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I'm a children's author. Animals are a constant source of writing material for me. They are also my heart!

What a Night....

>> Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk

I had to share this story with you. You've all heard me talk about my youngest son, Ryan and his wife (my daughter-in-law) Heather...right?

I couldn't have been prouder of Heather than I was last night. She lost her beloved grandmother, Charlotte, to a form of blood cancer in the spring. Heather and her grandmother were more than close, they were soul mates.

I could go on and on about their relationship, but I won't. Instead I want to
tell you how Heather turned her grief and sadness into something
extraordinarily positive

Heather got busy. Somehow, as young as she is, Heather realized that when you do something

to help someone else, no matter how big or small the act, you feel
better too.

She recruited lots of her family and friends to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk-A-Thon. Heather called her team, "TEAM CHAR."

The walk was a mile long and the darkness of the night was lit with well over 6,000 red balloons and flashing necklaces. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

What a tribute to Heather's grandmother. What an honor to walk with Heather. All in all, over $440,000 was raised last night.





And, yes, next year we'll walk again. Maddie and Annabelle will be carrying balloons too. The memories of those loved ones lost will once again light the night. Heather's goal is to double the money we raised this year. My guess is that we will.



19 comments:

Unknown October 4, 2009 at 9:38 PM  

That is so terrific! What a pround MIL you must be.I can understand, my oldest is very involved in the Breast Cancer Cause. Love the dogs and balloons!

Lillian Robinson October 4, 2009 at 9:40 PM  

What a great way for her to honor her grandmother.

Tweedles -- that's me October 4, 2009 at 10:10 PM  

This is Awsome.
I know you are very proud !
I participated in Light The Night too. And moms work does it big time!
That is such a big tribute to Heathers grandmother.
I know lots of people are helping with the cause. We see balloons and signs up EVERYWHERE to light the night- and thousands of walker participating.
They will find a cure!

Jan Mader October 4, 2009 at 11:29 PM  

Wow! It's awesome that so many people get involved in causes like this.

Now for the bad news. Chuck and I just got back from the hospital. Heather's mother's femur broke for NO reason. It's a bad break and they have to do surgery (with rods and pins) but they want to rule out cancer first.

Please keep Heather and her mom in your prayers. Heather's mom is young...well, she's my age!

Anu Lal October 4, 2009 at 11:37 PM  

Chow for Heather!!

Tweedles -- that's me October 4, 2009 at 11:54 PM  

Our thoughts and prayers definatly HAVE STARTED for Heather and her mom- and for the whole family.

Ziggy Stardust October 5, 2009 at 1:14 AM  

That is a wonderful story and how nice that you participated.

Anne and Sasha

CATachresis October 5, 2009 at 3:03 AM  

So insprational and so poignant! There are some wonderful people around, it restores my faith in humanity.

Of course I will pray for Heather, her mom and her family at this very worrying time.

TC October 5, 2009 at 7:27 AM  

My prayers are with Heather and her family in this trying time.
The walk was a wonderful thing to do and I hope there are many more.
I participated this year in ours in the local hometown for the first time.

Kat October 5, 2009 at 9:02 AM  

What a wonderful tribute to her grandmother. I was close to my grandmothers growing up and until the end. It is hard to lose your soul mates for sure. I am proud of Heather too for raising so much!! I know you are!

Miss Janet October 5, 2009 at 9:32 AM  

What a great DIL!

The dogs look so cute, too!

Maxmom October 5, 2009 at 10:06 AM  

To particpate in such a walk is a truly amazing experience! We took part in such a walk last year too, since we have also lost a family member to cancer. My daughter wrote a poem for her granny that evening - which was placed on the edge of the track and accompanied by a special candle. If you would like to read that poem, please go to...
http://perhapsintime-cam.blogspot.com/2008/11/robz-poem-to-granny.html
(Perhaps this would be comforting - to know that our losses stretch across this globe)
With love
MAX's Mom in SA

Honeygo Beasley October 5, 2009 at 11:54 AM  

Heather is an angel on earth - glad to hear of the wonderful walk, that it was a success. And more to come!

BeadedTail October 6, 2009 at 1:43 AM  

What a beautiful tribute to Heather's grandmother!

ocmist October 6, 2009 at 5:40 AM  

I agree, that was a beautiful tribute, and the money raised will be a big help, I'm sure!

I, too, am praying for Heather's Mom, and hope that she will be on the mend very soon AND with NO complications! Linda

Susan B October 6, 2009 at 8:38 PM  

What a wonderful thing for your DIL to do, and a lovely tribute to her grandmother. A wonderful thing to be a part of. Thank you for sharing about it.

Bz October 8, 2009 at 12:02 AM  

$440 K!?! ...wow! good for y'all. Sounds like your son has a winner with Heather!

Sandy October 11, 2009 at 7:07 AM  

Well done, I didn't know pets were doing the walk too.

Looks cold int he picture.

Sandy

Sandy October 11, 2009 at 7:09 AM  

Do you know if they do walks for other causes? I was thinking about the 30 million people who suffer from Alzheimer's and the need to raise money for research. It wouldn't be memorial exactly; but that questioned popped into my head.

Prayers continue for a speedy recovery and that they find the cause of the problem.

Hugs
Sandy

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