Sonya’s Wish to Give

Sonya Falkenstein (age 20) was just 17 years old when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After her cancer diagnosis, she was scheduled to go to Japan for her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation Mid-Atlantic Chapter. She had always dreamed of traveling to Japan but COVID-19 dashed her plans. So instead, Sonya chose to share her gift with others in need, generously donating the monies raised on her behalf to five charities close to her heart. One of those charities receiving Sonya’s wish is Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) located here in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Sonya’s connection to POST is through her cousin, Barbara Scarlata, POST Community Engagement Manager, who had a child diagnosed with leukemia.  Sonya was moved by the love and support POST provides to local families battling their child’s cancer.  As a young cancer survivor, she wanted to help other children like herself.  Sonya was intrigued when she read of the Hot Meals for Young Cancer Heroes program that POST began in March this year in response to the changes to visitation protocols at area hospitals because of COVID-19. This meant that even for children being admitted for cancer treatment, parents and family were not allowed to be there. Through this program, POST has been providing lunch for the children and parent in lockdown at the hospital. Sonya wants to be a part of this amazing program.