The Legacy of Light
Bringing Hope and Comfort to Families in Crisis

By Mary Beth Lawlor

For families facing the unimaginable—a child’s critical illness or tragic injury—the smallest act of kindness can make an immeasurable difference. For nearly two decades, Angels of Light has been that beacon, offering comfort, financial relief, and moments of joy to families across the Hudson Valley. Now, through its ambitious Legacy of Light program, the organization is creating lasting change that will continue to serve generations to come.

The program focuses on large-scale, enduring projects designed to provide long-term impact and stability for families in crisis. This year, Angels of Light announced a remarkable new initiative: the construction of a parent home at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla. This residence will offer parents a place to stay—completely free of charge—while their children undergo treatment for severe illnesses and traumatic injuries. For many families, lodging expenses have been one of the most overwhelming financial burdens. The new parent home will eliminate that stress, allowing parents to remain close to their child’s bedside during the most difficult moments of their lives.

The idea for the project was born out of direct conversations with hospital executives, who shared the urgent needs within their pediatric departments. The alignment between those needs and Angels of Light’s mission sparked the creation of the Legacy of Light program. The organization’s long-term vision is to expand this initiative to hospitals across all 11 counties it serves, continuing to build spaces that offer comfort, dignity, and hope to families in need.

While the program focuses on building long-term solutions, Angels of Light continues its essential, hands-on community programs throughout the year. Its financial assistance program supports approximately 150 families annually, helping them cover rent, mortgage payments, gas, and the cost of medical devices. By alleviating financial pressures, the organization allows parents to focus on what truly matters: caring for their children.

During the holiday season, the holiday giving program brings warmth and joy to more than 120 families each year. Volunteers shop, wrap, and deliver personalized gifts so parents can spend precious time with their children—moments that, for many, are among their last together. Local businesses play an important role by hosting giving trees or adopting families, ensuring that every wish list item carries deep meaning.

Through their Kids Helping Kids program, young members of the community learn the power of compassion by organizing fundraisers, writing cards, and creating art for children in hospitals. These simple gestures foster empathy and connection, showing how even the smallest hands can make a big difference.

Rounding out their outreach, the pediatric gift giving program delivers cheerful gift bags filled with books, art supplies, toys, and clothing to hospitalized children—small comforts that bring joy in uncertain times.

Together, these programs embody the mission of Angels of Light: to bring light, hope, and love to families when they need it most—a legacy that continues to shine ever brighter. Find out how you can help at angelsoflighthv.org