With “All I Want,” independent country artist Allie Colleen delivers a nostalgic summer anthem rooted in late nights, young love and the beauty of living fully in a moment, even if it cannot last. Inspired by the feeling of “something new on the horizon,” the song blends carefree energy with emotional depth, channeling moonlit memories, slow-burn romance and the unforgettable rush of staying up until sunrise sharing stories with someone you just decided you might love.
“I don’t relate to romantic love in my life, and we needed a love song, so I sat down with Eric Dodd, Stephen Hunley and we started with a melody and something about it made me feel like a day drive with something new on the horizon. So, here is my summer love song. I hope it brings back the thrill of summer love and staying up sunrise sharing personal stories with someone you just decided you were in love with, like staying on the phone for hours when you were fifteen.”
“All I Want” is available today on all streaming platforms HERE.
Stay current with everything Allie Colleen here.
About Allie Colleen:
Allie Colleen is the kind of artist who can make you laugh, cry and question your life choices, sometimes all in the same song. Equal parts witty storyteller, deep-feeler, dog lover, tattoo enthusiast and unapologetically honest human, Allie has a way of making every room feel like a conversation with an old friend. Whether she is singing about heartbreak, laughing at herself or unpacking life’s beautifully messy moments, her authenticity is impossible to fake and even harder to forget. Somewhere between the jokes and real talk, she just happens to have one of country music’s most powerful voices.
Rooted in timeless country tradition yet infused with modern influence, Allie has quietly become one of independent country music’s most compelling rising voices, known for silencing a room with heartfelt storytelling, emotional clarity and undeniable vocal power. Her music resonates because it feels lived in, honest and deeply human, connecting with audiences through both vulnerability and wit.
With more than 11.9 million streams across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and a social audience exceeding 250,000, Allie’s momentum continues to build. Named an Artist to Watch by outlets including People Country, Holler, Wide Open Country and Country Evolution, she has also been featured on Apple Music Country’s Best New Songs, selected as Artist of the Week on Bobby Bones’ Top 30 Countdown and highlighted by platforms including Nash News, Music Mayhem and Country Thang Daily.
A defining career moment came with her duet alongside Lee Brice, “While We’re Still Friends,” which generated strong organic streaming, earned its worldwide radio premiere on WSM Radio’s Cody, Coffee & Country and surpassed 1.13 million combined video views across platforms. Her touring resume is equally impressive, including dates with Lee Brice, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Tour, Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, BMI Key West Songwriter Festival and more than 125 national headline performances over the last two years.
Fearless, funny, deeply relatable and entirely her own, Allie Colleen is building a lasting career one honest song at a time.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Music Minute - Allie Colleen: All I Want
Parenting Pointers - Disability-Friendly Summer Programming
I had a chance to interview Nicole to learn more.
Why is it important for communities to have disability-friendly programs and programs that are inclusive of children with medical conditions?
It is important for communities to have disability-friendly and medically inclusive programs because they help ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate, learn, and build relationships regardless of their physical, cognitive, developmental, or medical challenges.
Some key reasons include:
- Equal access and opportunity: Children with disabilities or medical conditions deserve the same opportunities to participate in sports, recreation, education, and community activities as their peers.
- Social inclusion: Inclusive programs help children develop friendships, reduce isolation, and create a sense of belonging within their community.
- Improved physical and emotional well-being: Participation in community programs can improve fitness, confidence, self-esteem, and mental health.
- Education and understanding: Inclusive environments help all children learn empathy, respect, and appreciation for differences, reducing stigma and misconceptions.
- Skill development: Children with disabilities or medical conditions can develop important social, communication, and life skills through participation in community activities.
- Support for families: Inclusive programs provide families with resources, social connections, and opportunities for their children to engage in meaningful activities.
- Stronger communities: Communities that embrace inclusion are more welcoming, diverse, and equitable, benefiting everyone who lives there.
How can parents find programming that is suitable for children with a variety of medical needs?
Parents can find suitable programs for children with a variety of medical needs by taking a proactive approach and gathering information from trusted sources.
Some helpful strategies include:
- Talk with healthcare providers. Pediatricians, specialists, therapists, nurses, and social workers often know about local programs that can accommodate specific medical conditions and can recommend appropriate activities.
- Contact schools and special education staff. School counselors, special education coordinators, and school nurses may have information about community resources, recreational programs, camps, and support groups.
- Ask program staff about accommodations. Before enrolling, parents should discuss their child's medical needs with program directors and ask about staff training, medication administration policies, emergency procedures, accessibility, and available supports.
- Connect with disability and advocacy organizations. Organizations focused on specific conditions or disabilities often maintain directories of inclusive programs, camps, sports leagues, and recreational opportunities.
- Use community resources. Local parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, community centers, libraries, and faith-based organizations frequently offer inclusive programming or can provide referrals.
- Network with other families. Parent support groups, online communities, and local advocacy groups can be valuable sources of firsthand recommendations and experiences.
- Review program materials carefully. Parents should look for information about accessibility, inclusion policies, staff qualifications, participant-to-staff ratios, and medical support services.
- Visit programs before enrolling. Touring facilities and meeting staff can help parents assess whether a program is safe, welcoming, and capable of meeting their child's needs.Advocate for Inclusion – Work with local recreation departments, schools, camps, and community organizations to encourage the development of inclusive programs.
If a family lives in an area without a variety of inclusive summer activities, what are some options they may have?
If a family lives in an area without a variety of inclusive summer activities, they still have several options:
The best approach is often a combination of finding available opportunities nearby while working with local organizations to expand inclusive options for the future.
- Seek Nearby Programs – Look for inclusive camps, sports leagues, or recreation programs in neighboring towns or cities. Some organizations provide transportation assistance.
- Create Informal Opportunities – Organize playgroups, social gatherings, or activity clubs with other families to create inclusive experiences locally.
- Use Virtual Programs – Many organizations offer online summer camps, classes, social groups, and recreational activities that can be accessed from home.
- Partner with Community Organizations – Local libraries, faith communities, youth organizations, and nonprofits may be willing to adapt existing programs to be more inclusive.
- Explore Individualized Activities – Nature walks, swimming, arts and crafts, gardening, music lessons, and adaptive sports can provide meaningful summer engagement even when formal programs are limited.
- Connect with Disability Support Organizations – Organizations such as Special Olympics, The Arc, and local disability advocacy groups often maintain directories of inclusive activities and resources.
Movie Minute - Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe
Martial arts’ legendary icon Jackie Chan (Rush Hour & Police Story franchises) is reunited with everybody’s favorite giant panda Hu Hu for the martial arts action-comedy PANDA PLAN: THE MAGICAL TRIBE, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ and DVD August 11 from Well Go USA Entertainment. In this hilarious installment, Chan and Hu Hu stumble upon a hidden jungle society that hails Hu Hu as a mythical creature. Jackie must face down a group of tribal warriors to protect his best friend and uncover the ancient secrets of the mysterious land. Directed by Derek Hui (This is Not What I Expected), the family-friendly adventure also stars Ma Li (The Dumpling Queen, Too Cool to Kill), Shan Qiao (All the Good Eyes), and Yang Yu (Once Upon a Time in the Northeast).
Action legend Jackie Chan and his panda, Hu Hu, embark on an epic journey after discovering a hidden tribe in the jungle. Mistaken for a “mythical creature,” Hu Hu becomes the target of warriors and tribesmen who believe the panda is the key to averting a disastrous prophecy. Jackie must use his wits and skills to protect his vulnerable companion and uncover the ancient secrets of this mysterious land.
Enriching Education - The Village Transcript
For decades, high school students hoping to be accepted into college have relied on transcripts of academic achievements like attendance, honors, and GPA — but as all educators know, grades only tell part of a student’s story.
What if there’s a better way for colleges to evaluate what student applicants are really capable of?
This idea has led the California Area School District in Southwestern Pennsylvania to create “The Village Transcript,” which captures learning both in and out of school, including community-based experiences, skills, and competencies. Teachers, students, and community members can all contribute online to each student’s Village Transcript, which documents the whole child and serves as a resume, portfolio, and transcript in one place.
“This project was inspired by a student named Scott who is passionate about emergency response. Scott spends all his evenings and weekends at the local firehall. He has numerous certifications and will pursue his career in emergency response. Scott is the one you want to have saving your life, but his grades are average, so a traditional transcript would not document all of his skills. The Village Transcript allows Scott to clearly convey his passions and showcase his volunteer hours, certifications, and achievements,” said California Area School District Superintendent Laura Jacob.
This bold concept is already attracting statewide attention: The Carnegie Foundation has asked California Area to present the idea to the others in the Future of High School Network.
The Village Transcript project was funded with a Moonshot Grant from Remake Learning.
Since 2021, Remake Learning’s Moonshot Grants have invested over $4.5 million in over 100 ideas with the potential to transform education. Named in honor of the original effort to transport humans to the moon, this acclaimed funding model with Pittsburgh roots is making a difference worldwide by asking educators to dream big, take risks, and collaborate to make the impossible possible.
Support for Moonshot Grants is generously provided by The Grable Foundation and The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
About Remake Learning
Founded in 2007, Remake Learning stewards a network of partners working together to enrich Pittsburgh’s learning ecosystem and support young people navigating rapid social and technological change. Learn more at remakelearning.org
Parenting Pointers - Love Without Measure
Parenthood is widely anticipated as one of life's most fulfilling journeys, yet for today's new parents – especially Gen Z – that excitement is often met with feelings of pressure and judgment and amplified by picture-perfect social media portrayals.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/
In a national survey of more than 1,000 parents and parents-to-be, Similac found a striking paradox: while 93% of respondents believe parenthood will be the most fulfilling part of life, nearly 80% feel pressure to be the "perfect" parent on social media, fueled by comparison culture.
That's why Similac, Abbott's decades-long infant nutrition brand, is creating the "Love Without Measure" initiative. Working with a motherhood expert and influencer moms passionate about sharing their unfiltered stories, Similac aims to meet new parents where they are at and promote more authentic, realistic accounts of parenting. The brand is calling on moms and dads to share their parenting journey stories using #LoveWithoutMeasure on social channels.
"Similac has always stood for the belief that there is no single right way to parent. A decade after shining a light on parental judgment, we're seeing young parents, especially Gen Z, impacted by social media and comparison culture," said Misha Pardubicka-Jenkins, U.S. vice president and general manager, pediatric nutrition at Abbott. "Similac believes in celebrating real, unfiltered parenthood and Love Without Measure is another reminder to parents that their best is more than enough—wherever they are on their journey."
Call for Stories
To celebrate the beautiful messiness of parenthood, Similac is asking parents to share their stories using #LoveWithoutMeasure on social channels. Stories will be spotlighted, and the initiative will be supported with expert tips, content and dialogue to drive awareness and support for parents.
"Social media can be both a lifeline and a source of pressure for today's parents," said Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in psychology and mental load expert. "While online communities can reduce isolation and offer reassurance, the highly curated nature of parenting content often fuels comparison and self–doubt. When parents are constantly exposed to idealized versions of family life, it can distort expectations and undermine confidence, even when they're doing exactly what their child needs. What parents benefit from most are authentic, realistic stories and supportive communities – on and offline – that make space for imperfection and affirm that there is no single 'right' way to parent."
Similac is also partnering with mom influencers to create and encourage more judgment-free and honest parenting posts on social media. Through this work, Similac aims to remind parents everywhere that showing up with love is what matters most—and that they are enough.
Survey: Is social media inspiration or pressure?
Social media presents a paradox for parents, especially Gen Z, who are the first true "digital natives," having never known a world without the internet and smartphones. Many report turning to online communities for reassurance and connection.
- 78% of new parents agree that social media provides valuable support, and 82% agree it helps them feel less alone
- 55% worry about being judged if their choices don't align with what they see online
- 81% say social media creates an idealized or unrealistic view of parenting
The data also signals a new era of parents who feel prepared and capable—but want real, relatable guidance.
- 92% of Gen Z parents say they are confident in their ability to be good parents
- 83% agree it is better to seek creators who show honest, unfiltered parenting content
- A majority of parents still look to real-life experts and relationships for trusted advice: doctors and healthcare providers (79%), parents and family members (76%) and friends who are parents (71%)
Similac's commitment to real support
Similac believes there's no single "right" way to parent and that families deserve consistent, judgment-free support both online and in real life. The Love Without Measure initiative aims to empower parents, normalize feelings around parenting and reassure them that their best is enough.
"Parents don't need another glamorized highlight reel—they need to know they're not alone," said Pardubicka-Jenkins. "We're here to support parents with love and real understanding, every step of the way."
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who was surveyed?
Burson Insights, Data & Intelligence fielded the Abbott-Similac Survey of 1,002 U.S. adults ages 22-32 who are parents or plan to have children in two to three years. The survey was conducted March 26-31, 2026 online using the PureSpectrum panel. The margin of error is approximately 3.1%.
What is Similac's Love Without Measure initiative?
Similac is launching the Love Without Measure initiative to raise awareness around the impact of comparison culture and parental judgment, often fueled by social media. By featuring creators and parents sharing unfiltered accounts of parenthood, Similac will help normalize the full emotional spectrum of parenting– its challenges, joys, and triumphs – encouraging moms and dads to trust their instincts and embrace the power of imperfection.
Where can I learn more about Love Without Measure?
Check out Similac's Instagram, Facebook
About Similac®
For nearly 100 years, Similac has been a trusted name in infant nutrition. Backed by Abbott's science and research, Similac is committed to supporting parents with high-quality infant nutrition that meets a wide variety of babies' needs and parents' preferences. Connect with us at Similac.com and on Facebook, Instagram, YouTub
About Abbott:
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic 3 medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Together with our foundation, Abbott Fund, we partner with trusted organizations to build programs that strengthen care, improve access and help families and communities thrive. We're committed to building a healthier future by inspiring lifelong habits that support well-being and help to prevent chronic disease for generations to come.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagr
Travel Tidbits - Where Are Americans Traveling?
- Beaches (64%), lakes and rivers (60%), and coastal cities (61%) are the top three summer destinations.
- Theme parks rank ninth at 30% and culinary destinations took the bottom spot at 24%.
- More than half of families are planning a national park or outdoor nature trip, up from prior years.
Travel Tidbits - Best States for Summer Road Trips
To help travelers plan an enjoyable and budget-friendly getaway, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 32 key metrics. The analysis considered factors ranging from the number of attractions and road quality to travel-related costs.
| Best States for Summer Road Trips: | Worst States for Summer Road Trips: |
| 1. Minnesota | 46. Maryland |
| 2. Utah | 47. California |
| 3. Louisiana | 48. Connecticut |
| 4. New York | 49. Delaware |
| 5. Florida | 50. Rhode Island |
Best vs. Worst
- California has the highest number of scenic byways, which is 22 times higher than in Connecticut and Delaware, the states with the lowest.
- Arizona has the lowest daily price for camping, which is 2.7 times lower than in California, the state with the highest.
- Tennessee has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, which is 12.3 times lower than in Rhode Island, the state with the highest.
- Vermont has the lowest number of car thefts per 1,000 residents, which is 7.8 times lower than in New Mexico, the state with the highest.
To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations still impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable. Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips therefore are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”
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“Minnesota is the best state for summer road trips, and it’s great for people who want to be outdoors because it has the fourth-highest spending per capita on parks and recreation. In addition, Minnesota has the fourth-most fairs and festivals per capita during the summer, so there’s always something unique to check out. Driving in Minnesota is very safe, too. The state has the second-fewest vehicle fatalities per million miles traveled, along with the fourth-best bridge quality in the country and the ninth-lowest prevalence of speeding.”
- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
Do you have any budget-saving tips for those looking to hit the open road?
“Generally speaking, I recommend that travelers plan ahead and search for local deals before starting a trip. It is also helpful to bring snacks and drinks purchased from grocery stores, as well as to refuel at lower-cost stations along the route. Even these small savings can make a visible difference by the end of a trip.”
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D. – Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
“Travel costs are absolutely brutal right now, with everything from gas to hotels eating through your savings before you even pack a bag. If you want to make your money stretch, you have to ditch the luxury mindset and channel your inner 19-year-old on a broke, wild mission. Start by bypassing the highway tourist traps completely; download tracking apps to hunt down cheap fuel where the locals shop. Turn your backseat into a rolling pantry by raiding grocery stores for snacks and sandwich supplies, cutting out the wallet-drain of overpriced roadside diners. For sleeping and exploring, skip the commercial theme parks and pricey resorts in favor of free public land, state parks, and campsites. If you do need a bed, crash on the absolute outskirts of major towns where hotel rates plummet, or split a rugged cabin with friends to share the burden. Finally, treat your car like a prized machine, keeping the tires inflated and the trunk light to squeeze every single mile out of a single tank of gas.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
Do you think more people will take road trips this summer than in previous years?
“The recent U.S. situation is highly unpredictable both economically and politically, which may lead to an overall reduction in spending; thus, I cannot deterministically answer this question. However, given the notable increase in gas prices, I expect shorter-term road trips to become more common. This type of trip can be beneficial for travelers going with friends (high school and college students) or families, as a budget-friendly option with greater flexibility during the trip.”
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D. – Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
“Absolutely, because flying has simply become too stressful, unpredictable, and expensive for the average person. Even with gas prices fluctuating, driving gives you total control over your budget that airlines never will. As a recent AAA travel analysis points out, people are still determined to get away, but they are just being much more mindful about their total spending. The desire to explore is incredibly resilient, and instead of staying home and staring at the wall, Americans are pivoting back to the classic road trip. They are realizing that you do not need to cross an ocean or spend thousands on airfare to find a real adventure when you can just throw your bags in the trunk and go.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
How can local officials enhance safety and promote tourism during the busy summer road trip season?
“Infrastructure maintenance prior to the peak season is a crucial foundation for enhancing safety and promoting tourism. In addition, close collaboration with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and local businesses is pivotal for effective coordination to improve visibility and attractiveness. This collective effort can effectively promote locally specific experiences, establish service-ready environments (e.g., local facilities and events), and provide up-to-date, seamless information for visitors. Accordingly, this community-coordinated partnership can positively reinforce the overall travel experience.”
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D. – Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
“Local officials need to understand that today's road trippers are looking for two things: safety and simplicity. To capture those valuable tourism dollars, small towns and state municipalities should focus heavily on making their roads feel welcoming and secure. Officials can dramatically improve the traveler experience by keeping highway rest areas well-lit, increasing visible traffic enforcement to curb reckless driving, and using digital signs to warn drivers about upcoming construction or delays. On the promotion side, officials should make it effortless for visitors to discover hidden gems. By bundling local historical sites into easy digital passes and mapping out scenic, low-traffic backroads, small towns can convince drivers to pull off the main highway, spend some cash, and experience the absolute best of local hospitality.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
Travel Tidbits - Safari Tips
Too often, someone misses the most extraordinary moment of their life because they're staring at a screen trying to capture it. So here are some PSAs to get the most out of your safari trip. And check out what Classic Safaris can create for you in Africa.
- PUT THE PHONE DOWN- I really mean this. Your Instagram can wait. Just stare and get lost in looking at lioness teaching her cubs to hunt during golden hour, watching a giraffe drink from a water hole, watching elephants spray water at each other with their trunks. You'll see plenty of animals in East Africa but those moments can't be re-created.
- WAKE UP EXTRA EARLY AND GO ON THAT MORNING GAME DRIVE- No excuses. Yeah, it may be 5 AM, yeah the bed is comfy, go anyway. The bush at dawn is a completely different world... cooler, quieter, and alive in a totally different way.
- BE QUIET- Let silence do its thing. Stop talking. Some of the most profound safari experiences happen in the quiet when you're sitting with an elephant 20 feet away who is crushing and crunching branches. A sound you will never hear again. Embrace it
- TRUST YOUR GUIDE- Always. Your guide has forgotten more about the bush than most of us will ever know. When they stop the vehicle and go quiet, go quiet too. When they take a detour, follow without question. The best sightings are never on the map.
- LOOK AT THE SMALL THINGS- It's not all about the Big 5. Take note of the woodpecker on the buffalo's back, the termite mound taller than a car- this is the Africa that gets under your skin and never leaves.
- GET OUT UNDER THE STARS- You might be tired from the early morning and all the fresh air but there is no sky like a safari sky with zero light pollution and a cold drink in your hand.
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Monday, June 22, 2026
Caring Causes - Miracles for Kids
When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, everything changes in an instant. Parents leave work to sit bedside. Savings accounts disappear. Mortgage payments become uncertain. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, and for many families, the fear of losing financial stability arrives alongside the fear of losing a child.
For more than two decades, Autumn Strier has dedicated her life to ensuring families do not have to face those impossible circumstances alone.
As Co-Founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids, Strier has spent the last 22 years building one of California’s most comprehensive support systems for families with critically-ill children. What began as a small employee-giving initiative in 2004 has grown into a nonprofit serving more than 480 families annually, providing everything from housing and bill pay assistance to mental health services, basic necessities, education, employment support, and long-term stability resources.
Under Strier’s leadership, Miracles for Kids has raised nearly $65 million and developed a holistic continuum of care that addresses the often-overlooked realities families face during prolonged medical crises. While doctors focus on treating a child’s illness, Miracles for Kids helps families keep the lights on, remain in their homes, put food on the table, access counseling, and build a pathway toward long-term stability.
“At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: families should be able to focus on their child’s healing, not on whether they can pay rent, keep their utilities connected, or provide basic necessities,” Autumn Strier, Co-Founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids. “When a family is facing the unthinkable, stability becomes one of the greatest gifts we can provide.”
Today, Miracles for Kids supports families affected by more than 135 life-threatening illnesses and conditions through a comprehensive continuum of support designed to address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
Through its Lifeline program, families receive assistance with critical household bills, while the Safe Haven program provides housing support, including apartments at two Miracle Manor properties that offer stable housing for families in treatment. The Miracles for Kids Balance program delivers no-cost wellness activities such as the surf and paddle camps, movie nights and counseling programs that equip family members with stress reducing techniques to battle depression and anxiety… even mental health services to address the emotional toll of prolonged illness. The Boost program provides food, clothing, household supplies, toys, transportation assistance, and other basic necessities through community initiatives such as Basket of Miracles, which takes place several times throughout the year. The next Basket of Miracles event is scheduled for July 18 and will focus on providing Back-to-School Baskets filled with school supplies and other essential items to help children start the new school year with confidence. One of the organization’s most impactful and recent initiatives is its Pillars program, which reflects Strier’s belief that true support extends beyond emergency assistance. The program helps families build long-term stability through employment readiness resources, financial literacy education, and access to career and educational opportunities. By helping parents strengthen their financial footing while caring for a critically-ill child, the program creates pathways toward independence, resilience, and hope for the future.
Unlike traditional health-adjacent nonprofits that focus primarily on medical support, Miracles for Kids tackles the root causes of family instability: housing insecurity, financial hardship, food insecurity, job disruption, and untreated emotional distress. These challenges often determine whether a family can remain intact while caring for a critically-ill child.
Families in crisis need more than emergency assistance. They need systems that help them withstand months or even years of treatment, uncertainty, and financial strain. Through strategic partnerships with leading medical institutions, sustainable fundraising efforts, and programs designed to address the whole family, Miracles for Kids has become a model for how communities can support families facing prolonged medical crises.
The impact is measurable. In 2025 alone, Miracles for Kids helped stabilize 550 families, provided more than 49,553 nights of safe housing, and delivered ongoing wellness therapy services to 481 individuals at no cost.
“Compassion is important, but compassion alone isn’t enough,” Strier said. “Families need systems they can rely on. They need stability. They need support that lasts beyond the emergency. That’s where real change happens.”
A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, Strier built her expertise through roles in government, municipal finance, nonprofit management, and public policy before founding Miracles for Kids. Her experience working with government agencies, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations helped shape the systems-based approach that has become the organization’s hallmark.
For Strier, every dollar raised, every partnership established, and every program developed serves a singular purpose: ensuring that no family facing a child’s critical illness should have to navigate that journey alone. The numbers tell part of the story. The families who remain housed, the parents who can stay beside their child’s hospital bed, and the children who can focus on healing because their family’s basic needs are being met tell the rest. For 22 years, Autumn Strier has demonstrated that compassion and sustainability can work hand in hand and that when families are given the resources to remain stable during their darkest moments, entire communities become stronger as a result.
To learn more about the Miracles for Kids programs, including bill pay assistance through the Lifeline Program, housing through the Safe Haven Program, wellness services through the Balance Program, basic necessities through the Boost Program, and long-term stability through the Pillars Program, please visit www.MiraclesForKids.org.
ABOUT MIRACLES FOR KIDS: Miracles for Kids is a non-profit serving children with life-threatening illnesses and the families that care for them. Founded in 2004 by Co-Founder & CEO, Autumn Strier, the organization creates stability for families that are crumbling from the financial and emotional devastation of fighting for their child's life. With programs providing financial aid, basic needs, housing, and wellness to patients and their families, Miracles for Kids fulfills a mission to help caregivers battle bankruptcy, homelessness, hunger, and depression, so they can concentrate on what matters most. In 2025, 82 cents of every dollar collected was spent on programs that directly benefit the families they serve. Based in Orange County, California, Miracles for Kids currently serves families in treatment at CHOC Children’s, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Rady Children’s, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, By the Bay Health, City of Hope, Loma Linda University Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Hospitals. Follow on Instagram @MiraclesForKids to see how you can make a difference and get involved at MiraclesForKids.org.