This post doesn't technically have a spin on organ and tissue donation, however, let me remind you that one of My Angel Foundation's purposes is to inspire HOPE through COMPASSION!
Just last month I had the honor of witnessing an amazing moment of compassion. Last month, Des Moines hosted it's first CureSearchwalk: "The CureSearch Walk to Conquer Kids’ Cancer is a fundraising event that unites people in the fight to reach the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure. Its goals are to increase awareness of childhood cancer and to support the life-saving research conducted by the Children's Oncology Group.
It was expected that 500 participants would show up at Valley West Mall to support CureSearch and a goal was set forth to raise $40,000. Quite a large goal for Des Moines' first event...I'll tell you in a bit how much they raised!
Let me introduce you to a little guy who could benefit from the research of this organization. This is Hudson.
He was born in October 2008 and was the perfect little boy! At his one week check up, however, his doctors were concerned about the hardness of his forehead. He was sent to Iowa City, where they preformed surgery to remove pressure around his brain. It was then discovered that this little guy had a tumor growing in his brain. Weeks later it was determined that Hudson had a rare form of brain cancer.
Looking at his picture, it's hard to tell that this precious little boy is sick, but he's had multiple rounds of chemo and has been in and out of the hospital handfuls of times.
Through it all I have been amazed with his families strength and faith! His mom does a great job updating his CarePages site and for the most part she sounds very hopeful!
Last month Hudson's parents put together a team for the CureSearch race and it was very overwhelming at the support his family received. I'm not quite sure how many supporters showed up for Hudson and his family, but if I had to guess I think it would have been well over 200!!
It was pretty emotional seeing the droves of orange shirts walking through the mall carrying posters with Hudson's picture on it. I couldn't imagine the feelings his parents must have felt as they hugged the hundreds of people who showed their support that day!
The event was both a happy and sad day. Many rejoiced as a group of children walked across the stage to receive medals for surviving cancer, and many mourned as the names of the children who lost their battle were read while candles were lit.
The grand totals that day were 1500 participants and over $110,000 in donations!!
Through it all, any one there would have had a sense of joy for celebrating the little ones who have won their battle, a sense of loss for the children who are no longer here, and a sense of HOPE for the little ones who are fighting right now and knowing they had something to do with that hope!!
Please keep Hudson and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his treatments!
