Impacting One Life at a Time

About Us imageAbout Us image

Mission: Danielle’s Hope is a non-profit organization established in 2010 in honor of Danielle Jones. The organization now serves in Danielle's memory and is dedicated to providing necessary resources and support to North Carolina children with special needs and those diagnosed with a rare disorder. The organization serves the community through volunteerism, and provides financial assistance & scholarships with the goal of helping improve the lives of affected children and their families.

Our Story: My name is Kamilah Franklin and my daughter, Danielle Jones, was diagnosed with Alstrom Syndrome (a rare autosomal recessive disorder) in February 2006 (at  age 4). The discovery of this disorder was a process that began in the summer of 2005. The journey to solving the mystery came after a family member watched a medical show that reminded her of Danielle and the symptoms she experienced. This drove me to contact NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) and learn more about syndrome featured on the show. This research lead us to the discovery of Alstrom Syndrome.

Following that discovery, many conversations took place between myself and the folks with Alstrom Syndrome International, who coordinated with medical facilities in our area to obtain labs and other critical medical test needed to confirm her diagnosis of Alstrom Syndrome. Our lives consisted of many medical appointments to her Primary Care Provider, Ophthalmologist, Endocrinologist, Nephrologists, Hematologist, Cardiologist, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor, and Nutritionist. Her numerous medical appointments placed a financial strain on our family as copayments and gas quickly ate through our monthly budget. Birthed out of my struggle and pain, was a passion to help other children like Danielle and the families that are caring for them.


From Honor to Memory: After 18 years, Danielle succumbed to her disease on December 25, 2020.  Danielle was a Junior (11th grade) at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind (GMS) where she received the training and support needed, which helped to regain her sense of independence and  drive to succeed.  Danielle had a passion for children and was titled the "baby whisperer" because of her ability to soothe a crying baby.  Danielle loved her family and we know that she is happy that the organization will continue to help other children like her and their families!

About the Founder:
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and have provided case management and clinical services for over 17 years. My clinical experiences range from providing individual, couples & family therapy, to facilitating therapeutic groups for men & women. My Case Management experience expands from assisting constituents within the Federal Government, helping those experiencing homelessness, to providing compassionate care to Seniors in our community. I returned to school in 2016 for Nursing & have been practicing as a Nurse since 2018 in multiple capacities. I have an expansive amount of experience working with various populations and am humbled by my ability to serve others.

More important and impactful than my educational & career experiences, has been my life experience as a parent to a child with a rare disease. Being a mom is no easy task, and to be a mom to such a special child with multiple needs changed my life (and the lives of those closest to me) in so many ways. It's a major part of what drives me to live a life with purpose and one that is more meaningful.

Financial Assistance

We provide assistance with medical copays, parking passes, gas cards, and other medical related expenses.

Learn More  

Scholarships

In memory of Danielle Jones, scholarships are made available each year to a NC student with special needs & siblings of children with special needs.

Learn More  

Special Needs Educators- Acknowledgements

Danielle was impacted by so many people, and she spent many hours with teachers that desired the best for her and the future goals she shared with them. Our organization has decided to create an opportunity and space to acknowledge those professionals within our state that have chosen (or some would say, "Have been chosen.") to be educators of children with special needs. Please use the contact forms page to submit nominations for educators of children with special needs, and educators will be selected during the year to be acknowledged in a very special way!

Operation Rejuvenation

This is a day organized to present a time & space for the Caregivers to be cared for and pampered. All too often, parents/caregivers spend so much time caring for themselves, at the expense of their own self-care. This event is open to any North Carolina parent/caregiver. We encourage you to plan in advance to arrange for at least half the day (preferably an entire day) when this event takes place so that you can experience the relaxation and peace that you deserve.

$50

Donation Amount

This scholarship has been created to honor the memory of Danielle Jones who was born on Feb. 14, 2002 and passed away on Dec. 25, 2020.  Although her life presented a multitude of challenges, it didn't stop her desire to live a full and happy life.  She loved her family (especially her brother Khadeem, sister Shilysha, her niece Nahla and her nephew Alexander), dancing, listening to music, playing games, participating in school sports (goal ball, cheerleading and track), and talking to her friends.  Danielle had dreams of someday attending college for Early Childhood Development and planned to open her own childcare center.  Her family supported this goal and although she didn't live long enough to fulfill her dreams, we will make sure that her memory stays alive by helping others achieve theirs.

Because we understand the challenges and sacrifices faced by siblings of children with special needs, we are also acknowledging their needs and desires by offering scholarships accessible to them as well.    

Applicants must have special needs and reside in North Carolina or be the sibling of a child with special needs and also reside within our state. Applicants must complete an application by submitting a personal statement to tell a little about themselves, their accomplishments, and educational/career goals.  A written response to the essay questions presented are also required, along with your school's letter of acceptance, school transcript and letters of recommendation.  

Scholarship applications are due April 15th and award letters will go out no later than May 20th.  

Scholarship Application






Danielle was impacted by so many people, and she spent many hours with teachers that desired the best for her and the future goals she shared with them. Our organization has decided to create an opportunity and space to acknowledge those professionals within our state that have chosen (or some would say, "Have been chosen.") to be educators of children with special needs.

Please use the contact forms page to submit nominations for educators of children with special needs, and educators will be selected during the year to be acknowledged in a very special way!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Thank you for supporting those that care for our children with special needs!  We will contact you if further information is needed and to inform if your nominee has been selected.  Thanks for all you do and for acknowledging our educators! 

You've already responded.

You can submit this form only once.

Songs of Love

A non-profit warming the heart and souls of children around the world facing challenges through the love of music.

Learn More

Icing Smiles

A non-profit delivering smiles one cake at a time!

Learn More

Make-A-Wish Eastern Carolina

Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Learn More
Danielle's Hope takes pride in supporting other organizations whose mission is to help children and families facing medical challenges.  You can help by donating the following:

  • Laundry Pod Products
  • Fabric Softener Sheets
  • Small Blankets
  • Travel Toothbrush Sets
  • Travel Size Hygiene Products  
  • Hand Sanitizer

Please contact us and we'll be happy to arrange pickup! 
Community needs image
*
*