A deeply personal journey of grief evolved into
a commitment to create something meaningful
In Her Shoes Foundation was born from the lives of two extraordinary souls: my grandson Noah and my daughter Nikki. Their journeys forever changed our family and inspired a mission dedicated to hope, healing, awareness, and compassionate support.
Noah’s story
Noah entered this world facing challenges that no child should have to endure. Throughout his life, he experienced countless hospitalizations, procedures, and medical obstacles. Yet through every challenge, he taught us what courage truly looks like.
He faced each day with determination, resilience, and a smile that touched everyone around him. Noah reminded us that strength is not measured by age, but by spirit.
When Noah passed away in December 2018 at the age of eleven, he left behind a legacy of perseverance, love, and hope. Today, his memory lives on through our children’s programs, hospital outreach initiatives, CareBoxes, and the message that every child should know:
You Are Stronger Than You Think.
Nikki’s story
In 2020, my daughter Nikki and I received the same life-altering diagnosis: cancer.
As a young mother, Nikki faced breast cancer with extraordinary grace, courage, and faith. Through surgeries, treatments, uncertainty, and fear, she continued to inspire everyone around her with her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.
Her journey highlighted the importance of awareness, early detection, genetic testing, patient advocacy, and emotional support. She taught us that healing is not only physical—it is also emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.
She also carried the loss of her beloved son Noah with remarkable grace and dignity, teaching all who knew her that even in the face of profound sorrow, love can endure, hope can remain, and purpose can emerge.
When Nikki passed away in November 2023, she left behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, faith, and purpose—a legacy that continues to inspire the mission of In Her Shoes Foundation every day. Yes, Faith, which defined so much of her life and continues to shape the Foundation’s mission.
Supporting Cancer Patients, Caregivers, and Families Through Hope, Healing, and Community
Meet The Beautiful Souls Of In Her Shoes Foundation
Everyone invited to serve on the Foundation and Honorary Board was chosen with great care. Each
person holds a meaningful connection to the origins, mission, and legacy of this foundation and reflects
the values upon which it was created

Alicia Alba de van der Dijs
FOUNDER, CHAIRPERSON

Omar van der Dijs
VICE CHAIRPERSON

Janine Da Costa Gomez Knott
Secretary Committee

Rodolfo Pizziolo
Treasurer

Margie Elhage
Chairperson Advocacy & Education Committee

Dr. Abelardo Morales
Chairperson Medical Advisor

Zuleika Lasten
Chairperson Finance Committee

Caina van Loon- Perez
Chairperson Fundraising

Paul Durward
Honorary Board Member

Omar de Windt
Honorary Board Member International Expansion & Communication Chair

Lynchie Blajic
Honorary Board Member

Alexia de Windt
Honorary Board Member International Future & Mentorship Chair
