The Touch of Hope Project is the first half of the initial efforts of the Art for Hope Foundation to realize a dream of the family of Thomas Pacheco. When seven-year-old Thomas was diagnosed with a rare cancer in early 2002, Thomas's family created a web site where they did two things. First, they used the site as a communication tool: to tell Thomas's story, to keep family and friends updated about Thomas's status, and to allow others to post messages of encouragement and hope back to them. Second, they used the site to raise funds for Thomas's treatment by selling Thomas's artwork online.

Thomas's site was met with tremendous positive feedback, and was a source of encouragement to Thomas and his family beyond anything they might have imagined. Shortly after launching the site, it occured to them to expand the idea so that other children with serious illnesses might benefit. The result was the formation of the nonprofit Art for Hope Foundation.

This site, Touch of Hope, is one half of the initial project planned by the foundation. The goal of this site is to give anyone with a serious illness a place to tell their story, and like Thomas, the opportunity to be touched by love and encouragement from the rest of the world. The only requirement is access to a web browser. Easy-to-use web-based tools have been provided to allow families to manage their sites, and through the donations of those who support us, Touch of Hope web sites will always be free of charge.