A Place to Rest.
A Place to Heal.
A Place to Gather.
A Respite Home for Pediatric Cancer Families
Sophia’s Sanctuary is a dream inspired by Sophia’s journey — a peaceful retreat where families battling pediatric cancer and serious illness can reconnect, rest, heal, and create cherished memories together.
Our vision is to create a welcoming sanctuary that gives families the opportunity to step away from hospital walls, treatments, and everyday stress to simply be together.
OUR VISION
To create a peaceful, welcoming respite retreat where families battling pediatric cancer and serious illness can reconnect, rest, and create lasting memories together.
OUR GOAL
Fundraising Goal: $1,000,000
Sophia’s Sanctuary will serve as:
A year-round family respite retreat
A safe place for medically fragile children
A gathering space for Warrior family events
A healing environment centered around family connection and memory-making
Current Funds Saved
$350,000 Raised Toward Our Goal
Every donation brings us one step closer to building a place where families can rest, reconnect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Sophia's Story
During Sophia’s journey, her family discovered the importance of simply spending time together away from hospitals, appointments, and daily pressures.
Some of Sophia’s happiest moments were spent outdoors exploring nature, walking creeks, searching for crayfish and salamanders, cooking over campfires, and playing games with family and friends.
Every year, Sophia’s family traveled to Florida for vacation. Those trips became a treasured escape — no work, no school, no distractions — just family time.
When Sophia’s health began declining rapidly, she made one final request: she wanted to go back to Florida one more time.
Despite medical uncertainty, the family packed the car and made the trip. They spent 18 unforgettable days together creating memories filled with love, laughter, peace, and togetherness.
At just 9 years old, Sophia understood something incredibly important:
Time together matters.
Not every family has the financial ability or opportunity to escape the stress of pediatric illness, even for a weekend.
Sophia’s Sanctuary is being created to change that.
What We Currently Do
While working toward building Sophia’s Sanctuary, Sophia the Fierce Inc. already provides respite experiences for pediatric cancer families throughout Western New York.
We currently host:
Private respite events
Weekend staycations
Airbnb retreats
Hotel suite experiences
Family fun days
Warrior family gatherings
These experiences are provided completely free to families.
- Food & desserts
- Decorations & themed party planning
- Entertainment & activities
- Family photography
- Full setup and cleanup
- Personalized memory photo books
Families simply invite their loved ones — we take care of the rest.
These experiences have shown us how desperately a permanent sanctuary is needed.
What Sophia's Sanctuary Will Include:
Outdoor Features
- Fire pit & campfire area
- Outdoor dining pavilion
- Fishing & creek access
- Splash pad
- Walking trails
- Volleyball & recreational activities
- Memorial garden honoring Warrior children
- Barn/storage building
- Open space for family gatherings
Indoor Features
- Large kitchen & dining area
- 6+ bedrooms
- 2+ bathrooms
- Fireplace
- Craft room
- Game room
- Lego room
- Movie room
- Family gathering spaces
PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS
The sanctuary property should provide a peaceful, restorative environment designed to support families navigating pediatric cancer treatment and recovery.
Ideal Property Features
- Approximately 5–10 acres
- Wooded/natural setting
- Easy highway access
- Within 30–60 minutes of Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
- Reliable utilities & internet access
- HEPA-filtered HVAC system
- Water filtration system
- Backup generator
- Year-round water feature or creek preferred
Sophia The Fierce
POTENTIAL LOCATION AREAS
Ellicottville, NY
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Nearby Attractions Skiing & snow tubing Adventure parks Dining & shopping Griffis Sculpture Park Spas & outdoor recreation
Clarence / Lockport, NY
Approximately 35–45 minutes from Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Nearby Attractions Farms & seasonal activities Shopping & dining Parks & walking trails Family recreation
Angola, NY
Approximately 40–50 minutes from Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Nearby Attractions Evangola State Park Lake Erie waterfront access Beaches & camping Fishing & boating Peaceful countryside setting
How You Can Help
Sophia’s Sanctuary will be built through community support, partnerships, and generosity.
Ways to Support
Donations Corporate sponsorships Room sponsorship opportunities Building material sponsorships Volunteer services Fundraising events Memorial & naming opportunities
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Potential community partnerships may include: Skilled trades volunteers Local contractors & suppliers Corporate donors Furniture sponsors Media & renovation partners
OUR LONG-TERM VISION
Sophia’s Sanctuary is more than a building. It is a place for healing. A place for hope. A place for memories. A place where families can breathe, reconnect, and know they are not alone. Together, we can create a lasting legacy of love, comfort, and healing for Warrior families for generations to come.