This past weekend, I was part of a wonderful thing-something that made me cry and made me proud to live in my community. Recently, a friend's son was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma (see post "I just don't understand"). Our community has rallied to support this family in ways that are simply amazing~meals are scheduled for the next few months, carpooling for the other kids has been coordinated, notes and cards of encouragement and support are dropped off daily and many events are being planned in an effort to raise money to help with medical costs associated with his care and treatment.
The first fundraising event, "HOT CHOCOLATE FOR CHARLIE" occurred this past Saturday. It was an outdoor fundraiser where people could come, have coffee and hot chocolate, socialize and enjoy the crisp winter day. We had a clown there who made balloon figures for kids and a brownie troop sold brown ribbons with a purple heart to raise money. We sold homemade goodies that included cookies, cupcakes and rice krispie treats. People milled around and socialized while kids ran around playing.
"Team Charlie" hoped for a good turnout but nobody expected what we got: hundreds of families coming out, many who don't know the family but want to support them. At the end of the day, we had leftover goodies that were pack up to be sent to CHOP (The Childrens Hospital of PA) for kids who are staying there. The Brownie Troupe counted their money and handed over $500.00, just from selling their pins. The unofficial accountants for the "Team Charlie" bake sale took the cash raised over to the bank and tallied it up. It's amazing what a simple idea, a little hard work and a lot of love can accomplish. HOT CHOCOLATE FOR CHARLIE, a small community fundraiser, earned over $5,000.00 to help this family. It was inspiring.
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April- I am just catching up on your blog. Wow... a lot has been going on. I'm so happy and relieved to know you are well and healthy, but so, so sad to learn about your friend's son. Heartwrenching doesn't even begin to cover it.
I'm so glad the event was a success and that this family is experiencing to much deserved community support. This is when humanity is at its best, which is as it should be.
I have also been wanting to let you know that the news on my brother's baby is somewhat more hopeful now, but we are still waiting for final results. It appears the heart defect was an error (after an ultrasound with a cardiologist who says that he sees nothing wrong with the heart -phew!!, but there are still some other concerns. She had an amnio and hopefully we will know for sure soon what issues the baby might or might not have. I'll keep you posted.
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