Bank Helps Local Teen Battling Cancer with 'Dreams Do Come True' Program

In early November, Northern Virginia-based Burke & Herbert Bank launched their Dreams Do Come True program online, inviting customers and friends to nominate a family member or friend in their neighborhood who had a wish worth granting.

The nominations poured in. Burke & Herbert Bank recently announced the program winners: Serena and Catherine Lommasson.

Serena, a vibrant 16-year-old from Lorton, has been battling brain cancer since the age of 2, bravely enduring numerous surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy. On Dec. 1, she started a new six-week radiation treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, more than 150 miles from her hometown.

Serena and her mother, Catherine, were nominated by Bridget Kelly, Beth Nettuno and Sarah Wholey for Dreams Do Come True to help offset the unavoidable costs associated with travel and lodging for the potentially life-saving treatment.

Burke & Herbert Bank will donate $1,000 to help ease the family’s financial strain during this difficult time. Additionally, the family-owned bank is planning a surprise for Serena upon her return home.

“Serena and I are honored to be nominated for Burke & Herbert Bank’s Dreams Do Come True program,” said Catherine Lommasson. “Battling brain cancer is nearly impossible to do alone, and we are touched to have such great friends to support us and cheer Serena on through her journey.”

“At Burke & Herbert Bank, we truly believe in helping people throughout the communities in which we do business. This program was a way for us to go beyond banking and provide some assistance to a neighbor in need,” said Terry Cole, Senior Vice President, Director of Products, Marketing & Sales at Burke & Herbert Bank. “We are happy to help Catherine be by Serena’s side during treatment and are excited about the special surprise we have in store for Serena that we hope will put a smile on their faces when they return home.”

PHOTO: Serena and Catherine Lommasson of Lorton