astrocytoma tumor; later it took his sight. Through illness, surgeries, chemotherapy, and blindness, Andrew retained his
GIVING THE
The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation provides a Gift of Time that allows one parent to stay home from work full-time to meet the emotional, physical, and medical needs of a child with life-threatening cancer.
P.O. Box 211658 | Eagan, MN 55123
Our Mission
GIFT OF TIME
Our Goal Our goal is to lighten the immense financial burden that a catastrophic illness, such as cancer, causes in a family. We can’t mend a broken heart, but we can help alleviate financial heartache, one family at a time.
Our Vision Our vision is to expand our ability to grant the Gift of Time to families regionally within the next year and nationally within the next five years.
Andrew Szott 1984-1990
Abby Szott 1988-2006
www.szottfoundation.org
Andrew’s Story Andrew was a fun, loving, spunky child who lived his six short years with zest and compassion. He possessed an uncanny wisdom that affected everyone who knew him. At age three months, Andrew was diagnosed with an astrocytoma tumor; later it took his sight. Through illness, surgeries, chemotherapy, and blindness, Andrew retained his sunny disposition. Family and friends loved to be around him. Andrew approached each day as a gift and filled our home with laughter, art, music, and imaginative play. He and his big brother, Brian, spent many happy hours pretending to be pharmacists, ‘fixit’ guys, performers, doctors, professional wrestlers, hospital child life specialists, and myriad other career types. They created memories that we will treasure forever. Andrew left this world in August 1990, leaving heart-broken parents, an adoring big brother, and a precious little sister.
Abby’s Story Abby, whose name means ‘source of (the) Father’s joy,’ was a vibrant, outgoing teenager when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at age 15. She was an excellent gymnast and began competing in state competitions as a freshman. Abby had many friends and was known for being able to brighten a room, and then the world, with her smile. Her huge heart was evidenced in her church involvement, her love for children, and in the way she put other’s feelings before her own. Abby wanted to study sports medicine and was accepted at Iowa State University. She always believed she would realize her dreams. Abby fought her cancer with courage and never ceased praying and believing that God would cure her here on earth. As her faith grew, she strengthened those around her and inspired others to also face life with faith, courage, and hope. When Abby went home to the Lord, and to her brother, in March 2006, she left a legacy of faith and love.
How do I Apply for the Gift of Time Grant? If you are a working parent, have a child with life-threatening cancer and are willing to stay home from work full-time, you are eligible for the grant. Ask your hospital social worker to help you fill out an application. The Szott Foundation Board of Directors takes Gift of Time selection very seriously and realizes that no two family situations are exactly alike. The Board carefully evaluates each application. Unfortunately, not all families who apply for grants will be approved. At this time we plan to award grants on a quarterly basis.
How Can I Give Families the Gift of Time? There are many ways you can help the Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation raise funds for Gift of Time grants. You can: Make a monetary donation. Make a monetary donation in honor of someone or an event. Donate a gift from the Foundation’s Wish List. Solicit your company to become a Foundation sponsor. Volunteer at one of our fundraisers. Provide a gift through your estate or will.
Our Story Our story is one of tremendous love and great loss. Our family knows the pain of losing not just one but two children/siblings to cancer. After the loss of our second child in March 2006, my husband, David, and I began feeling a pressing need to do something to honor the lives of our children while helping other families who face the same heartaches. Our desire is to give the Gift of Time to help families with children suffering from lifethreatening cancer. The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation became a 501(c)(3) organization in January 2007. Due to the generosity of many, we are able to serve families in this capacity.
We appreciate donations of all kinds. To help the Foundation raise funds, please visit our website (www.szottfoundation.org) or contact Kathryn Szott (
[email protected]). Donations can also be mailed to: Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation P.O. Box 211658 Eagan, MN 55123
Kathryn Szott President, Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation
