May 6, 2025
Community Giving Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the John R. Stewart Fund for Hope and Healing, a new field of interest fund established to alleviate the emotional, financial, and physical burdens faced by families affected by cancer.
Michael Stewart has experienced these burdens firsthand. His son, John, passed away from cancer at age nine. After this challenging and heartbreaking experience, Stewart began to dream about helping other families navigating similar difficulties. The idea remained in the back of his mind and years later, after his wife passed away from her own courageous battle with cancer, Stewart had the financial stability to put his ideas into action.
“As I connected with the Foundation, it was an eye-opener to learn that my support could stay local and help cancer patients and their families right here. It makes me feel really good to be able to do this,” explains Stewart.
Stewart created the John R. Stewart Fund for Hope and Healing to honor the love and resilience shared by his wife and son during their lives. The fund will support nonprofit programming across the Foundation’s 5 1/2-county footprint, including counseling, support services, camperships, and other mission-driven projects serving local children and families affected by cancer. By offering these resources, Stewart ensures that the memory of his wife and son continues to inspire hope and strength within the community.
“I want not just the patients, but also the siblings and family members experiencing the effects of this disease to know that they are not forgotten. There is support for them in our community.”
To contribute to the impact of the John R. Stewart Fund for Hope and Healing, donate online here or mail checks to the Community Giving Foundation, Attn: Stewart Fund, 725 West Front Street, Berwick PA 18603. Together, we can transform your passions into a community giving legacy, supporting the organizations and programs that help our region thrive. Learn more about partnering with the Foundation here.
The Community Giving Foundation identifies regional and local needs and opportunities through a data-driven lens, serving as a resource for donors, nonprofits, and all those who want to make a difference in their community. The Foundation manages over 375 charitable funds, helping donors maximize their community impact in the Central Susquehanna region both now and for future generations.