Meet the Team
Did you know that Families Raising Hope is 100% volunteer based? We do not have any paid employees, so our overhead is kept at a minimum.
Our Founders
Melissa Kovalesky, Co-Founder & President
Cancer touches us all in some way, whether through personal experience or the experience of a loved one. It brings not only physical challenges but also emotional and financial burdens.
I intimately understand these struggles. On September 6, 2013, just shy of my 30th birthday, my world was shaken by a diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Amidst the whirlwind of treatments, scans, and biopsies, I faced the daunting reality of lifelong treatment for this rare form of leukemia.
At the time, our children were two and five years old, and I had just returned to teaching. The diagnosis was overwhelming, but it also ignited a fire within us to make a difference. Thus, Families Raising Hope was born.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide financial assistance to individuals in Arizona undergoing cancer treatment. We understand the financial strain of treatment - the worry about housing, groceries, transportation, and medical bills. Through Families Raising Hope, we aim to alleviate this burden, allowing patients and their families to focus on healing and recovery.
Together, we turn the challenges of cancer into opportunities for hope and support in our community. Join us as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Jeff McGinnis,
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Jeff McGinnis is married to Jennifer McGinnis and a parent to 2 step-children. He comes from a very caring family who have all witnessed firsthand the damage cancer can do. He was inspired to co-found Families Raising Hope as the lessons of losing a parent to cancer taught him that one person can make a huge difference in many lives. Jeff wanted to take the example that his mom set forth and not let cancer get in the way of life and make a difference in the lives of those that are currently fighting cancer. Jeff’s passion is to make sure that cancer patients get a chance to beat cancer and not have to worry about the financial burdens can bring. He is also hoping to set the example for his children and create a desire in them to help others that are in need and show that with some hard work and a big heart they too can make a difference.
Bryan Kovalesky, Co-Founder & Board Chairman
Bryan Kovalesky and Melissa have been married for almost 18 years, have two children, and two yellow labs, Gracie and Stella. Bryan has worked in the BPO industry for about 25 years and has always had a desire to help others whenever possible. Cancer hit close to home when Melissa was diagnosed with CML on September 6, 2013. This personal diagnosis was a key driver in their desire to provide HOPE to others diagnosed with cancer.
Jennifer McGinnis, Co-Founder & Secretary
Jennifer McGinnis is married to Jeff McGinnis who is one of the founders of this organization. She has two amazing children that complete her family. Family and Friends are very important to her and she has seen so many people fight the battle of cancer first hand and all that comes with it. Her inspiration to be a part of this organization is her best friend of 28 years Debra Lamping, who is fighting a second battle with Leukemia of a completely different type than the first time she beat it. Jenny is also touched by the loss of her mom Sharon to Lung Cancer. Jenny has seen many people fight cancer and it has never been an easy battle, having two dear friends fighting cancer at the same time opened her eyes to all those that may not have the money to pay rent or for medicine they need. Being a part of this organization means so much to her and she is very excited that Families Raising Hope will have the ability to help as many families as possible.
Brian Yampolsky,
Board Member
Brian has been in the mortgage business since 1991 helping clients learn about their options, whether that be an FHA, conventional, jumbo, VA or private money, and has loved every minute. He moved from Omaha, Nebraska to Arizona in 1985 and attended the University of Arizona and graduated with degrees in Finance and Real Estate.
In 2017, Brian started The Giving Group AZ, a nonprofit organization that facilitates the donation of $10,000 to other local nonprofits in the Phoenix Metro area.
He has been married to the same wonderful woman since 1991, they have three great kids. He enjoys spending time with his family and running. “I treat my clients with integrity and respect,” he says. “The way I’d want to be treated too.”
Adam Coe,
Board Member
Adam is a seasoned real estate agent and investor with a wealth of experience dating back to 1997. Throughout his extensive career, he has assisted buyers, sellers, and investors in building wealth through strategic real estate ventures. Born in the vibrant city of Chicago, Adam's life journey has taken him across borders, immersing him in the diverse cultures of Brazil and Mexico, where he honed his fluency in Spanish.
His pursuit of knowledge led him to Arizona State University, where he made Arizona his permanent home. Alongside his professional achievements, Adam finds balance through his loving marriage to Erica and their son Evan. Outside the realm of real estate, Adam thrives on the adrenaline of triathlons, a testament to his commitment to fitness and focus. He also finds solace in beach outings and witnessing the serene beauty of sunsets on the beach.
Liz Kitay, Board Member
Liz Kitay, a dedicated community member and passionate advocate, relocated to Scottsdale in July 2023 from Stamford, CT, bringing with her a commitment to making a difference. Married to her husband, Marc, since 1992, Liz is a proud parent of three children.
Liz has been an active volunteer in various capacities in Stamford. Most recently Liz volunteered with Schoke Jewish Family Service and served on the Board of Directors reflecting her ongoing dedication to advancing the organization’s mission.
Liz’s personal experience with cancer has further fueled her dedication to helping others facing similar challenges. She volunteered with the Stamford Health Bennett Cancer Center, helping ensure patients at the center receive vital supportive services they need. She was also an organizer of Paint the Town Pink which increases awareness, stresses the importance of screening, early detection and spreads the word about the comprehensive breast care services available in the community.
Now, Liz looks forward to the opportunity to become involved in the mission of Families Raising Hope. With her passion for community engagement and desire to make a positive difference, she is excited about the prospect of sharing her skills and insights to support this important organization.
Kim Demas, Board Member
Kim Demas is a devoted wife to Fred Demas, and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. She is also a proud mother of two amazing children, Addison and Collin, both graduates of Arizona State University.
Kim's journey with Families Raising Hope began in 2018 when her son Collin was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia at the age of 16. During Collin’s treatment, her family encountered several organizations, all of which made a significant impact on their lives.
Passionate about the mission of Families Raising Hope, Kim is dedicated to helping other families who are fighting cancer. She loves the organization and its unwavering commitment to providing support to those in need.
Mary Anne Webb, Advisory Board
Mary Anne is semi-retired after forty years in the insurance industry. She has been married to her husband, Richard, for over thirty years. She has two daughters, Jessica and Melissa, and four grandchildren and loves her family immensely.
Mary Anne has been a proud sponsor of Families Raising Hope since their inception and truly believes in their mission to help families needing financial assistance while undergoing treatment. Over the years many family members have fought cancer and her youngest daughter, Melissa was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ten years ago. This diagnosis resulted in Families Raising Hope with the help of her husband and friends.
“There truly isn’t a better organization. Every little bit helps and the impact to these families is heartwarming. That’s why I want to help them and hope they can assist so many more families in the coming years.”
Past Board Members & Past Advisory Board Members
Brian Hoffner, Board Member & Advisory Board Member
Elizabeth Marcou, Advisory Board Member
Eric Owen, Advisory Board Member
Dr. Lisa Sproat at Mayo Clinic, Advisory Board Member