Joe and I raised $965 for the St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk. largely due to so many generous people who donated by downloading Kid Friendly Recipes. Thank you so much. The walk was yesterday…
We got up at 6, fed our dogs, Joe threw on a hat and I pulled my hair back. Registration was at 7:30, so we were out the door by 7, coffee in hand.
Before the walk started there was a celebration. The mayor of Plano officially declared November 21st to be St. Jude “Give Thanks. Walk.” Day. And though there were balloons everywhere and upbeat music, no one forgot the reason we were gathered.
The little boy, Sean, with brown hair was at the walk with his family and friends. They wore shirts that said, “Strong like Sean.” There were other children there, too, that are currently patients at St. Jude.
The people in the bright green shirts were part of a team called “Lineage Power Walkers.” They work with Sean’s dad. They raised over $30,000 for this walk.
This is Joe and me – we’re waiting for the starting horn to sound.
Many people chose to wear these signs on their backs, telling what they’re thankful for. This was mine.
The finish line – though it was a short walk it felt good to finish, not because we finished the walk but because I knew I was there on behalf of many of you – people who donated and supported this fabulous cause. It was a life changing experience as it brought to the forefront of my heart the simple fact that life is so incredibly sacred. I was reminded once again that in every difficult experience in life, there is love if I choose to see it.
Sean’s family was surrounded by love yesterday – not only by the hundreds of people who took their Saturday morning and showed up to walk, but by all those who donated and just couldn’t be there.
St. Jude will still be accepting donations for this walk for another two weeks so if you didn’t get a chance to download Kid Friendly Recipes you can do so here.
If you can’t take make a financial contribution, just take a few minutes to think of Sean and his family. Then, find a way to show someone in your life how much they matter to you. All we really have is today.
Lauren
posted on November 22, 2009 at 9:40 am
Oh Amy! I’m so glad it went well =D. You and Joe look ready to take on the world and those signs on the back are such a great idea!
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Amy Reply:
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 am
@Lauren, Thanks, Lauren – especially for all of your help!!
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Liz@HoosierHomemade
posted on November 22, 2009 at 10:48 am
Wow! $965 that’s awesome!
Hey! You have an award waiting for you over at my blog!
~Liz
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Sandy Gillett
posted on November 22, 2009 at 10:15 pm
This is very special Amy. I am very touched by the amount of work you put into this. Thanks for the pictures it was a special day.
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Chaya
posted on November 23, 2009 at 9:26 am
Good for you, Amy. Each step was a symbolic step in your path of helping. You are one special lady.
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Chelsey
posted on November 23, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Yay Amy! You rock. You’ve done a wonderful thing for all the kiddos. Your heart is so big! I’m glad I could play a tiny part of your grand vision to help out.
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Craig Witsoe
posted on December 3, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Amy,
So glad you could walk with us. Thank you and congratulations on $965 raised for St Jude. We hope you and your husband will be back again next year. The walk was really special day for our family…we walked with our 5 children, 150+ of my co-workers, 3 other families we know from St Jude, and many others like yourselves who have caring hearts. Sean was having a tough day, not uncommon, but hung in there as we carried him.
Thanks to you, your customers and contributors who are so kind to help. Blessings for the holidays.
Craig & Katie (Sean’s Dad)
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Amy Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
@Craig Witsoe, We have kept Sean and your family in our prayers. Your family is such an amazing example of how to have faith and persevere in the midst of huge difficulties – and touched our hearts deeply. The day of the walk we decided that we would be back the following year and hope to raise even more money – and get others involved.
Thank you for taking the time to say hello. Blessings to you and your family, too, over the holidays and through the New Year.
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Audrey Witsoe
posted on December 4, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Thank you Amy, for your participation in the walk in Dallas. Many in my family were there (Sean is my grandson) and also Texas friends. The work that St Jude does is beyond description. My husband and I have been honored to witness it first hand. I hope to meet you during the walk next year.
Audrey Witsoe
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Amy Reply:
December 6th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
@Audrey Witsoe, Thank you so much for saying hello. I have met another wonderful family (besides yours) that is currently under the care of St. Jude through my blog – it’s so gratifying to know that we are supporting a worthwhile cause and that St. Jude really does help the entire family. I have learned about the financial support provided to families – including meals, lodging, and travel expenses. Amazing. But the part that has touched my heart beyond measure is the extra care they take to make the children feel extra special while at the hospital.
We continue to keep Sean and your entire family in our prayers. My husband and I hope to meet you next year, too.
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