The Foundation of Hope and Panagiotis "Peter" Kalmanidis, a Stamford, Connecticut City Police Officer, Stand with Pearl in Her Battle Against Cancer—and She Needs Your Help.
The Foundation and Panagiotis Kalmanidis are joining forces to support a remarkable woman, Pearl, in her fight against cancer. Pearl has battled this illness for over two years, enduring endless treatments, surgeries, and physical hardships. Through it all, she has shown incredible resilience, but now she needs our community’s help. This GoFundMe campaign is our way of rallying together to ease the financial burden on Pearl and her family so she can focus on what truly matters: her health and well-being. Join us in supporting Pearl on her journey. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Your charitable giving will qualify for a tax deduction since Foundation of Hope is defined as a 501(c)(3).
Meet Pearl
Two years ago, Pearl was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Since then, her life has been a relentless battle—fighting as her cancer spread, enduring chemo every Friday, and recovering from a recent triple heart bypass surgery. Because her cancer has spread to her chest, she also struggles with lung complications, and a cocktail of medications has left her heart enlarged. Despite the incredible pain she experiences every day, Pearl finds solace and purpose in going to work at her local cleaners, where her coworkers have become a second family to her.
Every Friday, chemo knocks her down, leaving her exhausted and disoriented until Tuesday. Walking is painful, her hands ache, and breakdowns are frequent. But with a spirit grounded in love, kindness, and her faith, Pearl is determined to keep pushing forward. Her resilience and courage are unwavering, and she continues to inspire everyone around her, including her children, grandchildren, friends, and coworkers.
For years, Mr. Kalmanidis has taken his uniforms and personal items to Pearl at her place of employment. Over time, what began as a routine stop evolved into a meaningful friendship. Pearl, now 70, is the true anchor of her family, a woman who lives paycheck to paycheck and battles to stay afloat amid her many struggles. She works hard every day, but now she faces a relentless fight against cancer, a recent triple bypass surgery, and rising bills she can no longer manage alone. Even so, she continues to work at the cleaners, despite immense pain, because she has no choice.
When Pearl finally opened up to Mr. Kalmanidis about her personal battle, it was not easy to admit that she needed help. But she trusted him because she had seen, time and again, how he dedicated himself to helping others in need, both on and off duty. He never hesitates to help others. He promised her that he would speak with the Foundation, which regularly campaigns for those who need a helping hand, to bring her story to the community.
Pearl wants people to understand the reality of cancer: it is an unending struggle that requires more strength than many can imagine. “God doesn’t give us what we can’t handle,” she says, believing deeply in the power of kindness and love. Raised by a strong mother and inspired by a hard-working father, Pearl faces each day as it comes, keeping her faith that as one door closes, another will open.
Why We Need Your Help
This holiday season, we’re asking everyone to come together to make a difference for Pearl, who has spent her life taking care of others. She needs our help now more than ever.
Pearl has always been a source of love and kindness to those around her, and her coworkers, have gone above and beyond to support her. Now, she needs all of us—her community—to come together. As she faces overwhelming medical expenses, overdue utility bills, and a desperate need to replace her failing car, Pearl is fighting for her life and survival.
The financial burden of Pearl’s treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care is overwhelming. With so many costs involved—medications, chemotherapy sessions, and regular visits to the hospital—Pearl is urgent need of support.
Pearl’s primary form of transportation is a car that is over 20 years old and in desperate need of replacement. It fails her when she needs it most, requiring constant repairs just to get her to work and to critical medical appointments. With weekly chemo treatments and regular hospital visits, reliable transportation is essential for Pearl’s health and survival. She urgently needs a dependable way to get to her treatments and continue her fight.
The cost of her treatment, medical expenses, and her vehicle are extensive. They continue to mount each day, and the weight of it all is difficult to bear alone.
How You Can Make a Difference
We are calling on our community to help Pearl continue her fight. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward relieving the financial strain on Pearl and her family, allowing her to focus on healing and staying strong for those who love her.
Pearl has given so much of herself to others—through her work, her friendships, and her faith. Now, it’s our turn to give back. Help us help Pearl find hope and strength through this journey.
A message from Pearl to all of you:
I'm here at work today, looking out the window, reflecting on how blessed I am. My body has been through so much over these past years. Five years ago, I had a triple heart attack. Then, while working at the cleaner’s, I was hit by a car. Not long after that, I was diagnosed with cancer in my uterus, which led to a hysterectomy. I’ve had surgery for a double hernia, and now the cancer has spread to my lungs. The doctors say my heart is enlarged because it’s working overtime due to all the medication I’m taking. My hands and feet are swollen most of the time, but I try to keep moving forward, trusting that God has a plan for me.
Even when I feel overwhelmed or the pain is intense, I truly believe I've been blessed in so many ways. Every day, I find myself praying and giving thanks for the people who have been sent into my life, like each of you reading this now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here with me on this journey. I’m still at work, greeting each customer with a smile, no matter what.
God bless you and may you and your family be surrounded with love and grace.
With all my heart,
Pearl
Donate to Pearl’s Campaign Today and Share Her Story. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Thank you,
Foundation of Hope Team
Foundationofhope.us
Facebook.com/TheFoundationofHope
Instagram.com/TheFoundationofHope
guidestar.org/profile/47-5005931
charitynavigator.org/ein/475005931