“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” ― Mary Anne Radmacher

It is no secret in our home that I feel it is important to give back and help others anyway we can.  This is a quality I am working to instill in my children.   During the past 9 years, as a family we have struggled financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  So many of our family and friends helped during these struggles.  Many strangers who learned of our story came to offer assistance as well.   The help came in so many different ways.  We received financial assistance, food, offers to watch our kids, clean our house, or just an ear to listen or shoulder to cry on.  These things lightened our burdens during the most difficult time in our lives.  Because of the huge impact these acts of kindness had on us, I became determined to give back in some way.  

Gavin had many extended hospital stays.  We spent many holidays with our hospital family.  Although these folks were family to us, being in the hospital during the holidays was extremely difficult.   During our many hospital visits we learned that when the holidays approached the doctors would send all the children home that they could.  Only the sickest children stayed during the holidays.  For this reason, we are collecting toys to deliver to the kids hospitalized during the holidays.  It is our hope to make their holidays a little brighter.