Autumn Hoeft

Autumn Hoeft

Autumn was a wonderful little girl who loved her family and adored her big sister. She loved cartoons—especially Spongebob Squarepants—and playing video games.

Autumn was diagnosed with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRD) three years ago. She was treated and enjoyed a brief recovery before a recent relapse of the disease. She often had to be hospitalized due to treatment complications. Each visit was expensive and a huge financial burden to her mother, who worked many hours while also acting as a caretaker. A Message of Hope Cancer Fund helped the Hoeft family by covering some emergency room copays and rent payments during this time.

Autumn lost her battle this winter. She is missed by her family and loved ones.



In addition to the already burdensome costs of treating cancer, when a child or family member is critically ill, one parent may have to leave his or her job to care for them. This makes it difficult for families to cover expenses they previously did not have difficulty with, such as utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, rising gas costs, and other everyday expenses. MHCF offers families assistance with some of these costs.