The Amazing Goodness of Children

A few of you might remember Miss - she is a SMC who blogged for a short period of time while TTC (and is now the mom to a beautiful little boy!), and someone who I've corresponded with since our miscarriages in 2010.  Not long ago she sent me the most wonderful email, one that I have to share here.  I've been saving this story for my 200th blog post - and then almost forgot to even mention that this is my 200th blog post!  Ok, back to the story...

Miss is the aunt to some amazing children.  And by amazing, I mean A.MA.ZING.   Shortly after the earthquake in Haiti, her nephew Eric was watching a special about it, and asked his mom if they could send some money to help the children in Haiti.  When she said yes, he then asked if it would be alright if he asked for money for his birthday to donate to Haiti.  She thought he meant asking for money from the family, but what he meant was asking for donations from his friends instead of presents at his birthday party.  That started a tradition amongst the children in the family, with his sisters following in his footsteps.

This year Leah wasn't sure what she wanted her cause to be for her 7th birthday.  And then she heard Miss telling her mom about Finn and his cancer diagnosis, and decided she wanted to raise money to help Finn and children like him.  She sent out invitations for her birthday party with a note about Baby Finn and his fight against neuroblastoma, and asked for donations to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand, an organization that not only funds cancer research, it also helps families with children who have cancer.

Here's what Miss said about the party:

The kids had a great time, and there was lots of applause after the cards were opened. The parents were also very interested in what Leah was doing, and many took the time to read the small info sheet we had set out and to comment on how blessed it made them feel - not only to have healthy children, but to be able to help others. One little girl has asked her Mom if she can pick a cause for her next birthday, and help someone else instead of getting gifts. Her Mom was very pleased to hear that :) Another little girl excitedly told her parents that with "so much money raised, Baby Finn will be all better in no time now!" It was sweet. 

Isn't she beautiful - inside and out!

For her 7th birthday Leah raised $465 for Alex's Lemonade Stand.  An amazing total, but even more amazing is the fact that she did this instead of asking for presents for her 7th birthday.  I honestly couldn't imagine anything good coming out of Finn's diagnosis, but Leah (and her siblings) generosity proved me wrong.

I'm going to make sure that Finn grows up knowing about Leah and her birthday party and I hope he learns to have the same giving spirit that she does.

Oh, in case you were wondering what's the latest with Finn's neuroblastoma, his next MRI is this Friday.  I'm hoping for nothing but more good news to share on Friday afternoon!