It Started with One Family
The Inheritance of Hope story began with one young family facing a parent’s terminal illness – a mom and dad with young children looking for resources for their entire family as they all navigated the mom’s illness. Surprisingly, there were none. They decided to create resources for their family and share them with others.
In 2007, Deric and Kristen Milligan launched Inheritance of Hope with the mission to inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent.
A Legacy of Hope
In her autobiography, Co-Founder Kristen Milligan shares the struggles of facing terminal illness. She described seasons of doubt, fear, and anger toward God, writing, “I knew in my mind that God had not and would never desert me, but my thoughts continued to beat me down.” At times she felt she would only be a burden to those she loved and understood how easily someone without hope might give in to despair.
Yet in those darkest moments, Kristen also experienced God’s nearness in a way she never had before. “I know now that God offers us a special sighting of His presence when we are struggling through the fire. He walks there with us. He ensures that we do not feel alone, unloved, punished, or abandoned.” Through gifts and great blessings, she came to feel like God’s favorite child—deeply loved and never forgotten, even in the fire of suffering.
So (Inheritance of) Hope comes from vulnerably acknowledging great struggle yet being loved as God’s favorite child in the midst of it! The brand has grown to serve families throughout the U.S. by delivering hope-filled community care in a variety of formats.
Our Mission
To inspire hope in young families facing the loss of a parent.
Our Vision
Over 7 million people in the US are in young families facing the loss of a parent due to terminal illness. We want each and every one of them to abound in hope by feeling loved as God’s favorite child.
Our DNA
Deliver Joy
Excellent results with excellent attitude = delivering high-value joy with entrepreneurial zest
Neighbor as Self
Loving neighbor and loving self, rooted in deepening love of God
Antifragile
Improving through challenges and taking risks for bar-raising, game-changing mission advancement in quality and quantity
Hope in
Action
Inheritance of Hope is a faith-based organization – what does that mean? It means we are motivated by Christian faith to serve all young families facing a parent’s terminal illness, without regard to religion or any other factor. We welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds while serving under the core beliefs of the historic Christian faith.
Timeline
What began as one family’s challenges grew into a national community. Key milestones:
Hope to Live Now, with Love that Lives On
Inspired by Kristen’s enduring legacy, Inheritance of Hope has grown into a movement of families, volunteers, staff, and and donors all committed to building community for young families suffering from a parent’s terminal illness. Our story is still being written—and it now includes every person who joins us in carrying this mission forward.