Sunday, December 2, 2012

Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and Chase Community Giving ...

At first I thought this was going to be a super slam dunk, easy post to write and hit publish on. And, as I began to write and then hit delete, delete, delete, time and again, I realized it wasn't going to be as simple as that.

But after all, when something or rather someone holds a little piece of your heart, in their hands, how can things be that simple?

This is Miss Gwendolyn and come springtime, it will be 5 years since I fell in love with this child. A child that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And the truth be told, I wish that she didn't have to be an inspiration. I would gladly change it all. Change the gift of her and her parents, Bill and Victoria, in my life, if it meant that Gwendolyn could just be like most every other 5 year old little girl. If only she could just be carefree and healthy and doing what most other kindergarteners do and go about their little lives, oblivious to daily struggles and fight.



But instead Gwendolyn battles daily with SMA. Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The number #1 genetic killer of infants and young children. There is no treatment. There is no cure. And ever since Gwendolyn's diagnosis, just short of 4 and 1/2 years ago, her parents have worked tirelessly to educate and raise awareness of this disease. And along the way, help ensure a fuller and richer quality of life of those effected by SMA. The ultimate goal of course would be cure. Cure so that no other family, no other child would have to travel this cruel and unfair road.

The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation has been selected as one of 25 charities vying for 2 million dollars that is being granted by Chase Community Giving. On December 8th, 5 charities, the 5 charities that have received the most votes, will share that 2 million dollars. And that is where you all come in.

Each day, I have between 250 -300 visitors to this blog and so today I am asking all of you who come here and read, to head over and vote for GSF. Really easy. Really quick. With the potential pay off being huge. Please take a moment to listen to Bill and Victoria talk about their plans for the funds if they were to win. It involves iPads  and their incredible Project Mariposa iPad project. And if you have been here long with me, you know that without Bill and Victoria and their generous hearts and support and trust in Ken and myself, when we began Mission iPossible, we would never have been able to gift the 29 ipads that we did, to children with special needs . Would never have happened. I won't ever be able to repay GSF and the Strong family, for their belief in Mission  iPossible but I can try and do a just little something for them.  And today it is about spreading the word. Getting those votes and helping them continue their beautiful vision.



Watch. Share and vote. Please.

4 comments:

Cammie Heflin said...

Voted of course :)

Unknown said...

I voted today and will continue to vote (I think I can vote once a day). What an amazing family and charity!!

colleen said...

already voted! hope they win...

Lacey said...

Voted, and I'm working on a blog to spread the word. This is the most amazing little family I've ever met. The love and hope just oozes out of this amazing couple. Love sweet Gwendolyn so much!