Saturday was the We Heart Harlie and Friends Fundraiser and I really just do not have the words to describe my thoughts and feelings about the day. There were several times throughout the event I got emotional and cried and it's hard to articulate why. It's one thing to be in a group setting of lots of special needs families coming together for a cause, but when you have an entire community come together solely because they care about your child, it's overwhelming. To see 140+ runners take off on a 5K to benefit your child, it's overwhelming. To see hundreds of people bidding on raffles because they know it's going to benefit your child, it's overwhelming. The love that enveloped the gymnasium, was overwhelming. I have never been more proud or honored to be part of such an amazing event surrounded by an amazing community. I was also so blessed to be among four exceptional women I am lucky to call my friends. The four of us share a special bond, and more often than not, our lives are hard, and stressful, and sometimes scary. To be able to put all of that aside for one day and feel so much love is just indescribable. Every time I think about the event or talk to someone about it I realize I have a big huge grin on my face. I so wish I could turn back time and do it all over again.
And it is really all thanks to one person.
Lynda, you are one amazing person who has such a beautiful heart. You give 110% so that our girls can have a better life. How does one thank someone for that? The world would be such a better place if there were more of you in it. Thank you so much for including us in this amazing day.
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan
― John Bunyan
You, my friend, have lived.
Here is a link to the video that was played of our four brave girls.
For the 5K our favorite running group, Inclusive Racing, supported us by signing up teams to race. It was our first race in sunshine!!!
They lined up....
Talked a little strategy....
Took their marks....
And they were off!
One of the great things I love about Inclusive Racing, besides the face that Alex just loves it, is the friendships we make.
Meet Alex's running partner, and our new friend, Nate....
And not to brag or anything, but Nate ran the 5K in under 25 minutes and was the first wheelchair to cross the finish line, making that 2 in a row for Alex! Go Nate!
Alex was very pleased with their run....
...and her new friend Nate.
I was very proud of Zach too!
He ran his very first 5K!
He ran the kids 1/2 mile fun run and then took off for the 5K with Jonah.
They crossed the finish line a little over 29 minutes, which I thought was pretty impressive for his first run!
I did have to post this picture because I thought it was pretty funny....
Um, Zach - what happened to your leg?!?
We were SO happy to have family in from Niagara Falls, New York - and a big huge thank you to Aaron's mom, Bev, Aunt Barbra and Uncle Louie for driving all through the night to be there.
Zach and Uncle Louie right before Zach's race
Alex is definitely one loved little girl!
A congratulations kiss from Ms. Tammy right after she finished her race.
Clearly she was happy to have Ms. Tammy there!
And we loved having her whole family there!
And Dana and Jonah.
And of course Papa.
I wish I would have gotten pictures of Alex with everyone that came out to support her but unfortunately my battery died half way through the day.
It definitely would not have been a party without cotton candy!
She had a very nice sugar high!
And she loved having her princess crown painted on her cheek!
She had a great time!
And so did we.
Thank you to everyone who supported We Heart Harlie and Friends. Thank you for all of the volunteers, all of the people who donated raffles and served in any way. Thank you again to our family and friends, our community, to Lynda and the We Heart Harlie and Friends Foundation. You have made a forever difference in our lives...
...and we are SO grateful.
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