On April 27, 1999, Moore gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Blaze. She remembers this as being one of the happiest days of her life. Happiness soon turned into the unimaginable when at seven months old, Blaze was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer. This was the hardest period of Moore’s life by far, watching her baby undergo aggressive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Sadly, at only 13 months old, Blaze lost his battle. “Blaze, my son, my angel, my sweet baby boy came into this world, ready to dance his way into everyone’s hearts,” she shares. “With the shackles off his feet, he is now dancing with the angels.”

While she was at the hospital watching over her boy, Moore met other families desperately in need of hope of their own. Not only were they struggling with the unexplainable sadness and pain, but they were also struggling to meet their personal financial responsibilities. These people chose their child instead of their mortgage payment; a choice no parent should have to make, she recalls. Families were torn apart because of hard choices and no resources to help them. 

Moore at the time was only 21 years old and single. Jumping in to help, her community, family and friends banded together to ensure provisions for Moore and Blaze were met and she is forever grateful for that. Donations were made, fundraisers were held, even jars collecting funds were on the counters of convenience stores throughout Sarasota.

In 2015, Moore’s sister Valerie created a GoFundMe to raise the necessary funds to start a 501(c)(3) in Blaze’s honor. Within 24 hours they met their goal and Blaze of Hope has been “Spreading Hope Like Fire” ever since. “While my time with him was short, Blaze’s memory lives on forever with Blaze of Hope,” says Moore. The non-profit organization is one in which a family can fill out an application for financial assistance when they have a child hospitalized with a life-threatening medical condition.

Since its inception, the organization has helped countless families navigate the most stressful time of their lives. The Shue family is just one example. “We are so grateful for Blaze of Hope helping our family in a time of need,” they shared. “Our three-year-old son, Cameron, was very sick in the ICU at All Children’s and Blaze of Hope gave us a chance to breathe and focus on our son during a very difficult time in our lives.”

“Assisting families with hospitalized children is never easy.  Sharing their stories of needing help, while their child is connected to wires and tubes is very emotional,” says Moore. “It’s easy to show compassion and empathy as you can say you know how they feel, and can relate to their experiences but the pain never gets easier.”

A professional hairstylist by trade, Moore says she’s had a long and luxurious (pun intended) career for over 20 years, including owning her own salon. “Seeing smiles on faces daily as clients leave feeling confident through their hair, is truly rewarding,” she shares, noting that she’s made lifelong friendships through her work.

One such lifelong friend, Theresa Pannacciulli says that in their 30+ years of friendship, Lisa inspires her daily. “Her strength, wisdom and nurturing spirit know no limits. She always has an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement when things seem bleak.”

Moore’s wife, Myra is perhaps her biggest fan. “My wife is a daily inspiration. She is always  looking for ways to be selfless and give hope to those in need,” she says. “She smiles through pain and allows pain to fuel her generosity. I’ve never met a light as bright as her. She can help anyone on their darkest days.”

Moore’s cousin and Executive Director for Blaze of Hope, Ben LaLande says that Moore is a visionary that knows no bounds. She is creative, vast in reach and inspires people to be limitless, despite their own perceptions of helplessness or hopelessness. 

Echoing these sentiments is April Barnes, friend and Vice President for Blaze of Hope. “Lisa is selfless and humble–a hope dealer. She’s an angel and answered prayer for so many people. She’s strong, courageous and motivated. She’s faithful, determined and obedient. Her love has inspired and changed my life and made me a better person. She is a blessing to everyone she encounters.”

Guided by her faith and desire to help, Moore says she lives by these simple words that need no explanation. Be Love. Give Love. Spread Love.