So there I was, sitting at work, listening to the radio. Starting yesterday, Star 105.7 (which has been playing Christmas Music all season long), has been doing a radiothon to raise money for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. If you haven't been around since the beginning, my 6 year old, Joshua, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in April of 2004, when he was 20 months old. We spent the better part of the next year at DeVos for treatment. They saved my son's life.
Rick and I are SUPER passionate about DeVos. We know how truly blessed we are that we were able to have such incredible treatment so close to home. Yesterday morning, I dropped Tommy and Brooke an email thanking them for what they're doing, and kind of giving them a snapshot of Joshua's story so they would understand where I was coming from.
I'm sitting here at work this morning, and they read my email on the air! I had to leave my office halfway through because I started to cry. You would think that 4 1/2 years of being cancer free, I'd be a little better at handling stuff like that. Not true. It still has an effect on me, even now.
Which is why places like DeVos are so very important. If you are looking for a charity to donate to this holiday season, I can give you a massive list of reasons why DeVos is one you might want to consider. You can donate online at www.star1057online.com or call them at 877-953-KIDS or 616-391-2999.
So, that's what happened to me today. I'm still a little choked up, but especially because yesterday alone, the radiothon raised over $20,000.00 for DeVos and that is incredible.
8 comments:
My cousin lost his battle with cancer a little over 8 years ago and received great treatment at DeVos as well. Friends of mine at work do a lot of fundraising with DeVos and I participate as much as I can. I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I had no idea about his cancer. I'm glas that he is okay! Every day is a blessing...
Yay! Yay! for 4 1/2 years of being cancer free and Yay! for $20,000.00!
I don't know that there is ever a time that we won't get choked up thinking of our kids.
5 years post diagnosis and I'm already starting to stress over the February MRI.
That's a great story.
How sweet! Love it!!! Hope you guys have a Merry Christmas!!
Awesome! A guy I went to high school with lost his battle with cancer on Sunday. So, so sad! He was 35 and had 3 little boys.
You guys are making such a difference!
Oops! That was me...Susan. I forget I am Anonymous on here.
Wow - isn't it amazing to know that you somehow had an effect on someone? That's wonderful that they were able to use your story to help inspire others. You all inspire me, esp your son. Wonderful to see that they raised so much. Woo!
Thanks for sharing your story. It did inspire others to give. The three day total was over $215,000. We are THRILLED. We love the good people at DeVos. Thanks for listening to STAR, Amanda. Merry Christmas. Enjoy those boys! Tommy and Brook
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