The Sister to Sister Promise

The phrase "Sister to Sister" represents love, faith, encouragement, perseverance, and the belief that a promise made with purpose can create lasting change for future generations. Thealious T. "Tree" Smith was a devoted mother, a retired United States Army Veteran, and a personal assistant to the late former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She lived a life dedicated to service, compassion, and helping others.

On September 27, 1999, physicians at Johns Hopkins Hospital delivered devastating news. At just 33 years old, Tree was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade IV, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, and was given only two to four weeks to live. 

One month later, on October 26, 1999, we made a promise known as the "Sister-to-Sister" Promise. Together, we pledged to make a positive difference in the lives of young children everywhere. We believed that through education, encouragement, imagination, and hope, we could help children build healthier, brighter futures.

From that promise, Hattie Mae was born. What began as a deeply personal commitment between two sisters grew into the mission and vision of the Hattie Mae and PALS Foundation—a commitment to helping children and families through literacy, nutrition, wellness, education, and positive youth development.

On October 27, 1999, Tree passed away peacefully, just as she had lived—with grace, strength, dignity, and faith.

Today, her legacy lives on through every story told, every child inspired, every family encouraged, and every life touched by Hattie Mae and the PALS. More than twenty-six years later, the promise remains unchanged. A Promise Made. A Promise Kept.