We are incredibly grateful to those sweet friends who have graciously stepped up, donating items from their personal businesses, from their own collections and are even giving away their own artwork! All of these things will be auctioned off in Boston next Friday in hopes of raising $2,000 for the Ellie Kate Helping Hands Fund. It's important to us that you know, none of the money raised (or from this fund in general) will be used for our family in any way. The fund allows NKH Families to apply for assistance for anything from a medical bath-chair to assistance with medical bills. Last year, we raised $1000 and were able to assist 10 families. This year, we hope to raise the full $2,000 and help up to 15 fellow NKH Families! We pray this Fund continues to grow as the years go by, and hope more assistance can be offered to these families from around the world who are so near and dear to our hearts.
Other than research, the NKH Conference is the biggest thing within our tight-knit community, and everyone looks forward to it every two years. There is something unspeakably special about being in the same room with, being in the presence of, fellow families who are walking the very same road as you. As NKH parents, we share similar DNA and genetic mutations (sometimes identical), so we truly share so many things. We all fight for our children. We've all prayed for them to cry as newborns. We've all had to learn about g-tubes and feeding pumps, seizures and wheelchairs, and so many other things no parent "plans" for when deciding to start a family.
This year, our NKH friends and family will once again gather at Boston Children's Hospital, listening to top neurologists, geneticists, therapists and more. They will get an update on the research done by Denver Children's Hospital and the University of Colorado, as well as Notre Dame University. Research has been funded by parents, friends and family for many years now, although thankfully we have these Universities on board now too. That being said, the Fundraiser, which takes place at the end of the medical Conference, is extremely important to everyone within our Community. Please pray along with us that the Fundraiser will go well and that Ellie's auction table will raise a ton of money for this worthy cause!
There are still ways YOU can participate with Ellie Kate's Helping Hands Fund . . .
Next week, we plan to do a Facebook auction.
This will include local items from places such as area boutiques, hair salons,
and any type of specialty shop.
- We would LOVE to include artwork and photography sessions, so if you know a photographer who would donate a session for this event, or an artist willing to give some of their art, please let us know.
- Local items from local shops are still needed as well, so if you own a business or have items you would like to donate, consider joining our efforts!
- The deadline for all FB auction items in next Thursday, October 13th.
- If you have an item you'd like included in the Boston table auction next week, please contact me for the mailing address and additional information.
- For more information, concerns and details, feel free to contact me at anytime. We are eager to get more items on board as soon as possible so that the Fund can be successful! Please contact me by Facebook or by email - tullyryan@hotmail.com.
Mike and I planned to attend the Conference this year and hoped to proudly stand at the auction table for the Ellie Kate Helping Hands Fund, which displays Ellie's picture and story (I can't tell you the thrill of standing behind that table and telling Ellie's story to others!). Unfortunately, we aren't able to make it to the Conference after all, as some important financial issues have come up. We are so sad that we aren't able to be there for the auction table, and more importantly, we are sad to miss seeing our friends and hearing the research updates first-hand, straight from the specialists. Selfishly, Mike and I were hoping to get away as a couple for a few days, and we absolutely love Boston with it's rich history and it's beauty in the fall season. However, we are choosing to trust the Lord with this and know that HE is in control. It's strange - I can truly say those things with all sincerity as He has given me peace with the situation and we know He is beyond WORTHY of our trust! Like I said, some important issues have come up and they truly are worth of the sacrifice (we hope to fill you in as God leads). For those of you who've physically given me your auction donations, I will now be mailing the items instead taking them on my person to Boston (no worries, no big deal; everything will get there safe and sound!).
Oh, Friends! Thank you for supporting us in this way, for helping us keep Ellie Kate's Legacy alive and for allowing her name to be used even today, almost four years after her death. We appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement more than you could ever possibly know or understand this side of Heaven! I can't wait to post in the next few weeks, giving you fantastic updates on how much has been raised for such an important and precious cause!
With Hope,
Ryan
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