Our Co-Founders

The support programs that There With Care provides were inspired by 4 special families.  A few years ago, while working on the set of the Harry Potter films, founder Paula DuPre’ Pesmen had the privilege of meeting some very special children and their families during their “wish” visits. 

Four of these children, Sam Patterson, Jay Barnett, Ellie Coombes and Sonia Scaramella all shared a love for Harry Potter and sadly they also shared a diagnosis of a terminal illness.  Moved by the beautiful spirits of these children and their courageous battles, Paula and her four special co-founders began There With Care.

Paula, who in 2001 had returned to film making after caring for her husband Curt through his diagnosis, treatment and recovery from advanced colon cancer, was keenly aware of the challenges facing families with cancer.  That and her experience with hosting the “wish kids” and their families on the sets, opened her eyes and heart to the acute difficulties confronting families in medical crisis. From fulfilling life’s basic day-to-day obligations to the heightened isolation created when friends or family don’t know what to say or do, There With Care is the link between those who want to help and those who need it.

The lives of Sam, Jay, Ellie and Sonia were taken early by a devastating disease.  But their spirits, energy and enthusiasm for life live on in There With Care.  The entire organization is a tribute to their lives.