Local Couple Honors Late Loved One by Granting Children's Dreams at Hospital
A heartwarming tale of love, loss, and giving back has emerged from a small South Florida town. Jessica Liguori, whose 2-and-a-half-year-old niece Sophia passed away after battling brain cancer, has dedicated her life to helping other children with rare illnesses fulfill their dreams.
With the help of her husband Robert, the couple started a pumpkin patch initiative in 2019 as a way to provide some much-needed fun for young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The event, which features pumpkins, candy, and activities, has become an annual tradition, with Jessica and Robert using their platform to make children's wishes come true.
The couple created the "Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund" to support local businesses in granting these dreams, with donations from the community used to bring joy and excitement to young lives. Emma Gonzalez, a 12-year-old patient at the hospital, was one of the first children to have her wish granted – a trip to meet Latin singer Bad Bunny during his concert stop in Miami.
The Liguoris' efforts are more than just a gesture; they're an act of love and remembrance for Sophia. Robert, who has been open about the pain of losing his niece, says that every smile on a child's face reminds him of Sophia and keeps her memory alive.
As Jessica notes, "It fills my heart with joy to be able to be a part of it." The couple's selfless work is not only bringing happiness to children in need but also inspiring others to do the same. With the "Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund" growing stronger by the day, there's no doubt that this loving legacy will continue to spread warmth and light to those who need it most.
To learn more about Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund and how you can support this wonderful cause, visit WSVN.com.
				
			A heartwarming tale of love, loss, and giving back has emerged from a small South Florida town. Jessica Liguori, whose 2-and-a-half-year-old niece Sophia passed away after battling brain cancer, has dedicated her life to helping other children with rare illnesses fulfill their dreams.
With the help of her husband Robert, the couple started a pumpkin patch initiative in 2019 as a way to provide some much-needed fun for young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The event, which features pumpkins, candy, and activities, has become an annual tradition, with Jessica and Robert using their platform to make children's wishes come true.
The couple created the "Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund" to support local businesses in granting these dreams, with donations from the community used to bring joy and excitement to young lives. Emma Gonzalez, a 12-year-old patient at the hospital, was one of the first children to have her wish granted – a trip to meet Latin singer Bad Bunny during his concert stop in Miami.
The Liguoris' efforts are more than just a gesture; they're an act of love and remembrance for Sophia. Robert, who has been open about the pain of losing his niece, says that every smile on a child's face reminds him of Sophia and keeps her memory alive.
As Jessica notes, "It fills my heart with joy to be able to be a part of it." The couple's selfless work is not only bringing happiness to children in need but also inspiring others to do the same. With the "Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund" growing stronger by the day, there's no doubt that this loving legacy will continue to spread warmth and light to those who need it most.
To learn more about Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund and how you can support this wonderful cause, visit WSVN.com.

 I'm literally so moved by this story, it's like... Jessica and Robert are basically angels on earth right now
 I'm literally so moved by this story, it's like... Jessica and Robert are basically angels on earth right now  . Granting kids' dreams just because they're sick is the simplest yet most powerful thing anyone can do. Sophia may be gone, but her memory lives on through their selfless efforts
. Granting kids' dreams just because they're sick is the simplest yet most powerful thing anyone can do. Sophia may be gone, but her memory lives on through their selfless efforts  . I'd love to see more of this kind of initiative happening in hospitals all around the world – it's about time we showed some kindness and compassion
. I'd love to see more of this kind of initiative happening in hospitals all around the world – it's about time we showed some kindness and compassion 

 just heard the sweetest story! Jessica & Robert Liguori are literally angels in disguise
 just heard the sweetest story! Jessica & Robert Liguori are literally angels in disguise  they started this whole thing as a way to cheer up kids at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital with their pumpkin patch event, but now it's so much more than that... they're granting children's dreams and bringing smiles to their faces
 they started this whole thing as a way to cheer up kids at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital with their pumpkin patch event, but now it's so much more than that... they're granting children's dreams and bringing smiles to their faces  what's even more beautiful is the love & remembrance behind it all - it's like Sophia's spirit lives on through them
 what's even more beautiful is the love & remembrance behind it all - it's like Sophia's spirit lives on through them  they're just using their niece's death as an excuse to get rich off some kids' wishes I mean, I know it sounds nice on the surface but come on, they're running a charity and getting donations from the community... it's just a way for them to line their pockets
 they're just using their niece's death as an excuse to get rich off some kids' wishes I mean, I know it sounds nice on the surface but come on, they're running a charity and getting donations from the community... it's just a way for them to line their pockets 
 . Creating an event that brings joy to kids with rare illnesses is just the best thing ever
. Creating an event that brings joy to kids with rare illnesses is just the best thing ever  . I love how they're using their platform to spread love & positivity
. I love how they're using their platform to spread love & positivity  That's just the kind of magic these kids need during a tough time. I'm definitely following along with Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund & seeing how we can support their amazing work
 That's just the kind of magic these kids need during a tough time. I'm definitely following along with Sophia's Butterfly Blessings Fund & seeing how we can support their amazing work 
 . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cute that Jessica and Robert are trying to honor their niece's memory by helping other kids, but isn't it a bit too convenient? Like, they just happen to have the resources and time to start this whole initiative after Sophia passes away? It sounds like they're just trying to distract themselves from their own grief rather than actually dealing with it
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cute that Jessica and Robert are trying to honor their niece's memory by helping other kids, but isn't it a bit too convenient? Like, they just happen to have the resources and time to start this whole initiative after Sophia passes away? It sounds like they're just trying to distract themselves from their own grief rather than actually dealing with it  . And what about all the other families who have lost kids to cancer? Are they getting the same kind of support? Nope, this story is just a highlight reel of everything that's going wrong in the world
. And what about all the other families who have lost kids to cancer? Are they getting the same kind of support? Nope, this story is just a highlight reel of everything that's going wrong in the world  .
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