Sophia’s Butterfly Blessings Fund Brings Joy to Pediatric Patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

The Sophia’s Butterfly Blessings Fund, a designated fund of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, invites the community to help “grant a dream” for children undergoing treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Established by Jessica Liguori in memory of her 12-year-old niece, Sophia, who bravely fought medulloblastoma for 10 years, the fund turns difficult hospital days into moments of joy and normalcy by bringing pop-up pumpkin patches to the hospital, transforming the Child Life Center for the holidays, and arranging personalized experiences for patients and their families.

“Our mission is simple, we want to bring childhood back inside the hospital,” said Liguori who co-founded the Sophia’s Butterfly Blessings Fund with her husband Robert. “When a child enjoys the magic of the holidays, meets a hero or laughs with a nurse, you can feel the whole day lighten. That joy feels like medicine. Every gift from this community becomes a moment of normal life for a patient, a sibling and a caregiver and it keeps Sophia’s light with us.”

Administered by the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, the fund is local, nimble and focused on in-hospital experiences and individualized dreams coordinated with families and care teams to complement clinical care. Each year, the fund hosts an annual Pumpkin Patch in the Child Life Zone and a winter holiday celebration with mini trees and menorahs, including room-to-room deliveries for kids in isolation. Plans are underway to expand to other holidays, including Valentine’s Day, bringing more moments of joy and laughter.

Among the recent once-in-a-lifetime dreams that have come true include Emma meeting Bad Bunny with a backstage tour, meet-and-greet, swag and suite seats; Zoe seeing Shakira live followed by a meet-and-greet; and Anthony, a long-term dialysis patient, meeting WWE star Roman Reigns, who later arranged for him to attend several WWE events. From signed sports memorabilia to cooking lessons, concerts, sporting events and more, the Liguori’s bring meaningful dreams to life.

Local partners also help power the Fund. Larry’s Private Car & Limo Worldwide provides transportation at no cost. Sardelli Italian Steakhouse in Hollywood opens off-hours for private meals and meet-and-greets with patients and their heroes. Mimi’s Ravioli donates pizza parties, and businesses such as Perfect Choice Roofing and Broward Motorsports, among others contribute ongoing support.

“What makes this fund truly special is how it brings the entire community together to support our patients in meaningful ways,” said Kelley Morris, president of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations. “Every donation becomes more than just a gift—it becomes a smile, a moment of hope, and a lasting memory for a child and their family during one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Launched earlier this year, the fund has already raised more than $17,000 to support these special experiences. “Providing a supportive environment is as important as the care we provide to children,” added Caitlin Stella, CEO, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We’re deeply grateful to the Sophia’s Butterfly Blessings Fund and the community partners who help us surround our patients and families with light and hope in their darkest moments.”

How to help
Donate to the Sophia’s Butterfly Blessings Fund at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation,jdch.com/give-back, or contact the Foundation at 954-265-3454

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission. To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and  Instagram.