Our Story

How it started

Operation Floating Sunshine began with a birthday wish: one balloon for every year of Ashton’s life, brought to the children’s ward at the hospital where she was born.

Ashton carrying a giant bundle of shiny star and flower balloons through a parking garage
An armful of sunshine on its way in.

Ashton knows what it feels like to be the kid in the hospital bed. Born with hip dysplasia, she was in and out of hospitals as a child and adolescent, and later walked through an eating disorder. Those experiences showed her how isolating a hard season can feel.

When Chance heard her birthday idea, he leaned all the way in. He 3D-printed tiny golden-retriever balloon weights inspired by Teddy, and together they delivered a little joy to children who needed it.

Teddy, a ruby-coated spaniel, sitting politely and looking up with big brown eyes
Teddy helped inspire the balloon weights.

That first delivery became something bigger than a birthday surprise. It became a way to bless people in hard seasons with small, tangible reminders that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.

Today, Operation Floating Sunshine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in Reading, PA. We’re starting local, focusing on children’s hospitals and shelters, and keeping things simple: balloons, cards, small gifts, and honest care.

Teddy is currently in training to become an emotional support dog. Our hope is that he can one day tag along to deliver sunshine too!

Chance and Ashton smiling with Teddy in their arms on his Canine Good Citizen test day
The whole team: Chance, Ashton, and Teddy.

Want to help float more sunshine?

Nominate a place, volunteer, or just say hello.