since 2011, Tori’s Angels Foundation has been dedicated to helping families with children facing life-threatening conditions. The organization provides financial assistance for expenses not covered by insurance, including deductibles, co-pays, and travel costs such as airfare, meals, and mileage.
Today, Tori’s Angels is actively supporting around 130 families, providing an average of more than $5,000 per family each year. Over the past 14 years, nearly 200 families have received support - helping ease the financial stress so families can focus on what matters most: their child.
Tori’s Angels wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the help and support of organizations like Variety. Our two organizations share a common goal of helping Iowa children, and we are extremely grateful for this partnership.
Julie Dent-Zajicek, President of Tori’s Angels Foundation
A Family’s Story: Grace
Grace’s story is a powerful example of how this support makes a difference.
At just 19 months old, Grace was placed on the transplant list for a new liver. Her surgery was scheduled to take place in Kansas City, meaning her family needed to quickly prepare for travel and extended time away from home. At the same time, her mother was expecting another baby at any moment.
In August, Grace’s father called Tori’s Angels for help, and the organization was able to step in immediately, covering nearly all the costs for an Airbnb so the family could stay together during this critical time.
While on that call, everything changed.
A liver had become available for Grace, and the family needed to leave within hours.
The very next morning, Grace’s mom gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Before heading into surgery, Grace was able to meet her new brother - a moment her family will never forget.
Grace’s surgery was successful, and the family was able to recover together in the Airbnb, with space for both parents and all four children. Today, they are back home, and Grace has recently completed her chemotherapy.
Creating Stability Through Support
By helping cover essential expenses, this funding allows families to focus less on financial strain and more on caring for their child during an incredibly difficult time.
Through partnerships like this, Variety continues to ensure that Iowa families facing unimaginable challenges have the support they need - bringing relief, stability, and hope when it’s needed most.
