Wings for Falmouth Families

Wings for Falmouth Families is a grassroots, non-profit organization that functions solely on the generosity of our donors.  We do not have a professional fundraising or marketing team, so extra support like the Falmouth Road Race really means a lot to the families that we help.  Our Board of Directors are all volunteers, that wholeheartedly support this community based charity providing local families financial assistance when they are experiencing a medical crisis or tragic event. While medical costs may be covered by insurance, financial concerns caused by spousal loss of work, childcare and housing, to name a few, add up to an enormous burden.

Through donor gifts, fundraising initiatives and corporate sponsorship, Wings For Falmouth Families is able to provide an immediate safety net of financial aid so that a family can focus on their number one priority – the parent or child who has just become ill or who is experiencing a tragic event.

Our Story

Wings for Falmouth Families started in September of 2003 because of the unfortunate and devastating journey of one local family: the Sweeny/Bailey family. Two years prior, one of their four children, Amber was diagnosed with Leukemia at 10 years old. Because there was no cancer treatment facility in Falmouth or Cape Cod, the family’s life was transported to Boston where Amber received all of her care.

Although Amber maintained her infectious, fun-loving spirit throughout her battle, it was an extremely difficult time for her family. The father stayed in Falmouth to continue working, taking care of the other three children and maintaining some sort of normalcy.

Because Eric and Lisa Asendorf’s daughters were close with the Bailey children, they saw some of the challenges and effects this diagnosis had on Amber, the family and their lives. The question kept coming up, why wasn’t there a local fund that could help families when someone is battling for their life? Then one day, they looked at each other and said, “let’s do it ourselves!” Even though they had no idea what to do or where to start, they were determined to create something that could show families their community cares, both financially and emotionally.

Amber fought valiantly for over a year, and seven months after her death, Wings for Falmouth Families was created.  For almost 20 years, Wings for Falmouth Families has honored Amber Lea Bailey by helping Falmouth families in need.