Greetings-
I had something hit me this morning as I read a post by my brother on his blog updating the condition of my 5 year old nephew who was diagnosed with leukemia on Monday evening. Justin wrote:
"One last thing, yesterday they wheeled a tv cart in that had an xbox on it, shawn loves video games, and while I was setting it up, I saw on the side of the TV that it had a label noting that it was donated by the V foundation. It made me pause and think about all I have seen over the years and that famous Jimmy V speech. Seeing how these charities like the V Foundation and Kosair charities directly raise the spirits of these kids is a humbling experience in a man's life. Just thought I'd pass that along."
As my tears flowed I flashed back to when Jordan was not yet diagnosed with autism- he didn't walk, talk, move much or do much other than watch the world around him. It was a scary time as a parent. I remembered seeing a piece of equipment brought in for him to use- given to use free of charge- and on the back I saw 'WHAS Crusade for Children'- the local TV station which raises money for Kosairs Children's Hospital in Louisville, along with other agencies in the area- I was overwhelmed at this gift at the same time that it hit me - we were one of the families now that I had seen on their telethons each year. It probably hit me harder than finally getting a diagnosis the next year- it was then I realized as a mom that we had a different road ahead and our lives would never be the same.
We decided then to always support as much as we could other families along the way, no matter their situation. In that vein, my husband created a website to help Shawn in his fight-
http://shawnbowen.net please pay a visit- leave an encouraging word for his family and join us in making the world alittle more caring. If you are on Facebook, Shawn has two pages devoted to him- my youngest brother put up " Pulling for Shawn" and an incredible young man from the U of Louisville's fan site 'Inside the Ville' started "Shawn Bowen's Leukemia Fund"- if you really want to catch the vision of what has happened here in a week- check out the forums there- under Cardinal Sanctuary- these guys have already organized a golf scramble and silent auction to benefit Shawn. As I know there are so many who need support out there, I am humbled beyond words at the response to our family's news this week.
May you all feel the love as well
The first picture is of members of ITV getting together w/ some members of my family to plan the fund raisers for Shawn. I met them tonight for the first time- and it felt like meeting family.
The other picture is, of course, of Shawm!!
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