Our Stories
Fields For Hope Family Stories
Uniting the community to turn local family hardships into stories of hope through heartfelt giving.
At Fields For Hope Foundation, we provide financial and material support to local families whose primary providers are facing adversity for one reason or another. Through the generous contributions of our sponsors and donors, we plant seeds of hope that transform family hardship stories into local charity testimonials—ones that speak volumes about the healing power of a unified community.
Known as “Kes Fests,” we host an annual fundraising event to benefit a specific family in the Lincoln Way Community facing a hardship. Interested parties can help support the spotlighted family by donating money, gift cards, gift baskets (for raffle), merchandise, or services.
meet the gomez family
In 2025, Fields For Hope is honored to support the Gomez Family of New Lenox. Son Jay, age 12, has been battling Leukemia for the past two years. Now, his Father, Joey, after battling pancreatic and liver cancer, has passed away. The resulting physical, emotional, and financial toll has been challenging for the Gomez family, to say the least.
Through this community fundraiser, Fields For Hope is dedicated to easing some of their burden, enabling them to focus on what matters most—healing and being together.
The Gomez family has always been the definition of strength, love, and resilience. But now, this incredible family is facing a storm unlike any they’ve ever known and they need our help more than ever.
Their journey began over five years ago when COVID-19 forced the closure of their restaurant and banquet hall businesses. The loss of income and debt put immense strain on their finances. Despite this, Joey managed to keep the Patent and Construction company afloat. However, when their oldest son, Jay, was diagnosed with leukemia, they were compelled to shut down the company for his chemotherapy treatment downtown.
Jay, just 10 years old, embarked on a long and arduous journey filled with chemotherapy, hospital stays, and unimaginable challenges. Yet, he displayed unwavering courage and determination, and today, he stands just weeks away from the momentous occasion of ringing the bell, signaling the culmination of his treatment.
As they prepared to celebrate this milestone, the family was struck with another devastating blow. Joey, the pillar of their family, the loving father, husband, and provider, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic and liver cancer. The man who had always been the foundation of their lives is now in a fight for his very existence.
Amidst all this turmoil, the family is also determined to safeguard the childhood of their youngest son, Niko, who is just 7 years old. They are doing everything they can to maintain a sense of normalcy, love, and safety for him, even as the world around them feels anything but normal.
Holding everything together is Katie Gomez, a mom, caregiver, provider, and tireless advocate. Despite the overwhelming responsibilities of caring for everyone who needs her while working full-time as a high school teacher, a Pampered Chef consultant, and taking on the role of the heart and soul of the home, Katie maintains a positive and optimistic outlook. She pushes forward with faith and unwavering determination.
Meet the Davies Family
Natalie Davies was a devoted wife and mother of two who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2024. After a long and courageous battle, she passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Natalie was a tremendously caring and giving person who loved her family and friends deeply. She and her husband, Bill, were devoted parents to their two beautiful daughters. Natalie was also a fantastic baker who expressed her love through her delicious creations. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hosting backyard barbecues, quoting movies, and coming up with silly names and sayings that brought smiles to everyone around her.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
After the fundraiser, Bill shared on our Facebook page: “Words simply do not do justice to express our gratitude… thank you so incredibly much for the love, support, and generosity.” Bill continues to raise their daughters with the same love and strength that Natalie embodied. He and their extended family remain wonderful supporters of the Fields For Hope Foundation.
The Davies family will forever hold a special place in our Fields For Hope Foundation hearts.
please help us make a difference
When You Give To Fields For Hope, You’re Doing More Than Donating – You’re Restoring Hope For Families In The Lincoln Way Community Area By Assisting In Easing Their Financial And Emotional Burdens. Become A Fields For Hope Partner Today!