Inheritance of Hope: Hope for Families With a Terminally Ill Parent

Based in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, Inheritance of Hope is dedicated to inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. To this end, the charity provides quality books and literature; life-changing family retreats; and ongoing emotional, financial, and spiritual support for individuals and groups.

Inheritance of Hope believes that preparing for the death of a parent while they are still alive yields significant long-term benefits for children and families. A faith-based organization, Inheritance of Hope serves under Christian core beliefs while welcoming families of all backgrounds.



Inheritance of Hope was founded by Kristen and Deric Milligan, whose passion for helping families living with a terminally ill parent was born out of firsthand experience. After being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2003, Kristen looked for children's literature to help her kids cope. When she couldn't find anything suitable, she wrote her own book, A Train's Rust, a Toy Maker's Love. In the book, the mother of a train family starts to rust, prompting the toy maker to ask questions about what will happen next.

In 2007, Kristen and Deric launched Inheritance of Hope, which began selling Kristen's books. The following year, the non-profit hosted its first all expenses paid Legacy Retreat in Lake George, New York. Since then, Inheritance of Hope has given more families the opportunity to enjoy a worry-free, cost-free vacation. Legacy Retreats also provide a chance for families with a terminally ill parent to interact with other families facing similar challenges, creating a community of support that can be maintained long after the event is over.

Kristen died on October 26, 2012 after enduring her illness for almost a decade. She has written three books, two for children and one for adults. Deric, who holds an MBA with distinction from NYU's Stern School of Business, continues to serve as Inheritance of Hope's executive director.