I thought I would have to teach my daughter about the world; turns out I have to teach the world about her. They see a girl who doesn't speak,
I see a miracle who doesn't need words.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

We Heart Harlie And Friends

I have blogged about my friend Christy and her daughter Harlie a few times before.  Harlie travels to Boston for her medical needs and as you can imagine, that is not a cheap alternative for Harlie's family.  But without a full standing, functioning Children's Hospital here in Richmond, they have to do what they have to do for the best possible care for Harlie and her extraordinary and complex medical needs.  Three years ago our friend Lynda Reider created an event called We Heart Harlie to help offset some of the costs associated with going to Boston.  Lynda pulled the event off in just 28 days!  Last year the event was even bigger, t-shirts were sold and We Heart Harlie quickly became a recognizable brand here in the West End of Richmond.  This year Lynda actually turned We Heart Harlie into We Heart Harlie and Friends which included 3 more girls, including Alex!   Please visit www.weheartharlieandfriends.org and get to know Harlie, Eden and Ella and learn more about the foundation.   In addition, Lynda has worked tirelessly to turn We Heart Harlie and Friends into an actual Foundation and she achieved that goal two weeks ago.  Her mission statement needs no further words or explanation: 
The mission of We Heart Harlie and Friends is to offset the financial needs of families with medically fragile children.
We are a *charitable non profit foundation with the goal of changing children’s lives and making their world a better place.  The foundation has begun the process of applying for tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).

If you are in town, mark your calendars for May 3rd and come support four amazing little girls!
   
 
If you have seen all the great We Heart Harlie T-shirts around town and on Facebook, now's your chance to order your very own!  If you live out of town and still want to help, consider a We Heart Harlie and Friends T-shirt too!  And if you, or someone you know, would be interested in donating a product or service for the raffle that would be really cool too!  This year there are a few fun colors to choose from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
To order (or register for the Fun Run or 5K), go to http://weheartharlieandfriends.org/, click on race registration, We Heart Harlie 5K & Fun Run, Register Online - Fill out Page 1 and Select Phantom Runner, Page 2 has the styles of the shirts for you to pick from.

 If you are wondering where the hearts came from - the girls made their own hearts.  Alex had help from Lynda's girls Jessica and Samantha:
 



 
Alex was very involved and engaged in the whole creative process of her heart!  AND I found this COMPLETELY ironic - she actually gave it her seal of approval...she DROOLED on the paper and the drool is in the shape of a HEART!  Can't make that up!

Lynda is proof that one person can make a difference.  She saw a need, had a vision and is now a foundation helping additional families.  It's really taken on a life of its own and is an amazing story and I'm so grateful for her and her friendship.
 
 
So what are you waiting for....go visit www.weheartharlieandfriends.org!  We can't wait to see everyone on May 3rd!! 

 

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