Saturday, December 1, 2012

Special Edition

                                     Wherein I Come To You Hat in Hand, Literally

Christmas is a good time for reflecting on the blessings you have received in your life and to look for ways to share those blessings with people who may not be so fortunate.  I know we all have our favorite churches and charities and annual 5 kilometer races that we give to every year.  But this year, if you could see your way clear, would you consider supporting a lovely, wee girl?

Let me explain.  Last month, my family received a bit of devastating news.  My little cousin, Sydney, is 11.  She lives in Utah.  She was just diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has started her 50-week course of chemo at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

She’s a little trooper and her web pages are here, Team Sydney  and here,  Sydney's Blog and here, Facebook .

So, I asked her if she wanted me to send her a fetching, little French beret to add a bit of penache to her newly bald dome and she said, “yes, please.  In teal, if possible.”  Her momma, my first cousin, told me that one of Sydney’s dreams is to someday travel to Paris, (a dream shared by many, Sydney!)

The family then informed me that they had set up a way to donate to Team Sydney.  Why, I asked, what’s the problem?   Is it the health insurance?  It turns out that their insurance is not going to cover about 50,000 USD of the medical bills in the next twelve months.  Travel, hotel, and babysitting expenses for the family will come to another 10,000 USD or so over the next year.  My cousin’s husband is a hard-working guy, but 60K is a lot of money.

On the bright side, her prognosis is excellent and her spirit is as bubbly as usual.  So, if you are looking for a way to give thanks this year for your own good fortune, consider sending a cool hat (teal) and/or a fat check to:

Team Sydney

P.O. Box 352

Grace, Idaho  93241

USA

Or, you can pay with Pay Pal here, Sydney's Blog .   Just click on “Donate” and it will tell you how to proceed with your credit card.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and wish you the happiest of holidays.
Xoxo,  Trailing Spouse