When Giving Comes From the Heart: Melissa Shaw & Lewis Loves

Sometimes the most meaningful partnerships begin with simply showing up.

This spring, Melissa Shaw of Lewis Realtors and Lewis Loves joined us for the Chelsea Hicks Foundation’s Crowned in Magic Luncheon. She came to learn more about our mission and the children and families we serve.

But Melissa didn’t simply leave inspired.

She decided to do something with that inspiration.

Giving back is already part of Melissa’s heart for community, and she chose to include the Chelsea Hicks Foundation in a very special milestone of her own: her first-ever episode of American Dream TV.

What Truly Makes a Place Feel Like Home?

Melissa’s episode showcased the West Linn community and centered around a beautiful question: What truly makes a place feel like home?

Her episode featured the Sanchez family, who shared that what makes their community special isn’t simply the beautiful streets or homes.

It’s the people.

The neighbors who care. The friends who show up. The people who create a true sense of connection and belonging.

And for us, there was an extra-special connection.

The Sanchez family is also part of our CHF family. Their son, Lincoln, is one of our CHF kids, and this October he will have his own Moment to Shine as one of the stars taking the runway at our Once Upon a Time… A Night to Sparkle, Costume Ball & Gala.

Seeing Melissa’s story of community come together with a family we already know and love made her first American Dream TV episode even more special to us.

🎥 Watch Melissa’s American Dream TV episode here: Why People Love Living in West Linn Oregon | Community, Lifestyle & Local Stories 

A Mission That Touched Her Heart

Melissa’s connection to our mission is also deeply personal.

Melissa lost her father to cancer, and during his journey, he shared something with her that she has carried ever since. Knowing how difficult cancer was for him as an adult, he couldn’t imagine a child having to endure something so hard.

Kids should never have to suffer from cancer.

Those words stayed with Melissa and became part of her desire to make a difference.

When she attended Crowned in Magic and learned more about CHF, our mission touched that place in her heart. The children we serve face many different illnesses and medical journeys, but they all deserve opportunities to simply be kids.

To Play. Pretend. Laugh.

Melissa found a beautiful way to carry her father’s words forward. And then she invited her community to join her.

100 Onesies Became 139

Melissa’s American Dream TV debut came with a launch celebration at Tumwater Vineyard, and she turned the evening into another opportunity to help.

Her challenge was simple: collect 100 onesies for CHF.

Her community responded in a BIG way.

By the end of the drive, 139 onesies had been collected!

Those fun onesies will bring comfort, joy, and a little playfulness to some of the littlest children we serve, creating precious moments when families can look beyond the hospital room and simply see their baby, cozy, adorable, and dressed in something that brings a smile.

One challenge. One community. 139 opportunities for joy.

Wrapped in a Little Extra Love

And Melissa didn’t stop there.

She also donated cozy blankets for us to share during a recent visit to Randall Children’s Hospital, adding a little extra comfort and love for the children we visited.

That is what we have come to appreciate so much about Melissa. She keeps looking for ways to make a difference, whether it’s sharing a story, rallying her community, donating a onesie, or sending a blanket to wrap around a child.

The Giving Just Keeps Going

Melissa’s American Dream TV story asked what truly makes a place feel like home.

We think she helped answer it.

It’s people who care enough to show up and then find a way to turn that caring into action.

Melissa, thank you for sharing your platform, your community, and most importantly, your heart with the Chelsea Hicks Foundation. Thank you for carrying your dad’s words forward in such a meaningful way.

And thank you to Lewis Realtors, Lewis Loves, and everyone who answered Melissa’s call to help.

The giving didn’t end with one event. It just kept going.

Because every child’s story deserves a little magic.