Our Mission 

At Our Journey Rooted in Hope, we are driven by the powerful legacies of love, perseverance, and hope that continue to inspire us every day. Born from the heartache and strength of the Pappas family, our mission is to bring hope to the Fox Cities and beyond, while honoring the lives of Mike, Andy, and Angela Pappas.

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In 2010, the Pappas family experienced an unimaginable loss with the sudden passing of Andy, just 23 years old. The family found solace in turning grief into action—planting trees, sponsoring highway cleanups, and donating park benches, each gesture honoring Andy’s love for the outdoors and his legacy.

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In 2019, Angela began her private battle with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Angela's unwavering hope remained at the center of her journey. She faced every treatment with strength, and her hospital rooms were filled with decorations and joy as she looked forward to each milestone. Angela passed away in November 2021 after a courageous fight, and her spirit of hope continues to guide us.

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In 2020, Mike was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Even in the face of adversity, Mike held on to his hope with a dream of meeting his grandchildren—a dream he was fortunate to fulfill before passing away in September 2021.

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Now, as a family, we are committed to carrying forward their legacies and honoring their memory by raising hope and giving back to the community that supported us through our darkest times. Together, we can keep the hope alive in ways that would have made Mike, Angela, and Andy proud. After all, life's a journey—and ours is Rooted in Hope.