thankful#33: the way that people band together in times of need

a few weeks ago, a dear friend of mine from college received some devastating news -- his little girl was diagnosed with AML leukemia -- on wednesday, october 17 she turned 4 years old and the following wednesday she started chemotherapy treatments -- her schedule of treatments is 4 sessions of 28-day treatments at the hospital with a week break in between if all goes as planned

i can't even begin to imagine what they are going through -- it absolutely breaks my heart to think about watching one of my girls have to go through what sweet little marleigh will be going through over the next 5 months -- that being said, there has been an outpouring of support for both marleigh and her family -- i imagine that knowing people are thinking about you, praying for you, sending positive energy/vibes/thoughts your way would be one of the ways you get through a journey like this -- words of encouragement and support, while only words, likely give at least short moments of eased pain

fundraisers are being held to help with the financial burden that comes along with a diagnosis like this (as if the emotional and physical stresses aren't hard enough) -- everything from t-shirt and bracelet sales to proceeds at the local taco bell will help -- i got my bracelets today!

the family set up a page with marleigh's story -- it is also a place people can go to make donations to her cause

check it out HERE

i know that if i were the one going through this, i would rely tremendously on the emotional support of family, friends, and even strangers who show compassion -- i am so thankful that this family is getting the support that they are

while i am not in a place financially to donate as much as i would like, i know that every dollar is one less dollar that this family has to worry about - it is one less dollar of stress that weighs on them - it gives them one more opportunity to focus on what is really important right now: being there for their little girl -- there is a long road that lies ahead -- and everyone banding together, we are making a miracle for marleigh