Caregiver
Support
Our Mission
At Match for Hope, our mission is to stand beside pediatric patients diagnosed with critical or terminal illnesses — and the families who fight alongside them. We provide essential legal support to families in the United States and abroad who need to apply for humanitarian visas or other forms of immigration relief.
We also recognize the quiet strength of caregivers — the often-overlooked heroes of these journeys. Caring for a seriously ill child takes an immense emotional, physical, and financial toll. Through our care packages and emotional support, we aim to lighten that burden and remind caregivers that they are not alone.
Caregiver support
We understand that caregivers are the backbone of a child’s healing journey. Our care packages are designed to provide comfort and remind caregivers that their sacrifices and strength are seen and valued.
Attorney Mayerlin Almonte, born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has been practicing law since2007. She co-founded Immigration Counsels, LLC and has extensive experience in immigration law, representing clients across the United States and abroad in complex immigration cases. Mayerlin is a published writer in Latino Leaders Magazine and a co-author of the book “Saying ‘I DO’ to a Long-Lasting Business Partnership.” After being admitted to the New York State Bar, she dedicated her career solely to the field of Immigration and Naturalization Law. Mayerlin’s personal experiencewith her daughter’s illness drives her passion for helping other families navigate similar challenges.
Attorney Claudia Phaneuf was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She co-founded Immigration Counsels, LLC and has been practicing law since 2005, focusing on complex immigration cases. Claudia is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Immigration and Nationality Law — the highest level of recognition for competence and experience in this field. Claudia’s empathy and deep understanding of immigration law have helped countless families stay together during life’s most difficult moments.
Tameka is a seasoned attorney with over 17 years of experience practicing law in both Jamaica and the U.S. She specializes in immigration law, where she fights for humanitarian relief, family reunification, and protection of vulnerable individuals. Tameka brings a results-driven approach to every case, with a strong background in civil litigation, family law, and public law. Outside of her legal work, Tameka loves art, traveling, and history — passions that give her a well-rounded perspective and deep sense of empathy for the families she serves.
Zoe Lopez
Alexander Hronsky
Alex is passionate about speech and debate and loves playing chess. His attention to detail ensures that every care package reflects the unique needs and personalities of the caregivers.
Covin Gilot
Covin has a love for math and science and enjoys football. He focuses on creating care packages that bring both practical comfort and emotional
reassurance.
Chase Gilot
Chase shares Covin’s love for math and science and enjoys baseball.
He carefully selects items that will offer caregivers comfort and strength during challenging times.
Makenzy Ayanna Jordan
Makenzy loves science and plays the French horn. Her creativity and attention to detail bring a personal touch to every care package, ensuring caregivers feel truly supported.
Robert Phaneuf
Director of stress relief, he enjoys sharing love and relieving all the staff from any sort of stress.
At Match for Hope, we believe that no family should have to face these challenges alone. By providing legal assistance, emotional support, and practical resources, we empower families to focus on what matters most — their child’s health and well-being.
Match for Hope was born from a place of deep personal experience and unwavering compassion.
Our founder, Mayerlin Almonte, faced one of life’s most devastating challenges when her daughter, Zoe, was diagnosed with AML leukemia at just two years old. Their lives were turned upside down — countless sleepless nights in the hospital, endless medical procedures, and even relocating to another state — all in the desperate hope of saving Zoe’s life.
The family’s journey grew even more difficult when Zoe relapsed and, at just four years old, had to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Though the transplant was successful, the effects of chemotherapy left lasting scars. In 2021, Zoe was diagnosed with chemo-induced heart failure — a heartbreaking consequence of the very treatment that had saved her life years earlier.
Facing yet another life-threatening challenge, Zoe received a heart transplant. Despite the relentless struggles — the surgeries, the endless medications, and the countless doctor visits — Zoe has continued to embody hope and strength.
Today, Zoe is 14 years old — thriving and an active part of this mission. Her resilience is at the heart of Match for Hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope can prevail. But Mayerlin’s story is not just about Zoe.
While navigating her daughter’s medical crisis, Mayerlin realized that her struggle — as painful as it was — was in some ways a privilege. Her only concern was Zoe’s health. Many other families were facing the same medical crises while also living under the fear of deportation and the uncertainty of not knowing where they would go once their child was discharged from the hospital.
Instead of retreating into her pain, Mayerlin chose to act. As an immigration attorney, she began helping other families navigate the complex immigration system, ensuring they could remain together and focus on their child’s care without the looming threat of deportation. Over the years, Mayerlin has assisted over 50 families facing similar crises.
The idea to create Match for Hope was strengthened when Mayerlin shared it with her business partner, best friend, and co-founder of Immigration Counsels, LLC, Claudia Phaneuf. Claudia immediately supported the idea, and with the help of the Immigration Counsels, LLC team, they realized it was time to formalize this mission and expand their reach.
Match for Hope is built on the strength of Zoe’s journey — a journey of unimaginable pain and extraordinary resilience. Through every setback and every triumph, one truth remains: hope is stronger than fear.
