Finding Hope

Finding Hope is a short documentary by siblings Koko and Brody VanDernoot, created in partnership with Nomad Media International, that tells the story of Tommy's Place — a sanctuary on Cape Cod that provides children battling cancer and their families with free weeklong retreats filled with joy, peace, and connection.

Inspired after discovering Tommy’s Place in 2024, the filmmakers set out to capture not only the beauty of the home itself, but the extraordinary sense of hope it creates for families navigating the unimaginable realities of childhood cancer. Made possible through The Alex Cohn Grant at Beaver Country Day School, Finding Hope offers an intimate look at the people behind the mission — from the founder and devoted volunteers to the families whose lives have been forever changed by this remarkable place.

Through deeply personal interviews and emotional storytelling, the film explores themes of resilience, compassion, grief, and healing. At its core, Finding Hope is a story about the power of community and the profound impact that kindness and human connection can have during life’s most difficult moments.

“After discovering Tommy's Place in 2024, my brother Brody and I felt an immediate need to share its story — a story rooted in resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of hope. Winning The Alex Cohn Grant at Beaver Country Day School gave us the opportunity to turn that vision into reality. More than a documentary, Finding Hope is an intimate look into a sanctuary where families facing childhood cancer are given not only a place to escape, but a renewed sense of possibility.”
— Koko VanDernoot