I'm sure most of you have heard about the challenges facing my friends, John and Shannan, with their first born daughter, Maddie. In a nutshell, sometime in February, Maddie was hit with a virus that attacked her heart muscle. As a result, she is now in the hospital waiting for a heart transplant. She is only 3 years old. For updates on how she is doing, feel free to check out her website. You can also find out more about her illness, purchase greeting cards to help with her medical bills, or donate money directly to the Shaws at MaddieShaw.com.
As you can tell by the food list and babysitting list, they have had incredible, inspiring help through these difficult times from their friends in Michigan. I've been wanting to go and help but it wouldn't be very practical since I would need to bring Magda with me. Now, there is something I can do to help. One of their friends is a Silpada consultant and conceived of this fundraiser, Gems for the Shaws Little Gem, to help raise money for the incredible medical bills this illness has spawned. I've volunteered to do a book show to further the reach of this fundraiser. The jewelry is beautiful. You can access the catalog through the consultant's website. You can contact me directly if you are interested in purchasing jewelry in support of the Shaw family.
Maddie and her family have been in my thoughts almost constantly since I first heard about her condition. When I speak to Shannan on the phone, her strength and fortitude are awesome to witness. Even if participating in this fundraiser isn't something you can do at this time, good thoughts, prayers, anything and everything that directs good, positive, healthy energy in their direction would be welcome.
Posted by jfer at June 19, 2007 9:48 PM