Heather’s Legacy
On October 25, 2013, Heather Serafin’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with a rare and terminal form of brain cancer- Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Heather’s story is not an easy one to tell, but this is where The H Life’s story began. Heather was a happy and healthy kid. Just before her diagnosis she was running 5K races, competed in a Tough Mudder, and was doing P90X. She was a leader in her church youth group and volunteered to serve in many areas. Despite her active and healthy lifestyle, Heather’s diagnosis left her and her loved ones with the unanswerable question: How could someone in such great shape be afflicted with such devastating cancer?
The answer is DIPG.
Unfortunately, Heather’s story is not unique. Every year, approximately 300 children are diagnosed with DIPG, a disease with a survival rate of nearly zero percent. The root of the problem lies in the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research with less than 4% of government research dollars allocated to this critical area. For us, and for Heather, this is simply not enough.
As a result, The H Life began as a charitable brand with a clear mission: to make a meaningful impact for families affected by pediatric brain cancer through advocacy, research funding, and raising awareness. Heather was The H Life’s biggest cheerleader. This intense fighter never lost faith or hope. She remained a fierce fighter until her passing on October 25, 2015. Her legacy continues to inspire all who knew her and remains at the center of everything we do at The H Life.
On May 10, 2018, we became an official 501 (c)3 charity. We remain committed to carrying forward Heather’s vision of sharing the story of DIPG, helping families, and funding research that makes a real difference. You might be wondering why we chose coffee and tea as our flagship products. Coffee has been a staple for hundreds of years. Starting your day with a hot cup of coffee or tea gives your day a boost of energy. By choosing to support The H Life brand, your coffee or tea habit becomes a way to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by DIPG/DMG.
Our work is focused on sharing the stories of children who have fought DIPG, spreading positive messages, and creating unique products to raise funds for research teams and families affected by DIPG/DMG. Our mission is to bring hope, strength, mercy, and encouragement to those who are facing seemingly impossible circumstances. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease and overcome the impossible.
Our Donation Story
I can’t forget the moment when the doctors asked if we wanted to donate Heather’s tumor. The same day we had to sign the DNR. It all seemed to incredibly unreal and unfair. It was impossible in my mind that Heather would not beat this even at the end hours of her life. If she passed she didn’t need the tissue any more. She would have a new body, new life, and complete restoration in Heaven. We decided to donate the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. We believed in giving all that a better picture of DIPG would be had. We were hoping that the researchers would be able to see the pathway that it took as well as replicate her cells to help find a cure for other kids. Heather wanted us to help the littles. We were sure, if she no longer needed them, that tissue donation would be the best way to help them. Donating the tissue meant that even though there was nothing here left to do, she would still be fighting to overcome the impossible and change the future of treatment. Donating helps us to see the victory ahead and know that we did all that we could. Somewhere our there, her cells are still fighting. Still working,