From Clothing the Homeless to Brain Cancer Survivor to Philanthropist: The Story of Shells of Hope Founder Grace Martin

Grace Martin was 9-years old when she decided to lift the spirits of those with cancer and other health issues. She collected shells on the beach, painted them, and included a prayer for the health of the person to whom the shell was given. The husband of one of her favorite teachers, who was suffering from cancer, was the first recipient of a Shell for Hope, immediately lifting his heart and spirit by the kindness of an innocent child. And so, Shells for Hope was born.

That Christmas season Grace and her mom were driving and it started to snow. She noticed some people on the street without coats or blankets in the cold winter weather. Realizing how comfortable she was in her warm coat and hat, Grace decided to do something about their plight. Grace rallied her family and friends and has run a clothing drive since 2015 so that people in need in southern New Jersey would not be cold in the winter. She donated the clothes to the Christian Caring Center each year. Noticing that their mission included children, Grace expanded her collection to include Christmas gifts for the children.

As fate would have it, in September 2023, Grace was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Thanks to successful surgery and proton therapy by the skilled medical providers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania, Grace has returned to school and activities. Grace is determined to give forward to others. As a result, in January 2024, Shells of Hope, Inc., a non-profit corporation, with the mission of helping the underprivileged and those suffering from cancer, became a reality. She hopes her story can inspire others to make a difference to those in need.