Thank You-Kidz Baskets Delivered to RMCH
A huge thank you to all who donated to the Kidz Baskets project. What an awesome answer to prayer.
Our goal was to provide 50 baskets to Ronald McDonald House in Maywood, Il for each child whether they spent one day or many months. We wanted to put something in the hands of each child that would encourage them to share their feelings in different ways. From journaling, drawing or taking pictures of the beautiful Secret Garden. With your generous hearts we met that goal.
This past week-end Basket of Courage had a great time assembling the baskets with the main star Brown Sugar Junior. This adorable bear would warm any person’s heart from 1 to 100. My grandchildren were very creative decorating the baskets and it was wonderful to see the youngsters participate in the giving process with all the enthusiasm and energy that children can bring.
From the start, everything fell into place–from generous donations, ordering supplies, securing the best price, to the date the volunteers were available to meet. Finally, with fifty baskets loaded up I was on my way to Ronald McDonald House to find all those Brown Sugar Juniors, a new home.
It could not have been a more beautiful day. As I cruised along I-55 to First Avenue, I felt such a sense of joy. I was looking forward to meeting the House Director Andi, after speaking with her on a few occassions.
Andi, is as she sounds on the phone; warm and engaging, with a hands on personality. You just can’t help but think how lucky these families are to have her. As soon as I pulled up to the House, Andi immediately retrieved carts and with the help of a gentleman whose granddaughter, Ali was being discharged that very moment, he helped Andi and I bring in all the baskets.
Andi giving Ali first basket from BOC
With the last basket safely in the room, Ali was ready to leave with her grandparents. Ali, is a four year old little ray of sunshine, that has been through eight surgeries in her short life; seven of those at Shriners Hospital. We asked her what color ribbon she wanted and with this huge smile she chose purple. I was overwhelmed with emotion as Andi gave her a basket and Ali became Basket of Courage’s first Kidz recipient.
Before I left I had the opportunity to inquire where the children come from that stay at the House? Andi and Lynn, a volunteer, shared some statistics with me; 60% of the children come from Shriners Hospital, 30% from RMCH Loyola and 10% from Rush, UIC, and other facilities. Currently there are 18 families and a wait list for others.
On a personal note, if you ever find yourself feeling a little down or challenged by what life throws your way take a drive to any RMCH or walk down any hallway of a children’s hospital and see the courageous children who endure so much and yet have this indomitable spirit like Ali’s. They are true champions and we could all take a lesson from their playbook.
Remember, you can always donate at anytime. Along with our adult cancer baskets we hope to keep providing RMCH with kidz baskets as long as funds are available.
May Christ bless each of you who have made this possible–together we can touch a life.
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