"Brandon went in for routine shots to enter 7th grade.. he found out he had a mass in his stomach. It was a tumor in his intestines. It was a cancer not seen in 20 years. The cancer has metastasized into his liver, lungs and stomach. But he has a spirit to live!" (link)
It was amazing when we walked in, people were Everywhere! It was so well organized with a kids room, a dinner, bake sale, live and silent auction, Santa, a balloon launch and more... It was a happy, fun place.
Anything For A Friend started in 2010. The story behind it is beautiful.... "On Friday January 29th, 2010 Becky received some unwelcome news. She was informed that at the age of only 37 with two young boys (ages 2 and 4), she had stage-three breast cancer." Becky's sister, and best friend put on a fundraiser that "Over 1,000 people attended and over $30,000 dollars was raised to help offset Becky’s mounting medical bills. It was evident as the event took shape that MANY, MANY people felt the same way that Brenda (Becky's sister) and Denise (Becky's friend) had initially felt. They simply wanted to show Becky that they loved and supported her. The event became a perfect way to physically demonstrate these feelings of support, bringing with it comfort not only to the recipient, but to each attendee as well." Link. These women created Anything For A Friend to do this for others suffering and needing help and support.
Becky, Brenda, Denise and all the others who sacrifice their time and talents to pay it forward in such an extraordinary way are true hero's. Anything For A Friend has raised $409,900 to date for families dealing with a personal tragedy.
When I saw Brandon last night, smiling and hanging out with his friends like any other boy having fun, I couldn't help but think "What if that was my boy?" which led me to feel SO impressed with the women who started this organization. Every child, man, and woman who is suffering a personal tragedy should be so lucky to have this kind of help and support.
If you are looking for an organization to support, in ANY way, consider Anything For A Friend. If you can go to an event, you will feel the love, kindness and peace that is overwhelmingly present at their fundraisers.
Please go to their website and get more information! Anything For A Friend
it breaks my heart to see little angel children sick or suffering or in pain. what a great little boy though! this would have been so fun to attend. prayers to their family! they must be amazing people. i'm in awe of the people i've known whose kids have had health trials and the amazing things they do with it. so impressive! thanks for sharing.
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